Introduction to Computer Science I
CSC 121
Section 1 & 2
Spring 2005
Course Prerequisites
MAT 111 or 115 or equivalent
Description
CSC 121 teaches problem solving methods
and algorithms in a modern high-level programming language. The course introduces
one or more programming environments and emphasizes programming style as well
as the design, coding, and testing of complete programs. A grade of "C" or
better is required for taking any course for which CSC 121 is a prerequisite.
The lecture hours for both sections of this class are from 10:00 - 10:50 WF in the Randall Library Auditorium.
There is also a lab component to this class, during
which you will work on computer programs related to the material discussed in the lectures. The lab for section 1 meets from 9:00 - 10:40 on Monday in BR 165. The lab for
section 2 meets from 11:00 - 12:40 on Monday in BR 165.
The goal of teaching problem solving methods
and algorithms will be met by using the Java programming language. CSC 121
will teach the object oriented programming philosophy and students will use
the Java programming language to design, code,
and test programs. The programming assignments will range in difficulty from
simple windowed output that exploits an existing graphical output package
to programs that use programmer-designed classes and methods that implement
somewhat complex algorithms.
Text
C. Thomas Wu,
An Introduction to Object-Oriented
Programming with Java, Third Edition, WCB/McGraw-Hill, Boston,
MA, 1999. ISBN 0-07-239684-9. The author's Web site for the book can be
found
here
Instructor
Contact information
(910)-962-3695
Office hours
11:00 - 12:00 WF and by appointment.
Class Web page:
Grading
Weighting
Your final grade will be determined based upon your performance on three
in-term tests, the final exam, and programming assignments. These
components will be assigned weights as follows:
- The first intermediate test is weighted 12%, the second is weighted 14%, and the third test is weighted 16%, for a total
weighting of 42%
- programming assignments 32%
- final exam 26%,
Test dates
The in-term tests
will be given on February 4, 2005, March 11, 2005, and April 15, 2005..
The final exam will be given on Friday, April 29 from 8:00 -11:00 am in BR 165.
The final WILL INCLUDE
a programming component for which you will have to design, develop and implement
a working program during the course of the three-hour exam.
Grade scale
Your final grade will
be determined according to the following scale:
> 93 A
90-93 A-
87-89 B+
84-86 B
80 - 83 B-
77-79 C+
74-76 C
70 - 73 C-
67-69 D+
64-66 D
60 - 63 D-
< 60 F
The instructor reserves the right, solely at his own discretion, to curve
grades.
Incomplete grades
Incomplete grades
are given only very rarely and only when the student is
otherwise passing
the course,
able to complete
the work of the course entirely on his/her own, and
prevented from
completing the course by verified unforeseen circumstances beyond the control
of the student.
The instructor MUST
be able to certify all three of these factors to the chair before assigning
a grade of "I".
Key dates
Monday, January 17, Martin Luther King holiday
Last day to drop (without a grade) Wednesday,
January 12, 2005
Last day
to withdraw with W February 23, 2005
Last day
of classes Monday, April 25, 2005
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance
and active participation in class are expected. If you desire the "benefit of the doubt" in any matter related to your grade
in the class, you will routinely be present, asking relevant questions, and
cooperating with the instructor as well as the course objectives.
Each student is personally responsible for all material covered during each
class meeting.
University Statement on Academic Expectations for Students
In choosing UNCW, you have become part of our community of scholars. We
recognize that the UNCW learning experience is challenging and requires
hard work. It also requires a commitment to make time available to do that
hard work. The university expects you to make academics your highest priority
by dedicating your time and energy to training your mind and acquiring knowledge.
Academic success in critical thinking and problem solving prepares you for
the changes and challenges you will encounter in the future. Our faculty
and academic support resources are readily available as partners in this
effort, but the primary
responsibility for learning is yours.
Programming Assignment Schedule and Deadlines
Each programming
assignment is due by the end of the class period on the date shown. You will demonstrate your working program in class.Plan to begin
working on the programming assignments immediately and to allocate a significant
amount of time outside of class to the programming assignments. A
typical student probably spends, on average, between 4 to 6 hours on each
assignment. Late assignments will be penalized at 10% per day late, weekend
days included. However, the instructor reserves the right, at his sole
discretion, to relax the schedule of due dates.
Please be aware
that the instructor may require you to explain the content of any program
that you submit for credit and your credit for that program will depend upon
your explanation as well as the program's correctness. You may collaborate
(not simply copy) on the programs, but tests may include a programming component
that you must complete independently. The final
will include a programming component for which you will have to design, develop
and implement a working program during the course of the three-hour exam
. In addition, the instructor may require you to explain any code
that you submit for a grade.
Americans with Disabilities Act
If you have a disability and need reasonable accommodation in this course,
you should inform the instructor of this fact in writing within the first
week of class or as soon as possible. If you have not already done so, you
must register with the Office of Disability Services in Westside Hall (ext.
3746) and obtain a copy of your Accommodation Letter. You should then meet
with your instructor to make mutually agreeable arrangements based on the
recommendations of the Accommodation Letter.