Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - CMPT 120 D200

Introduction to Computing Science and Programming I (3)

Class Number: 5379

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Wed, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • 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

This course introduces both Python programming and computer science for people who have not programmed before. 

The course will walk through the details of programming, with many fun and interesting examples along the way. By the end, you will be able to write useful Python programs, and have an idea of some core topics in computer science more generally.

A detailed list of topics will be given in the first week of the course. If you want to get started early, look at the required textbook below.


Grading

NOTES:

A detailed marking scheme will be provided in the first 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

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Ideally, you should have a Windows or Mac computer so that you can run Python in it. Go to https://www.python.org/downloads/ to download and install Python for your computer.

If you don't have a computer that can run Python, then you can use Python in the CSIL, the computer science instructional lab.

Many textbook chapters and class notes will be in the form of Jupyter notebooks. You'll be able to view these through the web with no special work. To interact with the notebooks, then you can use Google Colab or VS Code (instructions will provided in the course).

REQUIRED READING:

Think Python, 3rd edition
https://allendowney.github.io/ThinkPython/

This is a free textbook written in the style of Jupyter notebooks. If you have a Google account you can view them interactively. Or you can read them as static text files.

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.