CSCI 125: Introduction to computer science
Fall 2011MWF 10:00 - 11:00
Doucette 216
http://dtucker.cs.edinboro.edu / David Tucker
(814) 732-2550
203 Doucette Hall / Office Hours
Monday - 11:00 →12:00
Tuesday - 1:30 → 3:30
Wednesday – 11:00 → 12:00
Thursday – None
Friday – 11:00 → 12:00
And by appointment
I. Course Description
This course provides an introduction to and preliminary investigation of the fundamental concepts of computer science. An overview of computer science sub-disciplines such as algorithms (problem solving), artificial intelligence, computer organization and architecture, languages, operating systems, networks, software engineering (programming concepts) and databases are covered. The course introduces the history of computing and considers computing in a social context.
II. Course Objectives:
Successful completion of the course will be based upon the following objectives:
· Identify the physical components of the computer
· Understand data representation techniques.
· Understand basic programming language features.
· Understand hardware-software interface.
· Understand the basic disciplines within computer science
· Utilize campus computing facilities.
· Recognize the social and ethical issues facing computer science.
· Develop problem solving skills
· Develop algorithm writing skills.
Additional Items to Note:
· This course is designed to give you an overview of what the field of Computer Science is. We will touch on many topics but going into depth is for later on the in CS Curriculum.
· We’ll discuss many topics such as how computers work, what a database is used for, how does the internet work, to name a few. I’d like our class time to be very interactive with many questions.
III. Course Outline
The course outline is located at http://dtucker.cs.edinboro.edu/CSCI125/Fall2011/
IV. Required Text & Materials
/ Computer Science Illuminated; 4th editionNell Dale & John Lewis
1. You'll need the book for sure, which needs to be brought to all class meetings
2. You'll probably want a flash drive
3. Access to the companion web site where we’ll be using some of the labs.
Instructions for the companion web site:
· Please be aware that you must have a unique email address for each new user registration.
· The ten digit access code functions like a gift certificate, good for one copy of the course.
· Go online to http://www.JBLearning.com/accesscode/ to redeem this access code for a personal account on JBLearning.com and access to the course.
· On that page, enter your ten digit access code and complete the requested personal information, following the online instructions.
· When finished, a new account will be established with a personalized email address and password, allowing you access to the course. The 10 digit access code will no longer be needed.
· From this point, simply visit http://www.JBLearning.com/login/ to log in as a "returning user" with the personalized email address and the password chosen.
· The course will require Adobe Flash to deliver the content. You may want to visit the Adobe web site to download and install the latest version: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
V. Assessment and Evaluation:
This is still in flux at the moment, I’ll be adding some programming and wherever it says “TBA”
1 - Chapters 1, 2, & 3 / 9/23 / Answer the following Questions :
1. Define abstraction as to how it relates to computer hardware and programming languages
2. List and define the major subject areas of Computer Science
3. #23 page 48
4. # 33 page 49
5. Look up on-line and read the 4th Amendment to the Constitution. Does programs like Carnivore violate this Amendment? What is your opinion on it, should technology like Carnivore be allowed, include discussion on the pros and cons.
6. Why does all data need to be in binary form for computers.
7. Why do computers use two's complement?
8. Read this link then summarize how a computer represents floating point numbers
9. If you were one of the 9 Supreme Court Justices how would you have rulled in the MGM v. Grokster Case. Write a short opinion.
Chapter 4 / 9/28 / Chapter 4 Homework:
#46
#55
#57
#61
#62
#67
Chapter 5 / TBA
Chatper 6 / TBA
Chapter 8 / TBA
Chapter 8,9,10 / TBA / Chapter 6
#26
#31
#34
#59 / Chapter 7
Give me screen shots of the program in
Pep/7 to print your name(#36& #37)
#29 / Chapter 8
#39
#44
#47
#49
#57
Chapter 9
#38
#40
#50 / Chapter 10
#29
#30
#37
#55
#61
Chapter 12 & 14 / TBA
Chapter 15 / TBA / Page 502: numbers 28, 36,38,43,53,56
Chapter 16 / TBA
Examinations:There will be three (3) major exams.
1. Exam 1: 9/30
2. Exam 2: 11/11
3. Exam 3: 12/13 10:15 → 12:15 (Final Exam)
Derivation of Final Grades
Weights for Determining the Final Grade:
Homework & any Projects 25%
Exam 1 25%
Exam 2 25%
Final Exam 3 25%
The final score will be converted to a letter grade using the following scale:
90 < score < 100 A
87 < score < 89 B+
80 < score < 87 B
77 < score < 80 C+
70 < score < 77 C
60 < score < 70 D
0 < score < 60 F
- I grade on your results and that you can demonstrate to me how well you the Intro to Computer Science material.
- Incomplete grades will be assigned only if proper documentation is presented and the student has a passing grade in the course at the time of withdrawal (very rare).
- All assessment is based on results as it is unfair for the instructor to subjectively evaluate effort for each student in the class.
- At the end of the course I usually give a curve, this will be given to students who have not missed more than one week’s worth of class, therefore in this class that means only 3 classes!. This is very important, could be the difference between a letter grade.
- If you miss more than 1/3 (5 weeks of class) that is an automatic Failing grade.
Academic Integrity
You are expected to do all of the assigned work on your own. Any student found to be cheating or plagiarizing with respect to any component of the course will be subject to immediate failure from the course. This is very important in this course because of the tendency to help/give a copy of homework to another student. This usually does more harm than good and will always reflect in your test score. If you're getting A's on your homework but failing the exams, clearly you are copying your homework, because I base the exams heavily on the understanding of the homework.
VI. American Disabilities Act Statement:
Any student who has a physical or learning disability which requires special accommodations should make an appointment to discuss this with the instructor.
VIII. Some Final Comments:
It is the instructor's intention to provide an environment that is relaxed and academically stimulating. You will be encouraged to ask questions and participate in the lecture.
It is very clear that high performance in a class is linked with consistent attendance and reasonable effort. I do expect you to attend all classes and you are responsible for knowing about any announcements or assignments made during class. If missing a class is unavoidable, the student is expected to copy the lecture notes from one of her/his peers. Handouts distributed can be obtained from the instructor during office hours.
Please do not use office hour time to make-up excessive unexcused absences. This course is taught in a lecture/laboratory style. While the instructor is lecturing, it is EXPECTED that no one will be working on the computers. It's rude and disruptive to both other students and the instructor. Students are expected to use the lab time (when scheduled) wisely while the instructor is there assist. Additionally, you should set several hours aside each week for reading and homework. You can expect that this class will take many additional hours of out of class time.