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BPC110 - Computer Usage and Applications
Course Syllabus

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General Course Information

Course Description:  Exploration of computer operations and uses.  Specific applications that are being taught are Word 2003, Excel 2003, Access 2003, PowerPoint 2003, and the Windows XP Operating Environment using IBM and compatible computers.

Prerequisites:  None.  However, the ability to type at least 30wpm will be VERY helpful.

Course Competencies:

  • Describe the components and operations of a computer system.
  • Analyze and explain social and ethical issues related to computer technology.
  • Use operating system commands to facilitate and implement information management.
  • Define the functions of word processing programs as used in business.
  • Analyze and apply word processing program features to create, edit, manipulate, format, print, and store common business documents.
  • Define the functions of spreadsheet programs as used in business.
  • Construct, test, implement, and analyze spreadsheets that solve financial, mathematical, and statistical problems in business.
  • Create and edit charts and graphs to interpret spreadsheet data.
  • Define the functions of database programs as used in business.
  • Analyze, design, and create a database to extract, sort, calculate, and report business data.
  • Define functions of presentation graphics programs as used in business.
  • Design, create, and execute an artistic presentation to include graphics and animation.
  • Use the Internet as a source of information for computer- and software-related topics.
Textbook:  Microsoft Office 2003, Introductory Concepts and Techniques.  By  Shelly, Cashman, and Vermaat. SAM 2003 (bundled with book)  If you purchase this book used, you must purchase a SAM 2003 CD separately. SAM 2003 cannot be purchased used.  The book and SAM 2003 can be purchased in the MCC Book store.

Supplies: If working at home or the office: Office 2003 software that includes Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.  This course does not support any other versions of the software. You will also need Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6.0 or higher .  

Other:  A minimum of  ten (10) 3 1/2" high-density disks with labels or 1 zip disk, or 1 thumb disk (highly recommended, 16 mb or higher), #2 pencil, pens, paper, and  one (1) two-pocket folder. 

Assignments:   Assignments generally consist of book projects,  labs, cases, discussions, projects etc.  The book consists of three projects for each software package learned. At the end of each tutorial are Apply Your Knowledge, Labs, and Case Problems.  The Course Schedules in WebCT will provide you with the assignments you will submit, the points, and the due dates. It is your responsibility to read these and turn in assignments as indicated and in a timely manner.  Additional projects, other than the book assignments are given at the discretion of the instructor.

All assignments, course outlines, schedules, grading requirements, tests, projects, etc. are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

Assignment Order:  The easiest way to follow the course week is to use the course schedule located in WebCT.   It is separated into the date, what you will do in the class and homework due for a particular day.   Using WebCT allows for 24/7 access to your assignment requirements.

Submitting Assignments:  This class is almost paperless.  Most assignments are to be submitted using the drop box in WebCT.  Make sure all filenames are labeled appropriately.  There is a -5 point deduction if your filenames do not include your last name and a descriptive label.  See below.

Labeling Assignments/File names:   The assignment must be labeled properly when submitted.  Regardless of the book requirements, it is important that your name be typed somewhere in the document you are submitting (except for Access).  All filenames, regardless of what the book says, must include your last name and a descriptive label.  For example:  tabar_wp2 (meaning tabar (last name), w (Word), p2 (project 2).  Incorrect names will result in an automatic loss of 5 points per incorrect filename.

Assignments Due Dates:   All assignments are due as indicated on the course schedule (subject to change at the instructor’s discretion). You are allowed 2 late assignments for the semester that you can receive all possible points available. These two late assignments are due by the next day (day, not class day).  If not received by the next day, a 5% point per day loss occurs.  After two late assignments are used, you will lose 5% of  points per each day (not class day) it is late. Once that section(s) has been tested, the assignments will no longer be accepted.  You cannot change your mind once you have taken an assignment as late.  You cannot “bank” your late assignments.  Meaning the first two assignments turned in late, are applied the 2-late assignment policy.

Special projects that are not turned in on the due date (if the project does not substitute for a test), will lose 10% of the points per day until turned in. Special projects or presentations cannot be considered as one of the two late assignments..

If you are absent on the day an assignment is collected, it is considered a late assignment.  If a medical or other emergency, a doctor’s excuse or other proof is required for full points on assignments.  Since you will have the course schedule, you have accessibility to what is due and when, you have accessibility to upload most of the assignments to the drop box in WebCt 24/7.

Outside Preparations: The Arizona Board of Regents has established as a general guideline that each course should require a student to spend a minimum of two hours in preparation outside the class for each hour spent in class.  The outside-class preparation should be devoted to reading, taking chapter notes, completing assignments, computer work, preparation for group activities, tests, quizzes, etc.

Tests and Projects:

Tests: There are SAM 2003 tests given in this course.  SAM is a computerized software program that enables students to be tested on performance-based (hands-on) and concept based (t/f, multiple choice) software questions.  Once complete a score will automatically be generated.  You will have five SAM performance tests and a final exam.  You will have five SAM concept tests.  If you leave the room during a test/quiz, you will not be allowed to complete the test/quiz.  No make up tests are permitted.

The exams may show multiple testing attempts.  The first score for each exam is the valid score.  These additional attempts will be used only if SAM crashes during testing.  Since SAM is used for multiple classes, the testing time may show more time than the class time.  The tests are limited to the time allotted by the instructor NOT by the time allotted on the testing screens in SAM XP.There are practice tests available prior to each test.  It is highly recommended that you complete these practice tests.  This will help you do well on the actual exam.

Projects: Projects can be added to the class requirements and/or substituted for particular tests. It is the decision of the instructor to assign a project rather than a test or both. The project will have assigned points. Should a student choose to not do a project not have it completed on the test day in lieu of the application test, the instructor can deduct an additional 50 points off the student’s score.

SAM Training: Sam has an additional tool for learning included in it.  This tool is called Training.  It explains the tutorials and difficult parts of it by demonstrating the actual steps you need to take to complete a task AND there is someone narrating this for you as well.  There may be scheduled training for you to complete in addition to other assignments.  This will be used to help you succeed in completing the assignments and comprehending the information.  Training is  not available for use in the MultiUse Lab without headsets.

Make-Up Exams: are NOT available except for extreme circumstances (i.e. death in family, illness with doctor excuse, school activity, etc.). Only one (1) make-up test will be allowed per course for extenuating circumstances only.  Proof of circumstance will be required. No make up exam for the final exam.

All assignments, course outlines, schedules, grading requirements, tests, projects,  etc. are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.

GRADING:  Grading is based on total points earned divided by total points possible. Those points are applied to the following grading scale: 

90% - 100% = A

80% - 89%   =  B

70% - 79%   =  C

60% - 69%   =  D

Points can be accumulated through computer assignments, tests, quizzes, projects, group activities and discussions, extra credit, and other assignments.

If the assignment closely resembles what was requested, including all formatting and editing completed correctly, you will receive full points.  If the assignment contains errors (including typographical) or is missing required tasks, you will lose 3 points per occurrence.  This includes the same mistake that is made on revised documents.

If the assignment contains more errors than points or if it is not turned in at all, you will lose all the points. In Excel, if you just type the numbers and not use the correct formulas, you will lose all the points for that assignment.

Special projects points are graded according to a special grading scale distributed with the project directions.

ATTENDANCE:   For face to face class, attendance policy will be enforced. TARDY:    Class starts ON TIME so be ON TIME for class.  If a student is late more than three times, it counts as one of the three unexcused absences allowed during the semester.

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Last Revised April 11, 2007
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