Fall/06 CS 113 Introduction to Computers

2005/06 Catalog Data Introduction to computer programming together with the consideration of the impact of computers on society. Emphasis on logical problem-solving and algorithms. No credit given to students with credit for CS 151, CS 213 or Math 446, 471. Mode 2.

Textbook David Schneider, An Introduction to Programming Using Visual Basic 6.0, Fourth (Update) Edition, Prentice Hall, 2004.

Instructor Fatemeh Abdollahzadeh, Ph.D., Professor of Computer Science.

Office MS303

Phone (860) 832-2714.

E-mail abdollah@ccsu.edu

Office hours MW 4:45 to 5:10 and 6:30 to 8:05 PM and TR 8:00 to 8:30 PM

Course objectives Having completed this course successfully, the student should:

1. Be familiar with the use of computers as a prime tool in solving of common problems within various facets of our society.

2. Understand the generic principles of computer programming as applied directly to common situations.

3. Comprehend the procedures, algorithms, functions and processes of an appropriate computer language.

4. Use the knowledge both of algorithmic functions and of computer programming in definite application settings.

5. Demonstrate the use of these concepts and knowledge in the direct production of programs applied to diverse problem settings.

Tests These are designed as elemental evaluation devices and to prompt the student to stay abreast of assigned topics. They will be selected from among the problems and review questions from the Textbook chapters covered by the test and from the problems discussed in class. Each test will take 50 minutes. If a student has missed a test because of a serious reason, a make-up will be given together with the final exam following a written request.

Final exam This will be a cumulative objective test of representative content of the entire semester's course offerings.

Evaluation

25% Mid-Term Exam1

25% Mid‑Term Exam2

25% Projects

25% Comprehensive Final Exam

Class discussion Since the style of the class sessions will be interactive, the student is expected to come to the class with prepared questions, comments and/or application examples. The student should try (through class discussions) to adapt the computer concepts to his/her major field of study.

Programs The student will be assigned six programming assignments, and he/she will construct and execute the solutions using Visual Basic. The student is responsible for constructing a set of test-data, which covers all of the possibilities inherent in that program assignment. The student must submit the following materials for each program: a title, description header for each program, a list of inputs, a program listing, and an output list. Programs are graded upon degree of success, precise implementation of the theoretic concepts, and use of appropriate program structure. There will be a penalty for late submissions.

Honesty Policy It is expected that all students will conduct themselves in an honest manner (see the CCSU Student Handbook), and never claim work which is not their own. Violating this policy will result in a substantial grade penalty, and could result in expulsion from the University. However, students are allowed to discuss programming assignments with others and receive debugging help from others.

Attendance It is expected that the student will attend class sessions regularly. However, recognizing individual differences, each student is responsible for his/her own attendance and for making-up any missed study or work. Limited assistance will be offered to those with plausible reasons for absences; unexcused absences result in the student being totally responsible for make-up process.

Help with computers The University offers some student assistants who may be of value in helping the students with computer function only, not with program writing.

Grades and evaluation The student will be evaluated regularly during the semester and should be aware of his/her progress continuously during the semester. The Final Grade for the course will be reported according to the stated University policy. The basis for the Final Grade is shown below in its general form: