Course Description

This course explores the discipline of computer science through a hands-on focus on practical programming skills. Topics include algorithm development, problem solving (decomposition and synthesis), program design, data representation, arithmetic and logical expressions, input/output operations, basic user interfaces, and object-oriented programming and design, with an emphasis on developing good programming habits.

Intensive programing assignments are required. The programming will involve understanding and analyzing a set of requirements for a problem, formulating a solution, and implementing that solution on the computer along with tests that show that the program achieves its goals. These programs can be intensive and fun, and are designed to provide the student with a clear understanding of principals needed to work with the computer in the future.

Prerequisites: None.

Units: 12

Course/Section: 04-330 A or B

Class Communication: Piazza

Class site: http://public.africa.cmu.edu/cbishop/pfun

Objectives

The successful student will be able to:

• Understand a basic Computer-Science approach to problem solving, including algorithm development and proper testing.
• Demonstrate proficiency in programming using a modern programming language.
• Apply these problem-solving techniques and programming skills to develop software solutions to a wide range of technical problems.

Topics

Analysis and Design Decisions Class Design and Implementation Algorithm Development Iteration Objects

Testing Recursion Basic GUIs and Event-Driven Code Common Algorithms and Patterns Method Abstractions Coding Standards

Language Syntax File I/O Source File Organization Data Types and Operators Arrays Compiling and Running

Data Structures Collections Computer Language Comparison Scope Rules Debugging Methods Basic Computer Graphics

Location

• Remote M/W Lectures, T/TH/F may change after Oct 19th if schools in Kigali become open

Faculty Information

Grading System for the course 

Percentage                   Grade
92 - 100             A        indicates exceptional work
90 - 91              A-       indicates excellent work
87 - 89              B+       indicates good, above average work
82 - 86              B        indicates good, competent work
80 - 81              B-       indicates slightly above average work
70 - 79              C        indicates average but passing work
60 - 69              D        indicates unsatisfactory work

Grading Criteria    

• Projects and Assignments - 60% of grade
• Participation and Quizzes - 10% of grade
• Midterm and Final Exams - 30% of grade

Exams are open-book and open-note. You will have a Midterm about half-way through the course and a Final exam at the end. You will be tested on all the material covered up to the date of the exam. Missed exams cannot be made up or retaken unless there are exceptional circumstances, which will be handled on an individual basis. It is the student's responsibility to make any necessary special arrangements with the instructor at least two class-days before the exam is given. Percentages are not rounded up

Note: I have explicitly designed the course grading policy to rely on multiple areas of evaluation. Although some are weighted more heavily than others, they are all important. You must have a passing grade (C or better) in each area of evaluation in order to pass the course.

If you are within one percentage point (i.e. 89 or higher, but less than 90), I will consider rounding-up your grade if all of the following are true:

• You have have attended class regularly.
• You have participated (note Piazza is included).
• You have turned in your work complete and on time.
• You have at least a C in all areas of evaluation.

Attendance

• You are expected to attend Webinar/Lectures, labs, and recitations and are responsible for completing all work assigned in this class by the posted deadlines.

Academic Dishonesty

• Please make sure to read, understand, and follow the posted Academic Integrity policies for this course.

Submitting your work

• Source code, test runs and any design documentation may be part of your required submissions. Instructions will be posted before the first due-date.
• Late assignments will not be accepted. Turn it in on time for at least partial credit, or you will earn a 0.
• You must work on assignment individually, unless otherwise instructed.
• You are not allowed to copy things from Internet.
• In a nutshell, if you write your own code and answer question in your own words, you will be okay. I want to be very clear - I do not tolerate cheating.