COMP 110: Introduction to Programming (Spring 2010)

Course Info:

Time: MWF 1pm-1:50pm

Place: SN 014 – Sitterson Hall

Instructor: Ms. Catie Welsh, cwelsh [at] cs.unc.edu

Office Hours: M 10am-11am, W 2:00-3:00pm, Sitterson 311 or by appointment

URL: http://cs.unc.edu/~cwelsh/COMP110/

Textbook (Required): Java: Introduction to Problem Solving and Programming. 5^th Edition.
Walter Savitch & Frank Carrano. Pearson/Prentice Hall © 2009, ISBN: 0136072259.

Description:

This course is an introduction to programming for students with little or no programming experience. There are two primary goals: to learn fundamental programming skills and to learn systematic and logical thinking. Basic programming concepts include: variables, loops, conditionals, arrays, functions, and classes. Basic problem solving approaches include: abstraction, division into sequential pieces, and division into layers. All code is written in the Java programming language.

Objectives:

By the end of this semester, students should be able to:

Develop algorithms.
Develop problem solving techniques.
Apply fundamental programming concepts, such as variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and arrays, in programming assignments.
Use pseudocode and Object Oriented design techniques for the planning and development of programming sequences.
Understand the basic components of computer programming in Java, which can be applied to other languages as well (C, C++, Python, etc.)
Analyze existing programs to identify problems or potential improvements.

Prerequisites:

Although this course has no prerequisites, a basic background in math, especially algebra, is required.
I assume basic computer skills (using a web browser, writing email, using word processing applications, downloading and installing software, etc.).
If you are not comfortable using a computer, consider taking COMP 101 ("Power Tools for the Mind") before taking COMP 110.
If you have previous programming experience, such as in a high school course, (especially, a Computer Science AP course) consider taking COMP 401 ("Foundations of Programming") instead. If you are interested in taking COMP 401 without taking COMP 110, please see me first.

Topics:

Introduction to computers and programming tools.
Variables, types, values and declarations
Input and output
Expressions and statements
Flow control
Loops
Arrays
Object-Oriented Programming

What to Expect:

Here are the major parts of all the assignments and projects.

Reading assignments. These will be general directions for reading your text book. It is a better idea to do them before coming to each class.
Assignments. Several written homework will be assigned to help you to better understand the definitions and concepts. There will also be programming assignments, which require the submission of a Java program which could generate the correct results.
Exams. There will be an in-class written mid-term exam and a written final exam during the (University) scheduled time slot.
Attendance: Attendance is required for this class, and is a factor in your grade. This includes class participation.
Grading
     Labs and Homework: 60%
     Mid-term exam: 15%
     Final exam: 20%
     Attendance: 5%

Late Policy:

An assignment is considered late if it is submitted after 11:59pm on the day it is due. Late assignments will not be accepted for credit. Each student has 3 free late days, which may be used at any time and in any combination. Unused late days are each worth 2 extra credit points on the final exam.

Honor Code:

You may discuss general approaches for the assignments, but all code must be your own, and you must be able to explain your code.
Exams and quizzes are to be entirely your own work. You may not collaborate with other students or use any computers, books, notes, or previously completed assignments.
Please be familiar with the UNC Honor Code (http://honor.unc.edu) and the Computer Science Honor Code ( http://www.cs.unc.edu/Admin/Courses/HonorCode.html )
You will be required to sign an honor code pledge to hand in with every assignment.