This course teaches students how to solve problems and implement those solutions in code.
The course's main topics include the following:
- Programming and problem solving
- Variables and state
- Conditionals
- Iteration
- Data structures: arrays and objects
- Functions (and methods)
- Searching and Sorting
- Recursion
This is a first course in computer programming and there are no formal prerequisites beyond being enrolled in the program/course. However, we do expect that everyone brings a keen mind, an interest in the material and a willingness to invest time.
We will use the following online resources:
In addition, the following resources may be useful to you
- the Computer Science Tutorial Assistance Centre (CSTAC), 1170 Herzberg. A drop-in to ask questions about anything related to this this course (and CS in general).
- the Student Academic Success Centre, 406 MacOrdum Library
You will be using
Processing, an environment for Java particularly oriented towards creating interactive visual applications. It is free and you can download it from
http://processing.org/.
Students will be evaluated in this course according to the following measures.
| Component |
Weight |
Due Date |
| Tutorials |
10% |
Tutorials start the week of January 14th |
| Assignments |
40% |
Assignments are due on each Tuesday starting January 15th |
| Midterm exams |
20% |
Thursday March 7th |
| Final exam |
30% |
To be announced |
In order to pass the course, your weighted exam average (midterm and final) must be at least 40%. If your weighted exam mark is below 40, your final mark will be your weighted exam mark.
Note: There will be 11 assignments but only your best 10 will be used in your Assignment grade.
Note: There may be an optional bonus assignment #12.
Appeals: All assignment and midterm appeals must be made no later than two weeks after they have been returned to the class (either electronically via cuLearn or handed back in class). For assignment appeals please email the teaching assistant that marked your assignment. Midterm appeals must be made in writing and given to the instructor.
Tutorials run each week (except reading week) from January 14th until April 5th. Attendance (for the entire tutorial) and participation is required to obtain your tutorial marks for a given tutorial.
Unless otherwise stated, any collaborating on assignments is strictly disallowed. You must complete the work by yourself. If you need help, please see a TA or your instructor. Posting assignment solutions on discussion boards before the due date and time is also prohibited.
The Undergraduate Advisor for the School of Computer Science is available in Room 5302C HP, by telephone at 520-2600, ext. 4364 or by email at undergraduate_advisor@scs.carleton.ca. The undergraduate advisor can assist with information about prerequisites and preclusions, course substitutions/equivalencies, understanding your academic audit and the remaining requirements for graduation. The undergraduate advisor will also refer students to appropriate resources such as the Science Student Success Centre, Learning Support Services and the Writing Tutorial Services.
Student Academic Integrity PolicyEvery student should be familiar with the Carleton University student academic integrity policy. A student found in violation of academic integrity standards may be awarded penalties which range from a reprimand to receiving a grade of F in the course or even being expelled from the program or University. Some examples of offences are: plagiarism and unauthorized co-operation or collaboration. Information on this policy may be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
PlagiarismAs defined by Senate, "plagiarism is presenting, whether intentional or not, the ideas, expression of ideas or work of others as one's own". Such reported offences will be reviewed by the office of the Dean of Science.
Unauthorized Co-operation or CollaborationSenate policy states that "to ensure fairness and equity in assessment of term work, students shall not co-operate or collaborate in the completion of an academic assignment, in whole or in part, when the instructor has indicated that the assignment is to be completed on an individual basis". Please refer to the course outline statement or the instructor concerning this issue.
Academic Accommodations for Students with DisabilitiesThe Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities (PMC) provides services to students with Learning Disabilities (LD), psychiatric/mental health disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), chronic medical conditions, and impairments in mobility, hearing, and vision. If you have a disability requiring academic accommodations in this course, please contact PMC at 613-520-6608 or pmc@carleton.ca for a formal evaluation. If you are already registered with the PMC, contact your PMC coordinator to send me your Letter of Accommodation at the beginning of the term, and no later than two weeks before the first in-class scheduled test or exam requiring accommodation (if applicable). After requesting accommodation from PMC, meet with me to ensure accommodation arrangements are made. Please consult the PMC website for the deadline to request accommodations for the formally-scheduled exam (if applicable) at http://www2.carleton.ca/pmc/new-and-current-students/dates-and-deadlines/
Religious ObligationWrite to me with any requests for academic accommodation during the first two weeks of class, or as soon as possible after the need for accommodation is known to exist. For more details visit the Equity Services website: http://www2.carleton.ca/equity/
Pregnancy ObligationWrite to me with any requests for academic accommodation during the first two weeks of class, or as soon as possible after the need for accommodation is known to exist. For more details visit the Equity Services website: http://www2.carleton.ca/equity/
Medical CertificateThe following is a link to the official medical certificate accepted by Carleton University for the deferral of final examinations or assignments in undergraduate courses. To access the form, please go to http://www.carleton.ca/registrar/forms