The syllabus, distilled.
The essentials for ISBA 2438: what you’ll learn, how you’ll work, and how you’ll be assessed.
A link to the full syllabus will be added here.
Build software you understand.
Learn to direct a Coding Agent to build, understand, test, and improve a web application. You’ll move from a command-line tool to a portfolio website, browser storage, and a database-backed application that runs locally.
No formal prerequisites. Some programming exposure is expected, but mastery is not assumed. Foundational concepts are introduced as they arise.
What you’ll learn
- Understand frontend, backend, APIs, and data storage.
- Read code and explain its purpose, inputs, and outputs.
- Direct a Coding Agent with clear requirements, context, and iterative feedback.
- Trace a user action through an application to persistent storage.
- Diagnose failures with errors, logs, and tests.
- Build and run a Next.js application with PostgreSQL, Prisma, and Docker.
Projects rather than exams.
| Assessment | Points | Weight | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1: CLI tool | 100 | 10% | Nov 1 |
| Assignment 2: Portfolio website | 100 | 10% | Nov 8 |
| Midterm: Expanded portfolio | 300 | 30% | Nov 15 |
| Assignment 3: Database application | 100 | 10% | Nov 22 |
| Final project: Full-stack application & presentation | 300 | 30% | Dec 6 |
| Attendance | 100 | 10% | Each session |
| Total | 1,000 | 100% |
All project deadlines are at 11:59 p.m. Pacific in 2026. In-class demonstrations take place December 3; final submissions are due December 6.
View the grading scale
A: 95–100% · A−: 90–<95% · B+: 87–<90% · B: 84–<87% · B−: 80–<84% · C+: 77–<80% · C: 74–<77% · C−: 70–<74% · F: below 70%.
How we work
Use AI. Own the result.
A Coding Agent is required for assessed development. Use incremental prompts, reviews, and revisions. You remain responsible for correctness and accurate explanations.
Individual work, shared learning.
Discuss and critique with peers, but direct and submit your own build. Explain your code and decisions without live AI assistance during walkthroughs and questions.
Be there and participate.
Attendance is worth 10 points per session, 100 total. Notify the instructor promptly about absences or foreseeable conflicts. Excused absences and accommodations are handled individually.
Meet the deadline.
Up to 24 hours late: a 50% deduction from the earned score. More than 24 hours late: no credit. Approved extensions and university accommodations take precedence.
Review is part of assessment.
Published rubrics govern grading. Automated checks and AI-assisted review support instructor grading; you may request instructor review of a finding.
Support & full policies
Contact the instructor early about access barriers or support needs. The full syllabus contains university policies, academic integrity requirements, and student support resources.