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     CSC 257 Introduction to Java
 

CSC 257 is an introduction to Java for C++ programmers. CSC 257 will cover object-oriented techniques, Java syntax, and Java class libraries with an emphasis on inheritance and polymorphism, graphical user interfaces, exceptions, file I/O, and collections. 1 credit hour

  
     

Prerequisite
  

CSC 214 or the equivalent C++ programming experience is a prerequisite for this class.

 
Course Objectives  

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • understand the fundamentals of object-oriented programming in Java, including encapsulation and generalization via inheritance and interfaces

  • know the syntax and proper use of attributes and operations

  • know how to create graphical user interfaces

  • be able to do text file processing in Java

  • understand how to handle exceptions

  • know testing techniques for software development

  • be able to design and program with Java collection classes

 
Textbook  

Java in a Nutshell (any edition later than the second edition) by David Flanagan. This textbook is optional. Fifth edition ISBN: 9780596007737

(Note: You can get by with any recent and good Java text as a resource. Almost all information for the course is on the website. But you are likely to want an actual textbook resource as well. We have correlated Nutshell topics with lecture topics in the schedule.)

You are expected to read the lecture notes posted on the CSC257 site.


Course Requirements  

Your final grade will be based on:

Work Total
Assignments (3 programs) 60%
Final Exam 40%

You cannot make up a missed exam without an official university excuse. Also, we will not accept late programming assignments without an official university excuse.

Final Exam: There will be no regular tests during the semester. There will be a final examination only.

Assignments: There will be three programming assignments this semester. You must submit these programs electronically via: http://submit.ncsu.edu/

Attendance: Class attendance is required by the university in all 100 and 200 level courses. Students in any regular on-campus section are expected to attend every class. Students in the online section can access the lectures via the CSC257 website (Taped Lectures). All students have access to and are expected to read the online course lecture material. All students are expected to remain current with the course schedule.


Final Grades

Your final grade will be determined according to the following table, where X is your overall weighted average for projects and final exam.

Range Letter Grade
98 <= X <= 100 A+
92 <= X < 98 A
90 <= X < 92 A-
88 <= X < 90 B+
82 <= X < 88 B
80 <= X < 82 B-
78 <= X < 80 C+
72 <= X < 78 C
70 <= X < 72 C-
68 <= X < 70 D+
62 <= X < 68 D
60 <= X < 62 D-
X < 60 F

 
Computer and Internet Requirements  

NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers that are generally used for courses. Those specifications can be found here: http://www.ncsu.edu/it/compspecs/

Engineering Online recommends that your computer meets or exceeds the following minimum specifications below. A computer with greater capability (processor speed, RAM, internet bandwidth, disk capacity) will be more likely to properly display the video content of Engineering Online courses.

Windows:

  • Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2003, or Windows Vista
  • Intel-compatible 1 GHz processor
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available
  • Video display at 1024 x 768 or greater
  • Sound output and speakers
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 SP1 or later, Firefox 2.0 or later, or Google Chrome 1.0
  • Windows Media Player 9.0 or later
  • Silverlight  (viewers may be prompted to install this when first viewing a presentation)
  • Real One Player Basic (required for certain courses)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)

Mac OS X:

  • Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later
  • G4 processor
  • 512 MB RAM
  • 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available
  • Video display at 1024 x 768 or greater
  • Sound output and speakers
  • Safari 2.0.4 (or later) or Firefox 2.0 (or later)
  • Silverlight  (viewers may be prompted to install this when first viewing a presentation)
  • Real One Player Basic (required for certain courses)
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)
  • NOTE:  The Flip4Mac plug-in causes problems when viewing Mediasite presentations and should be disabled.

Linux:

  • Playback of Mediasite presentations on Linux is accomplished via the Moonlight Project, an open source implementation of Microsoft Silverlight. For more installation on the installation and configuration of Moonlight, please visit http://www.go-mono.com/moonlight/. The compatible operating systems and browsers are listed on this page.
  • Microsoft Media Pack for Moonlight
  • Adobe Reader for Unix
  • Broadband Internet connection (256 Kbps or more)

 
Instructor  

Mr. James C. Tetterton
Online-Distance Education
Information Technology Specialist
Box 7901
NCSU Campus
Raleigh, NC 27695

E-mail: jctetter@ncsu.edu