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Syllabus

Who, Where, When

Course Description

CS160 introduces students to fundamentals of computer science and programming. Concepts from theory, programming and architecture will be interleaved to show how software and hardware complement each other. The course covers the basic Java syntax and language features, compilation, interpretation, execution, primitive data types, class and object usage, parameter passing, control-flow constructs and arrays. On the theory side, the course will cover sets, functions, logic, and proof techniques.

Java Foundations: Introduction to Program Design and Data Structures. Lewis, DePasquale, Chase

Grading:

Assignments will be done individually.

Quizzes will typically be given during one lecture class each week, except those weeks in which a midterm exam is being given. No makeups will be given for quizzes, but two quiz grades will be dropped.

Class participation is strongly encouraged.

The assignment of letter grades will be made as follows:

NOTE: We will NOT cut higher than these points (but may cut lower).

Late and Makeup Policy

Midterm and Finals: Make-up exams are only given in extraordinary circumstances (e.g., illness, death of family member). Students must consult with the instructor as soon as possible, preferably before the start of the exam. Course examination dates are listed in the syllabus; be aware of them and plan accordingly.

No make-ups will be given for missed quizzes.

Programming assignments are to be submitted electronically. Details of how this is done will appear with the first assignment. Always check the assignment page for due dates. Late assignments submitted within 48 hours of the time required (or otherwise specified) will receive a 20% late penalty. Electronic submission is closed 48 hours after assignments are due (or as otherwise specified); students not having submitted programs receive an automatic zero on the assignment.

Written assignments are to be submitted in class. These may be handwritten, but must be legible. The instructors and TAs reserve the right to decide whether or not a paper is legible. Late assignments are accepted in class on the first MWF after the original due date, and will receive a 20% late penalty.

Assignment will be returned within 5 working days of the end of the late period.

Important Dates

First Midterm: October 1st

Second Midterm: November 5th

Final Exam (combined): December 18 1:30-3:30pm in Plant Sciences C101

All midterm exams are in the same room as the lecture.

Course withdrawal date: October 20th

Professional Conduct

All students are expected to conduct themselves professionally. We assume you are familiar with the policies in the student information sheet.

Additionally, you are (beginning) computing professionals, so you should be familiar with the code of conduct for the primary professional society, the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

We work to maintain an environment supportive of learning in the classroom and laboratory. Towards this end, we require that you be courteous to and respectful of your fellow participants (i.e., classmates, instructors, TAs and tutors). In particular:

• Please turn off the ring on your cell phone. If you are expecting an emergency call, sit near the door and slide out discretely to take it.
• If you plan to use a laptop during class, please sit at the back of the classroom and turn off any sound from the machine. The tap-tap of the keyboard and the images showing on a screen can be distracting to those sitting around you. Also, be aware if you IM during class, that giggles, snorts or other reactions to what you are reading can be heard by the class and instructors and may be completely inappropriate with what is going on in the classroom.
• Laptops and other personal computing devices must be shut during exams and quizzes.