This syllabus and the course schedule are subject to change.

CSCI 1301    Computer Science I (Fall 2009)

CRN: 87040, 88001

Jeff Chastine Email: jeffchastine@clayton.edu Phone: 678-466-4409 Office: U 434 Office Hours: M-R 10AM-11AM    Open door policy. Other times by appt.

Mary Hudachek-Buswell Email: maryhudachek-buswell@clayton.edu Phone: 678-466-4400 Office: U 405 Office Hours: M W 11AM-12PM, 1PM-2PM    Open door policy. Other times by appt.

 

Course Description (3-0-3)

The course includes an overview of computers and programming; problem-solving and algorithm development; simple data types; arithmetic and logical operators; selection structures; repetition structures; text files; arrays (one-and two-dimensional); procedural abstraction and software design; modular programming (including subprograms or the equivalent). A high-level programming language (currently C/C++) will be used.

Course Outcomes

Students are expected to obtain a developing level of mastery of programming logic and algorithmic principles.  Students will demonstrate an emerging level of knowledge of the fields of computer science, including fundamental concepts in algorithms, operating systems, computer architecture, and programming and software engineering.  Student should show potential to perform independently on programming assignments.  Students will become aware of the different aspects of computer science, including algorithmic complexity, fundamental data structures, documentation and programming terminology and develop algorithmic thinking and problem solving skills.

Course Objectives

Students coming out of this class will have an understanding of

   1. the history of computing and social issues
   2. the basics of programming logic
   3. machine architecture
   4. data types
   5. data manipulation
   6. procedural abstraction
   7. software engineering
   8. algorithms
   9. data structures and data abstraction
   10. fundamental graphical access

ITP Choice 

Beginning Fall Semester 2001, all students at CSU are required to state that they have on-demand access to a notebook computer that meets the recommended hardware/software specifications that have been established by Clayton State faculty. Academic penalties may be incurred for not meeting this requirement.  See http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/ for more information.

Prerequisites

MATH 1101 or higher (or equivalent placement score)

Meeting Times

87040    M W F 11:00AM - 11:50AM (CSU campus in T-116 (Clayton Hall - formerly the technology building))
88001    T R     7:55AM - 9:10AM (Peachtree City)

Final Exam        TBA

Required Textbooks

Computer Science - an overview (10th edition), J. Brookshear

Recommended Textbook: Starting Out with C++ (6th edition).
            Gaddis et al.
            ISBN: 0-321-51238-3 

A MyCodeMate account.

 Note: In addition to the slides, there are several resources and examples available on the Web.

IDE (Integrated Development Environment)

This course uses the Visual Studio 2008 C++ Express IDE.  This is freely available.  You can obtain this program from:   http://www.microsoft.com/express/vc/Default.aspx.  You will need to download and install the IDE during the first week of class and go through the tutorial located here.

Assessment

You will have numerous opportunities to practice and demonstrate mastery of the materials covered in this course.  It is up to you to keep current on all readings and assignments (including in-class announcements).  If you fall behind, you will most assuredly fail this course!

Grading will be based upon the following scale:

        A          >= 90%           
        B          80% - 90%
        C          70% - 80%       
        D         60% - 70%   
        F         < 60%

Assignment	% of grade
Test 1*	17%	You must attend your regularly-scheduled
Midterm*	17%	class for the final exam and all tests. Your Laker ID
Test 2*	17%	card will be required at the exam and tests.
Final*	17%
Assignments	22%
Quizzes	10%

* The lowest test grade will be dropped! Thus the average of your best three exams will count 68% of your overall grade.

Random, in-class pop quizzes may be given if it appears that you are not keeping up with the material and aren’t doing your part.  These will be counted in borderline cases (akin to extra credit).

Programs that don’t compile cleanly (no warnings or errors) or halt/crash will receive no credit; the programming assignments will be graded on a progressive scale, so it’s almost always possible to get most credit if you follow good programming practices, building your solution piecewise.  If you have a program that doesn't compile, comment out those sections in question and turn it in!

• Please be advised that no credit will be given for late assignments. 

• If you have a problem that arises during the course of the semester, please contact me as soon as possible. 

• It's good advice to turn in your assignments a day early from school.  Not being able to connect from home is not an excuse.

• Please be aware of drop day! If you withdraw from the course before this date, you will receive a 'W' (which does not affect your GPA); if you withdraw from the course after this date, you will likely receive a 'WF', which affects your GPA the same way an 'F' does.

Attendance Policy

Your active participation in class is expected (especially in the first week, or you will be counted as a NO SHOW and removed from the course). Class attendance is expected because it's much easier to learn if you're coming to class and asking questions in lecture about things that confuse you.

• You can miss one (1) exam without academic penalty (see Assessment). Anything more than this will not be allowed, regardless of the excuse.
• If you need an extension on an assignment/quiz because of an illness/death, please let us know via email before the assignment is due.

Communication Policy

The preferred method of communication is via email.

Words of Wisdom (TAKE THIS PART SERIOUSLY!)

 

First, while I (truly) enjoy working with people who are new to computing, this course assumes you are familiar with the basics of an operating system, such as working with applications, creating/saving files, etc... If you have signed up for this course hoping to learn Microsoft Office, you have been misadvised, and should stay in the class only if you want to learn stuff that's really, really cool.

 

I expect your active participation in class.  Class attendance is expected because it’s much easier to learn if you’re coming to class and asking questions in lecture about things that confuse you.

Other advice:

• start assignments early.  This way, you can ask questions and clarify things that are confusing.

• I sit in my office most of the week - waiting for students to come by with questions, so please don't show up on the day the assignment is due having just started.

• Also, keep up with the reading, and write small programs to test out ideas. 

• There's a lot to keep track of in this course, so stay on top of things, and you'll be better off!

Your grade in this course is determined completely on performance, not on effort. 

Academic Misconduct

If a student is found obtaining or granting inappropriate help in this course on any assignment (test, quiz, exam, homework, etc.) he will receive an F in the course.  The offense will go on permanent record with the university.  If this is not the student’s first academic misconduct offense at CSU, expulsion from the university will be recommended.  This is in full accord with CSU’s policy, and we encourage you to read and review the university’s policy in your student handbook.

Disability Statement