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Stephanie Dees Division Chair /Technology & Business Department Head / Computer Science Wharton County Junior College 911 Boling Highway Wharton, TX 77488 Ph: 1800-561-9252 EXT. 6334 Fax: 979-532-6564 Email: stephanied@wcjc.edu  Program Information  Administrative Master Syllabi  Faculty & Staff  Course Descriptions  Program Curriculum  Fall 2010 Book List  Frequently Asked Questions  Transfer Agreements with University of Houston-Victoria   Division of Technology & Business

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1.     What books and software are required for COSC 1300?

COSC 1300 requires the following three-book set.

·         Computer Literacy for IC3, Unit 1 Computing Fundamentals; Preston, Preston, & Ferrett; Prentice Hall; ISBN-13:  9780135017098

·         Computer Literacy for IC3, Unit 2 Using Productivity Software; Preston, Preston, & Ferrett; Prentice Hall; ISBN-13: 9780135064979

·         Computer Literacy for IC3, Unit 3 Living Online; Preston, Preston, & Ferrett; Prentice Hall ISBN-13: 9780135064993

The books can also be purchased as a bundle set (ISBN-13: 9780136123835).

COSC 1300 uses Microsoft Office 2007 (Word, Excel, and Power Point) and Windows Vista.  It is REQUIRED for students to use Office version 2007 in COSC 1300.  Students CANNOT complete assignments using older versions, such as Office 2003 or Office XP, or other productivity software, such as Microsoft Works or Open Office. 

Computer classrooms on campus have Office 2007 and Windows Vista installed, and many students are able to complete a significant portion of their assignments in class.  Students may also use the computers in the open computer labs on each campus to complete assignments.  Students can purchase Office 2007 to install on their home computers or they can download a 60-day free trial of Office 2007 from the Microsoft website at http://us20.trymicrosoftoffice.com/default.aspx.  The WCJC Computer Science Department is not licensed to sell or distribute Microsoft Office 2007.

2.     What books and software are required for BCIS 1305?

BCIS 1305 requires the following book.

Microsoft Office 2007 Introductory Concepts and Techniques, Windows Vista Edition; Shelly, Cashman, & Vermaat; Course Technology (Cengage); ISBN-13:  978-1-4239-1228-6

BCIS 1305 uses Microsoft Office 2007 (Word, Excel, Access, and Power Point) and Windows Vista.  It is REQUIRED for students to use Office version 2007 in COSC 1300.  Students CANNOT complete assignments using older versions, such as Office 2003 or Office XP, or other productivity software, such as Microsoft Works or Open Office. 

Computer classrooms on campus have Office 2007 and Windows Vista installed, and many students are able to complete a significant portion of their assignments in class.  Students may also use the computers in the open computer labs on each campus to complete assignments.  Students can purchase Office 2007 to install on their home computers or they can download a 60-day free trial of Office 2007 from the Microsoft website at http://us20.trymicrosoftoffice.com/default.aspx.  The WCJC Computer Science Department is not licensed to sell or distribute Microsoft Office 2007.

3.     What is the difference between COSC 1300 and BCIS 1305?

COSC 1300 is a general introductory computer course that emphasizes the Internet and Computing Core Certification (or IC3) Global Standard Objectives (http://www.certiport.com/Portal/desktopdefault.aspx?page=common/pagelibrary/IC3_GS3.html).  Course content includes basic use of computer hardware, networks, the Internet, and software such as Microsoft Word and Excel.

BCIS 1305 is an introductory computer course that emphasizes computer hardware and software commonly used in business, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access.  This course is recommended for students who intend to major in business or a related field.

4.     Which courses should I take if I am a Computer Science, Network Administration, Computer Programming, PC Technical Support, or Cisco Router Networking major?

Degree plans for each program can be found online at http://www.wcjc.edu/ed_programs_n/tech_biz/cs/advisingforms.asp.  If you have specific questions about the courses, you may contact the Computer Science Program Director, Stephanie Dees, at stephanied@wcjc.edu or 979-532-6334. 

5.     How can I find out which book is needed for other Computer Science courses?

Each WCJC campus has an on-site bookstore that sells required and optional course materials.  If you prefer to purchase your books online, a book list is published on the Computer Science Department website at http://www.wcjc.edu/ed_programs_n/tech_biz/cs/default.asp.  

6.     Can I “test out” of any Computer Science courses?  Can I receive credit for any Computer Science courses through testing, certifications, Tech-Prep, or other agreements?

There is NOT an option to “test out” of COSC 1300 or BCIS 1305.

Students who have passed the Computer Science AP exam with a score of 3 or higher can receive credit for COSC 1436.

Some students may qualify to receive credit for courses completed in high school through a Tech-Prep agreement.  See the Computer Science Department website at http://www.wcjc.edu/ed_programs_n/tech_biz/cs/default.asp for a link to WCJC Tech-Prep agreements.  Contact the Computer Science Program Director, Stephanie Dees, at stephanied@wcjc.edu or 979-532-6334 for more information.

Computer Science majors who hold an industry certification, such as A+ or CCNA, should contact the Computer Science Program Director, Stephanie Dees, to review their degree program.  In some cases, other relevant courses can be substituted for required courses in a degree program.  Program Director approval is needed for any course substitution.

Page revised July 2010