Course Description

An overview of computers and an introduction to programming for the non-computer science major, introducing the keyboard, mouse, text editor, Internet, email, simple data types, program control structures, logic operators, and file stora

Prerequisite

Exemption from or completion of Learning Support Math

Note: Typing skills are not required, but are extremely useful for this class.

Required Textbooks

Computer Science Illuminated. Nell Dale, and John Lewis, 4^rd Editon, (2011). Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury, Massachusetts.

C++ Basics. South-Western Computer Education, (2001). Thomson Learning/Course Technology, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Technical Requirements

- The Mircosoft Visual Studio.Net 2003 program or the ability to come to campus to write 5 computer programs using our

computer lab.

- A computer with the Microsoft Office Powerpoint program installed, speakers, and a broadband internet connection.

Class Meetings: One day during the week of final exams to take the final exam.

Course Objectives

These objectives are directed toward the following general education expected outcomes of the college:

1. Analytical and Critical-Thinking Skills: Students should be able to reason and the think analytically in solving problems and making decisions.

2. Mathematical Skills: Students should be able to understand and apply fundamental mathematical concepts in solving problems.

3. Communication Skills: Students should be able to read and listen with understanding and to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and speaking.

4. Information Technology Skills: Students should be able to appropriately use computer software in solving various problems and accomplishing various tasks.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of CSCI 1101, students should have an understanding of:

1. Communications and networks: email, Gordon College network

2. Text editors

3. Number systems: binary and decimal

4. The hardware components of a computer system: the CPU, memory, and I/O devices

5. The Internet and World Wide Web: search engines, browsers

6. The basic components and structures of a programming language, specifically the C++ programming

language

7. Sequential statements

8 Conditional statements

9. Repetition statements

Evaluation: The above objectives will be demonstrated by homework assignments, computer programs, and tests. In addition to being evaluated by the instructor, students will have the opportunity at the end of the semester to evaluate the course and the instructor.

Grading

Item Percentage

Projects/major assignments 20%

Three tests 30%

Final exam 50%

Projects/major assignments There will be one or more projects for certain units during the semester. These assignments include, but are not limited to, binary arithmetic problem sets, matching, true/false, and computer programs. All projects are due by the date and time specified on the course schedule. Late projects/assignments will not be accepted for any reason as ample time is given to complete each one especially if students do not procrastinate.

How to compute your final grade

Compute the Average your project grades

Compute the Average of your test grades

Multiply the Average of your projects by .20

Multiply the Average of your tests by .30

Multiply your final exam grade by .50

Sum of the last three computations and add or subtract points for attendance as explained below, and this is your final course grade.

Grading Scale

Letter grades for the course are based on a standard 100-point grading scale, with 90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, below 60 = F.

Requirements for submitting assignments

Most assignments, including the three tests and the final exam will be completed within the WebCT Vista program and graded by the computer.
Other assignments should include the student's name, course and section number, and date. These assignments may be submitted via email or left in the box on my office door.
For computer programs: please save your C++ programs into an MSWord or Notepad file and attach them to an email to me, OR bring a printout of the source code and printout of the output to my office at Gordon College. I will grade them and record the grade in the GAView grade book.

Tests

There will be three tests during the course of the semester. These tests will be taken within the GAView system and will be made available to students on a particular day. Students will be limited to a maximum of 30 minutes to complete each test. Tests may not be rescheduled or made up if missed. The test grades will together account for 30% of your class grade. All tests are required and none can be dropped.

Final Exam

There will be a comprehensive final examination scheduled during the week reserved for Gordon College final exams. This final examination accounts for 50% of your course grade.

Extra Credit Policies

This course already involves a substantial workload, and it is the instructor's philosophy that students need to focus on the work already assigned rather than taking on additional work. Therefore, there will be no extra credit assignments offered.

Computer Lab Facilities

For your assignments, you may use the Gordon College main lab facilities in the Instructional Complex building or ask a lab assistant to open room 102 for you, (preferred). All students are expected to familiarize themselves with the posted lab rules and regulations.

Note that the labs exist only to provide access to the college's computer facilities for all students. The labs do NOT provide tutorial assistance with your coursework. The lab staff is responsible for keeping the computer hardware and software functioning properly and monitoring lab usage, not for helping you with your assignments. Although the lab assistants will try to answer your questions about using the computer system, they are not familiar with your assignments, and many of them do not know the materials we are working with. If you are having trouble with an assignment, you need to call or visit me for help.

If you have your own computer at home or work, with appropriate software available, you may certainly use that computer for your assignments.

Academic Integrity Policy

Cheating and/or plagiarism in this class is not tolerated. Students are expected to adhere to the Academic Dishonesty Policy in the Gordon College Academic Catalog. Examples of academic dishonesty involving computers include, but are not limited to:

a. submitting the programs, documentation, or program results of another person as your own;

b. obtaining or attempting to obtain unauthorized access to information stored in electronic form;

c. submitting false results of a program's output for a class assignment or falsifying the results of

program execution for the purpose of improving a grade.

All assignments for this course are to be substantially the work of the individual student whose name appears on the submitted assignment, unless the assignment is specifically indicated, in writing, as being a group assignment. It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit the correct work.

Students are permitted to discuss assignments with one another and assist one another with minor problems as they work on assignments. However, each student is to develop their individual problem analysis and algorithm, and write and test their own program. This allows you to consult with and assist one another as you work on assignments, though your final product is to be your own work. In working on your assignments, you should be extremely careful about giving another student a copy (preliminary or final) of your work or showing another student your work, as this leaves both of you open to a charge of plagiarism.

Any instances of two or more individuals turning in assignments which are identical, either in form or logic, will be regarded as cheating unless either:

1.The logic and structure used in a program is so obvious and straightforward

that it is expected that most students would use this logic in this program, or

2.The logic and structure used in a program follows that of any sample algorithm

for the assignment handed out by the instructor.

How to Register for This Course

Students may enroll themselves in this course through the Banner Web system.
Tentative Course Schedule – CSCI 1101, Spring 2011

Week Date Chapter/Topic

1 1/10/10 Introduction

2 1/17/10 Chapter 1

3 1/24/10 Chapter 2

4 1/31/10 Chapter 2

5 2/07/10 Chapter 3

6 2/14/10 Test 1, Chapter 4

7 2/21/10 Chapter 4

8 2/28/10 Chapter 5

9 3/07/10 Chapter 7

10 3/14/10 Chapters 10 & 15, Test 2

11 3/21/10 C++ Sequential Statements

12 3/28/10 C++ Sequential Statements

13 4/04/10 C++ Conditional Statements

14 4/11/10 C++ Conditional Statements

15 4/18/10 C++ Repetition Statements

16 4/25/10 C++ Repetition Statements, Test 3

Final Exam Week 5/4/10 Wednesday, 12:30 pm. – 2:30 pm.