CSCI N100 Principles of Computing Syllabus

Course Description

No computing experience assumed. How computers work, word processing, spreadsheets, file management, and Internet skills. Emphasis on problem-solving techniques. Lecture and laboratory. Credit given for only one of CSCI N100, CPT 106, or BUS K201.

This course covers practical skills in daily computing including applications, Internet use, and general computer use. However, it is also a science course. It describes the problem-solving paradigm central to computer science, and helps students take a deeper look into the effects of digital computing on daily life. You will have gentle but real experiences with data encoding, computer architecture, and even a fun kind of programming.

CSCI N100 and the PUL

All courses at IUPUI are intended to reflect a number of the Principles of Undergraduate Learning (PULs) identified by the campus. CSCI N100 reinforces these principles:

Section Information

section type location day(s) time
27148 lecture and Lab SL 247 TR 10:00 - 11:45 PM

Note there is no separate lab time for this class, as the lecture is held in the laboratory. Lab exercises will be interspersed through the lecture time.

Instructor Information

Lecture Instructor:
Andy Harris
email:
aharris@cs.iupui.edu
Office Hours:
T/R 10:00 - 11:00
other times by appointment
Office Location:
SL 280D
Phone:
(317) 274-8421
TAs:
TBA

Textbook

Evans, Martin, Poatsy,
Technology in Action (complete) Third Ed.
Pearson / Prentice Hall

Other course notes and examples will be found on class main page

Assignments and grading

Grades are based on weekly assignments. These will include a combination of in-lab exercises, homework assignments, quizzes, and other projects. Assignments will be turned in via oncourse unless otherwise indicated. There will also be two exams and a final project.

Grade breakdown is as follows:

labs
40%
midterm exam
20%
final exam
20%
final project
20%

Attendance

Although this is an introductory class, it will be different from any other computer class you may have taken. We promise to provide interesting, challenging topics every single session. If you do not attend, you will miss out. Some assignments will be completed in-class, and makeups will not be allowed except for previously cleared absences or documented emergencies. Computing is not a spectator sport. You need to be here to succeed.

Integrity Issues

Students are encouraged to discuss the concepts and principles amongst themselves. Such discussions help in understanding the material and/or different aspects of the topics taught in the class. Students may also assist in debugging each others code. It is unethical to directly transfer any portion of individual work products, either by printed or electronic means, between students. Student cooperation should not result in identical or near identical answers/code/documentation.

ALL THE MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR GRADING MUST BE YOUR OWN EFFORT.

If this policy is violated then the following steps may be taken (at the instructor's discretion):

Internet use warning: The Computer Science department is particularly sensitive to dishonest leveraging of the internet. Presenting information obtained from the internet as your own is just as severe as claiming another student's work as your own. It is extremely important to cite works from the internet or other resources when they are the basis for your own work. Your internet research should not result in work products that are in identical or near identical to the original. Posting any part of the course including homework, exams, or projects is forbidden. Submitting any part of the course to code-for-hire or other support web sites is forbidden. Accessing any online chat, user forum, IRC, or any other interactive discussions during online testing is prohibited.