CSC 241/Introduction to Computer Science I
Syllabus
Course description
From the course catalog: "An introduction to problem solving, algorithms and structured programming using a higher-level programming language. The course will focus on skills for developing algorithms, and for writing and debugging programs. Students will learn how and when to use loops, conditionals, and functional abstractions in the context of problems motivated by real world applications. Prerequisite: MAT 130 or Mathematics Diagnostic Test placement into MAT 140."
The higher-level programming language we are using is Python, version 3.3. Although it is not necessary, students often find it easier to complete the assignments when they have a copy of Python on their own machine.
Textbook
The required textbook is “Introduction to Computing Using Python”, Ljubomir Perkovic, Wiley, 2012 (ISBN: 978-0470618462).
Course topics and learning goals
This course is the first of a two-course sequence introducing computer science. The focus of the course is on problem solving, algorithm development, and structured and object-oriented programming using Python and the Python API (application programming interface), all in the context of building computer applications.
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 you have taken this class:
- You will understand that a main focus of computer science is developing applications for computer systems.
- You will have stronger problem solving skills.
- You will know how to develop algorithmic solutions 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 for the second course in the sequence, CSC 242 (Introduction to Computer Science II)
Schedule of topics
This is an approximate version of the order of topics.
| Week | Topic | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (1/8, 1/10) | Quick introduction to Python; Introduction to computer science | Sections 2.1 through 2.3, Chapter 1 |
| 2 (1/15, 1/17) | Data in Python: Objects and types | Sections 2.4 and 2.5 |
| 3 (1/22, 1/24) | Input and output | Section 3.1 |
| 4 (1/29. 1/31) | Control flow | Sections 3.2 and 3.3 |
| 5 (2/5, 2/7) | Control flow continued | Section 3.4 and 3.5 |
| 6 (2/12, 2/14) | Midterm | |
| 7 (2/19, 2/21) | Types continued | TBD |
| 8 (2/26, 2/28) | Modules and libraries | TBD |
| 9 (3/5, 3/7) | Problem solving, advanced topics | TBD |
| 10 (3/12, 3/14) | Problem solving, advanced topics, course review | TBD |
Important dates
Our class meets every Tuesday and Thursday, 2:40pm to 4:10pm, in room 363 of the Student Center at the Lincoln Park campus. Our lab meets every Wednesday, 2:40pm to 4:10pm, in room 363. Our lab instructor is Robert Watts.
- First class: Tuesday, January 8th
- First lab: Wednesday, January 9th
- Midterm (tentative): Wednesday, February 13th
- Last lab: Wednesday, March 13th
- Last class: Thursday, March 14th
- Final exam: 2:45pm to 5pm, Tuesday, March 19th
Assignments and grading
There will be lab assignments and homework assignments. It is expected that you will complete the lab assignments during the lab session and that you will work on homework assignments outside of the labs and classes. There will be a midterm (February 13th) and a final exam (March 19th).
The final grade will be computed as follows: Lab attendance: 5%, Assignments (lab and homework): 35%, Midterm: 30%, Final exam: 30%. The resulting percentage will be translated into a letter grade as follows:
| Letter | Percentage range |
|---|---|
| A | 95-100 |
| A- | 90 - <95 |
| B+ | 87 - <90 |
| B | 83 - <87 |
| B- | 80 - <83 |
| C+ | 77 - <80 |
| C | 73 - <77 |
| C- | 70 - <73 |
| D+ | 65 - <70 |
| D | 60 - <65 |
| F | <60 |
Participation policy
Attending every class and lab is required. Missing class may drop your final grade by a full letter. Attendance includes the final exam. Do not ask to take the midterm or the final exam at times other than what's listed above.
Academic Integrity Policy
This course will be subject to the academic integrity policy passed by faculty. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/. I strongly recommend that you read this! It explains both your rights and your responsibilities as a student on matters of academic integrity.
Communication
All communication will be done in one of three ways:
- Announcements in class. You are responsible for anything and everything I say in class.
- Email from me. You can send email to me at jrogers@cs.depaul.edu. Before sending me email, please read the document “Guidelines for sending email to a professor”, found in the content area of this web site.
- Announcements on the D2L web site.
Office location and hours
My office is room 747 in the CDM building, 243 S. Wabash. My office hours for winter quarter are not yet set. My phone number is 312-362-8334 (dial 2-8334 from the 7th floor lobby phone).
Plagiarism
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 consult the instructor.
Incomplete
An incomplete grade is given only for an exceptional reason such as, for example, a death in the family or a serious illness. 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.
Resources for 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 either the PLuS Program, for Learning Disabilities and/or AD/HD, or the Office for Students with Disabilities, for all other disabilities, at:
Student Center, LPC, Suite #370
Phone number: (773) 325-1677
Fax: (773) 325-3720
TTY: (773) 325-7296