Computer Science 162
Introduction to Computing II
Spring 2011

last updated January 4, 2011


[ Attendance | Sharing | Plagiarism | Deadlines | Exams | Special Needs ]


Instructor

Dr. Blaise W. Liffick
Roddy 142
872-3536

Required Text

Data Structures and Other Objects Using Java, 3rd Ed.. Michael Main. Addison Wesley. 2006.

Goals

Our main goals this term are to further develop your problem solving and software engineering skills, to explore and implement some classic data structures, and to examine various classic algorithms for solving particular types of problems. You will be asked to write many programs. These assignments are a very important part of the course. The assignments build on each other and reinforce concepts from lecture. Don't fall behind on the reading or programming assignments. If you missed something, get help. Don't fall behind on programming assignments, and keep up with the reading!

Grading

3 Exams @ 25%
Labs and Assignments 25%

I use a 100 point scale, with 93%=A, 90%= A-, 87%=B+, 83%= B, etc. You must pass all exams with an average of at least 70 in order to pass the course.

Attendance

All students are expected to regularly attend classes, be prepared for class by doing the assigned readings, and having completed any assignments. Only previously approved and university recognized absences are excusable. Excessive (>3) unexcused absences may result in your course grade being lowered one letter grade. Contact me prior to any absence (if possible) in order to obtain clearance. The university attendance policy is given at http://muweb.millersville.edu/~register/attendance.html

Sharing

It is the premise in this course that students learn three different ways: (1) by attentive listening during lectures; (2) by doing things themselves; and (3) by sharing information and ideas with other students. This last item is important to the learning process, but it cannot be allowed to overshadow the importance of the other two items. Students are encouraged to share ideas and to discuss common problems. Much of this course is founded on the principal of cooperative learning, meaning that you will learn from each other, generally in a team format. You are expected to be responsible to your teammates and shoulder your fair portion of the work load. This will be enforced in two ways: (1) team members will evaluate each other's efforts with each project, and (2) students who shirk their responsibility to the team will be removed from the team and given no credit for the team's work.

Plagiarism

However, the preceding policy should not in any way be taken as approval of the act of plagiarism. Plagiarism shall be treated as the serious offence that it is. Acts of plagiarism shall be dealt with as severely as is permissable by university policy, including possible failure in the course. Multiple acts of plagiarism may result in 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 or her work to be copied.

Deadlines

Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on the assigned due date, unless otherwise specified. No late assignments will be accepted. If your assignment is incomplete, turn it in for possible partial credit. Programs must cleanly compile for any credit. Developing your program incrementally will assure that you always have something for which you can receive some credit.

Exams

There are no make-up exams - if you miss a test, you will receive a zero. Exceptions may be made at my discretion for reasons of illness (as in "on your deathbed") or university excused absences.

Special Needs

Anyone requiring special accomodations should contact me as soon as possible, before any exams or assignments are due.