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![[Policies]](../graphics/policy.gif)
Basic Information
Instructor: Julia Benson-Slaughter
Fall Semester, 2009
Section 200: MW 11:00 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Room E-0280, Dunwoody Campus
Catalog Description
This course continues the introduction of the fundamental principles of computer science from CSCI 1301. It includes an overview of abstract data types (ADTs); arrays (multi-dimensional) and records; sets and strings; binary files; searching and sorting; introductory algorithm analysis (including Big-O); recursion; pointers and linked lists; software engineering concepts; dynamic data structures (stacks, queues, trees).
Prerequisite
Completion of CSCI 1301 with a 'C' or better.
Textbook and Supplies
Java Programming: Program Design Including Data Structures.
D.S. Malik.
Thomson Course Technology. ISBN 1-4188-3540-4.
Note that the bookstore carries the textbook bundled with a lab manual;
the lab manual is only used in CSCI 1301 so you probably already have it.
If you want to get only the book,
I suggest you order it online from another source.
NOTE: if you took CSCI 1301 this summer and used Starting Out with Java by Gaddis & Muganda, DO NOT buy the Malik book! I will take care of cross-referencing the two books and making sure you get assignments. Please see me the first day of class if you are one of those people so we can talk.
You need some form of data storage, preferably a 2GB or larger flash drive, for use in class and for assignments. There is now a portable version of Java, so we'll make sure we get that installed on your flash drives the first week. If you have not done so already, you will also need to download and install the Sun Microsystems Java Developer's Kit, available at http://www.sun.com, and the jGRASP development environment, available at http://www.eng.auburn.edu/grasp/, if you plan to work at home.
Communications
I frequently make announcements and reminders of due dates and other important events at the beginning of class. These announcements and updates will normally also be posted at the GPC Computer Science Forum. You are expected to check the CSCI 1302 section of the forum on a regular basis for general updates and information. Individual questions and requests should be addressed to me either in person or via your preferred email/messaging system.
Class Organization
We will spend approximately 40-50% of our class time on lecture and 50-60% of our class time on laboratory exercises. After a brief review of the material from CSCI 1301, we will cover chapters 11 through the first part of chapter 19 (chapters 11 through the first part of 22, except for chapter 18, in Gaddis & Muganda).
Assistance
- I hold regular office hours on class days, where any student can drop in to ask questions and get help.
- I am also available outside of office hours for limited assistance via email, instant messenger, Twitter, Facebook messaging/chat, or telephone. Emails and phone calls will receive a response as soon as reasonably possible; however, at certain times, particularly weekends, it may be as much as 48 hours before I can get back to you. There is a contact form here on the website for sending emails. Most contact information is posted online; additional contact information will be given out in class at the first meeting.
- The GPC Computer Science Forum is an excellent resource for finding answers to your questions as well as asking questions of other students who have taken or are taking your class. It additionally is a growing source of information for general computing concerns that are not specifically related to class content. All students in this class are expected to register for the forum and make use of it. I do monitor the forum and answer questions of general interest there, so don't be surprised when one of your emailed questions ends up there for everyone's benefit.
- Additionally, limited free tutoring in computer science may be available (pending funding) in the ISS lab on the top floor of the Learning Resources Center. The times when the computer science tutor is available are posted in the ISS lab and in the classroom. This is the only additional tutorial help in computer science provided by the college. The college does not provide referrals to or references for paid outside tutoring; if you need to find such an individual you will need to do so on your own.
Grading
Assignments
Assignments will consist of problems from the ends of the chapters plus programs to develop and test. The assignments collectively are worth 40% of your course grade.
All work for a chapter is due on the date specified on the course schedule, typically one week after the end of the chapter's coverage. Work will not be accepted more than two weeks after the end of the chapter's coverage. No work may be submitted, for any reason, after the beginning of the final exam.
Assignment Submission
For homework questions, you should submit the answers to these problems in writing on or before the designated due date. For programming assignments, you should submit a printout of your source code, screenshots of test runs of your program, and an electronic copy of your source code file(s). You need to make sure your programs have been adequately tested beforehand, as I will be running your programs to test them with my own test data, which I will NOT make available to you!
Tests
There will be two tests during the semester, each worth 15% of your course grade (30% total). Both test grades will count towards your final grade. Students who participate in the CCSC:SE programming contest in November (assuming we are able to attend) will have the option of skipping the second test if they choose.
Final exam
There will be a comprehensive final examination at our scheduled final examination period in our regular classroom. This final examination accounts for 30% of your course grade. The final examination is not optional, nor can this grade be dropped.
Alternative testing arrangements must be made in advance for tests or the final examination. Normally, makeup tests will be given only in the cases of illness, a death or serious illness in the immediate family, a summons for a court appearance or similar legal issue, or an unexpected and unchangeable work conflict. Students should be prepared to produce written documentation in support of their request (e.g. a note from the doctor or supervisor, a copy of a court summons, etc.).
Extra Credit Policies
This course already involves a substantial workload. Therefore, no optional assignments for extra credit are ever made under any circumstances. Limited extra credit opportunities are available as follows:
- Extra credit may be available on selected regular assignments for work above and beyond the minimum requirements.
- Extra credit questions may be included on major tests or on the final exam.
- Students with no more than one absence will receive two points added to their final class average. Students with no more than three absences will receive one point added to their final class average. For this purpose, being late to class or leaving class early twice will count as one absence.
- Students who are active participants on the GPC Computer Science Forum will receive one point extra credit added to their final average.
- Students who actively participate in classroom activities and discussion will receive one point extra credit added to their final average, at the instructor's discretion.
- Friending me on Facebook/following me on Twitter does NOT give you any extra credit, by the way. It's just a rather effective way to communicate with me.
Grading scale
Letter grades for the course are based on a standard 100-point grading scale, with 90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, below 60 = F.
Absence Policy
Regular attendance is the most critical factor in your success in this class. You are expected to attend all classes and examinations as scheduled. As per college policy, attendance is taken at the beginning of each class. Students who attend at least one class meeting will not be withdrawn from the class by the instructor. Those students who wish to withdraw from the course must do so themselves by submitting a withdrawal form to the Registrar. Students withdrawing before the midpoint of the semester will receive a grade of "W"; students withdrawing afterwards will receive a grade of "WF" unless hardship withdrawal status is granted by the department head or academic dean. Students who stop attending class and do not submit a withdrawal form will receive a grade of "F".
