CSC 154: Fundamentals of Computer Science

Spring 2007

 

Instructor:

          Lori Carter

            loricarter@ptloma.edu

            (619) 849-2352

 

Office hours:

          MWF 12:30-1:30

            T Th  8:30-10:00, 12:30-1:30, 2:30-3:00

           

Text:

Lewis and Loftus. Java Software Solutions, 5th Edition. Addison Wesley 2007

Textbook should be brought to each class period.

 

Course Objectives:

  • To continue to build competence in programming using the Java Programming environment, including graphical user interfaces.
  • To present topics such as problem solving strategies, basic data structures and data and procedural abstraction.

 

* Please note: The compiler as well as the development environment we will be using is included on the CD that came with your book and may be installed on your personal computer.

 

Course Organization:

Lectures:  Cover the highlights of chapters assigned – not a substitute for reading. The lecture slides can be obtained from:

\\Happy\Tmplates\Math and Computer Science\Carter\CSC154

 

            Homework:  Homework will consist mainly of problems from the book. Homework problems may be discussed among students, but no written notes exchanged. Each student must turn in his/her own work. If homework assignments appear too similar, I will split the points awarded between the individuals involved.

 

            Quizzes: Written, and will only cover material since the last exam.

 

Midterm:  The midterm will cover lecture as well as lab material from chapters 5-8 of the book. The exam will be composed of a written portion and a practical programming portion. Students missing the midterm exam for a school function must arrange to take the exam in advance. The midterm is currently scheduled for March 19/20.

 

Labs: Lab attendance is mandatory. When possible, lab assignments should be completed during the assigned lab time.  In some cases, lab assignments may extend over more than 1 lab period. In these cases, the due dates will be clearly stated. Discussion of lab assignments is allowed, however, each individual must turn in his/her own work. Grades for programming assignments will be based on correct compilation, correct execution, correct and adequate documentation, and form. All programs must be original work!!

 

Late work:  All assignments are due at the beginning of class or lab. In most cases, lab work is due by the beginning of the next lab period. Homework turned in by the beginning of the next class period after it is due will be accepted with a 25% penalty. After that point, the work will not be accepted.

 

Final Exam: The final exam will consist of a written final given the last class before the exam, and a programming only exam on the day of the final. The final exam is scheduled for the Monday of Finals Week at 10:30 AM.

           

 

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%

            Quizzes                         10%

            Labs                             40%

            Midterm                        20%  

            Final Exam                    20%    

 

            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-            The lowest you can get to enroll in Data Structures

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.