Intro. to computer science, CS110A (new)

Course Description

This introductory CS course replaces previous CS 110A, Intro to programming course. It introduces fundamental concepts in computer science and investigates how computers store and transmit information, how to solve problems with computers by designing and implementing algorithms, and how computing fits into larger social issues.

CS 110A will serve as an entry point for students who are interested in learning more about computer science but who do not want to commit to taking a programming-heavy course. Non-majors in this class will develop a sense of how computer science relates to their lives and the world around them while satisfying their Communication and Analytical Thinking requirement. The course will also be available for majors who want to further develop their big-picture view of the field of computer science. Therefore, the course aspire to attract and inspire students into computer science and thus welcomes anyone who never written any code before. The course utilizes the Python, one of the best general purpose and teaching language as the programming language tool. Detailed official course outline is linked.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

• Articulate how a variety of types of information can be stored in a computer using the binary number system

• Explain how information can be transmitted as binary numbers between computers via computer networks

• Evaluate and design algorithms that use selection, repetition, and decomposition to solve quantitative problems

• Implement algorithms that feature conditionals, loops, and functions using a programming language

• Defend possible positive actions that address issues related to the impact of computers in society

Prerequisites/corequisites/Recommended Preparation

Prerequisite:   MATH 60 or placement in Math 90 + 90S or higher

Corequisite: None

Pre/Corequisite: None

Advisory:     ENGL 88 or ESL 188 or readiness for college-level English

Advisory Pre/Corequisite:      None

Class Meetings

This is a fact-to-face class with mandatory class meetings. 

CRN 72311 Section 004: Monday, Wednesday 1:10PM - 3:00PM in Batmale  Hall room 413, face-to-face at the Ocean Campus 

CRN 72312 Section 005: Monday, Wednesday 3:10PM - 5:00PM in Batmale  Hall room 413, face-to-face at the Ocean Campus 

Course Website

Students will use the Canvas Learning Management system for lecture notes and videos, assignment instructions, submitting assignments, sharing resources, and viewing grades. Check CCSF Support for Credit Students page If you need help with Canvas.

Textbook and Course Materials

The interactive online eTextbook for this class is required, and it costs $50. This book has been integrated to Canvas course and thus the students must use through Canvas for proper grade recording. The link will be available soon, but it is from ZyBooks. Free supplementary learning resources are provided in specific modules.

Course Communication

Instructor Contact

• Email: iwalimuni@ccsf.edu  

• Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday 11:30AM - 12:30PM

• Office Location: Batmale hall room 467 

• Additionally I plan to offer virtual office hours (TBD)

Communication Plan

Canvas notifies the events (announcements, grading, etc) happening in Canvas to students according to their preferred  Notification Preferences . The instructor expects the students will read them at least on a twice a day basis. 

• I will respond to all course emails within 24 hours Monday-Friday, exclusive of school holidays and weekends. Once the course begins, I prefer to get messages through the Canvas "Inbox". 

• I will review and grade your work and will give feedback within a reasonable amount of time past the deadline of assignment. 

• I will participate in the weekly discussions. I may not be able to reply to everyone. I will definitely reply if the post need my attention.

• I will communicate with the class through Canvas announcements throughout the semester.

Building Community

Please use the Canvas discussion board to ask common questions, to help each other and to collaborate within the rules of this course to build a strong and caring community. You will also earn credit for some of the participation too. 

Course Technology

Canvas

Students will use the Canvas Learning Management system for lecture notes and videos, assignment instructions, submitting assignments, sharing resources, and viewing grades. If you need help with the mechanics of Canvas, Canvas help is the number to call.

Required Hardware

• Access to a local computer: You do not need an expensive computer for this class. 

• If you don’t have a computer, you may be able to borrow one and a wifi hotspot from CCSF library for free

• Class rooms are equipped with computers and access to internet. However, feel free to bring your laptop or chromebook.

• .Access to Internet: you will need a reliable internet connection to go through class materials outside of Campus

Required Software

• Update your browser

•  Zoom video conferencing  for virtual office hour meetings

Course Logistics (To be updated for Fall 2023)

Important Dates

• First day of classes: Wednesday, August 17

• Last day to drop a class without having to pay anything for it (SF Residents have to pay for the course if dropped after this date): August 30

• Last day to add a class, also last day to drop a class without it appearing on transcript: September 2

• Labor Day Weekend: campus closed September 3-5

• Last day to request pass/no pass (P/NP) grading system (instead of a letter grade): TBD

• Flex Day (faculty professional development) - no classes: Monday October 10

• Last day to drop a class: November 3

• Veterans' Day - campus closed: Friday November 11

• Thanksgiving Weekend - no classes, college closed: Thursday November 24 - Sunday November 27

• Last Regular Class (on campus): Monday, December 12

• Final Exam: TBD

• Last day late assignments will be accepted: December 20 off

• Final grades available on myRAM starting January 10, on Canvas starting January 3 or sooner.

Attendance

You are expected to participate in class every week and submit all assignments on time. I may drop you from the class if you don't post or submit anything, nor come to class for over two weeks, without explanation. It is always easy to reinstate a student than to face an ugly situation where you ought to pay tuition for a class you didn't participate. 

Dropping the class

If you decide to discontinue this course, it is your responsibility to officially drop it  to avoid getting no refund. Please use the online myRAM system, or contact the Office of Admissions and Records to withdraw from the course.

Late Policy

TBD before class starts.

Assessment and Grading

Assessment

• Assignments (homework): 30%

• zyBooks online textbook participation: 20%

• zyBooks challenges: 5%

• zyBooks Labs (programming exercises): 10%

• Discussions in Canvas (includes some programming exercises): 15%

• Midterm Project: 10%

• Final Examination on Python programming and related topics: 10%

Grading Policy

   90% - 100%   A

   80% - 89% B

   70% - 79% C

   60% - 69% D

   0 - 59%     F 

Students who do not take the final exam will be assigned a grade of "FW". An "FW" is an "F" grade that also indicates that the student did not complete the course.

Expectations

Student Expectations

You will succeed in this course if you meet the following expectations:

• Treat everyone in the class with respect, equality and dignity

• Understand, tolerate and respect the uniqueness of a human being

• Give a meaningful effort to do well; put at least 8-10 hours of extra time outside the class per week

• Read instructor recommended references at the start of a module

• Do the zyBook participation activities, ahead of the time, don’t try your luck on small answer questions

• Actively participate in the classroom and in the forum; ask questions: interactive learning is not boring

• Be on top of the schedule and instructor’s communications: don’t get into ugly surprises

• Pay attention to details; read questions carefully

• Try all extra credit problems if any

• Do both class surveys: free 2% class total extra credit there

• Complete the assigned activities on time. Please let me know as soon as you can, concerning difficulties

• Use the forum to get help or help others, create study groups, share information and ideas, but not your work

• Try to solve it by yourself multiple times; hard earned experience is the one that is lasting

• Do not rely on the internet on finding solutions

• Become a self directed learner; follow the schedule in the syllabus and study ahead

• Develop a growth mindset; don’t just think you can and do nothing(fixed mindset) actually try it for yourself

• Do your own and your best work.

Instructor Expectations

Here is what you can expect of me:

• I will respond to your email or message within 24 hours during the week unless I inform you otherwise.

• I will treat you and your ideas with respect, equality and dignity

• I will grade your homework, group projects, and exams within a reasonable amount of time

• I will review your grades in the Canvas Grade book

• I will do my best to be a great role model and a mentor to you as I always has been

• I will work hard to make this a great class for you

Accommodation Statement for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities who need accommodations are encouraged to contact me.  Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) is available to facilitate the reasonable accommodation process. The DSPS office is located in the Rosenberg Library, Room 323 and can be reached at (415) 452-5481 or visit DSPS website. 

Academic integrity and plagiarism

Computer Science embraces collaboration. I love collaboration and the sharing of ideas!  Let’s learn from each other and from the books and articles we read,  but make sure the work we turn in is our own. If you are having issues with your assignments, come and talk to me during my office hours, so that I can help you individually. If you are tempted to plagiarize to save time or get a good grade, please see me instead. I would rather grant you an extension.  However, plagiarism, cheating, and other misconduct are serious violations of the CCSF's Academic Conduct Policy, and I am obligated to follow the appropriate and official protocol in response to plagiarism or cheating. Instances of plagiarism in a class may be reported to the Dean of the College, and may be reported to the University Judicial Affairs Officer for further action. Please visit CCSF's student code of conduct for more. 

Below are some specifics related to plagiarism:

• Copying from any source is considered cheating. Do not submit answers that you did not write.  If you get help or ideas from any resource, you should  first understand and  rewrite (retype) the code or answer by yourself. Then the student must mention these resources in the assignment. You should always be able to explain the code or answer that you submit. Submitting assignment that contains copied code or answers without a proper acknowledgment will result in a score of zero for the assignment and could result in a failing grade for the course and further disciplinary procedures

• The instructor encourages collaboration between students except during exams. He encourages students to share information and ideas, but not their work. There is a clear difference between collaboration and copying; one must submit her/his/their own answer or code. Giving complete answers or any code through the forum or through any other means is considered cheating.

• Collaboration, assisting or copying in an exam is considered cheating

Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) statement

The CCSF CS Department is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the field of computer science. We strive to make computer science accessible and exciting to all, particularly those who historically have been and continue to be excluded from or face discrimination in the field based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or other dimension of their identity.

We believe that an inclusive department with perspectives from diverse backgrounds benefits students, teachers, and the broader community and helps promote innovation and the more equitable application of technology in society. 

Promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion is a process of continual growth and learning for us. We welcome your ideas and questions. If you have a suggestion for how we can better support you and/or your classmates, or if you have a question about our efforts in this area, please reach out to any CS instructor or to the Department Chair. We will make sure your voice is heard. 

For more information and resources outside of our department, please visit CCSF’s Office of Student Equity. 

Anti-Discrimination Policy

The San Francisco Community College District is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and the prevention of discrimination and harassment in any program or activity of the District on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, religion, age, gender, gender identity, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, disability or AIDS/HIV status, medical conditions, or status as Vietnam-era veteran, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

If you believe you have been subject to discrimination, please contact Mildred Otis, Title 5/EEO/ADA/Title IX Compliance Officer, at motis@ccsf.edu.