CSC171: Introduction to Computer Science
Summer 2018

Course Information

Hands-on introduction to programming using the Java programming language. Teaches fundamentals of programming and more advanced topics. Emphasizes algorithmic thinking and computational problem solving and provides an introduction to the concepts and methods used in Computer Science. Required for all CSC majors.

Credit hours: 4.0

Prerequisites: None

Class: Mon-Tue-Wed 900-1155 in Gavett 244 (not Hylan 303!)

Web: BlackBoard and www.cs.rochester.edu/u/ferguson/csc/171/Summer2018/

Instructor Information

Prof. George Ferguson <ferguson@cs.rochester.edu>

Office: Wegmans Hall 2103 (see instructor website for office hours)

Teaching Assistants:

Course Goals

This course is a hands on introduction to computer programming using the Java programming language. You will learn to program computers by writing computer programs. Topics covered include:

Course Mechanics

Textbook: Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates, Head First Java (Second Edition), O'Reilly, 2005. [Amazon]

Additional readings and resources:

Course calendar (including readings, assignments, and exam dates): www.cs.rochester.edu/u/ferguson/csc/171/Summer2018/calendar.html.

Grading:

Late projects will not be accepted during summer session.

Letter grades will follow the Official University of Rochester Grading Scheme. Note that the University scheme puts average somewhere between C and B. The following table is an estimate of how the numeric grades will map onto the letter grades (subject to change):

A: Excellent >=90%
B: Above Average >=80%
C: Minimum Satisfactory Grade >=70%
D: Minimum Passing Grade >=60%
E: Fail <60%

All appeals of exam or project grades must be made within THREE DAYS of the grade being posted.

Assessment and Student Support

Learning Outcomes

Academic Support Services

Policies

Academic Honesty

All assignments and activities associated with this course must be performed in accordance with the University of Rochester's Academic Honesty Policy. More information is available at: www.rochester.edu/college/honesty

You will learn the most if you do all the work in this course ON YOUR OWN.

That said, collaboration on projects is permitted, subject to the following requirements:

Disability Resources

The University of Rochester respects and welcomes students of all backgrounds and abilities. In the event you encounter any barrier(s) to full participation in this course due to the impact of disability, please contact the Office of Disability Resources. The access coordinators in the Office of Disability Resources can meet with you to discuss the barriers you are experiencing and explain the eligibility process for establishing academic accommodations. You can reach the Office of Disability Resources at: disability@rochester.edu; (585) 276-5075; Taylor Hall.

Students with an accommodation for any aspect of the course must make arrangements through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) IN ADVANCE. Then, as instructed by CETL, contact the instructor to confirm your arrangements. Do not leave this until the last minute.

Attendance

We hope that you will want to attend class (lecture), but attendance is NOT required other than for exams. If you choose not to attend, you may miss important announcements or information about the course.

Credit Hours

This course follows the College credit hour policy for four-credit courses. In the Summer session, this course meets three times weekly for nine hours of lecture/lab/workshop per week.

Students are also expected to do significant work outside of class time. This supplementary work on homework, projects, and exam preparation may require up to twice again as many hours of effort (up to eighteen hours/week in summer session).

Incompletes

Incompletes will not be approved during summer session.

Excuses

Computer crashes, malfunctions, and catastrophic loss of files are NOT valid excuses for not submitting work on time. CSC173 students are Computer Scientists. You should know how to deal with this by now. Backup your files regularly to at least one external drive and/or cloud storage. You can always complete your assignments using IT Center computers.

Network connectivity problems are also NOT an excuse for not submitting work to BlackBoard on time. CSC173 students are all familiar with BlackBoard, for better or worse. Upload early just in case.

Students who are unable to attend or complete any part of the course due to illness should contact the instructor AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Please note that the University Health Service (UHS) does not provide retroactive excuses for missed classes. Students who are seen at UHS for an illness or injury can ask for documentation that verifies the date of their visit(s) to UHS without mention of the reason for the visit. Students with extended or severe illness should contact the College Center for Advising Services (CCAS) for advice and assistance.

Students with an appropriate excuse for missing any exam or project deadline must make arrangements IN ADVANCE.

Other Policies

Please note Section V.7 of the College's Academic Honesty policy regarding Unauthorized Recording, Distribution or Publication of Course-Related Materials.