- December 4, 2009
A review session will be held on Monday, December 7, 1-2:15pm in
LSRC D106. Bring questions. Prof. Rodger will work
old test problems if you don't have any questions.
Prof. Rodger will have office hours on Monday from 9am-noon.
Tuesday from 9am-11:15am
Wednesday from 9am-11:30am
- November 30, 2009
All Classwork must be checked off by 5pm Friday, Dec 4.
You must check off with Prof. Rodger or Pablo. We will not be
checking off in class this week as we will be busy with demos.
Extra hours (may be updated this week):
- Monday, November 30
- Prof. Rodger (LSRC D237): 1-4pm
- Tuesday, Dec. 1
- Pablo (LSRC D206): 11:40-12:40pm
- Prof. Rodger (LSRC D237): 12:00-1:15pm
- Wednesday, Dec 2
- Prof. Rodger (LSRC D237): 9am-10:30am, 1:30-2:15pm
- Pablo (LSRC D206): 11:40-12:40pm
- Thursday, Dec 3
- Pablo (LSRC D206): 11:40-12:40pm, 1pm-2pm
- Friday, Dec 4
- Prof. Rodger (LSRC D237): 9am-11:45am, 1-5pm
- Pablo (LSRC D206): 3-5pm
- August 19, 2009:
We will be using Alice 2.2. See the resource page
for info on the most current version. DO NOT use the version on the CD that
comes with the book. It is old.
- August 19, 2009: CompSci 4 Quick Note about File transfering
There is a very easy way to transfer text or html files using
a web page. This does not work for Alice files, though they are looking
into it.
http://webfiles.duke.edu
After typing your Duke NetID it shows you the files
you have on your Duke space. One of the folders
should be public_html. In there put your compsci4 folder,
and in that folder put all your compsci 4 work that goes on the web.
- August 19, 2009: Some notes about CompSci 4
- What is the difference between CompSci 4 and CompSci 1?
CompSci 1 is an overview of computer science with a focus on the role
of computing in society. There is a programming component, you learn
to program in Java, but it is a much smaller part of the course. CompSci 1
is tagged as QS and STS.
CompSci 4 is a programming course in which we program every day and you
get a better understanding of programming. It's designation is QS.
Both are introductory programming courses (assume you have have little or
no experience), CompSci 4 gives you more experience with programming.
- The first two weeks of this course are a bit hectic and take some
settling in time. It is ok if it takes you a bit longer to complete the
classwork/assignments the first two weeks! For the majority of you, this is
your first experience with programming, so you are not alone.
After the first two weeks, we will be using Alice every week and your
environment should stay the same for many weeks. At that
point you need to try to stay caught up. The last 2-3 weeks we will learn
Java, so you will learn one more environment at that point.
- You are strongly encouraged to bring your own laptop to class if you
have one. To use your own laptop, you need to put some type of file transfer program
on it so you can transfer files from your laptop to your Duke web
space. This software is free from OIT. If you have trouble installing it,
you can post a message to the class bulletin board and try to describe the
problem you are having, or you can go to the OIT help desk.
- You will need to put Alice 2.2 on your laptop by Tuesday, Sept. 1.
- For MAC users, please read the "Resources" page. There are lots of
things different for a MAC and we have tried to outline these.
- Reminder: Assignment 1 is due Wednesday, Sept 2. It is on the web page.
- Remember class attendance is required since we work
in pairs everyday. I need to know in advance if you have an excused
absence for not attending class.
- August 19, 2009: CompSci 4 Final Exam is
mandatory and is scheduled for Wednesday, December 9, 2-5pm
Do not plan to
leave town before then.
-
old announcements
Course Description:
CompSci 4 is an introductory programming course that
teaches fundamental computer science concepts. This version of CompSci
4 uses the tool Alice to create 3-D virtual worlds. You will learn
programming constructs such as looping, selection, and data structures,
along with how to
control objects (raise hands, flap wings, move, turn, spin, walk, etc.).
This is a hands on course. During class we will be working in pairs
on the computer to design 3-D virtual worlds. Outside of class projects
will be done in pairs and singly.
LAPTOP: If you have your own laptop, bring it to class. It will be much
easier to keep all your work on your own laptop. There are also class
laptops you can use. We use laptops almost everyday.
CompSci 4 will introduce you to the world of computer science and you
will learn how to make impressive animations for your other courses
or clubs.
If you want to take a second computer science course after this course,
CompSci 4 will prepare you for CompSci 6.
If you have taken CompSci 1, you can take this course. If you have
taken CompSci 6 or CompSci 100 then you cannot get credit for this course.
Required Background:
No experience necessary, this is an introductory course.
Last modified: Fri Dec 4 09:50:08 EST 2009