Department of Computer Science

Hello Students!

Welcome to CSCI 161.  Please be sure to read through these sections carefully to have a good understanding of classroom expectations and conduct.  Here's to a great semester!

Catalog Description:
Introduction to computer programming for the student intending to major in computer science or related fields. Emphasis on developing ability to apply problem-solving strategies to design and implement algorithms in a modern programming language. (Current Language: Java)

This course includes a laboratory component.  4 credit hours

Objectives of the course:
At the end of this course, a successful student will be expected to:

• develop an algorithm to solve a problem
• design and implement a program using programming structures such as conditionals, loops, and functions
• properly test a program to ensure its correctness and robustness
• use accepted style when writing a program
• use a computer system to edit, compile, debug, and execute a program

Required Textbook:
Building Java Programs: A Back to Basics Approach
Authors:  Reges and Stepp
ISBN 0-321-38283-8

Prerequisites:
Placement in Math 160 (Precalculus) or higher

Course Outline:

Chapter 1:  Introduction to Java Programming

Chapter 2:  Primitive Data and Definite Loops

Chapter 3:  Introduction to Parameters and Objects

Exam 1: October 8

Chapter 3:  Graphics

Chapter 4:  Conditional Executions

Chapter 5:  Program Logic and Indefinite Loops

Exam 2:  November 5

Chapter 6:  File Processing

Chapter 7:  Arrays

* Chapter 8:  Classes

* Chapter 12:  Recursion

* Chapter 13:  Searching and Sorting

Final:  2^nd week in December

 

Labs:

Lab_1a:  Introduction to Eclipse Ganymede

Due by 11:59PM on 9/2/08

Lab_1b:  Hello World!

Lab_1c: Hello modified

Lab_1d: Surfin' on a Rocket I

Due by 11:59PM on 9/9/08

Lab 2: Stars (Problem Decomposition and Methods) Due by 11:59PM on 9/16/08

Lab 2: Area (Primitive Variables)  Due by 11:59PM on 9/16/08

Lab 3: Coins (Variables) Due by 11:59PM on 9/23/08

Lab 4: Rocket (Variables, Methods, Loops, Decomposition) Due by 11:59PM on10/1/08

                    additional help for Lab4Rocket

Lab 5: Rocket Redux (Software Evolution, Constants) Due: by 11:59 PM on 10/3/08

Lab 6: CD Interest (Return Values, Math Methods) Due: by 11:59 OM on 10/21/08

Lab 7: Jack 'O Lantern (Using Objects and Methods, String Processing) Due: by 11:59 PM on 10/29/08

Lab 8:  Pig Latin (Using Objects, String Processing, and "if" Statements) Due:  by 11:11 PM on 11/11

Lab 9: Comparing Files (File I/O) Due: by 11:59 PM on 12/5/08

Lab 10: hangman (Arrays, File I/O) Due:

Program Competition with Dr. Zoppetti’s class: (Applets, Graphics, and Using Objects) Due:

 

Grading:

Exam 1 - 20 %

Exam 2  - 20 %

Final - 30 %

Labs/ Programs/ Assignments - 30 %

 

Final Letter Grades are based on the following weighted scale:

93 – 100:  A      90-92.9:  A-   86 – 89.9:  B+  82 – 85.9  B  79 – 81.9: B-

76 – 78.9:  C+   73 – 75.9:  C  70 – 72.9 C-

66 – 68.9:  D+   63 -65.9:  D    60 – 62.9  D-      <59.9:  Fail

The syllabus is subject to change so be sure to check in occasionally