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.

Goals:
At the end of this course, a successful student will be able 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; and
• use a computer system to edit, compile, debug, and execute a program.

Required Materials:
Building Java Programs: A Back to Basics Approach
2nd Edition
Reges and Stepp
ISBN 978-0136091813

Prerequisites:
Placement in Math 160 (Precalculus) or higher

Tentative Content:

• Introduction to Computing and Java (Ch. 1)
• Primitive Data and Definite Loops (Ch. 2)
• Parameters and Objects (Ch. 3)
• Graphics (Ch. 3G, 14)
• Conditionals (Ch. 4)
• Indefinite Loops (Ch. 5)
• File Processing (Ch. 6)
• Arrays (Ch. 7)
• Writing Classes (Ch. 8)
• Searching, Sorting, and Recursion (Ch. 13, 12)

Other topics may be covered briefly or as necessary. Readings will be frequently assigned. Most of the material on exams will come from the lectures and labs.

Grade Breakdown:

• Exam I (20%)
• Exam II (20%)
• Final (30%)
• Labs/Programs/Homework (30%)
• Class Participation (2%)

  Final grades will be assigned using the standard +/- 100-point scale (93% = A, 90% = A-, 87% = B+, etc.).
  

Graded Work:

• Labs: We will use the Linux Lab (STB 130), which has 27 PC's which run the Linux operating system. See Linux Lab for more details. Approximately ten lab sessions will be held for hands-on practice. If the lab is sparsely populated, check the classroom. :-)

• Programs/Homeworks: Approximately twelve programs/homeworks will be given. Programs should be submitted using the submit script, which you will learn about in an introductory lab. Code should be formatted according to the coding standard discussed in class. It is imperative that your code is neatly formatted (proper indentation) and well-documented (comments, identifiers); correct, but sloppy, programs will not be accepted. Note well the format of programs from class. Eclipse will help ensure your code is properly formatted.

  Late submissions will not be accepted, barring extenuating circumstances (see the Student Code for clarification). If your assignment is incomplete, submit it for possible partial credit. Programs must compile and run for any credit. Developing your programs incrementally can provide assurance that you will receive some credit for your work.

• Exams: Three examinations, including the final, will be given. They will cover material from the lectures and labs. The final examination, scheduled at the appointed time during finals week, will be cumulative.

  Makeup exams will not be given -- if you miss an exam, you will receive a zero. Exceptions may be made at my discretion for extraordinary circumstances (e.g., serious, documented illness).

Academic Honesty:
Copying or extensive collaboration on assignments or exams is not permitted and may result in failure of the course. You may discuss approaches to solving a problem, but keep the discussion at a level such that code is never copied. You may also seek aid in resolving compiler messages. However, if someone else types on your keyboard or you copy code from someone else, you are committing academic dishonesty. Finding or purchasing a solution on the Internet or elsewhere and submitting it as your own work is plagiarism and may result in failure of the course.

Consult MU's Academic Honesty Policy for more details.