Introduction to Scientific Programming - Fall 2009
Course Number:
CS
01.104 3
Course Information
Course Objective : To introduce the beginning programmer to probem-solving
in a computer language. Here, the chosen language
is Visual Basic, which uses a visual and event-driven environment. This course emphasizes
algorithmic solutions of problems. The syntax of the programming language is
also studied, as well as the writing of structured
code. Extensive programming experience is included in the course.
Topics to be covered : designing a graphical user interface with Visual Basic, events, I/O, numbers, strings, use of
functions and procedures, relational and logical operators, decision statements (If, Select
Case), repetition (DO loops, FOR NEXT loops), arrays, sequential files,
and Visual Basic controls.
Prerequisites :
Proficiency equivalent to Intermediate Algebra (1701.121). This course
will not be heavily mathematical, but you should be
comfortable working with variables, algebraic equations, functions, and other elements
of high school algebra.
Familiarity with the Windows operating system:
You should be able to use a keyboard and a mouse to interact with a
computer running Microsoft Windows, and you should be able to open and close
a window, copy, rename, delete, save, and move files.
Course Involvement and
Attendance (qualifies you for Extra
Credit - up
to 3%).
Class Participation (virtually unlimited
Extra Credit)
2 Mandatory Office Visits (2%).
Final grades will be based on exams, quizzes, projects,
class participation, and mandatory office visit
: 90-100% = A, 85-89.9% =
A-, 80-84.9% =
B+, 75-79.9% =
B, 70-74.9% = B-, 65-69.9% =
C+, 60-64.9% =
C, 55-59.9% =
C-, 50-54.9% = D+, 45-49.9% = D, 40-44.9% = D-, 0-39.9% =
F.
Exam Policy: The exams will have two
components: a written portion and a lab portion. The written portion
of each exam will be open book, open notes, open computer, closed VB. In
the lab portion of each exam, you will write a program to solve one or more
problems. The lab portion of each exam will be open book, open notes, open computer,
open VB. You will be able to refer to your book, your notes, and
your lab assignments during
the exam. Final exam is comprehensive.
Assignment Policy : Sufficient time will be
provided for assignments. Late assignments will not be accepted for any
reason. Try to start early, so you can finish
the assignment on time.
Lab Policy
: It is expected that you complete
all the exercises assigned in the labs.
Class Attendance and
Involvement Extra Credit Policy : At the end of the semester,
you might have the opportunity to increase your grade by one
level. Extra credit (usually a programming assignment) will be provided, and a solution
is expected. My personal, subjective evaluation will determine the amount and
the difficulty of extra credit you qualify
for at the end of the semester. Each missed class
automatically decreases the amount of extra credit
you might qualify for by 1%.
Class Participation Extra Credit Policy
: Each good in-class answer or interesting question will
be awarded 5 points. Each course-related message
posted on the discussion page will be awarded 5 points.
A total of 100 points is equivalent to 1%
extra credit for your final grade.
Mandatory Office Visits
: The first mandatory
office visit must occur during the first two weeks of the semester. The second
mandatory office visit must occur mid-semester. Schedule an appointment if
formal office hours are not convenient. You must also fill out and hand in the
questionnaires (found on the
class Web page) at the time of your mandatory visits. Note: submit your
filled questionnaires by email and only come to the office if asked by
the instructor.
Academic Integrity: Unless stated otherwise by your instructor, individual
work is expected.
Anything you turn in with your name on it must be your own work, that is,
written or coded by you and not copied from anyone or anywhere else. You must
do anything you turn in with your name on it individually. You may
consult with other students and the course instructor to clarify points of
confusion and share ideas. Copying from others is expressly forbidden. Allowing
others to copy from you is expressly forbidden. For programming assignments,
allowing others to look at your code is expressly forbidden. If you use
materials that you've obtained on the Internet, from a book, etc., you must
include an appropriate reference. To use such materials without proper
attribution is a form of plagiarism.
The violation of these rules will result in an F for the
course, effective immediately, and a letter to the Office of the Dean of
Students.
By registering in this course, each one of you is explicitly agreeing to
abide by and adhere to the above statements on academic integrity.
It is natural and desirable, in fact encouraged, that students help each
other in the labs, such as discussing their approaches to the problem. But
each student must be certain that the assignment handed in represents his or
her own effort.
Attendance
Policy: Class attendance will be taken
by your instructor at the beginning of each lecture/lab. As a student, you
are expected to attend all the classes. Please inform the instructor in
advance, preferably by e-mail, if you must be absent from a class. Excessive
absences (as judged by the instructor) may lower your grade. If you miss
a class, make sure that you obtain the notes from someone in the class, as you
are always responsible for finding out what has happened in the class. A zero
grade will be issued if you miss an exam or a quiz, unless you
inform your instructor beforehand and you can present a documented
excuse. Students who miss more than 4 meetings
(lectures and/or labs) will be
reported to the Dean of Students and will receive an F in the
course.
Withdrawal: There
are three deadlines for withdrawal during the semester. Each deadline further
into the semester demands one more signature and is more difficult to get. If
you are thinking of withdrawing, timely action is necessary. The university's
policy on course withdrawals during the last four weeks of the semester is
that a student may withdraw only if there are circumstances beyond his/her
control which prevent him/her from completing the course requirements.
Policy Concerning Students with
Disabilities: In compliance with Rowan
University policy and applicable laws, appropriate academic
accommodations are available to you if you are a student with a disability.
All requests for accommodations must be supported by appropriate documentation
/ diagnosis and determined reasonable by Rowan University. Students with
documented disabilities (physical, learning, psychological) who may need
academic accommodations are advised to make an appointment with the Office of
Specialized Services/Disability resources in Savitz 339 (x4233). Students with
disabilities are encouraged to speak with their instructor as early
in the semester as possible about their needs for special
accommodations. Late notification will delay requested
accommodations.