MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY
CIS 1104 COURSE SYLLABUS

revised 1/13/2009

GENERAL INFORMATION

Course number: CIS 1104
Course title: Computer Science I
Credit/Contact hours: 3
Term: Spring, January 12 - April 29, 2009
College website: www.mansfield.edu
Course website: http://www.mansfield.edu/blackboard.htm for syllabus, notes, assignments, and the class discussion board

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

Instructor name: John Phillips
Instructor office location: Elliott 205-C
Instructor office hours: online at http://faculty.mansfield.edu/jphillip/
Instructor telephone: 570-662-4554 (however, it is best to contact me via e-mail)
Instructor e-mail address: jphillip@mansfield.edu

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Description

Computer Science I introduces a high-level programming language as a means of studying problem solving, algorithms, and program structure. Includes data representation, repetition, selection, modular programming, debugging, and verification of programs.

This semester we will focus on developing basic programming skills using the C++ programming language running on Microsoft’s Visual Studio 2008 Integrated Development Environment.

Prerequisite: none

Textbook

Deitel, PJ, HM Deitel, and DT Quirk, Visual C++ 2008 How to Program, 2nd Edition, Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2008, ISBN 0-13-615157-4

Course Outline

Program Outcomes

This course supports the following Computer Science program outcomes:

·         An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline

·         An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution

·         An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs

·         An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice

·         An ability to apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, students will/will be able to:

·         Independently write programs of low complexity in a high-level language (C++)

In order to accomplish that objective, students will accomplish the following mediating and foundational objectives:

·         Understand and correctly use C++ language syntax

o   Write simple input and output statements

o   Declare variables and select an appropriate built-in type for each variable

o   Use switch, if, and if…else selection statements

o   Use for, while, and do…while repetition statements

o   Use break and continue to alter program flow

o   Use increment and decrement operators

o   Use logical operators

o   Use basic arithmetic operators and arithmetic assignment operators

o   Use array data structures

o   Use the C++ STL vector template

o   Define a class and use it to create an object

o   Define member functions and data members within a class

·         Design a well-defined sequence of steps needed to solve a given problem

o   Apply basic problem-solving techniques

o   Understand basic computer memory concepts

o   Write and use loops and nested loops

o   Construct programs modularly from functions

o   Create functions with multiple parameters

o   Write and use recursive functions

o   Use classes to package data and related operations

Class Schedule

MWF 11:30 - 12:20 in Elliott 207

Equipment and Supplies

Access to the Internet is required either using your own computer or by using a computer in the school's computer lab. Presentation materials and other supplies may need to be purchased for your project. You should keep at least 2 separate backup copies of all work you do on a USB drive, diskettes, or other suitable media.

Grading Scale and Policy

For subjectively graded assignments such as program style and quality, reports, or projects, work that meets the stated requirements will in general earn a C or C+ grade. Work that goes beyond the basic requirements will in general earn anywhere from a B- to a B+ grade. Work that is very good and exceeds the instructor's expectations will in general earn an A- or A grade. Only the most outstanding work will earn an A+ grade.

A >= 90%, B >= 80%, C >= 70%, D >= 60%, F < 60%

In addition, the instructor may choose to further differentiate grades with plus and minus subdivisions as outlined in the catalog.

Course Grade

% of Grade

Quizzes

20

Assignments

40

Individual project – formal technical report, code, presentation

40

Attendance, participation, and weekly journal

+/-

Late work policy

A late assignment, project, report, presentation, or quiz will automatically lose one letter grade unless it is an unavoidable officially excused and documented absence. Late work must be promptly made up. In general, work more than one week late will not be accepted. No work will be accepted after the last day of classes (Friday before final exams).

Attendance

If a student must miss a class due to documented illness or other excusable reason, the student must:

In order to avoid prolonged delay of make-up of the work, a faculty member may, at her/his discretion, give the make-up work and hold it for grading until after the written excuse is received.

Bad Weather Policy

On days that we have icy or snowy weather, the instructor may choose to hold class on-line. This will be announced online on Blackboard. Likewise, should the instructor be sick, please check Blackboard for assignments and/or alternative online class activities.

Academic Integrity

It may be tempting to cheat in this class. Do not do it! You will be posting some of your work for all to view. Feel free to browse other students' posted work, on-line web sites, and other books for ideas. However, if you copy that work and you do not give credit for it that is plagiarism. If you are in doubt then discuss the situation with your instructor.

Syllabus statement for students who may have “exceptionalities:"

Any students with documented psychological or learning disorders or other significant medical conditions that may affect their learning should work through Mr. William Chabala in our Counseling Center (Phone: 662-4798; e-mail wchabala@mansfield.edu) to provide me with the appropriate letter so that I may serve their particular needs more effectively.  If you have an exceptionality that requires class or testing accommodations, Mr. Chabala will work with us to identify and implement appropriate interventions.

Withdrawal Policy for Individual Courses

The last day to withdraw from a College course with a "W" grade is published in the Academic Calendar. It is the responsibility of the student to complete and submit the necessary forms to the Registrar's Office. An official withdrawal would entitle the student to a grade of "W" in the course.

Syllabus Change Policy

The instructor reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus and course timeline as the course progresses.

COURSE TIMELINE

Week

Topic

1 (1/12)

Visual C++ basics; read chapters 1-3

2 (1/19)

Classes, objects, and functions; read chapter 4

3 (1/26)

Control statements; read chapter 5

4 (2/02)

Problem set 1

5 (2/09)

Quiz 1; more control statements; read chapter 6

6 (2/16)

Problem set 2

7 (2/23)

Quiz 2

 

Spring Holiday 2/26 – 3/8

8 (3/09)

Functions and recursion; read chapter 7

9 (3/16)

Problem set 3

10 (3/23)

Quiz 3; arrays and vectors; read chapter 8

11 (3/30)

Problem set 4

12 (4/06)

Quiz 4; project work

13 (4/13)

Preliminary project review and refinement

14 (4/20)

Project presentations

 

Project Review on Wednesday, April 29, 10:15 AM