Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - CMPT 130 D100

Introduction to Computer Programming I (3)

Class Number: 5421

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 12, 2025
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Surrey

    Dec 12, 2025
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Surrey

  • Prerequisites:

    BC Math 12 (or equivalent, or any of MATH 100, 150, 151, 154, or 157, with a minimum grade of C-).

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to computing science and computer programming, using a systems oriented language, such as C or C++. This course introduces basic computing science concepts. Topics will include: elementary data types, control structures, functions, arrays and strings, fundamental algorithms, computer organization and memory management. Students with credit for CMPT 102, 120, 128 or 166 may not take this course for further credit. Students who have taken CMPT 125, 129 or 135 first may not then take this course for further credit. Quantitative/Breadth-Science.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course is an introduction to computer science and programming. Students will learn fundamental concepts of Computing Science as well as develop basic skills in software development using the C++ programming language.

We will be practising programming in class so bringing a laptop will be helpful.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Topics

  • Elementary programming: data types and basic input and output
  • Functions: function libraries, passing parameters, returning values, the call stack
  • Control structures: Boolean logic, if statements, loops
  • Aggregate Data Types: arrays, strings, records
  • Dynamic memory: pointers and addresses, and allocation of dynamic memory
  • File input and output
  • Errors and debugging
  • Representation of data types

Grading

NOTES:

To be announced in first week of class.

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:

Problem Solving with C++, Tenth Edition, Walter Savitch, Addison-Wesley, 2018.
Note that any introductory book on C++ is probably OK.
ISBN: 9780134448282

RECOMMENDED READING:

Programming, Principles and Practice Using C++, Bjarne Stroustrup, Addison-Wesley, 2014
ISBN: 9780321992789

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.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The following are default policies in the School of Computing Science. Please check your course syllabus whether the instructor has chosen a different policy for your class, otherwise the following policies apply.
 
  • Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a C- or higher.
  • All student requests for accommodations for their religious practices must be made in writing by the end of the first week of classes, or no later than one week after a student adds a course. After considering a request, an instructor may provide a concession or may decline to do so. Students requiring accommodations as a result of a disability can contact the Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca).

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.