CSC 132: Introduction to Computer Science

Fall 2004

 

Instructor:

          Dr. Lori Carter

            loricarter@ptloma.edu

            (619) 849-2352

            office: RS 214

 

Office hours:

MWF 10:30 AM-12 PM; TTH  9:30-10:00 AM, 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM;  You may be able to catch me at other times.  Email is the best way to contact me otherwise.

 

Text:

G. Michael Schneider and Judith L. Gersting.  An Invitation to Computer Science, 2nd Edition, Java Version.  Thomson Course Technology. 2004

Kenneth Lambert and Thomas Whaley.  Lab Manual to Accompany Schneider and Gersting’s An Invitation to Computer Science Java Version, Second Edition,  Thomson Course Technology, USA, 2004.

 

Course Objectives:

o        Give students an appreciation for the challenging and fascinating areas in the field.

o        Introduce students to basic concepts in computer organization, data storage, networking, operating systems, and human-computer interaction.

o        Discuss ethical issues surrounding the computing field.

o        Offer CS and ISS majors a preview of what is to come.

 

Course Organization:

Lectures:  Cover the highlights of chapters assigned – not a substitute for reading. Student powerpoint slides will be made available at \\Grumpy\Tmplates\Math and Computer Science\Carter\CSC132

 

            Homework:  Expect homework to be assigned at each class session. Completing homework assignments in a timely manner is critical to your success in this class. Each student must turn in his/her own work.  Homework is awarded points on a credit/no credit basis. If you do the homework in full, and turn it in on time (at the beginning of the class at which it is due), you get full points. If not, you get no points. If there is occasionally a problem you don’t understand, you may write a few sentences about what you do not understand, and you will still be given credit. You will find problems from the homework on the midterms.

 

Midterms:  There will be 2 midterm exams. The midterms will cover lecture, homework, reading and lab material. Students missing the midterm exam for a school function must arrange to take the exam in advance. The midterms are currently scheduled as shown below

 

Labs: In most cases, lab assignments should be completed during the assigned lab time.  At the latest, they are due at the beginning of the lab following the lab period on which the assignment was given unless otherwise indicated. Discussion of lab assignments is allowed, however, each individual must turn in his/her own work.

 

Final Exam: Cumulative exam covering lecture and lab material.

 

Attendance:

As stated in the school catalog, “ Whenever the number of accumulated absences in a class, for any cause, exceeds ten percent of classes, the faculty member sends a written report to the Associate Provost for Academic Administration which may result in de-enrollment.  If more than 20% is reported as missed, the student may automatically be de-enrolled. If the date of de-enrollment is past the last date to withdraw from a class, the student will be assigned a grade of “F” or “NC”.

 

Grading:                                                                                            

            Homework        10%

            Midterms          30%

            Labs                 30%

            Final Exam        30%    

 

            Final grades will be determined as follows:

100-93%           A

90-92%             A-

87-89%             B+

83-86%             B

80-82%             B-

77-79%             C+

73-76%             C

70-72%             C-

67-69%             D+

63-66%             D

60-62%             D-

0-59%              F

 

Academic Accommodations:

All students are expected to meet the standards for this course as set by the instructor. However, students with learning disabilities who may need accommodations should discuss options with the Academic Support Center during the first two weeks of class.  The ASC will contact professors with suggested classroom needs and accommodations. Approved documentation must be on file in the ASC prior to the start of the semester.

 

Tentative Schedule

Week of

Tues

Thurs

8/23

Ch 1 Introduction to Computer Science

Ch 2.1-2.3.1   Algorithms

8/30

2.3.2 – 2.3.3 Algorithm Design

Ch 3 Algorithm Efficiency

9/6

Ch 4.1-4.4.1  Binary, Boolean Logic, circuits

Midterm (CH1-3), Ch 4.4.2 – 4.6 circuits

9/13

Ch 5.1-5.2.3

Ch 5.2.4-5.3

9/20

Ch 5.4

Ch 6.1-6.3

9/27

Midterm (ch 4,5) , Ch 6.4 OS

Ch 7.1,7.2,7.4

10/4

7.5, 9.3.2

9.3.3, 10.1-10.2

10/11

Final review

Final 10/14 during lab