CS 150: Course Syllabus

CS Department, Colorado State University

CS 150: Syllabus

Interactive Programming with Java

Fall 2011

Description

The purpose of the CS150 course is to familiarize students not intending to become computer scientists (majors or minors) with the fundamentals of Java programming, program design and problem-solving. The course is oriented towards practical skills including current Java programming technologies for Java applets, graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and Web pages.

The course covers the basic Java syntax and language features, compilation, interpretation, execution, class and object usage, graphical interfaces, program-user interaction, and the Java API. Problem-solving techniques and object-oriented programming are also covered.

Lectures and Lab Recitations

Lectures: Natural Resources 109 MWF 3:00-3:50PM

Lab recitations: CSB 225 R02: 11-11:50AM, R01: 1-1:50PM

The recitations are an integral and required part of the class. All students are required to attend one recitation every week.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to

comprehend the art of programming and, in particular, the structure and meaning of basic Java programs,
design and build programs using problem-solving techniques such as top-down design,
modify, compile, debug, and execute Java programs,
understand how to create graphical interfaces and Java applets for a Web page.

Audience

This course is geared toward CS non-majors who wish to gain some programming experience. The course would be ideal for students who have some familiarity with personal computers and are interested in:

programming without becoming computer scientists,
exploring computer science as a possible major or minor,
creating small, useful Web or personal Java applications.

Prerequisites

Some familiarity with personal computers.
(Consult the instructor if you are unsure of your background.)

Course Outline

General Topics
1. What is programming? What is Java?
2. The process of compilation and interpretation
3. An introduction to Java applets and graphical programming
4. Graphical User Interfaces; Drawing; Components
5. Image processing
6. Visual design and layout
7. Designing classes and methods
8. Problem solving; simple algorithms
9. Java basics: types, variables, statements, syntax
10. Handling mouse events and actions; control flow
11. Testing and debugging programs
12. Arrays and loops
13. Sound; Animation; Games; Tricks
14. Setting up applets on the Internet
15. Recent developments: Android

Learning Resources

Some useful links:

Recitation

All students are required to attend one Recitation every week.
There are lab exercises that are required to complete, and attendance is taken.

RamCT

All materials for this course is available via RamCT. You must use your eID to access RamCT.
IF RamCT becomes unavailable for a period of time, announcements concerning the class will be posted to http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~cs150 .
For assignments, a 24 hour late period may be available with 20% penalty. There is no late period for RAMCT quizzes.

Grading & Evaluation

Students are evaluated on the basis of assignments, programming projects,
proctored exams, online quizzes, and class attendance/participation.

A student's grade is based on

6-8 programming/homework assignments (18% of Final Grade)
Recitation lab assignments (15% of Final Grade)
10-12 online or in-class quizzes (10% of Final Grade)
participation (lectures, discussion board, tutor/GTA/instructor help) (2% of Final Grade)
one midterm exam in class Oct 10, 2011 (15% of Final Grade)
project (3 phases, worth 10% 25% and 65%) (20% of Final Grade)
one final exam Dec 14 9:40-11:40 (20% of Final Grade)

Final Grade: Based on the final weighted percentage computed from the above. The grades are assigned using this scheme: A ≥90%, B ≥80%, C ≥ 70%, D ≥60%, F <60%. We will not cut higher than these points (but reserve the prerogative to cut lower).

Code of Ethics and Policies

Please read the CS Department Code of Ethics is based on the ACM Code. You are to show respect to the instructor, teaching assistants, CS department and fellow students.

Policies on cheating, plagiarism, incomplete grades, attendance, discrimination, sexual harassment, and student grievances are described in the Student Information Guide. All other matters follow the policies set in the current Colorado State University General Catalog. Students are responsible for all the information in these documents.

Important Dates

CHANGES TO BE ANNOUNCED ON RAMCT or in the class- It is your responsibility to check