CS 135: Computer Science I

http://www.cse.unr.edu/ $\sim$ cs135

Catalog Description

CS 135, Computer Science I
Lecture+Lab: (3+1)
Credit(s): 3

Introduction to modern problem solving and programming methods. Emphasis is placed on algorithm development. Introduction to procedural and data abstraction, emphasizing design, testing, and documentation. (Formerly CS 201; implemented Spring 2005.)

Prereq(s): MATH 128 or satisfactory score on readiness exam.

Course Objectives

This course introduces students to computer science. The course provides students with the skills necessary for programming and problem solving using a computer. We will use the C/C++ programming language and cover the following topics.

Program organization
Expressions
Assignment, selection, and iteration
Functions and parameter passing
One and Two Dimensional Arrays

Course Arrangement

The course has two components: Lecture and Laboratory. Both lecture and lab components are mandatory. Note specifically that the laboratory component is mandatory. All assignments, homework, quizzes, and exams are required.

Textbook

Required: C++ for Engineers and Scientists by Gary J. Bronson. Publisher: Thomson Course Technology

Important Dates

Exam 1: Week of March 3, 2008
Exam 2: Week of April 7, 2008
Final Exam: Saturday May 10, 2008 from 9:45 - 11:45 in WRB 2030

Assignments

There are two types of assignments: programming assignments and exercises. Exercises consist of practice questions intended to assist students in mastering course content. Some of these exercises may be collected and graded, but you will be informed in advance when an exercise is to be handed in.

Programming assignments require writing C/C++ programs to solve problems. You will be using windows and linux boxes in the Engineering Computing Center (www.ecc.unr.edu) in SEM 231. Each programming assignment will come with submission instructions.

We tentatively plan for the first set of assignments to culminate in a very simple computer game. Near the end of the semester you will (probably) build another game.

Assignment Rules

Late programming assignments or exercises will not be accepted
Exams are individual efforts. A severe penalty will be given for collusion or other form of academic dishonesty. The usual penalty for academic dishonesty on assignments or an exam is failure in the course.
Carefully read the section on Academic Dishonesty found in the UNR Student Handbook (copies of this section are on-line at http://www.unr.edu/stsv/acdispol.html ) Your continued enrollment in this course implies that you have read it, and that you subscribe to the principles stated therein.
The first set of about five (5) assignments are individual efforts. The rest can be done in groups of two (pairs). The rules for pairing up and working on assignments will be posted on the class website.
For individual assignments, do not show, exchange, or copy code. Using another person's code or having another person "ghost write" a lab will be considered academic dishonesty. For pair group assignments, if you are in a pair group do not show, exchange, or copy code outside your group.
All lab assignments should be considered "open-book, take-home tests." If you need assistance with an assignment, you may consult your professor, a CS TA designated to help CS 135, your textbook, or any other textbook. Any assistance you do receive from other sources is to be documented in the comment section of your code.

Grading and Assessment

Students will be assigned letter grades. Your grade will be one of A, B, C, D, or F. We will use the +/- grading system.
A: $\geq$ 90%; 80% $\leq$ B 90%; 70% $\leq$ C 80; 60% $\leq$ D 70%; F: below 60%
There will be a number of programming assignments. No late assignments will be accepted.
There will be two midterm exams and a final exam. Midterms take place in your regular classroom.
The Final Exam is Saturday May 10, 9:45 - 11:45 a.m. in WRB2030.
There will be announced and unannounced quizzes.
Note: Failure in either the programming (assignments and final project) component or the lecture component (exercises, quizzes, and exams) will result in failure in the course.

Your final grade will be based on:


Item	Final Grade Percentage

Midterm exams (15% each)	$30\%$
Assignments	$20\%$
Final Project	$15\%$
Quizzes and Exercises	$15\%$
Final Exam	$20\%$

Preliminary Course Outline

This outline is not in order. For example, we will start covering functions on the first day.


Topic	Chapter	Lectures (based on 50 minute classes)

Introduction	1	5
Program Organization	2	2
Data types and Expressions	2	3
Selection: if-else, switch	4	3
Interactive input and output	3	1
Design	...	5
Loops: for, while, do-while	5	6
Reading and Writing files	3	3
Functions	6,7	6
Arrays	9	6

Course Outcomes

Students demonstrate they can define and apply the basics of a programming language.
- Strategies and Actions:
  - Lectures, labs, and projects covering the basic concepts of a programming language, in particular C++.
- ABET Criteria covered:
  - (a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.
  - (c) An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs.
  - (k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
- Program Objectives covered:
  - (2) Our graduates will have achieved a solid understanding of concepts fundamental to the discipline of Computer Science.
- Assessment:
  - Quizzes and exams
  - Weekly programming assignments and projects
Students demonstrate they can design small projects. Students also design a multi-part project including topic details of their own choosing.
- Strategies and Actions:
  - Learning program design through weekly labs and projects. Many of the labs and projects describe the problem but leave the design and implementation details to the students.
  - The final project is comprehensive, implementation spans several weeks, and is loosely defined.
- ABET Criteria covered:
  - (c) An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs.
  - (e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
- Program Objectives covered:
  - (2) Our graduates will have achieved a solid understanding of concepts fundamental to the discipline of Computer Science.
  - (3) Our graduates will have achieved good analytic, design, and implementation skills required to formulate and solve computing problems.
- Assessment:
  - Lab assignments pertaining to algorithm development
  - Project design documents
Students demonstrate they can solve problems by finding and then coding solutions.
- Strategies and Actions:
  - Learning problem solving by analyzing a given problem, finding a solution, and then coding the solution.
- ABET Criteria covered:
  - (e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.
- Program Objectives covered:
  - (2) Our graduates will have achieved a solid understanding of concepts fundamental to the discipline of Computer Science.
  - (3) Our graduates will have achieved good analytic, design, and implementation skills required to formulate and solve computing problems.
- Assessment:
  - Quizzes and exams
  - Weekly programming assignments and projects

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The translation was initiated by CS 135 Class Account on 2008-01-21

CS 135 Class Account 2008-01-21