CSci 107: Introduction to Computer Science

Fall 2004

Mon, Wed 11:30 - 12:55 in Searles 126
Lab Tue 2:30 - 3:55 in Searles 128

This course provides a broad overview of computer science and an introduction to algorithmic thinking and programming. You will learn about some of the basic areas of computer science: algorithms (the foundation of computer science), how to design an algorithm and write a program to solve a problem on the computer, what goes on inside a computer, how your program is translated to a form the computer can "understand", models of computers (Turing machines), the limits of computability (can a computer solve anything?) and social issues caused by computers. Weekly labs provide experiments with concepts presented in class. Programming is done in C++.

This course is required for majors, but is a self-contained course designed to appeal to non-majors looking for a general introduction to computer science.

Prerequisites: None! No previous knowledge of computer science is required.

Instructor: Laura Toma
Office: 219 Searles Hall
Email: ltomaATbowdoin.edu (replace AT with @)

Office hours: M, W 4-5pm, Tue after lab. Send me an email to set up a different time. For quick questions you can come to my office anytime.

Class Email: csci107BATbowdoin.edu (replace AT with @)

Class webpage: http://www.bowdoin.edu/~ltoma/teaching/cs107/fall04/
Bowdoin class webpage: http://academic.bowdoin.edu/courses/f04/csci107

Main topics:

• Designing algorithms.
• Analyzing the efficiency of algorithms.
• Implementing algorithms in C++.
• Turing machines and computability.
• How does a computer work? Logic, gates, circuits, designing logic circuits, machine organisation.
• Social issues of computer science.

Course material:

• Schneider and Gersting, An Invitation to Computer Science, 3rd Edition, Brooks/Cole, 2004 (required).
• Handouts to be distributed in class.

Labs:
There will be 12 labs throughout the semester. Each lab assignment will be due on the following Tuesday before class. This is a hard deadline. No extensions are possible except with Dean's excuse. You can access the Labs online from here.

Final Project:
For the term project you can choose to design a basic webpage for a non-profit community organization (service learning project) or to do a presentation on a social topic of computer science. Guidelines are below:

• Service learning project (Designing a website for a local non-profit agency).
• Social and ethical issues of computer science (Class presentation)

Exams:
There are 3 scheduled exams: Sept 29, Nov 3 and Dec 16. All exams are open-book. If you cannot be present at either one of the exams you will need a Dean's excuse.

Grading policy

• Lab assignments 30%
• Final project: 10%
• Three exams 20% each
• Class participation
• Attendance

Course Outline