ClassInfo

CSC 241 Introduction to Computer Science I

Ljubomir Perkovic

Office: CDM 713
Fall 2008-2009
Class number: 12038
Section number: 401L
W 3:10PM - 4:40PM
CDM 00819 Loop Campus

Summary

This course is the first of a two-course sequence introducing Computer Science. The focus of the course sequence is on problem solving, algorithm development, and structured and object oriented programming using Python and the Python API (Application Programming Interface) in the context of building computer applications. In this first course, we will focus on structured programming and learn how and when to use loops, conditionals, and functional and modular abstractions.



Texts

Required

Mark Lutz, "Learning Python, 3rd Edition", O'Reilly, ISBN:0596513984, 2007

Other required resources

A registration to CodeLab ($20 by check or credit card).



Grading

The course grade will be apportioned as follows:
homeworks (including labs)
50%
midterm exam 20%
final exam 30%
Every homework will include a lab component that is to be completed during the lab session. There will be a total of 8 homeworks, but only your best 7 count toward the final grade, so you may miss one homework with no penalty. All homeworks must be submitted by the deadline and no later. Any homework not handed in by the deadline will receive 0 points, without any exceptions.

To do well in this course, you should attend the class and the labs regularly, participate in the discussion, read the chapters in the books each week as indicated in the homework assignment, start working on the homeworks early, and talk to me promptly if you have any problems. The answers to the homework, lab and exam questions, should be written in a way that is rigorous, clear and concise.



Prerequisites

You must have taken MAT130 or an equivalent high-school/college course covering algebra topics and precalculus. An alternate precondition is a Mathematics Diagnostic Test placement into MAT 140.


School policies:

Changes to Syllabus

This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.

Online Course Evaluations

Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation. Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.

All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.

Academic Policies

All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.

Students with Disabilities

Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296