Introduction to Computer Programming and Problem Solving

Resources:

Text: Liang, Y. Daniel. Introduction to Java Programming: Fundamentals First, Sixth Edition. Pearson Education, 2007.

Software: BlueJ, a Java development environment designed for learning Java and basic programming.

Course Overview:

This course is designed to introduce you to object-oriented program design, the Java programming language, and good problem solving/programming techniques. This is a programming intensive course, where you will create original executable computer programs to solve various problems throughout the semester.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

1. Utilize sound problem solving and program design techniques to solve a large, complex problem by decomposing the problem into smaller, more manageable sub-problems.

2. Work within an Interactive Development Environment to create original source code for an executable program.

3. Write well-documented source code, following accepted principles of good style and program format.

4. Use debugging tools and techniques to find and eliminate program faults and errors.

5. Write working programs in the Java programming language.

Instructional Approach:

I encourage an open dialogue in class and view my role of that as a facilitator toward your gaining a deeper understanding of the course material. We will utilize an active learning based style for the class, with the following techniques:

1. Small group discussion and problem solving

2. In-class question and answer sessions

3. Programming assignments

4. Quizzes (announced and unannounced)

5. Exams

Requirements:

Each week, you will have homework problems to complete. Some weeks, you will have just one set, in others, you will have one set for each class meeting. The size and difficulty of the problem set will dictate how many you will have for any given week.

During the semester you will have the opportunity to take several quizzes (some announced, some unannounced).

There will be two exams in this course – one mid-term exam and one final exam.

Schedule:

The schedule for the class will be posted online and is subject to change. Please refer to the class calendar frequently.

Grading:

Homework/Projects are due at the beginning of the class on the day the assignment is due. If you are absent the day an assignment is due, the lateness policy will take effect as described in the section below.

If you miss a class where a quiz was given, you will be given a score of zero for that quiz. You will be allowed to drop your lowest quiz grade when it comes time for the final grade. So in this case you will be able to drop a zero for a missed quiz. For more information, see the section on class attendance below.

The make-up of your total number of points for your final grade breaks down as follows:

10% Class attendance/participation

10% Quizzes (announced and unannounced)

15% Homework

25% Programming Projects

20% Mid-Term Exam

20% Final Exam

Grading Policy:

I frequently feel that all too often, we artificially focus on the end of term grade rather than the content of a course. Nothing would please me more than to have a class full of students concerned solely with course material. I do realize however, that the pressure to maintain good grades for scholarships, awards, and applications for jobs and schools does indeed cause one to pay some attention to the end of term grade. A grade is the application of some arbitrary scale to reflect the amount and quality of work you, the student, accomplish during the semester. To that end, I do not assign your grade, you earn your grade.

The grading scheme for each assignment will be provided to you at the time the assignment is given. In this way, you will know exactly what I am looking for in terms of quality, focus, depth, and breadth of work. I do not believe in hidden agendas or surprising you with your grade on an assignment.

Rather than grading on a competitive, curve-based grading scheme, I use a criterion-based grade scale. Thus, if every student works sufficiently hard, and earns a letter grade of “A”, then all students will receive “A”s. Bear in mind, I generally view letter grades in the following light:

A – Excellent

B – Good

C – Fair

D – Poor

F – Failure

This means, to receive an “A”, you must perform excellent work. Excellent work is that work which is marked with distinction, going above and beyond that of merely meeting the requirements for an assignment. Your final grades will be decided based on the following scale:

A 90.0-100%

B 80.0-89.9%

C 70.0-79.9%

D 60.0-69.9%

F 0-59.9%

Assignment Lateness Policy:

I strongly encourage you to keep up with the pace of the class and all associated work. Getting into the habit of turning in work after the due date will put you at a distinct disadvantage in learning the material. However, I do recognize that unforeseen events happen in life and I will accept late assignments with the following provisions: For each day late (n being the number of days late), you lose 2ⁿ points on your assignment. For example, if you turn in an assignment one day late, you will lose 2¹ or 2 points, two days late will cost 2² or 4 points, three days late will cost 2³ or 8 points.

Class Attendance/Participation Policy:

Class attendance is required. I expect you to participate constructively in each class. When you fail to come to class, not only do you miss out on the material for the day, but you disadvantage your fellow students as your unique perspective is absent from class discussion and problem sessions.

If you are absent the day a quiz is given or an assignment is due, you will receive a grade of zero for the quiz or incur one day late for the assignment. If you know you must miss a class, please speak with me ahead of time so that we can try to make a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Academic Honesty Policy:

All work submitted is to be completed individually (unless indicated as a group assignment), and is to be the sole product of your own efforts. Group work is to be the sole product of members of the group. Any perception of anything to the contrary or that violates the spirit of the Student Code of Conduct will be handled accordingly. This policy is very specific on what constitutes Academic Misconduct and possible outcomes, should a violation be suspected. I encourage you to become familiar with this policy. Please refer to the relevant sections of the Student Code of Conduct for more information.

Special Needs:

If you have special needs, please see me so that we may make accommodations to enable you to participate fully in this course.

Ten Tips for Success:

1. Come to class & arrive on time

2. Actively participate in class discussion & activities

3. Do the assigned reading

4. Do the assigned homework/projects (and start work on them early!)

5. Review your notes/assignments daily

6. Ask questions when you are unsure of something

7. Ask questions when you would like to know more about something

8. Accept points of view that differ from your own

9. Respect the other members of your class

10. Come see me as soon as you have difficulty with any of the material we cover in class