Course: CS 101 - Introduction to Problem Solving with Computers

Instructor: Dr. Blaise W. Liffick

Office: Wickersham Hall, Room 222

Phone: 872-3536, 3859

Description: A comprehensive introduction to the concepts, techniques, and history of computing. The course will emphasize problem solving with the computer, including such activities as making calculations and presenting reports, tables, and graphs based on those calculations; collecting, storing, updating, and retrieving data; and organizing and implementing methods for the effective display and interpretation of information. This course is intended for the computer neophyte as a first course in the use of computers.

Although many students may have had some introduction to computing in high school, a large percentage of students have had little or no experience with computers. In addition, the content of courses in high schools varies greatly, since there is no defined teacher certification or well defined curriculum for the field. Most students need a detailed knowledge of the computer as a general problem-solving tool rather than knowledge about the task of programming, as covered in most other computer science courses. Knowing how to select and use hardware and software is a necessary skill for today's college student. The purpose of this course is to help students become familiar and comfortable with computer technology. In addition, the student will learn analytical methods for using the computer to solve problems in a number of areas.

While the student is expected to have at least rudimentary skill at problem solving, as evidenced by an understanding of algebra, no computer knowledge is assumed.

• 3 Exams 75%
• Assignments: 20%
• Attendance: 5%

Text:

• Fluency with Information Technology, 3rd Edition, by Lawrence Snyder, Addison Wesley, ISBN 978-0-321-51239-0

Supplies: A USB flash drive to store your projects on.

Note: Bring all supplies and your book to every lab session.

All students are expected to regularly attend classes. Previously arranged and university recognized absenses are excusable, as noted in the University Catalog. Such absenses MUST be properly documented. Note: no make-up exams or quizzes will be given except by prior arrangement or due to university-recognized absenses (you must provide appropriate documentation).

It is the premise in this course that students learn three different ways: (1) by regularly attending class, listening during lectures, and taking effective notes for further study; (2) by doing things themselves; and (3) by sharing information with other students. This last item is important to learning, but it cannot be allowed to overshadow the importance of the other items. Students are encouraged to share ideas and to discuss common problems. In addition, certain assignments will require you to work with others to produce a single artifact. Group tasks will be assigned both as in-class exercises and as out-of-class experiences. All students are expected to contribute to the efforts of their groups, regardless of their preference for working alone. In addition, since some tasks require group work during class meetings, students are reminded of their responsibility to attend class regularly. Your absense will hurt not only yourself, but also your group. Finally, students are expected to be properly prepared for each class by doing the assigned readings, completing homework, and completing on time any other task assigned as a requirement of the course.

The preceding philosophy should not in any way be taken as approval of the act of plagiarism. Students are expected to do their own work, except as noted by the professor in the case of group projects (if any). Plagiarism shall be treated as the serious offense that it is. Acts of plagiarism shall be dealt with as severe of penalties as are permissable by university policy. This includes failure of the course, and expulsion from the university.

Plagiarism shall be regarded as any copying, in whole or in part, of material from any source, without explicit credit to the source. In addition, any copying from another student's assignments, past or present, shall be treated as plagiarism. All students involved in an act of plagiarism shall be treated the same as concerns this policy, including any student who knowingly allows his/her work to be copied.

Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on the assigned due date. No late assignments will be accepted. If you are unable to attend class for any reason, it is your responsibility to make certain that the assignment is turned in on time. Prior arrangements can be made for dropping off an assignment earlier than the due date. The only exceptions to this policy are those recognized by the university as official absenses. Such absenses must by accompanied by the appropriate university documentation.

Upperclass CS majors are employed by the computing center as consultants. Their job is to help you with hardware and system software difficulties. They will NOT provide solutions for your assignments. When the consultants cannot help you, then come see me.

Labs will be conducted in Lab 36 on the ground floor of Ganser Library. For every lab, you are to bring your text and flash drive. Labs must be completed during the session in which they are given, unless otherwise noted.