CSC 241 Introduction to Computer Science I
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Summary
Course Description
This course is the first of a two-course sequence introducing computer science. The focus of the course is on problem solving, algorithm development, logic structures, introductory data structures and functions using Python and the Python API (application programming interface), all in the context of building computer applications.
In this course we will focus on structured programming and learn how and when to use conditionals, loops, and functional and modular abstractions.
After you have taken this class:
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You will understand that a main focus of computer science is developing applications for computer systems.
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You will understand the concepts of abstraction and managing complexity.
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You will have stronger problem solving skills.
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You will know how to develop algorithmic solutions for basic computational problems.
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You will understand fundamental programming structures such as expressions, assignments, decision and iteration structures, functions and modules.
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You will have basic Python programming skills.
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You will be prepared for the second course in the sequence, CSC 242: Introduction to Computer Science II
Texts
Grading
Grading policy
Course assessments include lab exercises, programming assignments, three midterms and a final project The course grade will be computed as follows:
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Assessment
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Percentage
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Lab exercises
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10 %
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Programming assignments
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20 %
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Midterm 1 Exam
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20 %
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Midterm 2 Exam
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24 %
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Final Exam
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26 %
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An incomplete grade is given only for an exceptional reason such as a death in the family, a serious illness, etc. Any such reason must be documented. Any incomplete request must be made at least two weeks before the final, and approved by the Dean of the College of Computing and Digital Media. Any consequences resulting from a poor grade for the course will not be considered as valid reasons for such a request.
Late Work Policy: Programming Assignments, Lab Exercises, Midterms and Exams
Each programming assignment and lab exercise will have a posted deadline, specified on the assignment. Assignments submitted by the deadline will be graded for full credit.
Programming Assignments
Programming assignments or labs submitted no later than 12 hours after the deadline automatically will lose 15% of the points. No assignments are accepted more than 12 hours after the deadline for any reason, including submission of the wrong file.
Lab Exercises
Lab Exercises are not accepted after the 3:05pm deadline and must be completed in person during the Lab session. The TA will take attendance each session.
Exams
No late midterms or exam submissions will be accepted for any reason. Make-up exams will not be given. If you wish to petition for a make-up exam, you must notify via email in advance and provide documented evidence of the emergency that will cause you to miss the exam. Failure to contact me in advance of the exam date and time will disqualify you from being allowed to take a make-up exam. If a make-up exam is granted, it will be of a form of my choosing.
Programming Assignments
Each week you will have a programming assignment. You can consult with your teaching assistant, the instructor, and the CDM tutors on the programming assignments, but you may not under any circumstances submit code that you have not helped to write or work written using the assistance of an AI tool. At any point in the quarter the instructor can make submitting a screen recording of the student live coding the programming assignment mandatory to prevent the use of AI.
Your lowest programming assignment score will be dropped in the calculation of your course grade.
Lab Exercises
Unless otherwise noted on our schedule, you will have lab exercises during the mandatory in person lab every Monday at 1:30 pm. The exercises are due at 3:05 pm each Monday. You are highly encouraged to attend the scheduled lab session.
The lowest two lab scores will be dropped in the calculation of your course grade.
Lab Grading Rubric
Each lab session is worth 5 points. To receive full points for the lab exercises, you must submit a file containing a solution to all exercises on the lab assignment by the deadline specified in the exercise set. A general rubric for each area is given below:
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Exercise completion
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Points earned
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Submits a file by the deadline containing a solution for all of the lab exercises
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5
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Submits a file by the deadline containing a solution to a majority of the lab exercises
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4
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Submits a file by the deadline containing at least a partial solution to a majority of the lab exercises
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3
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Submits a file by the deadline containing at least a partial solution to some of the lab exercises
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2
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Does not submit any solutions to the lab exercises
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0
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Midterm Exams
Each Midterm will be allotted 1 hour during regularly scheduled class, the remaining 30 minutes will be used to lecture. The midterms will be cumulative. Midterm 1 will take place during class on September 19 during class. Midterm 2 will take place during class on October 17. The exams will take place in a computer lab. All exams will require you to write Python code. The details about how the exams will be given will be shared later in the quarter on the midterm and final exam study guides which will be posted to D2L.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
Ordinarily the prerequisite for this class is MAT 130: Precalculus or an equivalent high-school or college course covering algebra and precalculus.
This syllabus is subject to change as necessary during the quarter. If a change occurs, it will be thoroughly addressed during class, posted under Announcements in D2L and sent via email.
Evaluations are a way for students to provide valuable feedback regarding their instructor and the course. Detailed feedback will enable the instructor to continuously tailor teaching methods and course
content to meet the learning goals of the course and the academic needs of the students. They are a requirement of the course and are key to continue to provide you with the highest quality of teaching. The
evaluations are anonymous; the instructor and administration do not track who entered what responses. A program is used to check if the student completed the evaluations, but the evaluation is completely
separate from the student’s identity. Since 100% participation is our goal, students are sent periodic reminders over three weeks. Students do not receive reminders once they complete the evaluation.
Students complete the evaluation online in CampusConnect.
This course will be subject to the university's academic integrity policy. More information can be found at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/ If you
have any questions be sure to consult with your professor.
All students are expected to abide by the University's Academic Integrity Policy which prohibits cheating and other misconduct in student coursework. Publicly sharing or posting online any prior or current materials from this course (including exam questions or answers), is considered to be providing unauthorized assistance prohibited by the policy. Both students who share/post and students who access or use such materials are considered to be cheating under the Policy and will be subject to sanctions for violations of Academic Integrity.
All students are required to manage their class schedules each term in accordance with the deadlines for enrolling and withdrawing as indicated in the University Academic Calendar. Information on enrollment, withdrawal, grading and incompletes can be found at http://www.cdm.depaul.edu/Current%20Students/Pages/PoliciesandProcedures.aspx.
Students who feel they may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the instructor privately to discuss their specific needs. All discussions will remain confidential.
To ensure that you receive the most appropriate accommodation based on your needs, contact the instructor as early as possible in the quarter (preferably within the first week of class), and make sure that
you have contacted the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at:
Lewis Center 1420, 25 East Jackson Blvd.
Phone number: (312)362-8002
Fax: (312)362-6544
TTY: (773)325.7296