CIS 1051: Introduction to Problem Soling and Programming in Python Fall 2013

Prerequisites, Text, Description, Grading, Exams, Homeworks, Laboratories, Outline.

Additional information about this course may be found on the Web at
http://lucas.cis.temple.edu/~lafollet/1051.

Lecture Time: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30 AM - 11:50 AM Tuttleman 401B
Laboratory Thursdays 1:00 PM - 2:50 PM

Instructor : Paul LaFollette Teaching Assistant : Xin Li Miscellaneous:

PREREQUISITES

TEXT

DESCRIPTION

CIS 1051 introduces students to computers, computer programming, and problem solving using programs written in the Python language. . Topics covered include the general characteristics of computers; techniques of problem solving and algorithm specifications; and the implementation, debugging, and testing of computer programs. The goal is to learn to solve small programming problems and to write their solution as high quality small programs in Python.

GRADING

Percentages given here are approximate, and the instructor may change them during the course. Disastrous performance in either the exams, or in the homeworks, will result in a failing grade.

EXAMS

The midterm exams are open book. Their content is cumulative, i.e. they address the material covered up to the day of the exam. Missed exams will be dealt with on a case by case basis at the discretion of the instructor. Quizzes that are missed will not be made up but the lowest two will be dropped. The final exam is mandatory on the scheduled day.

HOMEWORKS

There will be roughly one laboratory assignment each week. You cannot expect to complete these assignments only during class time. When completed, the assignments must be given to the lab instructor who will grade them and also ask you to explain them.

Lateness Policy: It is better to complete an assignment than not complete it, because uncompleted assignments mean lost chances for learning. However, there will be one point deducted from your score for each day an assignment is late.

You are encouraged to discuss homework problems with your peers, and to help one another debug programs. However, all algorithms you devise, code you write, and anything else you might turn in should be entirely your own work. Plagiarism will be severely punished. See the University Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Cheating.

LABORATORIES

During labs, the TA will help students learn and practice the programming skills that are discussed during lecture. The TA will teach students how to use important software, including the shell, text editors, the Python environmenter. Students will be presented examples related to the material discussed in class and will examine common errors and how to avoid them. Part of the laboratory time will be dedicated to work on programming assignments.