CPSC-115 Introduction to Computing

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CPSC-115 Introduction to Computing

Instructor:	Heidi Ellis
Semester:	Spring 2008
Class Time:	T 11:20 a.m. - 12:35 p.m., R 10:50 a.m. - 12:05 p.m. Lab: T 1:15-3:55 p.m. or W 1:15-3:55 p.m.
Class Location:	Class: MCEC 220 Lab: MCEC 136
Office Hours:	T,W 10:00-11:00 a.m. R 1:00-2:00 p.m. and by appointment

General Information

Text:

Official text:

Introduction to Programming with Java - A Problem Solving Approach, John Dean and Raymond Dean, McGraw-Hill, 2008, ISBN: 978-0-07-34702-7.

Optional other resources that you may want to consult:

Starting Out with Java From Control Structures through Objects, Tony Gaddis, Addison-Wesley, 2008, ISBN: 0-321-47927-0

Description:

Catalog Description: A fundamental treatment of computer science topics featuring the study of the high-level programming language Java. Topics discussed will include computer architecture, programming languages, and ethical issues involved in computer use. Problem-solving techniques involved in writing programs will be studied, proper style and documentation will be required, and object-oriented program design will be introduced. A required weekly lab will involve an intensive study of programming techniques in Java.
Prof. Ellis' Description: Learn about computing and have a lot of fun along the way!

Prerequisites:

Either C- or better in Computer Science 110 or mathematics skills appropriate for enrolling in a calculus class.

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Course Policy

Attendance:

This course is hierarchicial where most concepts depend on concepts previously presented. Therefore it is critical that you keep up with the work and that you attend all classes and labs:

If you must miss a lecture class for any reason you must absorb the material for that class before the next class meeting. More than three unexcused absences may result in a one point reduction in your overall course grade.
If you miss a lab, you must complete the missed lab and hand it in by the next scheduled lab. More than two missed labs may also result in a one point reduction in your overall course grade.

Grading:
	Laboratories	10%
	CodeLab/Homework	10%
	Projects	30%
	Quizzes	10%
	Exams (2)	25%
	Final Exam	15%
		--------
	Total	100%

Laboratories:
	There will be approximately 12 labs. Each lab will have an in-class portion and pre-lab, post-lab or both. All portions must be completed to receive any points for the lab.
CodeLab/Homework:
	We will be using a web-based interactive application to learn Java known as CodeLab. CodeLab has over 200 short programming exercises designed to help you master Java concepts and programming techniques. For each exercise, you type your code into CodeLab and receive feedback and hints until you get the exercise correct. Each week there will be a number of CodeLab exercises assigned as homework. The cost for CodeLab is $25 for one year of unlimited access and use. You must complete the CodeLab assignment before the assigned due date. There may be occasional other homeworks assigned.
Projects:
	There will be five to eight projects. Projects will have varying weights and may take between one and two weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the project. Projects will be completed in pairs unless otherwise stated.
Quizzes:
	There will be 4-8 quizzes. The answer key will be distributed when the quiz is collected. Therefore, no missed quizzes are allowed. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped.
Exams:
	There will be two exams. The second of these exams will not be cumulative. No makeup exams will be given.
Final Exam:
	The final exam will be cumulative.
Additional Comments:
	All non-exam coursework must be handed in with a reasonable effort of completion. This includes all labs, CodeLab and projects and excludes quizzes and exams. If all work is not completed with a reasonable effort, you will receive a final course grade of no higher than a D+. All cases of academic dishonesty will be referred to the appropriate college committees. If you are found guilty, the stated class grading criteria is negated and your final grade is at the discretion of the instructor (typically an F for the course). No late projects, CodeLabs, or homeworks are accepted. However, you are alloted 2 "free late days". These days may be used if you would like to delay handing in a project or homework late without penalty. Late days can only be used in increments of 24 hours (3 minutes late or 23 hours late still counts as using 1 late day). There is no bonus for unused late days. Effort does not necessarily translate into a good grade. You may spend a lot of time on a project, but if that project is not correct you may still get a C or a D for that project. We will be using pair programming throughout the semester. All students should familiarize themselves with the guidelines for pair programming.
Policies:
	All cell phones must be turned off during class time, not just set on vibrate mode. CPSC-115 Introduction to Computing supported by a Blackboard site. The Blackboard site will be used primarily for posting of grades. Trinity College's Student Handbook states that "students are expected to abide by the highest standards of intellectual honesty in all academic exercises." Note that turning in work that was performed partially or completely by someone else qualifies as academic dishonesty. Such academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in severe consequences. Please refer to the Trinity College Student Integrity Contract in the Student Handbook for more details.

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