Course Information

Description

This first course in computer science develops foundational skills in computer programming using the Java programming language. The course is suitable for mathematics and physical science majors, and others interested in a rigorous introduction. It is also the first course in the computer science concentration. The course will teach the process of developing algorithms to solve problems, and the corresponding process of developing computer programs to express those algorithms.

Prerequisites: none

Instructor

David G. Sullivan, Ph.D.
Lecturer on Computer Science
see the staff page for contact info. and office hours

Lectures:

section A1: MWF, 10-11, SCI 113

section B1: MWF, 12-1, CAS B12

Labs

section A2: Mon., 12-1

section A3: Mon., 2-3

section A4: Mon., 4-5

section A5: Mon., 5-6

section A6: Mon., 6-7

section B2: Tues., 10-11

section B3: Tues., 1-2

section B4: Tues., 2-3

section B5: Tues., 4-5

section B6: Tues., 5-6

All labs are in the CS teaching lab, EMA 304.

The lab sections are completely interchangeable. Students enrolled in the A lecture may enroll in a B lab, and vice versa.

Requirements

• Eleven problem sets
• Three quizzes
• Final exam
• Attendance at and participation in both lectures and labs

Policies

• Policy on collaboration and academic honesty
• Lateness policy: Homework must be submitted electronically using the gsubmit utility by the date and time listed on the assignment. There will be a 10% deduction for homework that is up to 24 hours late, and a 20% deduction for homework that is 24-48 hours late. We will not accept any homework that is more than 48 hours late. Plan your time carefully, and don't wait until the last minute to begin an assignment. Starting early will give you ample time to ask questions and obtain assistance from members of the course staff.
• Determining the final grade:
  • attendance and participation: 10%
  • problem sets: 40%
  • quizzes: 25%
  • final exam: 25%
• Extensions and makeup quizzes/exams will only be given in documented cases of serious illness or other emergencies.
• You cannot redo or complete extra work to improve your grade.
• Incompletes will not be given.

Textbook

Building Java Programs by Stuart Reges and Marty Stepp (Addison Wesley, 2013). We will be using the third edition of this textbook (ISBN 978-0133360905); copies are available at the Barnes & Noble at BU. Older versions of the book are also acceptable.

If you don't expect to need the book after the semester is over, you can lease a much cheaper electronic version of the book here: http://www.coursesmart.com/978-0133360905. If you think you might continue on to CS 112, you should purchase a hardcopy of the book, because it is useful as a supplemental reference for that course. Note that you will not need the CD that comes with the textbook.