Comp 14: Introduction to Programming

Fall 2005

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    Course Description:

      Overview:

      • Introduces problem-solving; algorithms and their design; fundamental programming skills.
      • Introduces computer programming for students with no prior programming experience.
      • We will use the Java programming language, but this is not a course on Java programming.

      Pre-requisites:
      There are no official course pre-requisites for this class, 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.

      Post-requisites:
      This course (or COMP 15 or COMP 16) is required for COMP 114. COMP 14 satisfies a mathematical sciences perspective.

    Instructor:

      Swaha Miller
      email: swaha@email.unc.edu
      Phone: 962-1973
      Office Hours: Mon 1:45pm-2:45pm, Tue 4:00pm-5:00pm; Sitterson 350

    Meeting times and Places:

      Lectures: Monday and Wednesday 3pm - 4:15pm, Phillips 328
      Recitation: Friday 3pm - 3:50pm, Phillips 328

    Course Materials:

      Textbook:
        Required
        Java Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design (companion website)
        D. Malik, P. Nair
        ISBN: 0619216085
        Available online and at UNC Student Stores.

        Recommended
        Java Programming: Lab Manual
        Judy Scholl

      Software:
        jGRASP 1.8.3 and the Java Software Development Kit (SDK).


    Student Responsibilities:

      Check your email and the course web page often!! Assignments and announcements will be made available on the course web page http://www.cs.unc.edu/~swaha/Comp14 and not being aware of them is not an excuse for missing an assignment - especially if you miss class.

      Every student is responsible for the material in the assigned reading, and the material covered at every lecture. The lecture topics and the reading will correspond, but will offer complementary explanations. The lectures will also be the venue for announcing and explaining the programming assignments, etc.

      Bring your laptop and textbook to every recitation! We will do programming during most recitations.

      Classroom ettiquette. No cell phone use in class. Keep your laptops closed (unless otherwise instructed) during lectures. Please be
      respectful of your fellow students and the instructor by being on time to class.

    Assignments and Grading:

      This course will involve a number of take-home assignments and programming projects, a midterm exam and a final exam. Assignments are to be handed in by 11:59pm on the due date. Students may discuss and explore general topics with each other, but each student must do their own work including the entire write-up. The exams will be closed-book.

      Grading
      The weights of the grades are as follows:

        Programming Assignments 40 %
        Homeworks 15 %
        Midterm Exam 15 %
        Final Exam 25 %
        Class Participation 5 %

      Honor Code
      Every student should read about the honor code policy of the school and the department, which is described at: http://www.cs.unc.edu/Admin/Courses/HonorCode.html

      Late Policy
      25 percent of your points will be deducted from an assignment for each day (i.e. 24 hours) it is late. An assignment is considered late if it is turned in after 11:59pm on the day it is due, unless otherwise expressed. There will be no make-ups permitted for exams due to a missed class, unless with an appropriate excuse (such as a doctor's note).