Basic Course Information
Spring/2013
Instructor: Kay Chen,
professor in Computer Science Area of STEM
Office: F133
Phone: 968‑8295
e-mail: chenk@bucks.edu
The best way to reach me is
through email – either at the above address or within your course in Canvas.
Only expect to reach me by phone during my office hours. You can usually expect
a response within 1 day.
Course Materials:
1. Starting out
with Java: from Control Structures through
Data Structures by Gaddis & Muganda, 2nd
Edition
2. Flowchart Template or software to draw flowcharts
3. Flash drive
Course Content:
The intent of this course is
to serve as an introduction for the computer science major. It will introduce
you to several aspects of computer science including: actual programming in a
structured high-level programming language.
In addition: problem analysis, flowcharting, testing, debugging,
documentation and number systems will be included. This is a rigorous
introduction and is not recommended as an introduction to computers in general
for the non‑major. The course syllabus is on file at: department
office, Dean of Academic Affairs office, library and Transfer & Job
Placement Office.
Course Structure:
4 hours/week of which approximately
2 are lecture and 2 are lab. Lab times
are when the computers will be solely available to this class and is your time
to get individual help. But you may use the computer at other times as posted.
It is expected that you use some time outside of class to complete assigned
labs. Computers are available in the library at all times the library is open.
You may also install the Java compiler (included on CD with text) on your home
computer. We will also be using Canvas to supplement lectures.
Labs:
Labs are an important part
of a programming course, although most often abused. It is your opportunity to
get valuable hands on practice. Make the most of it by doing your own work. On
the other hand, don’t hesitate to ask questions when stuck. You should also
feel free to discuss problems with other students but never just show them your
work. (See important information on a separate handout.) We will be using
computer monitoring software in the labs so don’t have an expectation of
privacy while you are in the closed lab.
(Over)
Grading:
Weekly quizzes and 2 tests
will be given. There will also be a
departmental final. In addition, at
least 8 laboratory exercises will be assigned. The expectation at Bucks County
Community College is that the principles of truth and honesty will be rigorously
followed in all academic endeavors. This
assumes that all work will be done by the person who purports to do the work
without unauthorized aids. In addition,
when making use of language and some idea not his or her own, whether quoting
them directly or paraphrasing them into his or her own words, the student must
attribute
the source of the material in some standard form, such as naming the source in
the text or offering a footnote.
(Source: BCCC Catalog, College Policy Regarding Cheating and Plagiarism). Please consult the College
Catalog for a full explanation of the policy on cheating and plagiarism. In compliance with the Bucks County
Community College policy and equal access laws, appropriate academic
accommodations can be made for students eligible for such support.
Students are encouraged to register with the Disability Services Office
(215-968-8463) to verify their eligibility for appropriate
accommodations. Please speak to your instructor about any requests for
academic accommodations or other concerns as early in the semester as possible.
Approximate
grading breakdown:
Quizzes: 15%
Tests: 30% (10,20)
Labs: 25%
Final: 25%
Homework & Exercises: 5%
attendance and class participation may be used for
borderline cases
Attendance:
You may be subject to withdrawal for excessive
absences, specifically 4 by midterm but it is still your responsibility to
withdraw yourself if you intend to do so. For any excused prolonged absence,
you should make an effort to notify me to keep up with missed work. There will be no makeups for quizzes or
tests unless you see me to make arrangements for such before the next class day. After the withdrawal deadline, the policy for
absences is an automatic F for 7 total missed classes or 4 consecutive classes.
Withdrawal Information: For student
initiated withdraw, the deadline is: April 9, 2013
Office hours: ‑ Posted on office door and Canvas. Please feel free to come in as often as
necessary for any questions. If these hours are not convenient, please see me
to arrange another time.
Notice of Student Responsibility:
Students are always responsible for retaining copies
of their own work and/or correspondence, including that posted to a web course
space. Student access to a Bucks County
Community College web course space is available only during the stated
semester/session as indicated by the College’s academic calendar. All web course sites, including content, are
routinely removed form the server at the conclusion
of each semester/session.