CSCI 151 Introduction to Computer Science - Fall 2015

Course Information

Lectures:

MWF 10:00 - 10:50 AM, Freedom 322

Labs:

Monday, Wed: 1:00 - 2:15 (session A), Monday, Wed: 2:30 - 3:45 (session B)
For more information see CSCI 151 Labs Syllabus and Laboratory Assignments

Professor:


Dr. Yana Kortsarts
Office: Freedom Hall 313
Phone: (610) - 499 - 4367
e-mail: ykortsarts@mail.widener.edu
homepage: http://cs.widener.edu/~yanako

Office Hours:

• Monday: 9:00 - 10:00 AM, 12:00 - 1:00 PM
• Tuesday: By appointment
• Wednesday:9:00 - 10:00 AM, 12:00 - 1:00 PM, 3:50 - 4:50 PM
• Thursday: 3:00 - 4:00 PM - Virtual Office Hours. Instructions will be sent by e-mail to all students.
• Friday: 9:00 - 10:00 AM, 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Additional office hours and extra help are ALWAYS available!
Please see me in class, call me or email me. I am available at other times outside of the listed office hours to help you. JUST ASK.
To make an appointment, please, send an e-mail ykortsarts@mail.widener.edu

Recommended Text - NOT REQUIRED:

Starting Out with Python, Second Edition
Tony Gaddis
Publisher: Addison-Wesley
Copyright year:2012 Pages: 648
ISBN-10 0-13-257637-6
ISBN-13 978-0-13-257637-6

Course Description

This is the first course in a two-semester sequence that introduces students to algorithmic problem-solving and programming in PYTHON programming language. The course covers the fundamentals of imperative programming: basic data types, arithmetic, Boolean logic, conditional statements and loops. Students gain experience solving problems through programming by writing and testing their own code in weekly lab sessions. The course also includes an introduction to the Linux operating system. No previous experience with programming is required. 3 hours lecture; 3 hours laboratory. 4 semester hours.
Important: In this course we are working with PYTHON 3 programming language ( https://www.python.org/) and LINUX operating system

Tentative Course Topics

• Introduction to Computers, Binary Number System
• Input, Output, Variables, Data Types
• Decision Structures and Boolean Logic
• Repetition Structures: Loops (while and for), Nested Loops
• Functions
• Program Design
• One-Dimensional Lists

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Demonstrate understanding of the basic computer programming concepts including various data types, variables, functions, parameters, conditional statements, iterations, and one-dimensional lists.
• Apply basic problem-solving techniques to describe and understand the problem statement and think through input/process/output program development cycle.
• Apply basic algorithmic problem-solving techniques to solve simple problems.
• Analyze, trace, and explain the behavior of simple programs involving fundamental programming constructs.
• Design, implement, debug and test simple programs

Corresponding Computer Science/Computer Information Systems Outcomes

• 2.1 Design and implement software in multiple languages.
• 2.4 Use proper data structures and algorithms when designing software.

Corresponding Science Goal

• Employs logical reasoning and problem-solving methodologies to construct algorithms.

Corresponding A&S Goals

• Goal 2: A liberally educated graduate thinks critically.
  • 2.a. Makes claims and draws conclusions that require the analysis and evaluation of evidence.
• Goal 4: A liberally education graduate has developed a wide range of intellectual perspectives and methodologies.
  • 4.a. Evaluates the workings of the natural and physical world using theories and models that can be tested by experiments and observations.

Corresponding Widener University Institutional Learning Objectives (ILOs)

• ILO 1. Students will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and scholarship appropriate to their major field of study.
• ILO 2. Students will be able to think critically and communicate effectively.

Policies

Attendance Policy

Attendance is requied
In this course: Class Participation and Attendance is 25% of the Lab Grade and 5% of the Lecture Grade.
Missed classes or/and labs mean you are losing points towards your final grade.

Academic Fraud

The Science Division strictly enforces the University's policy on cheating and other forms of academic fraud.

Student Academic Grievance Procedure

If a student has a grievance concerning a class in which he/she is enrolled, he/she will first try to resolve the problem with the instructor of the class. If it is impossible to resolve the matter at this level, then the grievance must be placed in writing and appealed in the following order:
• Division or Program Head
• Dean of Arts and Sciences (Arts and Sciences Academic Council)
• Provost of the University
• University Academic Council
All student grievances will first be referred to the class instructor before they are treated at the level of the Division Head.

Please see Widener's Undergraduate Catalog for:
Standards for Academic Integrity, Appeal Procedures for Student Academic Grievances, and Attendance Policy.

Learning Accommodations

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, any student has the right to request reasonable accommodation of a disability. Accommodations can be requested through Academic Support Services, Disabilities Services (520 E. 14th St., 610-499-1266). Disabilities Services is the office that authorizes all accommodations on campus. Please note that you will need to present documentation of your disability to Disabilities Services. It is important to make this request as soon as possible so that we will have time to make any necessary arrangements

Electronic Devices in the Classroom

• NO CELL PHONES. Cell phones must be turned off for the duration of the lecture and lab.
• For Mini-Quiz 1 and Mini-Quiz 2 the only allowed open material is ONE PAGE (2 sides) of your own written or ptinted notes
• For the rest of the exams/quizzes all electronic devices except cell phones are permitted

Evaluation Criteria and Policies

• Make-up quizzes, exams and lab assignments
  
  Any make-up for the mini-quizzes, exams and lab assignments must be arranged in advance and done IN CLASS.
• Requirement for Laboratory Assignments:
  You will need to start and to finish your laboratory assignment in class during your regular lab period.
• Tentative Mini-Quizzes and Exams Schedule
  • Starting second week of classes, the weekly mini-quizzes will be given every Friday except the following dates when the Exams are given:
    • Exam 1: September 25
    • Exam 2:October 16
    • Exam 3: October 30
    • Exam 4: November 20
  • The duration of the mini-quizzes is 20-25 minutes (about half lecture period)
  • The duration of the exam is 50 minutes (full lecture period)

  • ALL DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Students will be notified at least one week prior any change in exam/mini-quiz date. The changes will be posted on the course website and sent by e-mail. CHECK THE COURSE WEBSITE AND CAMPUS CRUISER E-MAIL REGULARLY.

• The work handed in must be the student's own work.
  Assignments which are written in groups are easily identifies and will receive grades of 0 for all participants.

• The weights of the homework, laboratory assignments, mini-quizzes and exams in the final grade are as follows:

  Your laboratory grade will be calculated as below, and will then combined with your lecture grade.

  Laboratory Grade

  Lab Assignments	75%
  Lab Practice and Attendance	25%
  Total	100%

  Laboratory grade will contribute 45% of your final grade in the course

  Final Grade

  Laboratory Sessions	45%
  Exams	35%
  Mini-Quizzes	15%
  Homework and Attendance	5%
  Total	100%

  Final Grade Table

  A:	95 - 100
  A-:	90 - 94
  B+:	87 - 89
  B:	83 - 86
  B-:	80 - 82
  C+:	77 - 79
  C:	73 - 76
  C-:	70 - 72
  D+:	67 - 69
  D:	60 - 66
  F:	59 - 0

  
  
  

  All information in this document is subject to change throughout the semester. Check the course website and your Campus Cruiser e-mail regularly, any changes will be indicated on the course website and sent by e-mail. Students will be notified about any change at least one week in advance.

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  Laboratory Assignments

  Course and Reading Material

  Examples of the programs we did in class