Computer Assisted Problem Solving – CSE101

 

Description

Solving business related problems using and integrating productivity software tools. Emphasis on designing spreadsheet solutions to solve problems and using database queries to extract information.

 

The course is worth 4 credits.

 

Prerequisites

Mathematics Placement Level R or higher, or Math 075 or higher

Not open to students who have credit for CSE 200

 

Course Objectives

The overall objective of this course is to teach students to solve problems and understand how to select and use productivity tools to find solutions. Students will learn to use basic business productivity software tools obtaining a working knowledge of communication, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

 

Topics

 

Number of Hours	Topic
3	Intro topics - computer basics
3	Excel - writing formulas using simple functions and relative/absolute cell addressing
4	Excel - using Boolean logical functions - AND,OR, NOT, IF
2	Excel - Solving problems using multiple worksheets
3	Excel - using a LOOKUP function
3	Excel - using financial functions
2	Excel – charts
2	Understanding relational database concepts; introduction to MS Access
4	Access - Writing queries
4	Access - Writing queries with inner joins
2	PowerPoint and object linking concepts
2	Word - including mail merge
1	Database features of MS Excel
2	How the internet works and how to create a simple webpage

 

Representative Lab Assignments

• Logging into the system, file management, email and web browsing
• Solving problems using simple Excel functions and relative/absolute cell referencing
• Solving problems in Excel using Boolean logic functions
• Solving problems using multiple worksheets and financial functions
• Designing your own worksheet solutions to problems - including reference functions
• Creating tables in MS Access
• Querying an Access database
• Using MS Word and MS PowerPoint
• Final project: integrating all tools to solve a business related problem

 

Textbooks

 

1. ISBN #: 1-4188-4327-X
       Text:    Shelly Cashman Office 2007 Windows XP Edition

 

 

 

Grading Plan

 

Lab Assignments (8 labs)	20%
Homework/Class Participation/Quizzes	20%
Midterm	30%
Final Exam (cumulative)	30%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 **The percentage breakdowns are used as a guide for determining grades. Tentatively, the grading scale is: A 93%, A- 90%, B+ 87%, B 83%, B- 80%, C+ 77%, C 73%, C- 70%, D+ 67%, D 63%. However, you must pass the final exam and complete the final project in a satisfactory manner in order to pass the course. A passing grade is required on the final to pass the course.