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Course Learning Objectives

Course Objectives

• The goal is for every student to become a competent and capable computer programmer.

General Course Behavioral Objectives: After completing MIST 4600, you should

• Understand how to approach a problem and determine how to solve it through the development of a computer program.
• Be familiar with the concepts of computer programming and problem solving to the point of understanding how to develop a method for solving a problem and implement it so that it runs effectively and efficiently.
• Understand classes, objects, and methods and how they can be used to implement solutions to business problems.
• Develop critical thinking skills in determining what types of problems can be solved effectively with what types of computer methods, why it can be done, and how it can be done.
• Start to identify new technology and its appropriateness for solving specific, practical problems.
• Develop practical Java skills in developing practical implementations.

Specific Course Behavioral Objectives: After completing MIST 4600, you should be able to

• Understand how to program as an effective vehicle for problem solving.
• Understand the importance of programming to the development of information systems.
• Understand the step-by-step nature of designing, writing, and executing a computer program.
• Discuss the importance of classes and objects to good program design.
• List the types of programming structures used to write programs.
• Understand the difference between procedural and object-oriented programs.
• Develop the logic to solve a problem and then write and run programs using Java to implement that logic.
• Develop programs in Java to solve business problems.

Outcomes - Specific Knowledge to Demonstrate: To pass this course, the student must master the following (this list is necessary, but not sufficient):

• Be able to develop algorithms, write pseudocode, and implement Java applications comparable to those demonstrated and described in class and in the texts.
• Understand and use the three control structures of modern computer programming: 1. Sequence; 2. Selection (If-Else); and 3. Repetition (Do, While, and For Loops)
• Be competent in the use of one dimensional arrays ( X[3] ) and multidimensional arrays.
• Understand the difference between class and object methods and fields and how to create and use them.
• Be competent in connecting to and extracting information from databases.

Skills and Concepts

Computer programming is a skill that is basic to a thorough understanding of management information systems and their development. The concepts of computer programming and object orientation are conceptual building blocks for thinking about information systems. This course should be viewed as one of the cornerstones upon which all subsequent MIS activities are based. Skills and concepts you learn in this class will be applied again and again throughout your college and IS careers. Consequently, you should expect to work hard in this course to develop these skills. It is expected that students will spend a minimum of 10 hours per week reading and working on assignments outside of class. But, it is important to note that the amount of time required to master the material varies by individual. From personal experience, we know that it is possible for (almost) anyone to master the course concepts and perform at a high level. It only requires time, energy, effort and patience. Do not fall behind. Keep up with the class and put in whatever effort it takes.