CSC 401 - Introduction to Programming
Office: CDM 827
Winter 2012-2013
Class number: 24199/24200
Sections:
801 - Wed 5:45M - 9:00PM, LEWIS 01509
810 – Offered online through
COL
Course homepage: https://col.cdm.depaul.edu/
Summary
An introduction to programming
with a focus on problem solving, structured programming, and algorithm design
with a gentle introduction to efficiency. Concepts covered include data
types, expressions, variables, assignments, conditional and iterative
structures, functions, file input/output, exceptions, namespaces, and
recursion. PREREQUISITE(S): None
Texts
Introduction to Computing Using Python, Ljubomir
Perkovic, Wiley, 2012.
Grading
Point scores and letter grades
for the course will be computed according to the following tables:
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Assignments
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30%
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Midterm Exam
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35%
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Final Exam
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35%
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A
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≥90%
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B
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≥80%
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C
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≥70%
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D
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≥60%
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F
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<60%
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Plus and minus scores will be
assigned at the high and low ends of each of these ranges at the instructor's
discretion. (No A+ or D-)
Assignments
Assignments will be posted weekly
to the course website. Late assignments will receive a grade of 0. Your lowest
grade will be dropped in the calculation of your grade.
Course Goals and Topics
In the first course we will focus on structured programming
and learn how and when to use conditionals, loops, and functional and modular
abstractions.
After the successful completion of this course:
- you will have stronger problem solving
skills;
- you will know how develop algorithmic solutions,
including recursive ones, for basic computational problems;
- you will understand fundamental programming structures
such as expressions, assignments, decision and iteration structures,
functions and modules;
- you will have basic Python programming skills;
- you will be
prepared to take a course in Object Oriented Programming in Java or C++.
Course Calendar
The following gives a
tentative schedule for this quarter:
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Week 1
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Python
interpreter; variables, expressions, and assignments; core data types (number
types, string, and list); (using) objects and classes (Ch 2)
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Week 2
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Python
programming; one and two-way conditional statements; iteration through
sequence objects; functions and parameter passing (Ch 3)
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Week 3
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String
processing; file I/O; exceptions (Ch 4)
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Week 4
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multi-way
conditional structures; loop patterns (Ch 5)
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Week 5
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multi-dimensional
lists; more loop patterns (Ch 5)
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Week 6
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Midterm exam:
In class students: February 13, 2013
5:45-9pm,
Online students: schedule through COL
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Week 7
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Functional
and modular abstraction; namespaces; the program stack and normal execution
flow (Ch. 7); intro to recursion (Ch. 10)
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Week 8
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Recursion
(Ch. 10)
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Week 9
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Recursion
(Ch. 10)
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Week 10
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Topics:
exception handling (Ch 7); additional collection classes (dictionary, tuple, and set); string encodings (ASCII and Unicode);
randomness (Ch. 6)
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Week 11
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Final exam:
In class students: March 20, 2013
5:45-9pm,
Online students: schedule through COL
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School policies:
Online
Teaching Evaluation
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
.
Email
is the primary means of communication between faculty and students enrolled in this
course outside of class time. Students should be sure their email listed under
"demographic information" atCampusConnect is correct.
This
course will be subject to the academic integrity policy passed by faculty. More
information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/
The
university and school policy on plagiarism can be summarized as follows:
Students in this course should be aware of the strong sanctions that can be
imposed against someone guilty of plagiarism. If proven, a charge of plagiarism
could result in an automatic F in the course and possible expulsion. The
strongest of sanctions will be imposed on anyone who submits as his/her own
work any assignment which has been prepared by someone else. If you have any
questions or doubts about what plagiarism entails or how to properly
acknowledge source materials be sure to consult the instructor.
An
incomplete grade is given only for an exceptional reason such as a death in the
family, a serious illness, etc. Any such reason must be documented. Any
incomplete request must be made at least two weeks before the final, and
approved by the Dean of the College of Computing and Digital Media. Any
consequences resulting from a poor grade for the course will not be considered
as valid reasons for such a request.
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:
Student Center, LPC, Suite #370
Phone number: (773)325.1677
Fax: (773)325.3720
TTY: (773)325.7296