Introduces central ideas of computing and computer science, instills practices of algorithmic and computational thinking, and engages students in the creative aspects of the field. Also introduces appropriate computing technology as a means for solving computational problems and exploring creative endeavors. Includes weekly computer programming assignments, but assumes no previous programming experience.
Prerequisite
Level 3 or higher on the mathematics placement examination
Course Outcomes
An ability to use computing tools and techniques to create computer program artifacts.
An ability to use multiple levels of abstraction, models, and simulation in computation.
An ability to use algorithms to develop and express solutions to computational problems.
Textbook
Required: Explorations in Computing: An Introduction to Computer Science and Python Programming by John S. Conery. Chapman and Hall/CRC, 2014. ISBN 978-1466572447.
While completing the assigned readings, students are expected to complete the tutorials at the end of each section of each chapter. These tutorials reinforce the concepts in each chapter and provide practical, hands-on experience in Python programming. The tutorials also supplement the material covered in lecture, lab and homework. Students are responsible for completing the assigned readings and tutorial exercises in preparation for examinations.
Optional: How to Code in Python 3 by Lisa Tagliaferri, Digital Ocean, New York, NY. ISBN 978- 0-9997730-1-7
Major Topics Covered in Course
Data representation and compression
Computational thinking and problem-solving
Basic algorithms for searching and sorting
Boolean logic
Fundamentals of programming in the Python language
Social, legal, and ethical issues in computing
Laboratory Projects
Weekly lab exercises involving programming in Python