CSC111 Syllabus 2015b
--D. Thiebaut (talk) 11:07, 24 August 2015 (EDT)
CSC111 Fall 2015 -- Syllabus
Contents
Prof
Dominique Thiébaut email
Dept. Computer Science
Ford Hall, 356.
Telephone: 3854
Office hours: 2:30-4:00 p.m. MW, and by appointment
Introduction
Course Overview: This course is an introduction to computers, computer science and computer programming. The programming language Python (Version 3) is used to introduce basic programming skills and techniques.
This is the first course in the Computer Science major, and no previous experience with computers or programming is assumed.
Objectives: The objectives for this course are for each student to become familiar with:
- Basic programming constructs such as if-then statements, loop control, functions, lists, simple input-output, object-oriented programming (OOP), searching, and recursion.
- Good programming techniques including top-down design, program documentation, modular design, all resulting in code that can be readily understood and used by other programmers.
- The Python programming language and its syntax, features, libraries, and limitations.
- The basic internal operation of a computer, including the central processing unit, simple memory management, and the file system.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites!
Schedule
The class meets three times a week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, in Ford Hall 240, 11:00-12:10 p.m., and for four two-hour lab sessions, on Wednesdays and Thursdays. See catalog for latest details.
Programming assignments are given every week. Approximately 12 homework assignments can be expected this semester. There will be an in-class midterm exam and a final take-home exam.
The due date for the homework assignments is tentatively set for Tuesday evening, at midnight.
Topics
The course covers the following topics (this list is tentative):
- Python and the Python IDE
- Computers and programs
- Computing with numbers
- Strings
- Objects and Object-Oriented programming (OOP)
- Functions
- Control structures
- Loops
- Classes and objects
- Recursion
- Advanced Topics
Class and Lab Times
- Lectures MWF: 11-12:10 p.m.
- Lab 1 Wed 1:10-3:00 p.m.
- Lab 2 Th 1:00-2:50 p.m.
- Lab 3 Th 3:00-4:50 p.m.
- Lab 4 Th 7:00-9:00 p.m.
There will be TA sessions. Their location and time is available here.
Textbook
Python Programming: an Introduction to Computer Science. Version 3 by John Zelle, Franklin, Beedle & Associate.
It is available at the campus-center bookstore, an also on Amazon.com
Other Sources of Material
Check the class homepage for additional links to Python-related sources.
Lateness Policy
No extensions will be given, and no late assignments will be accepted (except if I receive a note from your Dean asking for extending a deadline). The assignments are tentatively scheduled to be due every Tuesday evening at 11:55 p.m.
You are, however, allowed to drop one weekly assignment without penalty, as well as one weekly lab. If you turn in all the assignments this semester, the one with the lowest grade will be dropped automatically.
4 missing homework assignments will result in failing the class.
Collaboration
Learning to program requires dedication and hard work. All assignments will have to be done individually, and students are expected to complete these assignments by themselves.
Despite the above, many forms of collaboration are specifically encouraged. On any assignment students may and should discuss algorithms, approaches, and issues that arise so long as this is done without reference to specific code. Students may also discuss any programs and code not directly related to the solution of a current or pending programming assignment. In this manner, students may assist each other while ensuring that each ultimately completes the assignments for herself. During in-class labs (as opposed to the homework assignments), students are encouraged to help each other work through problems, and may review each others' programs as necessary toward that goal.
Grading
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
|
Homework assignments |
40% |
|
Labs |
15% |
|
midterm |
22.5% |
|
final |
22.5% |
Teaching Assistants
The teaching assistants are listed on this page. You will find their names, when they hold drop-in hours, and where you can find them (usually FH241).
