COMP 14: Introduction to Programming
Lectures: MTWRF 9:45 - 11:15, Sitterson Hall SN 014
Office hours: MTWR 2:00 - 3:00, Sitterson Hall SN 335
Miguel A. Otaduy
otaduy@cs.unc.edu
http://www.cs.unc.edu/~otaduy
962-1875
Course Objectives and Overview
This course is an introduction to solving problems using a computer. You will learn different approaches to problem-solving; algorithms and their design; and fundamental programming skills.
An algorithm is an informal description of operations followed to solve a problem.
You will learn how to transform an algorithm into an executable program using the programming language Java.
During the course you will learn the basic building blocks of high-level programming languages (loops, conditionals, functions, arrays, classes...).
This course fulfills the Mathematics Perspective Requirement.
This course has no prerequisites, but a basic background in math is needed. Basic computer skills (using a web browser, writing email, using word processing applications, downloading and installing software) are assumed for COMP 14. If you are not comfortable using a computer, consider taking COMP 4 ("Power Tools for the Mind") before taking COMP 14.
If you have previous programming experience, such as in a high school course, (especially, a Computer Science AP course) consider taking COMP 114 ("Foundation of Programming") instead.
This is going to be an intense class, where daily work is highly encouraged. The idea is to learn the basics of programming in about a month. Because of the nature of programming, topics build on each other, so it is essential to keep your work up to date. There will be weekly assignments and quizzes to make sure that you follow an appropriate study process, and so that the instructor can evaluate the learning progress.
Programming can be a very rewarding activity. In a extremely short time you will produce results that you could not anticipate. A program is somewhat like a piece of art, and every programmer feels in a way like an artist when he/she experiences the satisfaction of watching a well-written program that works.
Textbook
Java Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design (companion website)
D. Malik, P. Nair
ISBN: 0-619-06497-8
Available online and at UNC Student Stores.
A large part of class material has been borrowed from Michele Clark Weigle (http://www.cs.unc.edu/~clark), previous instructor of Comp14.