Compsci 101:
Introduction to Computer Science
Course Description
Introduction to practices and principles of computer science and
programming and their impact on and potential to change the
world. Algorithmic, problem-solving, and programming techniques in
domains such as art, data visualization, mathematics, natural and social
sciences. Programming using high-level languages and design techniques
emphasizing abstraction, encapsulation, and problem
decomposition. Design, implementation, testing, and analysis of
algorithms and programs. No previous programming experience required.
Due Dates
- NOTE Anyone can follow the Catchup Schedule at the beginning of the
semester. It is mainly for people who add the course late or just having
trouble getting started with the technology.
CATCHUP SCHEDULE
- Reading Quizzes: due 1:25pm on Lecture days starting
Aug. 31. Take reading quizzes on Sakai.
Readings are here
- Labs: weekly, required attendance, submit by Sunday that week
- see labs page
- APTs and APT Quizzes : see APT page
- Assignments: See assignment
page
Course Announcements
- Aug 28, 2017
- First lecture is Tuesday, Aug 29.
- First labs are on Wednesday Aug 30 and Thursday Aug 31.
- Fill out the course survey! You will get an email about it sometime
before our first lecture. The survey will then be on Sakai
- You will need to install software for this course in order to use our
programming environment. This semester you can use a Virtual Machine (VM), which
means you login to a website and your programming environment is already setup
there! We strongly encourage this as it is pretty easy!
Alternatively you can install everything on your machine.
Instructions are on the "Resources" tab.
You will need to try to setup your environment before going to the first lab.
You can get help in consulting hours starting Wednesday, Aug 30.
See the "Help" Tab on the course web pages.
We don't want anyone getting frustrated over this so go to consulting hours
to get help if you can. If you don't have the software installed by your lab,
still go to lab, they will help you there.
- DO NOT PLAN to leave town until after your final exam! Final exam
dates are on the Dates tab under December. There is no final for your lab,
only a final for the lecture period.
- The textbook for this course is a free online book, but we strongly
suggest you give a donation of $15. There is a code for our version of the
textbook. The code will be on the Sakai site for this course in the
announcements.
- What type of computer do I need for this course? This is a programming
course so you will definitely need a computer. Recommend a laptop, any type
will do, Mac or Windows machine. It will be handy to bring it to class and
lab as we do programming in both. A desktop will also work, but you can't
bring it to class, though you should be able to do all your programming on
it other than lecture and lab. If you don't have a laptop in lab and
lecture you can work with someone who does. You should also be able to
login to campus machines and connect to the VM. Note that you need a device
that you can install java and eclipse on. An ipad or simple tablet will not
work. Surface Pro works but it is a smaller screen for development. If
you plan to be a CS major, you might want a bigger screen, thus a laptop.
If you are not sure if a device is appropriate, ask if you can install java
and eclipse on it.
Required Background: NONE
This course is designed for those with no programming experience.