CS 552: Graphical User Interfaces

Dr. Richard Eckhart
AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY
Department of Computer Science

DESCRIPTION:

This course provides an introduction to the concepts associated with the graphical design of user interfaces and event-driven programming. Techniques for designing windows, dialog boxes, menus, command buttons, option buttons, scroll bars, list boxes, edit fields, and other graphical user interface (GUI) elements are presented. Application development tools such as compilers, linkers, and library makers are included. Advanced concepts such as custom controls, mixed-language programming, overlay structures, database programming using ISAM files, presentation graphics, on-line Help, math packages, and others are also covered. The course uses appropriate popular software for hands-on programming practice.

PREREQUISITES:

CS 507: Programming Logic

TEXTBOOK:

"Using Visual Basic 3", Feldman et al, Que Corporation (1993). ISBN: 1-56529-763-X

REFERENCES:

"Designing the User Interface", Second Edition, Ben Shneiderman, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc. (1992). ISBN 0-201-57286-9

"Basic-Pro", Fawcett Publishing Co., published bimonthly. ISSN: 1066-5978

"Microsoft Guide to Visual Basic for MS-DOS", Peter G. Aitken, Microsoft Press (1993). ISBN 1-55615-478-X

"The Microsoft Visual Basic for MS-DOS Workshop", John Clark Craig, Microsoft Press (1993). ISBN 1-55615-504-2

"Peter Norton's Visual Basic for DOS", Steven Holzner, Brady Publishing Division of Prentice Hall Computer Publishing, 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023, 1992. $39.95, ISBN 1-56686-026-1, includes disk

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

• 1. To examine basic factors and considerations in writing software which is easy to use.
  2. To become familiar with currently available programming systems for creating graphical user interfaces.
  3. To become familiar with the programming concepts associated with event-driven programming.
  4. To obtain practical hands-on practice in developing software using GUI concepts.
  

TOPICS:

Specific topics and projects will be selected from the following:

• User Interface Concepts
  Event-driven Programming Concepts
  Command Buttons
  Compilers
  Custom Controls
  Option Buttons
  Linkers
  Windows Design
  Scroll Bars
  Overlays and Overlay Structures
  Dialog Boxes
  List Boxes
  Math packages
  Presentation Graphics
  Edit Fields
  Libraries
  Mixed-Language Programming
  On-line Help
  Database Programming
  Menus
  Dynamic Link Libraries (DLL)
  Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)
  Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)
  

GRADING:

Grading will be based on the timely completion of projects and assignments as specified by the instructor. Letter grade for the course will be determined using the point system outlined below.All projects and other assigned work are due no later than the scheduled end of the final examination for the course. NO WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR CREDIT AFTER THE END OF THE LAST SCHEDULED CLASS MEETING.

• Weekly Projects (8 @ 75) 600 points
  Term Project 300 points
  Final Exam 100 points
  ------Total 1000 points
  
•  
• 900 - 1000 points A
  800 - 899 points B
  700 - 799 points C
  

COURSE POLICY:

• 1. Attendance at all class meetings is considered mandatory.
  2. Make-up exams and/or extensions of due dates for course requirements will be granted at the option of the instructor.
  3. This class will NOT be structured on a group basis. While it is considered desirable for students to share their ideas and knowledge, each student is expected to take responsibility for the completion of his/her own course assignments personally.
  4. Use of copyrighted material, including software, in a manner which is in violation of the copyright laws of the United States will not be allowed and will be grounds for failure of the this course.