CS 1428 - Foundations of Computer Science
Spring 2008

 

Schedule

Objectives

A lot of people are confused (or misled) about computer science and computing.  Computer science is about solving problems using logical thinking, then testing out candidate solutions by implementing them on a computer, a machine that at times seems incredibly powerful and other times profoundly incapable.

Computer Science is also about applying technology to everyday lives.

This class will focus on understanding the capabilities of computers and creating programs to solve some fundamental problems. When you are done with this class you will be able to recognize a computer and understand why having information in a digital format is important. You will also have a clear understanding of how computers use digital information to solve problems.

We plan to discuss these topics (more may be added):

1. What are computers?

• Computer Hardware - binary numbers and arithmetic - gates and circuits - computer organization (input/output, memory, CPU)

2. How do Computers "think?"

• Algorithms and a bit of analysis
• Computer Programming  -  We will create programs in C++ that will demonstrate fundamental programming constructs.

3. How do we create robust software?

• We will demonstrate proper coding technique.

Instructor

Roger Priebe

Office Hours: MW 9:30-11:30

Office: Nueces 222

Phone: 245-3436

E-mail: rp44@txstate.edu

Textbook

Starting our with C++, 5th Edition, Tony Gaddis, ISBN: 0-321-40939-6

Other Materials

Web Site from The Analytical Engine, by Decker and Hirschfield, © 2004 Thomson/Brooks Cole, All Rights Reserved.

Locations/Times

• Lecture

  MW 2:00 - 3:15 : DERR 241

Open Labs

I would recommend the lab in MCS 590 to work on your assigments.

If you have your own computer, you can install Dev C++.

Assignments and Lab Exercises

Assignments and lab exercises will be posted here. Without valid proof of an unexpected emergency, you will receive a grade of zero if you miss the deadline.

Quizzes

We will have frequent "announced" quizzes on the lecture days.

Policies

We will not accept late work without a valid documented excuse. Makeup exams and quizzes will not be given under any circumstances, but under exceptional conditions, other arrangements may be made.

If you are dissatisfied with a grade you receive, you must submit your complaint in writing along with supporting evidence or arguments. We must receive this protest within one week of the date on which we first attempt to return the assignment to you. We will not consider any grade change request that does not fulfill this requirement.

Turning in an exam which is not entirely your own work is cheating. Turning in an assignment which is not entirely your own work (or your group's work, as per the assignment) is cheating. Group discussion about course content is not cheating, and it is strongly encouraged. Students who violate University and Departmental rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of a lowered or 0 grade on an assignment or exam, failure in the course, and/or dismissal from the University. Representing the work of others as your own will be considered academic dishonesty and will not be tolerated. Since such dishonesty harms the individual, all students, and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced.  Please read the departmental policy.

At the beginning of the semester, students with disabilities who need special accommodations should notify the instructor by presenting a letter prepared by the Office of Disability Services. 

A student who is absent from an examination or cannot meet an assignment deadline due to the observance of a religious holy day may take the examination on an alternate day, submit the assignment up to 24 hours late without penalty, or be excused from the examination or assignment, if proper notice of the planned absence has been given. Notice must be given at least fourteen days prior to the classes scheduled on dates the student will be absent. For religious holy days that fall within the first two weeks of the semester, notice should be given on the first day of the semester. It must be personally delivered to the instructor and signed and dated by the instructor, or sent certified mail, return receipt requested. Email notification will be accepted if received, but a student submitting such notification must receive email confirmation from the instructor. A student who fails to complete missed work within the time allowed will be subject to the normal academic penalties. 

Grading

Final grades will be assigned on a 90-80-70-60 scale, based on the following components:

• Two Midterm Exams: 40%
• Cumulative Final Exam: 25%
  
• Assignments and Problem Sets: 15%
• Lab:15%
  
• Quizzes: 5%

Notes:

• A student must earn a C on at least one exam to earn a C in the course.
• We will drop the lowest quiz score.
• The instructor reserves the right to alter the grading scale to the benefit of the students.

Important Dates

Wednesday, January 30	Last day to drop with no record and with tuition refund
Thursday, March 20	Automatic W date
Thursday, March 20	Last day to drop a course
Thursday, April 17	Last day to withdraw from the University
Monday, May 5 2:00-4:30	Final Exam

Grades will be kept online on TRACS 

Last updated: 1/9/07