Pacific Lutheran University
CSCE 144 -- Introduction to Computer Science

Spring 2006

• Java Software Solutions: foundations of program design, 4th Edition. John Lewis & William Loftus, Addison-Wesley 2004. NOTE: There are multiple printings of the 4th edition of the text. Please try to buy the same one that is available in the bookstore (ISBN: 0321322037).

Section 1: M,W,F  11:15-12:20, Morken #203
Section 2: M,W,F  12:30-1:35, Morken #203
Lab Section 1: Th  9:55-11:40, Morken #210
Lab Section 2: Th  11:50-1:35, Morken #210

The official prerequisite for this course is four years of high school math or MATH 140 or equivalent. The general rule of thumb is that if you are ready to take first semester calculus this term, then you have sufficient mathematical background to take this course.

Note that this course serves multiple curricular roles. It is a first year course for computer science and computer engineering majors and is a required course for all CSCE minors. It is also required for some other majors including mathematics and physics. Additionally, it can satisfy the Natural Sciences (NS) general university requirement and is a great opportunity for students to explore the possibility of majoring or minoring in computer science or computer engineering.

Even if you never write a computer program again, the skills and experience you gain in this course may well be of benefit to you regardless of your chosen major. However, you should realize that the course is both challenging and fairly time consuming. In addition to reading, homework, quizzes, exams, and class and lab attendance, you will be required to spend time outside of class completing pre-lab and post-lab portions of your laboratory assignments. If you are unwilling or unable to meet the intellectual challenge and time commitments this course requires you might want to consider enrolling in CSCE 120 (Computerized Information Systems), a non-majors' course that focuses on the use of computer applications, instead.

1. To learn to write computer programs in the Java programming language. Our emphasis will be on developing the important skills involved in the programming process. These skills include the ability to solve problems, write algorithms, understand and write programs, create and use objects, write program documentation, testing and debugging, and using online class libraries.

2. To better understand Computer Science as a discipline. While this class primarily focuses on computer programming in Java, the field of computer science is much more than just programming and includes such topics as Algorithms, Databases, Graphics, Networks, Operating Systems and Software Engineering. In this course we will discuss these and other topics, as well as some of the ethical and social issues related to computers and computer science.

3. To have fun writing computer programs! Programming is challenging but it is also a creative and rewarding processes. Like any challenging endeavor, when you are able to do it and do it well you have a great sense of accomplishment. It is my sincere hope that all of you will experience that feeling and enjoy programming while in this class.

You are expected to attend all lectures and labs. There will be quizzes, group exercises, labs and assignments given regularly. You are responsible for all material that is covered during the class and lab. If you must miss a class or lab, you will want to contact someone in your section for his or her notes. Expect that missing classes or labs may result in a lower grade, directly or indirectly.

The handouts, assignments and other helpful information is available from the class home page and occasionally I will make announcements on the class forum. I strongly recommend you check the home page and forum regularly. I may also contact you via email (using your PLU email address) with important class information, so you should check your email regularly as well. Please feel free to email me with any questions you might have or to set up an appointment if you need to meet with me outside of office hours. To access some information, such as homework solutions and some course materials, you may be required to logon to the PLU eCourse system.

The department operates several laboratories in the Morken Center. Morken 210 serves as a closed lab for CSCE270 on Tuesdays and CSCE144 on Thursdays, as well as for other classes on occasion. It serves as an open lab all other times during the week and in the evenings and you are welcome to use it during those times. The lab opens with a card-swipe lock so be sure to bring your PLU ID in order to be admitted. The lock will only work for IDs of students on the "admit list". Please let me know right away if you added the class late or if your ID card does not work. If the 210 lab is full or being used by another class you may use the machines in Morken 227. Other details about lab policies and procedures will be distributed with the first lab assignment.

Your grade will be based on the following:

Your final grade will be based on your weighted average using some approximation of the following table:

The grading scale is a general guideline only. I may adjust your grade depending on various factors including class participation, attitude, and timeliness (turning in assignments, attendance etc.).

My basic presumption is that the work you do is your own. Occasionally, especially when working problem sets or writing programs (but never on exams and quizzes), it may be necessary to ask someone for help. You are permitted to do so, provided you meet the following three conditions:

1. You acknowledge the help on the work you hand in.
2. You understand the work you hand in, so that you could explain the reasoning behind the parts on which you received help.
3. You do not write code on a lab assignment with another student or exchange printed or electronic copies of your (or others) work.

Please also refer to the PLU catalog or http://www.plu.edu/acad/integ.shtml for the official PLU Academic Integrity Policy.

Protect your own work. If you store your files on a public server, make sure the permissions are set so that only you can read them. Ask your professor if you don't know how to do this. Never give printed copies of your own work to other students. Do not throw printed copies of your programs in the recycle bin in the computer lab. Instead, dispose of (recycle) them in a place where other students do not have easy access. Never give printed or electronic copies of your source files or homework solutions to other students.

If you have any questions about what this policy means, please discuss the matter with the instructor now.

In the event of extreme weather, closure information may be obtained from the "Campus Closure" hotline (535-7100). If the university is open, but this class needs to be cancelled, that information can either be found on the course forum or from your instructor's voice mail message. Students are urged to use caution and personal discretion and avoid undue risk and personal danger when making travel decisions during extreme weather conditions.

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.

Students are also reminded that they are responsible for notifying instructors of any conditions that may impair their academic performance. Without advance warning, such difficulties cannot be used later as a basis for requesting make-up exams or reconsideration of grades.

Last day to register, add a class, or drop a class with a full refund is February 14. The last day to withdraw from a class with a W grade and a fee is April 28.

In the space provided below I encourage you to exchange names, phone numbers and/or email addresses with a few of your classmates. That way you'll have a contact if you miss a class or want to study together.

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