Dan Wallach's third programming course in the computer science major at Rice University emphasizes mastering Java programming, software design, and long-lasting concepts over tools, using Java8, IntelliJ, and GitHub for a test-driven development workflow. Transitioning from Subversion to GitHub with Travis CI, Wallach sought a scalable, reliable solution for managing student assignments and tests, noting that GitHub's commercial uptime supported his needs. The course structure encourages gradual learning, starting with filling in code gaps and progressing to building applications from previous work. Despite recognizing the collaborative potential of pair programming, Wallach opts for solo work to help students grasp version control systems like Git, believing it prepares them better for future teamwork. Wallach contributes to the GitHub Education community by sharing scripts that streamline class workflows and support academic integrity, and his approach has reportedly equipped students for professional environments by focusing on skills with enduring relevance.