Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - CMPT 130 D100

Introduction to Computer Programming I (3)

Class Number: 4821

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 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:

You will learn computer science concepts and solve real-world problems using the C++ programming language. Example programs we create will show how computer science can be used for good in areas such as social justice, environmental protection, and health care support world wide. Through this we'll look at the challenges some SFU CS student-lead projects aim to address in the world!

This course will use a flipped classroom: each week programming techniques will be taught in a series of online videos. Lecture time will be interactive and focus on writing programs and modelling applied problem solving. Students are recommended to bring a laptop to lecture, if possible. Labs will help you apply the ideas you have learned with the support of TAs. Assignments will help further build your confidence with problem solving through programming. Some assignments will allow you to work with a partner (if you choose). Once you have successfully completed the course, you will have the necessary skills to program the computer to solve interesting problems. Plus, you will appreciate and write quality code for good causes.

AI tools (like ChatGPC and Co-pilot) can complement many of the skills taught in this class. However, similar to knowing how to do math in spite of calculators being powerful tools, students must learn to write the code themselves and not just rely on an AI. To ensure students are learning the material from assignments, there will be in-class quizzes for most assignments (announced ahead of time).

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, structures
  • Dynamic memory: pointers and addresses, and allocation of dynamic memory
  • File input and output
  • Errors and debugging

Grading

NOTES:

Grading breakdown and policies to be discussed during the first week of class.

Students must attain an overall passing grade on the weighted average of exams in the course in order to get a D or higher.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Reference Books

  • Starting Out with C++ From Control Structures to Objects 9th Edition, Tony Gaddis, Pearson Education, 2017, 9780134498379
  • Programming, Principles and Practice Using C++, Bjarne Stroustrup, Addison-Wesley, 2014, 9780321992789
  • Any intorductory book on modern C++ will likely be fine if needed.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Problem Solving with C++, 10th ed.
Walter Savitch
Addison-Wesley
2018
Earlier editions OK; eBook versions may be significantly cheaper; no need for their digital myLab
ISBN: 9780134448282

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 D 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).

 

  • Use of AI tools by students for completing graded scholarly activities and course submissions that has not been explicitly authorized by the instructor  will be considered as plagiarism under SFU’s Code of Academic Policy (http://www.sfu.ca/policies/teaching/t10-02.htm).  Following this policy, instructors will report all instances of plagiarism to the academic integrity board.  

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.