CSci 107 - Fall 2005

CSci 107: Introduction to Computer Science

Fall 2005

Mon, Wed 11:30 - 12:55 and in Searles 126/128

What is Computer Science, what are its applications in other disciplines, and its impact in society? Csci107 provides a broad introduction to computer science and programming through real-life applications. It does not assume any prior knowledge of programming or computers. The course is a step-by-step introduction to the art of problem solving using the computer and uses the Java language. Weekly labs provide experiments with the concepts presented in class, and problems that arise in real-life.

This class is intended for students not intending to major in computer science, as well as for majors and for those with interest in programming with application in other sciences.

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: Mon, Wed 2:30-4pm. Send me an email to set up a different time. For quick questions you can come to my office anytime.

Class Email: csci107AATbowdoin.edu (replace AT with @)

Class webpage: http://www.bowdoin.edu/~ltoma/teaching/cs107/fall05/

Main topics:

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

Course textbook:

Schneider and Gersting, An Invitation to Computer Science (with Java), 3rd Edition, Brooks/Cole, 2004 (suggested).

Note that a textbook is not required. I will distribute lecture notes and handouts in class. We will be using a few chapters of Schneider and Gersting to look at algorithms and efficiency. There will be reserve copies of these books available in the library. Technically the lecture notes and handouts distributed in class will be sufficient, however, you may find it helpful to own copies of the book.

Labs:
There will be 10 labs throughout the semester. Since there are no other assignments besides labs, the labs are not designed to be finished during lab time. Each lab assignment will be due on the following Tuesday before class (unless otherwise decided in class). Lab deadlines are hard deadlines. 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. Details will be announced further.

Exams:
There are 3 scheduled exams (check dates in syllabus). All exams are open-book. If you have two other exams scheduled during the same day, let me know and I will try to accomodate that. If you cannot be present at either one of the exams you will need a Dean's excuse.

Grading policy

Lab assignments 30%
Three exams 20% each
Final project, class participation, attendance: 10%

Attendance is required for all scheduled class and lab meetings.

Cheating policy:
You are encouraged to discuss ideas and techniques broadly with other class members, but not specifics of assigned problems except as part of group projects. Discussions should be limited to questions that can be asked and answered without using any written medium (e.g. pencil and paper or email). This means that at no time should a student read any code written by another student unless they are part of the same group. Sharing of code or intermediate designs is expressly prohibited. The same rules apply once you have finished the course - sharing your code with other students will be considered a violation of Bowdoin's honor code. Violation of this policy is grounds for me to initiate an action that would be filed with the Dean's office and would come before the J Board. If you have any questions about this policy, PLEASE do not hesitate to contact me. This will be a zero-tolerance policy.

It is permissible to use software and materials available from other sources (understanding that you get no credit for using the work of others on those parts of your projects) as long as: 1) You acknowledge explicitly which aspects of your assignment were taken from other sources and what those sources are. 2) The materials are freely and legally available. 3) The material was not created by a student at Bowdoin as part of this course this year or in prior years.

All write-ups, reviews, documentation, and other written material must be original and may not be derived from other sources.

Students are expected to follow the Bowdoin Computer Use Policy and the Academic Honor Code.