Course Syllabus
UNIX Operating System - CO132
Winter 2012
2 credit hours


INSTRUCTOR
Katie VanderMeer
Office:  212 ATC
Phone:  234-3991
Fax:  234-3533
E-mail: kvandermeer@grcc.edu
Office Hours:  Check my website: http://www.katievandermeer.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The UNIX operating system for control of multi-user computer networks is studied.  Students learn to use UNIX commands to control automated office hardware functions.  Students will learn to apply the UNIX system to tie mixed brands and types of computers together.  Participants learn to use UNIX data communications group commands for user communications.  Prerequisites - CO105.  All homework assignments, class presentations, student records, and other helpful links can be found at http://www.katievandermeer.com.

STUDENT CONTRIBUTION AND MATERIALS
Class time will consist of lecture and lab.  You should plan to spend some time outside of class working on programs that will be due weekly.  GRCC's computer lab is available for use.  Lab experience will be incorporated into class periods.  Some lab time will be needed outside of class.  Quizzes will be given weekly.  It is your responsibility to make these up prior to taking the next quiz.

REQUIRED BOOK
Title:  Guide to UNIX using Linux
Publisher:  Course Technology
Author:  Michael Palmer
ISBN #:  1-4188-3723-7

ABSENCE AND STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
You are expected to attend all classes.  Absences are discouraged because interaction with the class is an integral part of learning computer software applications.  Attendance will be taken daily.  Three un-excused absences may result in being dropped from the course.  If an emergency prevents you from attending class, it is your responsibility to obtain notes from a classmate and study them for understanding.  The responsibility for obtaining and completing all missed work rests solely upon the student.  Make good use of lab time.

STUDENT ETIQUETTE / ACADEMIC HONESTY
Whenever you are in the classroom, please set your beeper to silent (vibrate etc.) operation, and turn off your cellular phone if possible.  If your circumstances warrant special consideration, please let me know.  Unless otherwise specified, do not use class time to surf the web.

GRCC holds to high ideals of academic and personal honesty and expects every student to do likewise.  Dishonest acts like cheating, lying, and plagiarism will not be tolerated.  (Grand Rapids Community College catalogue).  There is a big difference between two students working together on a project, and a student simply copying work from another.  In this class no credit will be given for work that has been copied from another source, and students may be removed from the class.

AUDIT
If you wish to audit the course (take it for no credit), you must notify me of your intent within the first two weeks of the class.  An audit means you do not get a grade of "V" or receive credit for the classes attended and are exempted from taking tests, examinations, or writing term papers.  You may still participate in all other activities.

WITHDRAWAL
The "withdrawal" process is used to correct enrollment problems or because of unexpected or unusual events of catastrophic impact. The student must initiate all drops.  A student may drop a class and receive a "W" until the date of 70% of class completion.  There is no penalty to a student's GPA when receiving a "W".  If student does not drop before the 70% date and stops attending classes, instructor may assign a WP (Withdraw-Passing), WF (Withdraw-Failing), or NS (No-Show--never came to class at all).  There is no penalty for a WP, WF, or NS -- however instructor has the right to assign a grade based on work completed if attendance stops during the final 30% of the class.

In other words -- if you want to drop, do so before the 70% date through the Registrar's Office.  I cannot give you a W.  However, if you don't, I can give you an A, B, C, D, E, WP, WF, or NS based upon graded and missed work.

I do not assign incomplete grades.  You must finish the course by the end, withdraw, or take a WF.

TUTORS AND LAB HOURS
The College maintains a staff of both professional and student tutors.  These people are available to help at no charge to you.  When utilizing tutors be prepared for appointment, bring books, disks and notes, and read assignment prior to meeting.  You should attend class regularly and pay attention as these tutors are there to assist you with difficulties, not to do your homework for you.  You may contact them in room 215 of the Applied Technology Center.  In general, the labs are open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.  On Saturday, they are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.  On Sunday, the lab is open from 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

DISABLED STUDENTS
All students with disabilities must register with disability services http://www.grcc.edu/disability. A variety of services are available for your assistance.

CHILDREN IN THE CLASSROOM
The college prohibits children in the classroom, and unattended children on campus.

CAMPUS POLICE
The College maintains a Campus Police staff to help you with any problems.  They are located on the 4th floor of the Main Building near the elevators.  You can call them at 234-4010.  If you are in doubt whether to call, please call.  Campus Police can also help with medical problems, car problems, or escorts.

GRADING AND EVALUATION
Students will be graded on the basis of total points earned for the assigned projects. Homework will not be accepted if more than 2 weeks past the due date.
 

Grading within the course will be computed using the following criteria: 
Based on 448 points
50 points of your grade will come from quizzes
171 points of your grade will come from homework assignments
60 point of your grade will come from open source project

167 points of your grade will come from tests

Course evaluation will be determined using the following scale:

Percent

Grade

Percent

Grade

93-100

A

73-76

C

90-92

A-

70-72

C-

87-89

B+

67-69

D+

86-83

B

63-66

D

80-82

B-

60-62

D-

77-79

C+

0-59

E

 

ASSIGNMENTS
Tentative Schedule - subject to change

Monday 

Monday

January 9
Introduction to Class
Account log in
Lecture 1

January 16
Lab Day
Assignment 1 and Quiz 1 Due

January 23
Lecture 2

January 30
Lab Day
Assignment 2 and Quiz 2 Due

February 6
Lecture 3
Midterm Announcement

February 13
Lab Day
Assignment 3 and Quiz 3 Due


February 20
Midterm Exam

February 27
Lecture 4

March 5
No Class - Spring Break

March 12
Lab Day
Assignment 4 and Quiz 4 Due

March 19
Lecture 5

March 26
Lab Day
Assignment 5 and Quiz 5 Due

April 2
TBD - Off Campus Catch Up Day

April 9
Open Source Project
Final Exam Announcement

April 16
Final Exam Due
Open Source Project Due

**Syllabus is subject to change