COMP 1150-01 - Computer Science Concepts
Fall 2003
3 credits
 

Mondays, Wednesdays 10:00 – 10:50 SH 102
Fridays 10:00 – 10:50 SH 203

Instructor:  Mark Tompkin
Office:  MH 437
Phone:  285-7523  (office)
Email: mark.tompkin@roch.edu
     (My students must use WebCT e-mail. A copy is automatically forwarded to this external account.)
Homepage:  http://www.acd.roch.edu/mtompkin/
Office Hours: Monday to  Friday  7:30 - 9:00 AM
Friday 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Monday and Wednesday 2:00 - 3:00 PM
(additional office hours by appointment)

Catalog Description: Introduction to the field of computer science, including concepts of machine architecture, data representation, operating systems, networking and telecommunications, algorithms, programming languages, software engineering, data organization, and artificial intelligence. Intended as a first course for Computer Science majors.

Recommended entry skills/knowledge: Basic computer literacy; math skills - ready for college algebra

Prerequisite: Math 0099 or ASAP placement into Math 1115; college level reading

Objectives/Competencies: The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of computer systems and computer science, and to prepare students for further computer science courses. Specifically, after completing this course, students will be able to:

a. understand the rudiments of data storage within a digital computer
b. define the activities of a computer’s CPU
c. understand the fundamental concepts of operating systems and networks
d. understand the concept of an algorithm and its importance within the discipline of computer science
e. define the concept of a high level language
f. understand the benefits of modular design
g. understand the concept of abstraction and elementary abstract data types
h. distinguish the difference between conceptual and actual file organization
i. provide examples of a layered database model
j. realize the difficulty of detecting the presence of intelligence rather than the appearance of intelligence
k. understand the concept of computability. Text: Computer Science: An Overview by J. Glenn Brookshear (sixth edition)

Other Materials: At least two 3.5" diskettes -- bring these every Friday in order to be able to use the lab computers

Disability Accomodations: Any student who may need an accomodation for a disability needs to speak to Travis Kromminga, RCTC Disability Director. Travis’ office is SS 168, and his phone number is (507) 280-2968. TTY Relay number is 1-800-627-3529.

Attendance Policy: Class attendance is strongly encouraged, but not part of your final grade. You are responsible for all material covered in class, even when you aren’t there! Attendance for tests and the final exam is mandatory. If it is impossible for you to be present for a scheduled test or exam, you must let me know BEFORE the test, so a make-up test can be scheduled. Failure to schedule a make-up within 2 school days of the scheduled test time will result in a grade of 0 for that test.

Please be considerate of your classmates during class. Students are expected to show courtesy and respect toward their classmates. Please do not carry on side discussions with other students during lecture time – when you have a question, please raise your hand and ask the question so that everyone may benefit from it. Also, please try to make sure that your cellular phone and/or pager does not interrupt during lecture time, and especially during test time.

Grading:

10 Lab assignments each worth 10 points     100 points
16 Problem sets each worth 3 points                 48 points
3 tests each worth 50 points                              150 points
comprehensive final worth 100 points            100 points

for a total possible 398 points

percent of total points:
90 to 100% = A (358 or more points)
80 up to 90% = B (318 – 357 points)
70 up to 80% = C (278 – 317 points)
60 up to 70% = D (238 – 277 points)
less than 60% = F (no credit for course)

All lab assignments and problem sets may be done in groups, and all are due at the BEGINNING of class on the date they are due.

Credit for problem sets is based on turning in a complete assignment on time. No credit will be given for incomplete or late problem sets. Problem sets will NOT be marked for correctness. We will review the correct answers to all problem sets in class after they are due.

Lab assignments turned in up to one week late will receive half credit. Lab assignments will not be accepted more than one week late. Lab assignments will be graded for completeness AND correctness.

Weather or Other Cancellations: If class is canceled due to weather conditions on a day that an assignment is due, the assignment will be due at the following class period, but the last date to turn in a lab assignment will still be one week after the original due date. If class is canceled on a day scheduled for review for a test (other than the final), the review and the test will each be moved out one class period. If class is canceled on a day scheduled for a test (other than the final), the test will be given at the following class.

Schedule: A schedule showing all assignment due dates and scheduled test dates is available on WebCT. See http://www.acd.roch.edu/mtompkin/introWebCT.html.