Syllabus: CPSC 1301K - Computer Science 1

Instructor Information

Dr. Carroll
Dr. Hyrum D. Carroll
carroll_hyrum@columbusstate.edu
TSYS School of Computer Science
Columbus State University
SCCT 442
(706) 507-8182

Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)

TBA
CPSC1301@columbusstate.edu

Student Hours

I will keep the following Student Hours.  I will be both in my office and available online.  I can also be available at other times, just email me for an appointment.  Note, students that have scheduled a time with me will have priority over walk-ins. During my regular Student Hours (if I don't have a meeting) you can start a video chat with me by clicking HERE or with the following steps: In CougarVIEW, click on the "Content" menu, then "Virtual Student Hours".

Student Hours
Day Times
Monday 12:00 – 1:00 PM
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Tuesday 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Wednesday   12:00 – 1:00 PM
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Thursday 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Friday 12:00 – 1:00 PM
2:00 – 3:00 PM
And by appointment

Dr. Carroll's Student Hours

Class Information

Days: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
Times: 10:00 - 11:50 AM
Room: SCCT 407
Section: 01
CRN: 28586
Credits: 4

Required Textbook

logoHow to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Interactive Edition
Cost: $0
We will cover material in Chapters 1 - 13.
Provides an interactive environment that allows you to type in code and run them. Also has useful features like interactive quizzes and tracing of code execution.
Note: An older version is available as a single pdf at: http://www.ict.ru.ac.za/Resources/cspw/thinkcspy3/thinkcspy3.pdf.

Resources

Python logoPython Software Foundation website
Contains latest Python language documentation, tutorials, and guides

Prerequisite

None

Course Description

This course includes an overview of computers and programming; problem solving and algorithm development; simple data types; arithmetic and logic operators; selection structures; repetition structures; text files; arrays (one-and-two-dimensional); procedural abstraction and software design; modular programming (including sub-programs or the equivalent).

This course is a required course for Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, and Math. This course counts in Area D for other majors.

This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the STEM area.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help master course content, and support students' broad academic and career goals. This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question: Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome: Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:

Learning Outcomes

Course Objective: Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

Course Outcomes

Course Communication

Performance Evaluation

Category Percentage
Quizzes 15%
Practice Programming Assignments   10%
Programming Projects   17.5%
We Solve It! Project (small group or individual)   10%
Independent Programming Assignments 17.5%
Exams (10% each) 30%

You must get an average of at least 70% on the proctored items to pass the class. This includes: Independent Programming Assignments and exams.

Each of the grading categories is capped at 100%.

Grading

Course letter grades are determined by the final course average according to the following chart:
Grading Criteria
% Range Course
Grade
90 – 100 A
80 – 89 B
70 – 79 C
60 – 69 D
<60 F
The last day to drop without a grade and receive a 100% refund is Tuesday, January 24, 2023. The last day to withdraw with a "WP" grade is Monday, March 6, 2023.

Course Websites

The course schedule, assignment descriptions, syllabus, etc. are hosted at http://csc.columbusstate.edu/carroll/1301/. Grades for each assignment, assignment submissions, quizzes, etc. are hosted in CougarVIEW.

Attendance

Attendance is required by the university and is the responsibility of the student. I expect each student to be in attendance for each class in-person. Attendance will be calculated by your arrival and duration in class. For this course, attendance applies to both the first and second meeting times each day. Additionally, it is the student's responsibility to independently cover any materials missed. Makeup exams or quizzes are generally not given, so please make sure you are present for all exams and quizzes. Attendance may also be used in determining grades. It is your responsibility to make sure your attendance gets recorded correctly for every class meeting (see under Student Responsibilities below). At my discretion, I may drop you from the course for absences of two weeks of classes or more. Refer to the CSU Catalog (https://catalog.columbusstate.edu/academic-regulations/undergraduate-academic-regulations/) for more information on class attendance and withdrawal.

Attendance Bonus: Research shows a strong positive correlation between attending class and a good grade in that class. To make that correlation even more positive, the following attendance bonus is offered. If a student attends each class, then their overall course grade will be increased by 1%. If a student only misses the equivalent of one class, then 0.67% will be added; if a student only misses the equivalent of two classes, then 0.33% will be added. No bonus will be applied for students missing the equivalent of three or more classes.
Note: University events with required attendance will not penalize your attendance bonus.

Lecture

Computers are permitted in lecture for note taking and completing exercises. Other activities such as web surfing and social networking are inappropriate. Not only do they distract you but also others.

Students that do not attend both of the first two lectures may be dropped from the course.
An audible cell phone ring and noise during class will require the possessor to bring fruit, cookies, or equivalent for the entire class during the next lecture time.

Additionally, all views are to be heard and engaged respectively. As scholars, we are expected to analyze subject matter critically and express reasonable positions that are based on logic and fact rather than on emotion.

Practice Assignments

You have the opportunity to complete several practice assignments this semester to help you learn and retain the techniques that you will learn. For the practice assignments hosted on codePost.io, you can submit them late for reduced points (half off each week that it's late).

Projects

There will be 4-6 projects. Projects must be written in Python. They are due at 10:00 PM Eastern Time on the assigned due date (unless indicated otherwise). A total of at most 3 late days will be granted for the entire semester for projects (and only for projects). (Sunday and Monday are counted as 1 day late.) For example, if Project 2 is turned in two days late and Project 3 is turned in one day late, then all of the late days for the semester have been used.
If an assignment contains portions that are more than 75% similar to other material (not provided by the instructor), zero points will be awarded Additionally, an Academic Misconduct incident may be reported as well.
Students missing two or more projects will receive an F or FA in this course. It is recommended that you regularly keep a copy of your projects on a second device.

Exams

There will be three exams during the regular semester. They are tentatively scheduled for:
Wednesday, February 8, 2023,
Friday, March 10, 2023 and
Monday, May 1, 2023.

Final Examination Time

We will use the final examination time (Thursday, May 4, 2023, 10:45 AM – 1:15 PM in the same room as the classroom) for We Solve It! Project presentations.

Advice for Succeeding in this Course

What To Do When You Get Stuck

General steps for addressing a coding challenge:

  1. Write down (yes, write down) a description of the problem
  2. Isolate the problem and replicate it in the simplest form possible
  3. Search for answers (e.g., in the book, on-line, etc.)
  4. Ask the Computer Science tutors for help (online and in room SCCT 450) (see below for details)
  5. If you've already spent an hour trying to solve the problem, send me an email. In your email, state:
    1. What is working correctly
    2. What you have tried
    3. What you expected / what is wrong
    Note, if you send an email and then later figured out a solution, please send a second email indicating that it's resolved.

Tutoring Help

Computer Science tutoring

Free computer science tutoring is available online and in SCCT 450. To make an appointment, simply:

  1. Click on the EAB link from your main MyCSU webpage
  2. Click "Get Assistance"
  3. Choose "Tutoring" in the first drop box.
  4. Choose "Computer Science Tutoring" in the second drop box.
  5. Choose the course you need help with in the third drop box.
  6. On the next page, choose "Computer Science Tutoring SCCT 450” (Note, even if the tutor is only available online, you still need to choose the “SCCT 450” option)
  7. Choose the tutor you wish to make an appointment with and click "Next"
You can also get help with a tutor even if you do not have an appointment. To access the online tutor video chat room either visit https://teams.microsoft.com/l/team/19%3a7kA90f1qNXfKkPrjaGnGJDquWWt9164cFwdGa4dMtSI1%40thread.tacv2/conversations?groupId=0baf2b03-84bf-4980-8d95-f1562b292a8d&tenantId=0f04a099-6dc7-44fd-a875-00922906fc9b or follow these steps:
  1. Go to the "Computer Science Online Tutoring" CougarVIEW page. If you do not have access to this page, please let me know. On this page you will find a calendar containing the times that each tutor is available.
  2. Look at the calendar on the left to see who’s on duty
  3. Click on "Content"
  4. Click on "Online Tutoring Chat"
  5. Click on "Collaborate Ultra"
  6. Choose the name of the tutor you wish to chat with.
  7. Click "Join session”

Academic Center for Tutoring (ACT)

The ACT at CSU offers the following services free for all enrolled CSU students:

  1. Appointment-based one-on-one or small group tutoring in a variety of core courses, writing help in all courses, and assistance with general study skills or online learning skills. Sessions can be online or face-to-face in the center located in Simon Schwob Memorial Library, second floor. Use EAB to make an appointment or contact the center for assistance.
  2. Drop-in math lab in the library basement (room 019) that is open for limited hours (see website for exact days/times).
  3. A limited amount of after-hours online tutoring through tutor.com. Access is through your courses in CougarVIEW.
Visit the ACT website for more information about the ACT and tutor.com: https://www.columbusstate.edu/academic-center-for-tutoring/. If you have any questions or need help you can email act@columbusstate.edu or call 706-507-8646.

Time Commitment

The amount of time it will take you to complete the work for the course will depend on many factors, which will vary with each individual. The ACM recommends the following: "As a general guideline, the amount of out-of-class work is approximately three times the in-class time. Thus, a course that is listed as requiring 3 hours typically entails a total of 12 hours (3 in class and 9 outside)." Student in my classes typically spend more time than this guideline. This time commitment increases for partially or fully on-line courses. Students will be expected to spend this time outside class reading the book, online materials and other materials; writing solutions to exercises and programming projects. It will be helpful to set aside regular study time when you can work uninterrupted.

Privacy Policies

Below are the links to the privacy policies for the tools that we will be using in this course:

Administrative Policies and Academic Resources

ADA and 504 Statement

Columbus State University provides reasonable accommodations for all qualified persons under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504. You may be eligible to receive accommodations to assist in programmatic and/or physical accessibility. We recommend that you contact the Center for Accommodation and Access located in Schuster Student Success Center, Room 102, 706-507-8755 as soon as possible if you think you are eligible for accommodations. The Center for Accommodation and Access can assist you in formulating a reasonable accommodation plan, identifying additional resources, and providing support. Accommodations may be able to assist you to meet the requirements. Technical support may also be available to meet your specific need. Please contact Sarah Secoy if you have questions. She can be reached at 706-507-8755 or at caa@columbusstate.edu.

Title IX Discrimination

Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, harassment based on sex, including non-consensual sexual contact, non-consensual sexual penetration, stalking, domestic and dating violence, and harassment or discrimination because of pregnancy or related conditions, is prohibited. If a student would like to file a complaint for Title IX discrimination or has any questions, please contact the CSU Title IX Coordinator (Sarah Secoy, 4225 University Avenue, Schuster 110, Columbus, GA 31907, secoy_sarah@columbusstate.edu, 706.507.8757), Deputy Title IX Coordinator (Craig Burgess, Richards 205, 706-507-8234, burgess_craig@columbusstate.edu), and/or the Office of Civil Rights (Atlanta Office, U.S. Department of Education, 61 Forsyth Street S.W., Suite 19T10, Atlanta, GA 30303-8927, 404.974.9406, OCR.Atlanta@ed.gov).

COVID-19

Please review the updates to the Columbus State University COVID-19 Procedures and Response Team FAQs on the COVID 19 Response and Updates page.

CougarVIEW (D2L Brightspace) Accessibility Information

CougarVIEW is our institution's version of D2L Brightspace, an online course platform. The accessibility page from the D2L website states, "We believe that every mind matters and access to high-quality learning should be universal...We constantly strive to ensure that our learning platforms work seamlessly with various assistive technologies to provide a great learning experience to people with diverse needs. We integrate the latest global accessibility standards into our product process and openly report conformance to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AAA standards and compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, 1973." For more information go to D2L Accessibility.

Note, all other tools used in this course do not have accessibility statements (nor Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) statements) posted.

HOUSE BILL 280

Whether a fully online, blended classroom, or on-ground classroom student, you should become familiar with "campus carry" legislation. For information regarding HB 280 (Campus Carry), please refer to House Bill 280. It is the permit holder's responsibility to know and comply with the law.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Information regarding student rights and responsibilities can be found in the CSU Student Handbook.

As a student in this course, you are responsible to:

"I didn't know" is NOT an acceptable excuse for failing to meet the course requirements.

Academic Honesty

Please refer to the CSU Student Handbook for additional information on academic honesty.

All students are expected to recognize and uphold standards of intellectual and academic integrity. As a basic and minimum standard of conduct in academic matters that students be honest and that they submit for credit only the products of their own efforts. Both the ideals of scholarship and the need for fairness require that all dishonest work be rejected as a basis for academic credit. They also require that students refrain from any and all forms of dishonorable or unethical conduct related to their academic work.

Examples of Academic Dishonesty include but are not limited to: plagiarism, giving or receiving unauthorized assistance on exams, quizzes, class assignments or projects, unauthorized collaboration, multiple submissions (in whole or part) of work that has been previously submitted for credit. Plagiarism is an attempt to represent the work or ideas of someone or something else as your own. This includes purchasing or obtaining solutions to assignments or projects from any person or thing and turning them in as your own. It also includes the use of paraphrases or quotes from a published source without properly citing the source. All written assignments may be submitted for textual similarity review for the detection of plagiarism. No cheating in any form will be tolerated. Please be aware that students found plagiarizing in this course will receive a 0 for the assignment/exam and may receive a 0 for the course. Moreover, a report will be also added to your file and to CSU's Create Care online system. The following graphic illustrates what are authorized resources and what are not:
Graphical presentation of Encouraged: Course Textbook, Course Materials, Teaching Assistant (TA), CSU Tutors, Dr. Carroll; Need to cite: Educational Reference Materials; Ask Dr. Carroll: Online Forums/Resources, Other

Emotional and Mental Health

Your emotional and mental health is very important and can affect your ability to meet your academic responsibility. Part and full time students have free access to mental health counseling through the CSU Counseling Center. If you begin to experience any sort of emotional concerns such as anxiety, depression, or significant life events that are negatively impacting you, please seek help at the counseling center as quickly as possible. Please know that you will find a friendly "virtual" face for your appointments. Hours of operation are 8:00AM to 8:00PM Monday and Tuesday and 8:00AM to 5:00PM Wednesday through Friday. You can call to set up an appointment: 706-507-8740. If you are in crisis during non-business hours, please call the Georgia Crisis Line: 1-800-715-4225.

Technical Resources

Minimum Technical Proficiency

Students should be able to complete the following tasks:

Hardware and Software Requirements

Check your system's compatibility with CougarVIEW: CougarVIEW System Check (GeorgiaVIEW's system checker is compatible with CougarVIEW.) You can always learn more about CougarVIEW (D2L Brightspace) by clicking on the Resources navigation menu in CougarVIEW and selecting "CougarVIEW (D2L) Student Guide" on the top navigation bar. If you need technical support or need assistance configuring your computer, please go to the link located in the "Technical Resources" widget located on your "My Home" and your "Course Home" pages. Most technical problems can be resolved by reviewing the knowledge base help pages. You can also contact the CougarVIEW Help Desk 24/7 at 1-855-772-0423.

Instructor Responsibilities

ABET Criteria

Students in CS/IT will have a(n)
  1. ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline;
  2. ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution;
  3. ability to design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs;
  4. ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal;
  5. understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities;
  6. ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
  7. ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society;
  8. recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, continuing professional development;
  9. ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.
  10. ability to apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices;
  11. ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.
CS Program Objectives:
Our graduates will have achieved:
  1. A broad general education assuring an adequate foundation in science and mathematics relevant to computing.
  2. A solid understanding of concepts fundamental to the discipline of computer science.
  3. Good analytic, design, and implementation skills required to formulate and solve computing problems.
  4. The ability to function and communicate effectively as ethically and social responsible computer science professionals.
ACM Code of Ethics flyer

Turner College of Business Mission and Vision Statements

Vision 2025: We will be recognized as a leader in innovative business and technology education.

Mission: We create better futures for our diverse student body by producing a career-ready workforce. Our programs are in business and technology – and where the two meet.

See an expanded version of our mission at https://turner.columbusstate.edu/mission-and-vision.php.