Fall 2022 - CMPT 120 D400
Introduction to Computing Science and Programming I (3)
Class Number: 5469
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
SurreySep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Wed, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Surrey -
Exam Times + Location:
Dec 13, 2022
Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Surrey
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Instructor:
Toby Donaldson
tjd@sfu.ca
1 778 782-7433
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Prerequisites:
BC Math 12 or equivalent is recommended.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An elementary introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students with little or no programming background. Students will learn fundamental concepts and terminology of computing science, acquire elementary skills for programming in a high-level language, e.g. Python. The students will be exposed to diverse fields within, and applications of computing science. Topics will include: pseudocode; data types and control structures; fundamental algorithms; recursion; reading and writing files; measuring performance of algorithms; debugging tools; basic terminal navigation using shell commands. Treatment is informal and programming is presented as a problem-solving tool. Students with credit for CMPT 102, 128, 130 or 166 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken CMPT 125, 129, 130 or 135 first may not then take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.
COURSE DETAILS:
Instructor's Objectives
An elementary introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students with little or no programming background. Students will learn fundamental concepts and terminology of computing science, acquire elementary skills for programming in a high-level language, e.g. Python. The students will be exposed to diverse fields within, and applications of computing science. Topics will include: pseudocode; data types and control structures; fundamental algorithms; recursion; reading and writing files; measuring performance of algorithms; debugging tools; basic terminal navigation using shell commands. Treatment is informal and programming is presented as a problem-solving tool.
Topics
- Algorithms and computational thinking
- Procedural programming in Python
- Data types and control structures
- Application areas within computing science
- Fundamental algorithms, including searching, sorting, basics of recursion
- Computability and complexity, introduction
- Basics of binary encoding
Grading
NOTES:
There will be assignments and multiple quizzes/exams. A more detailed marking scheme and technology details will be provided in the first class of the semester.
Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to obtain a clear pass (C- or better).
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
- Think Python - How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Interactive Edition
https://runestone.academy/runestone/books/published/thinkcspy/index.html This interactive text is available online for free
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html