Syllabus
CINS 121 - Introduction to VBA

Basic Information:

• Semester:    Fall 2004
• Instructor:     Penny Fanzone
• E-mail:          pfanzone@ccbcmd.edu
• Phone:          410.780.6439
• Fax:              410.780.6485
• Division:      School of Applied and Information Technology
• Course Number and Title:    CINS 121 - Introduction to VBA Section 935
• Semester Credit Hours:        3 credits
• Prerequisites:                       CINS 101 or consent of Program Director

An introductory course in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), applying programming concepts with 3 applications areas: Word, Excel, and Access. Topics include how to access the objects contained in object modules, as well as how to write procedures using the sequence, selection, and repetition programming structures. Also covered are how to create dialog boxes, and perform Automation. You should have a basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, but no prior programming experience is necessary.

• Recognize the components of the Visual Basic editor.
      Create a procedure.
      Run, save, and print a procedure.
      Plan the code.
• Use the objects contained in an application's object module.
      Use the Word object module.
      Use the Excel object module.
      Use the Access object module.
• Identify data types and variables.
• Understand how properties and variables are stored in memory.
• Perform calculations.
• Use the selection structure.
• Use the repetition structure.
• Manipulate data using built-in functions.
• Creating dialog boxes.
• Add controls such as text boxes and labels to forms.
• Perform Automation.
• Use debugging tools.
• Demonstrate the importance of testing and validating the solution.

Major Topics

See Topics listed on Schedule web page.

Rationale for the course:

Learning VBA allows you to customize Microsoft Office applications, and provides an opportunity to learn how to write program code.

Assignments and Tests	Point Value
Exercises from the textbook	600
Tests	400
Total Points	1000

Final Points	Letter Grade
900 - 1000	A
800 -  899	B
700 -  799	C
600 -  699	D
0 -  599	F

Notes concerning graded exercises:

    For an A, a student must complete all exercises.
    Exercises are graded for both accuracy and style.
    Exercises are due on the assigned day.
    They may be turned in one week late with points deducted unless otherwise noted.  

Learning and integrity go hand and hand. You are expected to refrain from any form of academic dishonesty.

Assignment and test dates are listed on the Schedule web page.

Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications
Diane Zak
Course Technology 2001

ISBN 0-619-00020-1

You can purchase the textbook online at:

www.bookstore.ccbcmd.edu

• Reading assignments
• Assignment notes.
• Review questions
• Exercises graded for accuracy and style
• Tests

Your input is important to me. I value your feedback and suggestions. As a learning facilitator, my responsibility is to do whatever is reasonably possible to help you learn. But remember - you have ultimate responsibility for your learning and performance in this course.

If you are experiencing difficulties with the course or have concerns, please contact me immediately. At the beginning of the syllabus you will find my telephone number and email address. I will be more than happy to discuss the problem and explore possible solutions with you. Please read the Hints for Success section carefully.

Here are some tips you should follow which will help you to succeed in this course:

• Set aside a specific time each week to work on this course. The estimated amount of time you should spend is a minimum of 12 hours hours/week.
• Keep in touch with me and your classmates by frequently checking your course e-mail, bulletin board, and calendar. This will help build a sense of community among us. Using the various communications tools provided in this course effectively is the same as raising your hand and participating in class discussions.
• Be aware of the time lag that is inherent in most on-line courses. Although the communications tools make it appear that the transfer of information such as assignments is instantaneous, it does not mean that the reply will be instantaneous. One of the hardest things about an on-line course is becoming comfortable with its asynchronous nature. In general, expect assignments to be returned within four days of the deadline date .
• Familiarize yourself with published deadlines.
• Ask for help when you need it.
• Remember that there are traditional ways for keeping in touch. Use the telephone, a fax, or make an appointment to meet with me on campus.
• Work off-line and save your assignments on your computer before submitting them electronically. You can attach the saved file to an e-mail or bulletin board message. This will prevent a lot of frustration should your Internet connection or your system fail.

You will need Microsoft Office 2000. Note the Read This Before You Begin section in the preface of the textbook to set up the environment correctly for the course. Students may use Office XP or 2003 for the course.