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.

(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 used for classes. Depending on your computer needs, we recommend your computer meet or exceed the following minimum specifications below.

PCs must have an Intel-compatible 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min.) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system should be Windows XP Pro. Real One Player Basic (available free online) and high speed Internet connection such as cable, DSL, T1 or LAN will be required for EOL courses.

MAC users must have a G4 processor with firewire and USB factory built-in, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB with 1GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system must be MacOS 10.4 (minimum) along with the above RealOne and Internet specifications above.

For more detailed information on computer specifications and recommendations, please refer to our website at: http://engineeringonline.ncsu.edu/currentstudents/computeraccess.htm

 

Instructor  

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

E-mail: jctetter@ncsu.edu