Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - CMPT 130 D100

Introduction to Computer Programming I (3)

Class Number: 6223

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Surrey

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 14, 2024
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
    Surrey

    Dec 14, 2024
    Sat, 7:00–10:00 p.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). A student's mark on a quiz, which is directly testing material from an assignment, will limit the maximum score the student can earn on that assignment.

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:

  • 10%: Weekly labs
  • 35%: Assignments with related in-class quizzes (~6)
  • 20%: Midterm
  • 35%: Final
Grading breakdown to be confirmed 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 obtain a clear pass (C- or better).

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

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

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.