CPSC 110 - Introduction to Computer Science

Spring Semester 2021

This is online asynchronous class with no set meeting times.

Final Exam: Exact time TBD, but it will be online

Instructor

Whit Kemmey

wkemmey@umw.edu

Office Hours online by appointment

Course Description

This course provides a foundation in computer science for a student who does not have prior programming experience. It provides sufficient support to permit a student to continue in the major program. Topics include an introduction to the algorithm and program development process using a high-level structured programming language (Python) and the department’s computing facilities. Supervised hands-on experience provided. May not be taken for graded credit after passing any Computer Science course numbered 220 or higher.

Course Goals and Objectives

The goals of this course are:

  • To introduce problem solving methods and algorithm development as appropriate to computer programming.

  • Gain a conceptual understanding of computers, computing, and issues with technology through breadth-first topics.

  • Develop skills in algorithmic problem-solving, expressed in a programming language.

  • Represent and manipulate information in a program that executes on a computer.

Text

Think Python (Second Edition) by Allen B. Downey http://greenteapress.com/wp/think-python-2e/ (Please don’t print this on UMW printers.)

Material from the text may not be covered in its entirety. Material presented during lectures may also be drawn from or supplemented by sources other than the text.

These texts are useful as a resource if you need another explanation of some of the concepts from class, or a reference for how to do things in Python. The internet is also a wonderful resource that every programmer should learn to use. Everything you could ever want to know about programming is available on the internet, but sometimes it is helpful to have a physical resource that’s focused on just Python.

Programming Language and Tools

We will be using Python 3 and the IDLE development environment, available here: https://www.python.org/

Overview of the Course

This is a rough schedule of what we will cover in each week of the class. However, we will stay flexible to move more quickly or more slowly through the material as required.

  • Module 1: What is a Program?; Python; Values and Types
  • Module 2: Variables, Expressions, and Statements
  • Module 3: Functions
  • Module 4: Interface Design
  • Module 5: Conditionals
  • Module 6: Functions that Return a Value
  • Module 7: Iteration
  • Module 8: Strings
  • Module 9: Word Play
  • Module 10: Lists
  • Module 11: Dictionaries
  • Module 12: Tuples
  • Module 13: Data Structure Selection

Grades and Assignments

Assignments

All assignments are posted on Canvas and will be turned in through Canvas.

Homework

Homework is not graded. There is minimal homework except labs.

Labs

Labs are small, guided programming assignments that will be our key learning activity. Labs are designed to give you hands-on practice with all the course topics. Programs must work to receive credit for the lab, but help is available if you are having difficulty with a lab.

Challenge Labs

Challenge labs are optional, but are designed to give slightly more advanced practice to students who desire an extra challenge.

Exams

We’ll have 2 tests during the semester. All tests will be completed independently and are closed book, closed notes, and closed Internet.

Final Exam

We will also have a cumulative written final exam, which will be completed independently with closed book, closed notes, and closed Internet.

Grading

Assignments will be weighted as follows in your final course grade.

  • Labs: 60% (cumulative)
  • Challenge Labs: 20% (cumulative; optional)
  • In class exams: 20% (10% each)
  • Final exam: 20%

Final letter grades will be determined according to the following scale:

  • A 93-100%
  • A- 90-92%
  • B+ 87-89%
  • B 83-86%
  • B- 80-82%
  • C+ 77-79%
  • C 73-76%
  • C- 70-72%
  • D+ 67-69%
  • D 60-66%
  • F below 60%

Mid-semester Grades

The University provides the opportunity to provide grading feedback midway through the semester. A student will receive a mid-semester unsatisfactory (U) grade if he/she has a 65% or below overall average.

Any student receiving a U in this course should meet with the instructor to develop a performance improvement plan.

The Honor Code and this Course

Violating the honor code is unfair to your classmates and unfair to yourself. Don’t do it.

For the three exams we will take this semester, all work must be your own. Any form of assistance from peers or reference materials is cheating.

Other than exams, however, feel free to work together, ask questions of your fellow students, and look things up on the internet. Do whatever works best for your own personal learning style. Just don’t take shortcuts that deprive you of the opportunity to learn. It won’t be cheating if you do, it just won’t be smart.

Late policy

Assignments are due at 11:59 pm EST on the due date if electronic, or by the end of class on the due date if physical. I will accept late labs for partial credit. All normal labs must be complete and turned in before attempting challenge labs.

How to reach me

I can be reached through email, as well as the Canvas discussion boards associated with each lab.

How to reach you

I will be communicating with you outside of class time via the course web site, e-mail, and Canvas.

Title IX Statement

UMW faculty are committed to supporting students and upholding the University’s Policy on Sexual and Gender Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence. Under Title IX and this Policy, discrimination based upon sex or gender is prohibited. If you experience an incident of sex or gender based discrimination, we encourage you to report it. While you may talk to me, understand that as a “Responsible Employee” of the University, I must report to UMW’s Title IX Coordinator what you share. If you wish to speak to someone confidentially, please contact the below confidential resources. They can connect you with support services and help you explore your options. You may also seek assistance from UMW’s Title IX Coordinator. Please visit http://diversity.umw.edu/title-ix/ to view UMWs Policy on Sexual and Gender Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence and to find further information on support and resources.

Resources

Stefany Lucas-Waverly Title IX Coordinator Office of Title IX Fairfax House 540-654-5656 slucaswa@umw.edu

Myranda Thomson Title IX Deputy for Students Area Coordinator 540-654-1184 mthomson@umw.edu

Confidential Resources

On-Campus

Talley Center for Counselling Services Lee Hall 106

Student Health Center Lee Hall 112

Off-Campus

Empowerhouse 540-373-9373

RCASA 540-371-1666

Recording Policy

Classroom activities in this course may be recorded by students enrolled in the course for the personal, educational use of that student or for all students presently enrolled in the class only, and may not be further copied, distributed, published or otherwise used for any other purpose without the express written consent of the course instructor. All students are advised that classroom activities may be taped by students for this purpose. Distribution or sale of class recordings is prohibited without the written permission of the instructor and other students who are recorded. Distribution without permission is a violation of copyright law. This policy is consistent with UMW’s Policy on Recording Class and Distribution of Course Materials.

Disability resources

The Office of Disability Resources (ODR) has been designated by the college as the primary office to guide, counsel, and assist students with disabilities. If you receive services through the Office of Disability Resources and require accommodations for this class, make an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss your approved accommodation needs. Bring your accommodation letter, along with a copy of our class syllabus with you to the appointment. I will hold any information you share with me in strictest confidence unless you give me permission to do otherwise.

If you have not made contact with the Office of Disability Resources and have reasonable accommodation needs (note taking assistance, extended time for tests, etc.), I will be happy to refer you. The office will require appropriate documentation of disability.