This course is a general introduction to computing and programming. You''ll learn the fundamentals of writing software. Along the way, we'll cover: variables, functions, conditionals, control flow, data types, input/output.
Instructor: Professor Brian Spiering
Email: bspiering@usfca.edu
Office: Harney 440a
Office Hours: Tues & Thurs 1:30-2:00pm
Teaching Assistant: Aiai Jin
Email: ajin2@dons.usfca.edu
Office: TBD
Office Hours: TBD
Days and Time: Section 1: Tues & Thurs 2:00 – 6:35 pm, Lo Schiavo Science G12
Prerequisite: Math 109 (calculus), either previously or simultaneously, or CS107 (Mobile apps and the Web) previously.
- Learn how to design and write computer programs to solve real-world problems.
- Learn to identify possible errors in existing code. Also, be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different solutions.
- Learn the fundamentals of the Python programming language.
- Introduction to the field of Computer Science.
- Exposure to other programming languages, such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets).
- [05/22] Welcome | Computing Overview | Binary | Intro to Python
- [05/24] Intro to Python | Variables | Mathematical Operations
- [05/29] Booleans | Conditionals | User Input
- [05/31] For Loops | Turtle
- [06/03] While Loops | Functions
- [06/07] Strings | Lists
- [06/12] Midterm Review | Midterm
- [06/14] Files | Dictionaries
- [06/19] Exceptions | The Web | HTML & CSS
- [06/21] Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
- [06/26] Recursion | Final Exam Review
- [06/28] Final Exam
| Item | Weight |
|---|---|
| Attendance | 10% |
| Labs | 40% |
| Midterm exam | 25% |
| Final exam | 25% |
| Grade | Final Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | ≥ 93% |
| A- | ≥ 90% and < 93% |
| B+ | ≥ 87% and < 90% |
| B | ≥ 83% and < 87% |
| B- | ≥ 80% and < 83% |
| C+ | ≥ 77% and < 80% |
| C | ≥ 73% and < 77% |
| C- | ≥ 70% and < 73% |
| D+ | ≥ 67% and < 70% |
| D | ≥ 63% and < 67% |
| D- | ≥ 60% and < 63% |
| F | < 60% |
For more information about letter grades at USF, please refer to this USF Undergraduate Student Regulations web page
Late submissions will not be accepted, unless the professor approves or receives a written excuse from CASA.
Attendance is mandatory. Absences are only excused in cases of family or medical emergency, with written proof.
Readings will come from two books:
- Think Python 2nd Edition by Allen B. Downey
- How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Interactive Edition
Students are required to follow the University’s Honor Code:
“As a Jesuit institution committed to cura personalis – the care and education of the whole person – USF has an obligation to embody and foster the values of honesty and integrity. USF upholds the standards of honesty and integrity from all members of the academic community. All students are expected to know and adhere to the University’s Honor Code.”
You can find the full text of the code online at www.usfca.edu/fogcutter.
This includes but is not limited to the following:
- All assignments are to be completed individually unless specified, in writing, on the assignment. Academic dishonesty will NOT be tolerated. This is your warning! Students are encouraged to meet with me if they have questions regarding assignments or this policy.
Students caught cheating will face severe penalties.
Students may:
- Receive help from the professor and the TA.
- Discuss the requirements of assignments, bugs and general problems they have having making a program work properly, or high-level algorithms with other students or outside sources.
Students may NOT:
- Copy another student’s code.
- Submit code or problem solutions which have, in whole or in part, been copied from any other source (including another student, a web page, or another text) or written by anyone other than the student.
- Receive unapproved help from an outside source, including a tutor or a internet.
Submitted code will be cross-checked for code that appears copied between students. If you have any doubt with respect to what is acceptable to discuss, speak with the professor first.
Penalties:
Students caught violating the academic honesty policy will face severe penalties. A first offense will result in a zero on the assignment and possibly a report to the Chair of the Department’s office. A second offense will result in the student receiving an F grade for the course.
The Center for Academic and Student Achievement (CASA) provides students academic and personal support to promote holistic student development. Please visit https://myusf.usfca.edu/student-life/casa for more information. Students who miss class or assignment deadlines can contact their CASA advisor to try to have the absence or late assignment submission excused; the CASA advisor will contact the student’s instructors.
The Student Disability Services (SDS) provides support for students with disabilities. If you are a student with a disability or disabling condition, or if you think you may have a disability, please contact USF Student Disability Services (SDS) at (415) 422-2613 within the first week of class, or immediately upon onset of disability, to speak with a disability specialist. If you are determined eligible for reasonable accommodations, please provide me with your SDS Verified Individualized Services and Accommodations (VISA) form, and we will discuss your needs for this course. For more information, please visit: http://www.usfca.edu/sds or call (415) 422-2613.