Syllabus

General Information

CS 100 - Discovering Computer Science.  Three credit hours.

Lectures will meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 12:00-12:50 pm in ARC 240. These will be in-person with mandatory attendance. 

Labs will meet on Tuesdays in SEL 2249E at 10 or 11 am. These are also in-person with mandatory attendance.
(See this page for directions to the SELE building. Room 2249E is on the second floor near the Computer Science lab and lounge area.)

Course Instructor is Dr. John Bell.  JBell@uic.edu.  Planned office hours are MW 3:00-4:00 and T 10:00-12:00 in SEO 921 and after class. 
See the TA and Office Hour Information page for further details and TA information.

Course Web Site can be found at http://bit.ly/CS100Fall2024 

A PDF version of this document can be found here.

Course Description

Computer science is the study of computers and technology, covering their theoretical and practical applications. It covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to programming, data structures, algorithms, processes, networking, and the implementation of hardware and software. Each year, an increasing number of students declare Computer Science as their major at institutions across the country, and thousands of jobs become available, emphasizing that computer science is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in the job market and in academia.

CS 100 (Discovering Computer Science) serves as an introduction to the field. We will cover some of the main components of computer science and its applications in the real world at a high-level (see the course schedule at this link for topics that will be covered). By the end of this course, you will hopefully have a better understanding of what can be done with a computer science background, be able to design and code basic applications, and see how technology can have far-reaching effects, whether positive or negative, in numerous other fields of study.

Course Goals and Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course students should have a better understanding of the field of Computer Science, including both hardware and software aspects of computing, and how computers and computing can be applied to a wide variety of fields in a wide variety of ways.  In addition they will be introduced to logical programmatic thinking patterns that can be applied to many domains besides just computing.  The specific ABET criteria addressed in this course include:

• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.

• An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.

• An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.

• An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Planned Schedule

A detailed dynamic schedule of day-by-day activities and due dates will be posted on the course web site here.  The general topic areas planned as of the beginning of the term are:

• Defining Computers and Computer Science

• Problem Solving and Design Thinking

• Web Design

• Computer Programming

• Physical Computing

• Binary Journey

• Data Analysis and Algorithms

• Technology Power and Pitfalls

• Current Events and Prominent Figures in Computer Science.

Prerequisites

None! It is totally okay for you to be taking this course and not know anything about computers.  We assume that you probably know how to search on the Internet, create and manipulate documents using Microsoft Office and/or Google docs, and perform other basic tasks using the computer. But if you don't know how to do these things, then it is completely appropriate for us to help you with questions you may have on these tasks, and we would be happy to do so!

Grading Criteria

Your grade in the course will be calculated according to the following criteria. Note that there are opportunities to earn extra credit points with some assignments and labs.

Assignments: 50%

Class Participation: 20% (3 lowest scores dropped)

Reading Quizzes/Activities: 10% (3 lowest scores dropped)

Labs: 15% (1 lowest score dropped)

Lab Quizzes:   5% (1 lowest score dropped)

Your grade in this class will be based on the number of points you earn out of the total number of points possible. Furthermore, grades are assigned without strict limits on the proportion of each letter grade given in the course.

Letter grades will be based on a straight scale using the following thresholds for grade cut-offs:

• A 90-100%

• B 80-89.9%

• C 70-79.9%

• D 60-69.9%

• F 59.9% or lower

Depending on class performance, the scale may be adjusted to compensate (e.g. 89% may become an A) but at the very least, the cutoffs listed above are guaranteed (e.g. a 91% will not become a B). You can use this straight grading scale as an indicator of your minimum grade in the course at any time during the course. You should keep track of your own points so that at any time during the semester you may calculate your minimum grade based on the total number of points possible at that particular time.

Use this link to view grade distributions from the class in previous semesters: https://secure.oir.uic.edu/gradedistroApp/gradedistroApp.aspx.

If and when, for any reason, you have concerns about your grade in the course, please email me to schedule a time for you to speak with me or your TA so that we can discuss study techniques or alternative strategies to help you.

Assignments

Assignments will always be due at 11:59 pm Central Time (unless otherwise specified). They must be posted on your portfolio, so that we can be inspired by each other's work.

Late assignments will be penalized at 10% per day, with a maximum deduction of 50%. However, this does not mean that late assignments will not be accepted after 5 days. Rather, they will be accepted for up to 2 weeks after the original deadline but will still have a 50% penalty. To give a few examples:

• A submission made by the deadline is eligible for full credit.

• A submission made 3 days late is eligible for 70% credit.

• A submission made 5 days late is eligible for 50% credit.

• A submission made 10 days late is also eligible for 50% credit.

• Submissions after 14 days will not be accepted.

• No late submissions will be accepted after Friday of finals week, regardless of how many days that is past the original assignment due date.

Class Participation

Meaningful social interaction and participation in the class will help ensure that you will learn more effectively and succeed in CS 100. A majority of the course is discussion-based with lots of group activities. Be prepared to discuss the relevant material, ask questions, and participate both in small groups and in class-wide discussions. Having different perspectives is valuable to everyone in the class, and we would all appreciate hearing what you would like to say.

If you need/prefer, rather than participate in the class interaction and discussion live, you may watch the class recording (available in Blackboard via Echo360) and write a 250-400 word essay reflecting on the class recording and the class collaboration document, in response to a prompt that will be posted at the end of the class notes for the day. This must be done within 48 hours of the original class. If you attend class, then you are not eligible for points using the essay.  Note:  The essay alternative to coming to class is expected to be the rare exception under special circumstances, not a normal regular habit.

Asynchronous Essay Submission Form

Reading Quizzes/Activities

There will be assigned material for you to complete before each class, in the form of a reading, a video, or a set of activities. This is to give us a common starting point for our discussions and activities in class. Quizzes that are based on the assigned reading or video watching will be given to ensure completion of the material. These are due before class starts each day (i.e. at 12 noon each day). No makeup quizzes will be given, however the lowest 3 quiz scores will be dropped.  

Labs

Lab exercises will be assigned each week. They will be released before your assigned lab session, and are due at 11:59pm Tuesday night. No late work for labs will be accepted. The lowest lab grade will be dropped.  It is expected that most lab work be completed during the lab period - The midnight deadline provides time to finish what was started in lab, not as an alternative to attending lab.

Lab Quizzes

Lab quizzes will be done at the beginning of lab each week, and will be based on material that has been covered during the previous week. They must be completed individually in-person in the lab, and no makeup lab quizzes will be accepted. (So make sure that you arrive to lab on time!) The lowest lab quiz score will be dropped.

Course Policies

Late Registration

If you register after the first day but within the first two weeks of class, please complete the "Request for Consideration" form linked on the course website.  See the schedule for links to previous class notes, which each include instructions at the end on how you can write essays to make up for missing classes. You will receive the class average for work that cannot be made up, such as reading quizzes and lab exercises.

Academic Dishonesty and Student Conduct

UIC is an academic community committed to providing an environment in which research, learning, and scholarship can flourish and in which all endeavors are guided by academic and professional integrity. In this community, all members including faculty, administrators, staff, and students alike share the responsibility to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty and quality of academic work so that such a collegial and productive environment exists.

As a student and member of the UIC community, you are expected to adhere to the Community Standards of integrity, accountability, and respect in all of your academic endeavors. When accusations of academic dishonesty occur, the Office of the Dean of Students investigates and adjudicates suspected violations of this student code. Unacceptable behavior includes cheating, unauthorized collaboration, fabrication or falsification, plagiarism, multiple submissions without instructor permission, using unauthorized study aids, coercion regarding grading or evaluation of coursework, and facilitating academic misconduct. Please review the UIC Student Disciplinary Policy for additional information about the process by which instances of academic misconduct are handled towards the goal of developing responsible student behavior.

By submitting your assignments for grading you acknowledge these terms, you declare that your work is solely your own, and you promise that, unless authorized by the instructor or proctor, you have not communicated with anyone in any way during an exam or other online assessment. 

We believe that each and every one of you is able to learn the material and complete assignments on your own, so if you do find yourself struggling, please reach out to any of us on the instructional staff and ask for help rather than simply turning in work that you did not complete yourself.

Our Inclusive Learning Environment

UIC values diversity and inclusion. Regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, geographic background, religion, political ideology, language, or culture, we expect all members of this class to contribute to a respectful, welcoming, and inclusive environment for every other member of our class. If there are aspects of the instruction or design of this course that result in barriers to your inclusion, engagement, accurate assessment, or achievement, please notify me as soon as possible.

Accessibility

UIC is committed to full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of university life. If you face or anticipate disability-related barriers while at UIC, please connect with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at drc.uic.edu, via email at drc@uic.edu, or call (312) 413-2183 to create a plan for reasonable accommodations. In order to receive accommodations, you will need to disclose the disability to the DRC, complete an interactive registration process with the DRC, and provide me with a Letter of Accommodation (LOA). Upon receipt of a LOA, I will gladly work with you and the DRC to implement approved accommodations.Accessibility

Classroom Conduct Policy

Students in this class are expected to behave as responsible, mature, courteous adults.  This includes:

• Arriving on time and not departing early, to the extent possible.

• Paying attention in class.

• Actively and productively engaging in classroom discussions and activities during group activity time.

• Not engaging in side conversations or other activities not related to the current class activities, and not distracting fellow students or the instructor.

• Refraining from comments or other activities that could be considered offensive, demeaning, inconsiderate, racist, or otherwise inappropriate

COVID-19

Although most classes, including CS 100, will be fully in-person this semester, COVID-19 continues to have a large impact on everyone. I would like to help in any way I can, so if there is anything I can do to provide additional support, please let me know.

The UIC Counseling Center offers an array of services to provide additional support throughout your time at UIC, including workshops, peer support groups, counseling, self-help tools, and initial consultations to speak to a mental health counselor about your concerns. Please visit the Counseling Center website for more information. If it feels like emotional or mental concerns are impacting your academic success, please contact me and your academic advisors to create a plan to stay on track.

View all UIC Current Student Resources at this page: https://today.uic.edu/resources/current-student-resources.

Face Masks

At this time masks are optional, not required, in all classes.  If the campus policy changes, then this course will abide by the new regulations.  Eating and drinking are not allowed in classrooms.

How to Succeed in the Class

There are many ways for you to show us what you know or can do and how you are learning, through your effort, interaction and class participation, application of critical thinking skills to solve real world problems, and performance on assignments and exams. This class has been structured to help all students get the support and guidance needed to succeed in your learning. The following tips will help you be successful in this class and in other classes throughout your career at UIC.

• Ask questions during class

• Complete assignments on time

• Participate in class discussions

• Post questions on the discussion board or ask questions during drop-in (office) hours about concepts or procedures that seemed confusing

• Attend / engage in drop-in (office) hours with me and your TA(s)

• Work in groups with your classmates both during class and outside of class

Final Note

If you find that you are falling behind or are having difficulty understanding course material, please come talk to me. You can speak to me before/after class, visit my drop-in hours, send me an email, or schedule a time to meet with me. Keep in mind that face-to-face interactions tend to resolve issues more quickly, but any communication with me about these kinds of issues is better than none. I am more than happy to assist you in any way I can, so please don’t hesitate to reach out!