Associate of Science in Computer Applications

This course introduces students to writing computer programs. The class presents the principles of structured programming using the BASIC language, perhaps the most common language for personal computers. Because of its ease of use it is ideal as a first programming language and runs on both the PC and Macintosh platforms. The course is designed for people without previous programming experience who do not necessarily plan on becoming professional programmers. However, the knowledge gained in the class can be applied later to other languages such as C and Java. Participants learn to solve problems logically by breaking them into smaller pieces, which can then be solved. Topics include: introduction to computing - how does a computer work?; input and output - getting information to and from the user; variables and expressions - performing arithmetic; data statements - reading information from inside the program; text files - reading information from other files; arrays - groups of variables; debugging - finding errors in your program; graphics - graphs, boxes, shaded areas; and formatting - changing how things look on the screen. NOTE: Alice, an innovative 3D programming software, is used to provide a more interactive and accelerated learning experience in this course. Students should download Alice and conduct system checks by validating the best version for their computer before enrolling into the course. Go to the www.alice.org website for more information.

This course will introduce standard notations and metaphors and patterns used in software design, so that the learner becomes familiar with reading and interpreting design documents. Familiarity with design patterns and modeling notations allows software developers, even those who do not actively participate in producing design documents, to better understand software documentation, before, during, and after system implementation. Familiarity with object-oriented programming languages is strongly encouraged. NOTE: Alice, an innovative 3D programming software, is used to provide a more interactive and accelerated learning experience in this course. Students should download Alice and conduct system checks by validating the best version for their computer before enrolling into the course. Go to the www.alice.org website for more information.

This course is a study of the concepts and technology trends essential to office productivity applications. Students will explore the principles, practices, features, and functions of the word processing application in the Microsoft Office 2010 Suite. The course will be taught with a mixture of analytical methods and practical exercises. Students will use Microsoft Word to create and format documents; and use lists, themes, mail merge, watermarks, templates, graphics, navigation tools, tables, charts, citations and bibliographies. Students will also be introduced to the features and capabilities of PowerPoint, the presentation application in the Microsoft Office Suite. This course uses the Microsoft Official Academic Course textbook that is aligned with Microsoft’s Exam--Using Microsoft Office Word 2010. The book meets the topical requirements for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Office Word 2010 Certification; and contains a six month trial of Microsoft Office.

This course is a study of the concepts and technology trends essential to office productivity applications. Students will explore the principles, practices, features, and functions of the electronic spreadsheet application in the Microsoft Office 2010 Suite. The course will be taught with a mixture of analytical methods and practical exercises. Students will use Microsoft Excel to create and format spreadsheets; they will also manipulate data and use formulas, charts, workbooks, styles, hyperlinks, themes, functions, conditional logic, graphics, comments, and security features. Students will also be introduced to Outlook, the electronic mail application in the Microsoft Office 2010 Suite. This course uses the Microsoft Official Academic Course textbook that is aligned with Microsoft’s Exam—Using Microsoft Office Excel 2010. The book meets the topical requirements for the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): Microsoft Office Excel Certification; and contains a six month trial of Microsoft Office.

This course is an overview of computer information systems in which hardware, software, procedures, systems, and databases are explored in relation to their integration and application in business and other segments of society. Telecommunications and network concepts are introduced as a basis for understanding of the Internet and e-commerce capabilities.

This course provides a writing foundation necessary for an IT professional to identify and respond to communication needs within the IT environment, so that the professional can produce clear, concise, and appropriate IT documentation for peers and supervisors, with the ultimate goal of increasing organizational standardization and efficiency.

This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for undergraduate study in the online environment. Students will be introduced to learning theory, the tools available in the online classroom and campus, and online research. Identification of personal learning style allows students to improve their study/learning techniques and prepares them to succeed in college level courses. Students will be introduced to formatting and citation styles. APUS policy and procedure is addressed. There is an emphasis on written communication to assist students in the transition to the online environment.