Course Description

A rigorous study of the principles of computer programming with emphasis on problem solving methods which result in correct, well-structured programs. Other topics: data representation and typing, control flow and structures, abstracting code, and custom data types.

Prerequisites

To enroll in this course, you must have a minimum grade of C in one of the following classes:

• MATH 1101,
• MATH 1111,
• MATH 1113,
• MATH 1220,
• MATH 2011,
• MATH 1001

Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course should be able to:

1. Perform standard program input and program output using the keyboard and the monitor.
2. Declare and use user-defined variables and constants using the appropriate data types.
3. Understand and implement classes and objects.
4. Declare, define, and call user-defined functions.
5. Write and evaluate expressions using arithmetic, relational and logical operators.
6. Control the flow of program execution using the appropriate sequential, selection, and repetition statements.
7. Define, create and manipulate arrays and linked lists.

Textbook

This course does not use a traditional textbook; instead, it uses a collection of open-source learning resources created by a group of Augusta University faculty and students. The resources are being re-organized to help optimize student learning, and the current iteration of the materials can be found here: https://fundamentals-of-computer-science.github.io/.

This website contains fundamental information, including canonical definitions, so it should prove extremely helpful to you. The website readings are required, and the canonical definitions will be tested during quizzes alongside practical questions (operations, syntax, coding problems).

In addition, slides from the lectures taught by Dr. DeFrancisco will be posted to the course’s Brightspace/D2L module to assist you in reviewing the material.

Computer Requirements

Since this is a computer programming class with online resources, you will need to have access to a reliable Internet connection and a computer on which you can install software. Your operating system of choice should have little to no impact on your ability to program for this course. To accommodate the possibility of needing to move to hybrid or online instruction at some point during the semester, it is strongly recommended that your computer have a webcam and microphone for videoconferencing.

If you do not own a personal computer, AU has some available on a first-come first-served loaner basis for use during the semester. The University has identified resources that can assist students with securing technology such as laptops to assist with completing coursework at a distance while quarantining or isolating. These resources are offered at no additional cost to the student. If information technology resources are needed, you should contact the Office of the Dean of Students for support and further information about securing technology for the remainder of the semester. For questions about software and troubleshooting current IT applications, students should first attempt to resolve the issue by calling the AU IT Helpdesk 24/7 at 706-721-4000.

Augusta University also has several Computer Labs that you can use to work on this class’s assignments while on campus. These computers should all have Visual Studio Code pre-installed, so you can use them for this class without needing to install any new software.

Class Attendance

This class will be conducted face-to-face, unless there are unforeseen changes later in the semester. You are expected to attend all classes and complete all lab activities. We recognize that sometimes you will need to miss class due to unexpected circumstances (illness, injury, etc.). Understand, however, that you are still responsible for all course material, whether or not you attend class, and missing class makes it easy to fall behind.

Lab Attendance

Attendance in lab is mandatory, and you are responsible for any material that you may miss due to absence. An absence here or there is understandable (as long as you make up the work), but after 3 absences, each additional absence will lead to a reduction in your overall grade. Please let the instructor and the lab instructors know of any long-term extenuating circumstances, and we will do our best to work with you.

Announcements

Important class information will be shared using the Announcements feature on D2L. Please ensure that you check D2L regularly, or edit your notifications preferences to receive an e-mail when an announcement is posted.

Getting Help

The instructor and the lab instructors should be your first point of contact for any questions regarding the content of this class, but many other resources are available to help you be a successful student:

• There is a tutoring lab for introductory courses in the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences in University Hall 129 and on discord.
• If you are food insecure, you are not alone, and the Open Paws Food Pantry will help you.
• For tutoring resources, consult the Academic Success Center (or “ASC”). It can help you, among other things, in the areas of time management, test preparation and study strategies.
• Student Counseling & Psychological Services (or “SCAPS”) is here to assist students with a variety of personal, developmental, and mental health concerns.
• The Writing Center can help you with any written, oral, or multimedia project.
• To get help with technologies, refer to our Information Technology Help Center.

ACM Club

The Augusta University chapter of the A.C.M is one of the university’s best resources for Computer Science, Information Technology and Cyber Security students. It provides a platform to network with other students in similar majors, presenting countless opportunities to not only expand the people you know, but also a fantastic place to learn and ask questions. To learn more, you can sign up for the newsletter, or attend one of the subgroup meetings (meeting times and locations are listed on the website).

Other Club Activities

SCCS-sponsored clubs include the Game Design and Augmented Reality Club, Girls Who Code College Loop, Cybertronic Makers Club, Women in Cybersecurity Club, and more. Their activities will be shared via college-wide emails and posted on notice boards in the SCCS tutoring center.

Late Policy

In lab, projects and self-paced quizzes are due at 11:59pm on the assigned due date, and no late assignments will be accepted. There will be plenty of time to complete the projects, so plan ahead for the possibility of illness, car malfunctions, power outages, or other setbacks.

Quizzes must be taken in person on the date of the quiz. In extenuating circumstances, such as unavoidable work commitments or illness, permission to make up the quiz on an alternate date may be given by either the instructor or the lab instructors. Any request to miss a scheduled quiz must be made prior to the quiz and accompanied by documentation of the extenuating circumstances. Missing a quiz without making these arrangements will result in a grade of zero.

Withdrawals

It is the student’s responsibility to initiate a withdrawal before midterm in order to receive a grade of W rather than WF. Although instructors have the right to withdraw a student who has stopped attending class or submitting assignments, you should not assume that you will automatically be withdrawn if you stop attending.

Any student not withdrawn from the course who misses the final exam without a documented excuse (as described in the Late Policy section) will receive a grade of F. In case of an documented emergency at the time of the final, the student may be allowed to receive a grade of I.

Classroom Behavior

You are expected to come to class on time and stay until the end of the lecture: late arrivals and early departures disturb the learning experience for everyone. No cell phones or other visible distractions are allowed during lectures. Paying attention to the lecture, taking notes, and participating in in-class activities will help increase your retention of the material and improve your confidence on the exams. Asking questions in class is encouraged; it is preferably to interrupt the flow of the lecture to clarify something instead of moving on with a class that is confusing.

Academic Accommodations

Augusta University believes academically qualified individuals with disabilities should have equal opportunity and access to a quality education. We have been actively involved in fostering an environment that encourages full participation by students with disabilities in every segment of the University. Testing and Disability Services.

Accommodations for students with disabilities are made on an Individual basis. Students must register and request services from the Director of Testing and Disability Services. In order to receive services, students must provide current documentation of their disability from a qualified health professional. (Documentation Criteria )

Appointments can be made by calling The Office of Testing and Disability Services at (706) 737-1469 or by emailing tds@augusta.edu. It is the student’s responsibility for initiating an appointment and following “How to Receive Service” instructions.

The Office of Testing and Disability Services is located at 2500 Walton Way Galloway Hall Room 101 Augusta, GA 30904.

If the student does not obtain academic accommodations through The Office of Testing and Disability Services, it is assumed no special accommodations or modifications will be necessary to meet the requirements of this course.

Academic Honesty

Honesty and integrity are essential to an academic community if the honors and credentials it awards are to receive respect. The responsibility for the practice and preservation of honesty must be equally assumed by all of its members. Any type of dishonesty in securing those credentials therefore invites serious sanctions, up to and including a WF or F in the course, and expulsion from the institution. Augusta University’s academic regulations, as well as the student’s manual, provide specific definitions of cheating and plagiarism and describe the consequences for engaging in this kind of misconduct.

Unethical behavior of students in any form is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. Academic dishonesty – cheating on exams, plagiarism of the work of others, unapproved collaboration on graded work, and the like – will be dealt with immediately and with clear consequences. Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, a student who is guilty of any such violation may be: 1) withdrawn from the course with a grade of WF (counted as an F in the GPA); 2) given a grade of zero on the assignment; 3) given a grade of F in the course; or 4) otherwise penalized, at the discretion of the faculty member. Two occurrences of a WF grade for academic dishonesty will result in a student’s being expelled from the University, per current University policy as described in the University Catalog.

In general, all work you submit for this class must be entirely your own and must not be shared with anyone else. If you are unsure about whether or not certain kinds of collaboration are permissible, please ask the instructor or the lab instructors.

Campus Carry Legislation

Please be aware of the USG guidance on House Bill 280. Note that you may not carry a handgun if high school students are enrolled in the class, and that it is your responsibility to visit the registrar to determine whenever this is the case or not.