CSC 132: Introduction to Computer Science

Fall 2008

 

Instructor:

          Dr. Lori Carter

                loricarter@pointloma.edu

                (619) 849-2352

                office: RS 214

 

Office hours:

Monday                8:30-9:30 AM, 2:30-4:00 PM

Tues, Thurs           8:30 AM-10:00 AM

Wednesday           8:30-9:30 AM, 12:30 – 1:30 PM

Friday                    8:30-9:30 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM

 

Text:

G. Michael Schneider and Judith L. Gersting.  An Invitation to Computer Science, 3rd Edition, Java Version.  Thomson Course Technology. 2006

Kenneth Lambert and Thomas Whaley.  Lab Manual to Accompany Schneider and Gersting’s An Invitation to Computer Science Java Version, Third Edition,  Thomson Course Technology, USA, 2006.

 

Course Objectives:

  • To provide an overview of the field of computer science to

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

o    Introduce students to basic concepts in computer programming, computer organization, data storage, networking, operating systems, and algorithm efficiency.

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 \\Happy\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 due at the beginning of the class lecture period after which it is assigned. If you have extra time in lab, that is a good time to work on, and ask questions about, your homework. Homework may be turned in up to 1 class period after it is due at a penalty of 25% off. After that, late homework is not accepted.

 

Exam:  There will be 1 midterm exam. The exam will cover lecture, homework, reading and lab material. Students missing the exam for a school function must arrange to take the exam in advance. Students missing the exam for other reasons may not be allowed to make up the exam. The midterm exam is currently scheduled for Sept. 18.

 

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. Lab attendance is mandatory.

 

Final Exam: Cumulative exam covering lecture and lab material. Will be held October 16.

 

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%

                Exam                                     20%

                Labs                                       40%

                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.