Course syllabus : CPSC1301 – Computer Science 1 – Fall 2014
Freshman Learning Community –Solving Problems using Technology

 

INSTRUCTOR - Dr. Wayne Summers

EMAIL - wsummers@ColumbusState.edu

HOMEPAGE: http://csc.ColumbusState.edu/summers

PHONE

Office phone: (706) 507-8193

School phone: (706) 507-8170

OFFICE HOURS AND LOCATION MTWRF 11:00-11:50 a.m., MTWRF 1:00-2:00pm; via e-mail, CougarView discussions and by appointment / CCT 455

MEETING TIME AND PLACE CCT 405 MWF 8-8:50am

 

Course Information

COURSE CRN NUMBER/TITLE CPSC1301 – Computer Science 1 (CRN 82814/81934(81951))

CREDIT HOURS/PREREQUISITES (3 credits). Co-requisite: CPSC 1301L

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).

Required Textbook and Materials

Introduction to Programming Using Python by Y. Daniel Liang, Person Publishing, 2013; 978-0-13-274718.

Companion Website – http://www.pearsonhighered.com/liang

MyProgramming lab – http://www.myprogramminglab.com

PURCHASE BUNDLE (from bookstore): INTRO PROGRMMG WITH PYTHON&MYPROGLAB/ETX AC Edition, ISBN - 9780133050554

 

Supplementary Books and Materials

Learning Outcomes

Course Objective: Upon completion of this course, students will

·        demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts of computer programming, including problem solving and algorithm development, procedural abstraction and software design

·        be able to use simple data types, control structures, array and string data structures

·        demonstrate these basic skills in programming by writing several significant programs

·        use good software engineering principles and developing fundamental programming skills in the context of a language that supports the object-oriented paradigm

·        be familiar with standard debugging techniques.

 

Course Outcomes:

  • The students will demonstrate an understanding of computing and computer science.
    • Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome:
      • Study concepts of computing and computer science.
      • Class discussion about what is computing and computer science.
    • ABET Criteria covered: A, E, and G
    • Program Objectives covered: 2
    • Assessment Methods: Written Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams.
  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of computer programming concepts.
    • Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome:
      • Study concepts of computer programming.
      • Read and write moderately complex programs in a programming language.
    • ABET Criteria covered: A, B, and C
    • Program Objectives covered: 2 and 3
    • Assessment Methods: Written and Programming Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams.
  • The students will demonstrate knowledge of basic syntax of a specific programming language
    • Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome:
      • Study of concepts of computer programming.
      • Study the API for the programming language.
    • ABET Criteria covered: A, B, and C
    • Program Objectives covered: 2 and 3
    • Assessment Methods: Written and Programming Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams.
  • The students will demonstrate the ability to read moderately complex programs written in a specific programming language and understand what these programs do
    •  Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome:
      • Study concepts of computer programming.
      • Read and write moderately complex programs in a programming language.
    • ABET Criteria covered: A, B, and C
    • Program Objectives covered: 2 and 3
    • Assessment Methods: Written and Programming Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams.
  • The students will demonstrate the ability to design algorithms utilizing the principles of object-oriented programming to solve moderately complex problems
    • Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome:
      • Study concepts of computer programming.
      • Read and write moderately complex programs in a programming language.
    • ABET Criteria covered: A, B, and C
    • Program Objectives covered: 3
    • Assessment Methods: Written and Programming Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams.
  • The students will demonstrate the ability to write moderately complex programs in a specific programming language to implement these algorithms
    • Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome:
      • Study concepts of computer programming.
    • ABET Criteria covered: A, B, and C
    • Program Objectives covered: 3
    • Assessment Methods: Written and Programming Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams.
  • The students will demonstrate the ability to follow specified style guidelines in writing programs, and understand how the guidelines enhance readability and promote correctness in programs
    • Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome:
      • Study concepts of computer programming.
    • ABET Criteria covered: A, B, C, and J
    • Program Objectives covered: 2 and 3
    • Assessment Methods: Written and Programming Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams.
  • The students will demonstrate the ability to edit, compile, debug and run programs in a specific programming language
    • Strategies and Actions used to produce the outcome:
      • Study concepts of computer programming.
    • ABET Criteria covered: A, B, and C
    • Program Objectives covered: 2 and 3
    • Assessment Methods: Written and Programming Assignments, Quizzes, and Exams.

 

Course Assessment

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

  1. The class will meet for three fifty minute lecture / discussion periods each week. Class time will focus on solving problems, programming in Python and other computer science topics. Class times will focus on the readings that need to be completed before class.
  2. Each student is expected to attend all class lectures, to read the textbook chapters and to make notes. Students will be expected to participate in classroom discussions, both in class and online. This means you MUST read the book before coming to class!!!!
  3. Students must have access to computers for doing assignments.
  4. 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 unit that is listed as requiring 3 hours typically entails a total of 12 hours (3 in class and 9 outside).” Students will be expected to spend this time outside class reading the book, online materials and other materials; writing solutions to homework exercises and programming projects.

From A Study Guide: “Study actively. Ask yourself questions, review your notes regularly, create concept maps, and discuss key concepts with peers and your instructor. FACT: Association is a key to memory and cognitive research has shown that you will remember 10 percent of what you read, 20 percent of what you hear, 30 percent of what you see, 50 percent of what you hear and see together, 70 percent of what you say, and 90 percent of what you do!"

COURSE EVALUATION

GRADED LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Approx.

Percentage

Approx.

Points

Programming Assignments [lowest one will be dropped] – due before 7 am on the class day

  • For each assignment, students will be expected to analyze requirements of the problem, design the algorithm and implement the algorithm by coding it into a Python program. Assignments will focus on one or more of the learning objectives. Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period of the due date. Assignments turned in after those times are considered late. Late assignments are not accepted for any reason. Programs should be submitted through the CougarView dropbox.  Include your program source code and ancillary files as an attachment.

30%

300

Daily Quizzes [best forty quizzes will be used] (5 pts each)

20%

200

In-class / homework assignments (including MyProgrammingLab) (5 pts each)

Fridays may include a variety of computer science activities that may or may not be computer programming. Many of these will have assignments that may be completed in class or at home

20%

200

midterm test

10%

100

comprehensive FINAL EXAM

·        Quizzes and exams will assess whether students have an understanding of solving problems and using computer programming languages to implement a solution. Students will be expected to analyze the requirements of a problem, design the algorithm and code the solution in Python on the exam.  Midterm and final exams test material from the lectures, readings and programming exercises. The exams may include multiple choice, fill in the blanks, short answer questions and programming questions (you will be asked to write code). Both exams are closed book, closed notes, no calculators. If you miss any quiz or exam or are absent for that class, it will NOT be made up.

20%

200

Class Participation (will be considered for students who are on the borderline between two letter grades)

 

 

TOTAL

 

1000

 

Percentage Range

Final Grade

 

90-100%

A

·        fulfills or exceeds all of the assigned content requirements.

·        knowledge of the subject is accurate throughout

·        exhibits convincing range and quality of knowledge, having done appropriate research, if applicable.

80-89%

B

·        fulfills all of the important assigned content requirements

·        knowledge of the subject is accurate throughout except in minor details.

·        seems informed on the subject, having done appropriate research, if applicable

70-79%

C

·        fulfills most of the important assigned content requirements.

·        knowledge of the subject is generally accurate, though flawed

·        exhibits limited range or quality of knowledge, having done limited appropriate research, if applicable.

60-69%

D

·        fulfills some of the important assigned content requirements

·         knowledge of the subject is generally accurate, though flawed

·        exhibits limited range or quality of knowledge, having done minimal appropriate research, if applicable.

59% and below

F

·        fails to address the important requirements of the course.

·        knowledge of the subject is generally inaccurate and/or lacks range or quality

ADMINISTRATIVE Policies AND ACADEMIC RESOURCES

CSU DISABILITY POLICY

If you have a documented disability as described by 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 Office of Disability Services located in Schuster Student Success Center, Room 221, 706-507-8755 as soon as possible. Students taking online courses can contact the Office of Disability services at http://disability.columbusstate.edu/. The Office of Disability Services can assist you in formulating a reasonable accommodation plan and in providing support. Course requirements will not be waived but accommodations may be able to assist you to meet the requirements. Technical support may also be available to meet your specific need.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

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.

Students are expected to comply with the provisions of Section III, "Student Responsibilities," of the Columbus State University Student Handbook.  This specifically includes the sections on "Academic Irregularity," and "Conduct Irregularity."  In particular, the Columbus State University Student Handbook states:

“No student shall give or receive assistance in the preparation of any assignment, essay, laboratory report, or examination to be submitted as a requirement for any academic course in such a way that the submitted work can no longer be considered the personal effort of the student submitting the work.”

Examples of Academic Dishonesty include but are not limited to:  Plagiarism (see definition below), 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 any attempt to represent the work or ideas of someone else as your own.  This includes purchasing or obtaining papers from any person 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 to Turnitin.com for the detection of plagiarism.

Any work turned in for individual credit must be entirely the work of the student submitting the work. All work must be your own. You may share ideas but submitting identical assignments (for example) will be considered cheating. You may discuss the material in the course and help one another with debugging, however, I expect any work you hand in for a grade to be your own. A simple way to avoid inadvertent plagiarism is to talk about the assignments, but don't read each other's work or write solutions together. Keep scratch paper and old versions of assignments until after the assignment has been graded and returned to you. If you have any questions about this, please see me immediately.

For assignments, access to notes, textbook, books and other publications is allowed. Stealing, giving or receiving any code, diagrams, drawings, text or designs from another person (CSU or non-CSU) is not allowed. Having access to another person’s work on the system or giving access to your work to another person is not allowed. It is your responsibility to keep your work confidential.

 

No cheating in any form will be tolerated. Please be aware that anyone caught cheating or plagiarizing in this class will receive a “0” for the assignment/exam and may receive a “0” for the course.

STUDENT COMPLAINT PROCESS

Information and resources for student complaints and academic appeals are located at the following link on the Columbus State University website   http://aa.columbusstate.edu/appeals/.

COURSE ATTENDANCE POLICY

Class attendance is the responsibility of the student, and it is the student's responsibility to independently cover any materials missed. Class attendance and participation may also be used in determining grades. It is your responsibility to sign a roll sheet for every class meeting. At my discretion, I may drop you from the course for more than six (6) absences. Missing an exam or quiz is considered an absence. Missed classes caused by participation in documented, formal, University-sponsored events will not count as absences provided you notify me of such anticipated absences in advance and as soon as possible.

You are responsible for all class work missed, regardless of the reason for the absence(s). Late assignments will not be accepted, so if you are absent on the day an assignment is due, it is your responsibility to make alternate arrangements. No makeup exams or quizzes will be given, so please make sure you are present for all exams/quizzes. Refer to the CSU Catalog (http://ace.columbusstate.edu/advising/a.php#AttendancePolicy) for more information on class attendance and withdrawal.

 

Electronic Devices and Academic Integrity: All cell phones and pagers must be turned off prior to entering the classroom or lab. The use of any electronic device during a test or quiz is prohibited. This includes cell phones, handheld calculators, iPhones, Android phones, PalmPilots, Blackberrys, PocketPCs, and laptops. Any use of such a device during a test or quiz will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

TECHNICAL RESOURCES

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

How do I know if my computer will work with CougarView (D2L)?

SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

An- office suite such as Microsoft Office or Open Office

  • To open PDF files you might need Acrobat Reader
  • Browser Plugins (Pdf files, QuickTime files, Mp4 files) can be usually be obtained at the browsers website.

Google Chrome

Firefox

Safari

Internet Explorer (Caution: IE is often problematic for D2L-CougarVIEW)

If you need technical support or need assistance configuring your computer, you can refer to the link located in the "Support Resources" widget located on your "My Home" and your "Course Home" pages. If you cannot solve your problem after reviewing the knowledge base help pages, you can call help center 24-7 and talk to a Help Center agent. The number is 1-855-772-0423.

Course Material Downloads

To download tutorials, videos, examples: http://csdcsblog.wordpress.com

To download Python (with IDLE): http://www.python.org/download/

To download JGrasp: http://www.jgrasp.org/

OTHER

How to Access the Course

You can access the course through CougarView at: http://colstate.view.usg.edu/ 

Use your school credentials to access the site. If CougarView will not let you in, visit the GeorgiaVIEW D2L Help Center or call the CSU Help Desk at 706-507-8199.  If you are still having problems gaining access a day or so after the class begins, please e-mail me immediately.

Once you've entered CougarView, you will see a list of courses you have access to. The CPSC 1301 course is listed as "Computer Science 1". Next to this, you should see my name as the instructor. You may also see new discussion postings, new calendar postings, and new mail messages. Clicking on the name of the course will take you to the course's home page. If you do not see the "Computer Science 1" course in the list, please e-mail me immediately. [There are separate entries for CPSC1301 and CPSC1301L]

Once you have clicked on the course's name and accessed the particular course itself, you will find a home page with links to other sections and tools, and a menu on the left-hand side. Feel free to explore the areas in the course.

Course Website
It is your responsibility to frequently look at the course website to keep your knowledge of class activities current. For this course, the website is at http://csc.ColumbusState.edu/summers. I may occasionally forget to announce details in class, but they may have been already posted on the site and/or in CougarView. If so, you will still be held responsible for them. For example, assignment due dates, corrections of errors, announcements, exam dates, changes to policies, and so on. 

Getting help
Student assistants in the public Computer Center labs / Library can help you with basic computer-related problems such as logging on to the network, saving your work, etc., but they are not obligated to help you with your assignments. There are several tutors in the School of Computer Science lab (CCT450) who can help you with the assignments. Their schedule is posted in the Computer Science School. You can always contact me during my posted office hours, by e-mail, or by appointment.

 

Tutoring

FREE tutoring is available in CCT450 (MTWR 9am-9pm, F 9am-5pm) See https://cs.columbusstate.edu/students/lab_schedule.php for details.

 

Online help for CPSC1301 is available through CougarView. You should have a class titled CPSC_Online_Tutoring - CPSC Online Tutoring. Click on the course and use the discussions and/or the email to ask questions.

University Writing Center (UWC) Students can receive free academic support from the University Writing Center (UWC). UWC offers peer consultations on writing across the curriculum. For more information, call 706-568-2483, visit http://writingcenter.columbusstate.edu/index.php, or visit https://ace.columbusstate.edu/tutorialservices.php.

Discussion Etiquette

CSU is committed to open, frank, and insightful dialogue in all of its courses. Diversity has many manifestations, including diversity of thought, opinion, and values. Students are encouraged to be respectful of that diversity and to refrain from inappropriate commentary. Should such inappropriate comments occur, I will intervene as I monitor the dialogue in the discussions. I will request that inappropriate content be removed from the discussion and will recommend university disciplinary action if deemed appropriate. Students as well as faculty should be guided by common sense and basic etiquette. The following are good guidelines to follow:

  • Never post, transmit, promote, or distribute content that is known to be illegal.
  • Never post harassing, threatening, or embarrassing comments.
  • If you disagree with someone, respond to the subject, not the person.

Never post content that is harmful, abusive; racially, ethnically, or religiously offensive; vulgar; sexually explicit; or otherwise potentially offensive.

 Student Responsibilities

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

  • manage your time and maintain the discipline required to meet the course requirements,
  • come to class prepared to ask questions to maximize your understanding of the material,
  • complete all readings,
  • complete all assignments,
  • complete all quizzes and exams,
  • actively participate in discussions,
  • submit the “one-minute paper” after each class, and
  • read any e-mail sent by the instructor and respond accordingly.

“I didn’t know” is NOT an acceptable excuse for failing to meet the course requirements. If you fail to meet your responsibilities, you do so at your own risk.

Instructor Responsibilities

As your instructor in this course, I am responsible to:

  • lead the class discussion and answer students’ questions,
  • post weekly lessons outlining the assignments for the week,
  • read all responses to discussion questions and comments to responses,
  • actively participate in discussions when necessary,
  • respond to students questions and concerns expressed in the “one-minute paper”, 
  • grade assignments, quizzes, and exams, and post scores within one week of the end of the week in which they are submitted, and
  • read any e-mail sent by the you and respond accordingly within 48 hours.

Although I will read every posted discussion question and response, I will not necessarily respond to every post. 

Student Portfolio

Students are encouraged to keep and maintain a portfolio of all of their work (assignments, projects, etc.) throughout their academic program. It is recommended that you keep a copy on your personal H: drive at CSU and back it up regularly on your own portable media or in the cloud.

 

Course Schedule (Tentative)

WEEK

DATE

TOPIC

READING/ASSIGNMENT

1

Aug. 18-22

PROBLEM SOLVING / COMPUTATIONAL THINKING

Problem Decomposition

Pattern Recognition

Algorithmic Thinking

Introduction to Computers, Programs, and Python

Chapter 1

2

Aug. 25-29

Introduction to Computers, Programs, and Python

Chapter 1

Assignment 1 due 8/29

3

Sep. 1-5

9/1- Labor Day

Elementary Programming

Chapter 2

 

4

Sep. 8-12

Elementary Programming

Mathematical Functions, Strings, and Objects

9/12 - Deadline to Withdraw

Chapter 2-3

Assignment 2 due 9/10

5

Sep. 15-19

Mathematical Functions, Strings, and Objects

Chapter 3

6

Sep. 22-26

Selections

Chapter 4

Assignment 3 due

7

Sep. 29-Oct.3

Selections / Loops

Chapter 4-5

8

Oct. 6-10

Loops

10/10 – REVIEW

10/12 - MIDTERM

Chapter 5

Assignment 4 due

9

Oct. 13-17

10/13-14 - Fall Break (no classes)

Functions

Chapter 6

10

Oct. 20-24

Functions

Objects and Classes

Chapter 6-7

Assignment 5 due

11

Oct. 27-31

Objects and Classes

Chapter 7

12

Nov. 3-7

More on Strings & Special Methods

GUI Programming Using TKinter

Chapter 8/9

Assignment 6 due

13

Nov. 10-14

GUI Programming Using TKinter

Lists

Chapter 9/10

14

Nov. 17-21

Lists

Chapter 10

Assignment 7 due

15

Nov. 24-28

11/26-28 - Thanksgiving Holiday Break (no classes)

Lists

Chapter 10

16

Dec. 1-5

Multidimensional Lists

Chapter 11

17

Dec. 8-12

12/9 – STUDY DAY

REVIEW Chapters 1-11

Assignment 8 due

18

Dec. 15

GRADUATION

 

 

ABET Criteria:

Students in CS/IT will have a(n)

A. ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline;

B. ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution;

C. ability to design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs;

D. ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal;

E. understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities;

F. ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;

G. ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations and society;

H. recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, continuing professional development;

I. ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.

J. 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;

K. 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.

 

Please return the following information to me at the next class meeting.

 CPSC 1301 (CRN 82814/81934) FALL 2014

 Student’s name: ___________________________________ (please print)

High School attended: _______________________________

 Where can I reach you in case it becomes necessary? **

 Email address that you use regularly: _____________________________________

 Phone number(s): ____________________________________________________

Do you receive text messages on this phone:                      _______ YES               _______NO

Do you unlimited received text messages on this phone: _______ YES               _______NO

 

 Declaration: I have read, understood and agree to abide by the policies mentioned in the syllabus pertaining to the course. In particular, I agree to abide by the assignment policy/late work policy, attendance policy, academic dishonesty policy, website policy and exam policy.

 (You must sign and date below).

 

 Signature: _______________________________ Date: ________________

 ** Optional information