COMP 1301: Computer Science I

Fall 2008 Semester

WAYCROSS COLLEGE

 

Class:        Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:50 AM- 12:05 PM

Room 132C

Lab:           Fridays 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Room 132C

 

Instructor:            Christine Kikuchi

Office:                  129C

Office Phone:      449-7590

Email:                   ckikuchi@waycross.edu

Prerequisite:         MATH 1113 or consent of instructor

 

Office Hours:       Mondays and Wednesdays:      9:25 AM - 10:40 AM

Room                                                                   1:15 PM - 1:30 PM

                                                                              5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

                              Tuesdays and Thursdays:          10:10 AM - 10:40 AM

                                                                              1:15 PM - 3:15 PM

 

Open Lab Hour    Fridays                                     10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

(for all computer students)

Room 132C

Course Materials:

Author

Book

ISBN

Dale, N., Weems, C., & Headington, R.

Programming and Problem Solving With C++, 4th Edition, Jones & Bartlett, April 2004

0763707988

Software: This class will use the Microsoft C++ programming language, version 6.0. There is no need for students to buy the program. C++ is installed on all of the Waycross College computer lab computers.

Supplies: You will need to have a portable storage device to save your work. Assignments and program code may not be saved to the computer's hard drives.

 

Computer Laboratory Facilities: The Waycross College Computer Laboratory is available a number of hours outside of class time for you to prepare assignments. Times available for you to use the Computer Laboratory are posted at the Lab. No documentation or software may be removed from the Computer Lab and no programs may be installed on the machines.

Course Description

An introduction to the fundamentals of computer programming emphasizing problem solving, development of algorithms and structured programs using modern programming paradigms and techniques. Simple data types, arithmetic and logic operators, selection structures, repetition structures, text files, arrays, and procedural abstraction and software design are included. This course involves extensive programming activities.

Course Introduction:

It is expected that you will have some basic knowledge in using a computer, i.e., copying files, installing software, creating directories (folders), and using Windows.

Participating in this course is a wonderful way to ease into various computer studies fields.. Our goal will be to improve your reasoning and thinking skills, which should prove helpful, not only in future programming and mathematics classes, but throughout your academic and professional career.

COMP 1301 is an introduction to the field of computer programming and algorithmic problem solving. The course will provide an understanding of fundamental object-oriented programming concepts and constructs. It focuses on the techniques and concepts of object-oriented program design. This course is a prerequisite for COMP 1302 and students who complete this class should be able to read/write simple programs in pseudocode and C++.

Many of the benefits of this course are derived from practicing the learning techniques with others. Good learning, like good work, is collaborative and social; learning is not competitive, and learning is not achieved in isolation. By sharing your ideas with others, and responding to their reactions, not only will your thinking skills be sharpened, but your understanding of the subject deepened as well. To get the maximum benefit from this, it is necessary, therefore, to complete the assigned readings on time and actively participate in the class.

Methodology:

Classes will assume that you have read the required materials and prepared the assignments. Classes will include lecture, discussion, participation, and opportunities to work with C++ to learn programming.

Course Goals/Objectives

After completing this course, you should be able to:

·          solve critical thinking problems

·          understand what an algorithm is and know how to write simple algorithms

·          grasp the basics of object-oriented programming

·          be able to solve small programming problems in a correct and creative manner

·          create, compile, and execute simple programs in a modern programming language.

·          know how to use the programming constructs of sequence, iteration, and selection.

·          comprehend and use fundamental programming concepts such as data types and declarations, assignment statements, variables, constants, and arithmetic and logical operators

·          have a solid understanding of functions, scope, and lifetime of identifiers, and an awareness of the power of one-dimensional arrays.

·          be familiar with debugging programs.

·          utilize proper naming conventions for variables and constants

·          document programs effectively and design and use test data for validating programs

·          appreciate how well designed interfaces add to the success of applications

Grading Information:

Grades will be determined as follows:

(6) homework assignments (7% each)

35%

(5) quizzes (students will take 6 quizzes, but the lowest quiz grade will be dropped - 3% each)

15%

(8) Labs (1.25% each)

10%

Midterm Exam

20%

Final Exam

20%

TOTAL

100%

 

The grading scale, based on 100 points, is:

A

90-100 points

B

80-89 points

C

70-79 points

D

60-69 points

F

0-59 points

 

In order to receive full credit, assigned work must be submitted at the start of the class on the scheduled due dates. Late assignments will not be accepted. If a homework assignment or test is missed, documentation must be provided showing the reason for the student's absence. No makeup test or assignment will be given without sufficient written documentation. Arrangements for make-ups of the midterm and final exam are made only for official emergencies and must be made prior to the examination. Documentation must be provided showing the reason for the student’s absence. No makeup test will be given without sufficient written documentation.

 

EXTRA CREDIT: There is no such thing as Extra Credit.

 

QUIZZES: Each quiz will be a combination of short answer, fill-in the blank, multiple choice, essay questions, and problems. Quizzes will be taken on "lab days" and will cover one chapter and the lecture notes for that chapter. There will be a total of six quizzes, covering chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9; however, the lowest quiz grade will be dropped.

LABS: There will be eight labs and it is vital that students attend the lab and do the work. Successfully accomplishing the lab work will help students be able to complete their homework assignments and be more successful in taking quizzes and exams.

EXAMS: Each examination will be a combination of short answer, fill-in the blank, multiple choice, essay questions, and problems. Attention to class discussions, being able to discuss and apply assigned reading materials, participating in class, and completion of assignments and projects will prepare you for the examinations. Exams will be taken over two days. The midterm will cover Chapters 1 - 5 and the lecture notes and the final exam will Chapters 6 - 9 and the lecture notes.

HOMEWORK PROJECTS: There will be six homework assignments. All papers must have your full name, class title and section, and assignment number written on them.

The projects are designed to give the student practical experience with the theory presented. Students having trouble with the projects are encouraged to seek help from a classmate, the instructor, or other person. Do not wait until the last minute to begin work on your projects.

Group work is encouraged, but only for studying the material discussions. Note that plagiarized programs or exams, whether or not copied in whole or in part, will receive a grade of 0 (zero).

 

TIME REQUIREMENTS: Students will be spending a considerable amount of non-classroom time researching, reading, and preparing class assignments. A rough estimate, based on the mythical average student, would be 10-12 hours per week in outside class time.

 

ATTENDANCE: Attendance will be taken during each class. If you come to class late, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have not been put down as absent. An absence is counted as not being in class for any reason. An instructor may drop a student from any class with a grade of "WF" when he/she has missed twenty percent of the regularly scheduled class meetings. It remains your responsibility to obtain information concerning the material covered and upcoming assignments.

 

TO DROP A COURSE WITHOUT PENALTY: In order to drop a course officially without penalty, a student must obtain and fill out a Drop/Add form from the Registrar's office, acquire appropriate signatures, and return the completed form to the Registrar's office before the designated date published in the Academic Calendar posted on the College website.

 

PLAGIARISM: Plagiarism, intentional or unintentional, is prohibited. Plagiarism is defined by Webster as "the stealing and passing off of the ideas or words of another as one's own". Further, the MLA Handbook states, "Plagiarism may take the form of repeating another's sentences as your own, adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own, or even presenting someone else's line of thinking in the development of a thesis as though it were your own." (p. 4) Alleged violations involving plagiarism and other academic misconduct will be handled according to the procedure outlined in the Waycross College Student Handbook.

 

ACADEMIC SUPPORT CENTER: The Academic Support Center (ASC) was created to offer supplemental assistance to students enrolled in all courses at the College. The ASC offers a variety of services at all levels, ranging from personal tutoring in math, reading, and composition skills to providing handouts and supplementary materials on writing research papers and critiques, taking essay and objective tests, and developing effective study techniques. Through audio‑visual, computerized, self‑paced, and one‑to‑one tutorial work, the ASC assists students in developing strengths and eliminating deficiencies. Students may be referred by instructors or may independently seek additional help.

 

ADA STATEMENT: "The College is committed to providing accessibility to all students in accordance to ADA/504 guidelines. Students should contact the Director of Student Life regarding accessibility."

 

REGENTS' TEST: The Regents' Testing program was developed to assess the reading and writing competencies of students in the University System of Georgia. Students in programs leading to the baccalaureate, Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree must pass both components of the Regents' Test as a requirement for graduation.

 

The Regents' Test measures literacy and writing abilities.  The Reading portion of the test consists of 60 questions requiring students to use reading comprehension skills. The Essay portion of the test requires a well organized position paper, approximately 500 words in length, regarding one of four topics.  Review materials and practice tests are available from Student Services, the World Wide Web or the Academic Support Center. The Regent's Test will be given on Tuesday, October 28, 2008.

 

GRADE OF INCOMPLETE The grade of Incomplete is only given in extraordinary circumstances. The grade is given to students who for reason of illness, accident, or emergency are unable to complete a segment of the course. Students requesting an incomplete must have completed at least 75 percent of the course work and hold passing grade in the work completed.

Course Schedule: (This schedule is subject to change)

Week

Session Dates

Readings, Assignments, and Due Dates

Labs & Quizzes

1

AUG 19 & AUG 21

Welcome to class
Mini lectures: No Fear, Top Down Design, the PDLC, The Structure Theorem, and Pseudocode

Chapter #1: Overview of Programming & Problem Solving

Friday, August 22, 2008 - Last day to register or change a class

Lab One

2

AUG 26 & AUG 28

Chapter #1: Overview of Programming & Problem Solving (continued)

Chapter #2: C++ Syntax and Semantics, & the Programming Development Process

Programming Assignment One Assigned

Quiz One (Chapter 1)

 

3

SEP 2 & SEP 4

Chapter #2: C++ Syntax and Semantics, & the Programming Development Process (continued)

Monday, September 1, 2008 - Holiday - Labor Day - College closed

Lab Two

4

SEP 9 & SEP 11

Chapter #3: Numeric Types, Expressions & Output

Programming Assignment Two Assigned

Programming Assignment One Due (SEP 11)

Quiz Two (Chapter 2)

 

5

SEP 16 & SEP 18

Chapter #3: Numeric Types, Expressions & Output (continued)

Chapter #4: Program Input & the Software Design Process

Lab Three

6

SEP 23 & SEP 25

Chapter #4: Program Input & the Software Design Process (continued)

Programming Assignment Three Assigned

Programming Assignment Two Due (SEP 25)

Quiz Three (Chapter 3)

 

7

SEP 30 & OCT 2

Chapter #5: Conditions, Logical Expressions, & Selection Control Structures

Programming Assignment Four Assigned

Lab Four

8

OCT 7 & OCT 9

Chapter #5: Conditions, Logical Expressions, & Selection Control Structures (continued)

Review for Midterm

Programming Assignment Three Due (OCT 9)

Thursday, October 9, 2008 - Mid-Semester - Last day to drop a class or withdraw from College without penalty

Quiz Four (Chapter 4)

 

9

OCT 14 & OCT 16

Midterm (Chapters 1 - 5 and lecture notes)

Open Lab - Catch up

10

OCT 21 & OCT 23

Chapter #6: Looping

Programming Assignment Four Due (OCT 23)

Lab Five

11

OCT 28 & OCT 30

Tuesday, October 28 - Advising Day/Regents' Test - No classes

Chapter #6: Looping (continued)

Programming Assignment Five Assigned

Quiz Five (Chapter 6)

 

12

NOV 4 & NOV 6

Chapter #9: Additional Control Structures

Lab Six

13

NOV 11 & NOV 13

Chapter #9: Additional Control Structures (continued)

Chapter #7: Functions

Programming Assignment Five Due (NOV 13)

Quiz Six (Chapter 9)

 

14

NOV 18 & NOV 20

Chapter #7: Functions (continued)

Programming Assignment Six Assigned

Lab Seven

15

NOV 25 & NOV 27

Thursday, November 27 - Thanksgiving Holiday - No classes

Chapter #8: Scope, Lifetime, & More on Functions

Thanksgiving Holiday

16

DEC 2 & DEC 4

Chapter #8: Scope, Lifetime, & More on Functions (continued)

Chapter #12.1: One-dimensional Arrays

Programming Assignment Six Due (DEC 4)

Lab Eight

17

December 8 - 10

Final Examinations

(Chapters 6 - 9 and lecture notes)