Course Objectives & Learning Outcomes

• Introduce fundamental programming concepts: This includes core ideas like algorithms, data structures, and problem-solving methodologies.

• Develop programming proficiency: Students should gain practical skills in writing, testing, and debugging code using a chosen programming language.

• Foster computational thinking: Cultivate the ability to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps and express solutions in a logical and algorithmic manner.

• Build a solid foundation: Prepare students for more advanced computer science courses and future careers in software development or related fields.

• Understand and apply basic programming constructs:

  • Variables, data types (integers, floats, strings, booleans)

  • Operators (arithmetic, comparison, logical)

  • Control flow (if-else statements, loops - for, while)

  • Functions (defining, calling, passing arguments)

• Work with data structures:

  • Arrays (one-dimensional, multi-dimensional)

  • Strings (manipulation, operations)

• Implement problem-solving algorithms

• Develop and test programs:

  • Write well-structured, readable, and efficient code

  • Use debugging techniques to identify and fix errors

  • Test programs thoroughly to ensure correctness and robustness

• Communicate programming concepts:

  • Explain programming concepts and solutions to others clearly and effectively

  • Document code using appropriate comments and style guidelines

Grading Policy

• Fall

  • Assignment (40%): programming exercises and essays. You MUST see the ACADEMIC INTEGRITY section before taking this class.

  • Exams (60%)

• Spring

  • Assignment (45%): programming exercises and essays. You MUST see the ACADEMIC INTEGRITY section before taking this class.

  • Project (15%): student needs to demonstrate their programming skill. A proposal, a report, a presentation, and GitHub codes are required.

  • Exams (40%)

The Problem Solving Through Inquiry and Data Analysis rubric can be found here. You SHOULD read it carefully before submitting your first homework. It allows you to know exactly the way in which you will be assessed, it is helpful in facilitating academic integrity.

Academic Integrity

• Plagiarism is a serious breach of academic trust. In academic work, our words, ideas and programs are the value of our work, so turning in someone else’s work as if it were your own is a form of theft. When you use someone else’s words, ideas, or programs without crediting the source or authorship of those words, ideas, and program, you are plagiarizing. So here’s the bottom line: original work only, credit to ideas, writing, words, or programs from someone other than you. Plagiarized work will automatically receive a “0” or “F” for the assignment.

• Since cheating usually arises out of desperation and everyone has an occasional problem and finishes their work late, this class accepts late homework submission, but with a 15% per day penalty. We encourage you to complete your homework rather than drop it. Any oral discussion with classmates, TA and lecturer are welcomed, but you MUST NOT share any of your code in any form.