CS 140 Introduction to Programming with Python

Syllabus, Spring 2007

 

Course title:        CS 140 Introduction to Programming with Python

Credits:                  4 credits; satisfies the Math/CS General Education Requirement 

Prerequisites:   Mat 100 or appropriate placement

Instructor:         Dr. Gancho Ganchev

Office: WS114

Phone: (203) 837-9349

Email: ganchevg@wcsu.edu, gfganchev@yahoo.com

 

Description:

This course provides a general introduction to programming with emphasis on sound programming practices and the means to respond positively to learning programming languages and program development environments. No previous programming experience is required. Students will learn how to construct algorithms using typical program control statements and data types. The programming concepts introduced in the course will be implemented using the Python programming language. CS 140 is also offered with other languages, e.g., Java and C#.

 

Resources:

Required Textbook:  Zelle, J. (2004) Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science

Class notes and additional course materials will be posted on the N: drive in the folder N:/Class/GanchevG/CS140.

 

Attendance:      You are expected to be present for each class session.

 

Homework:  You are expected to perform all the exercises provided in the Exercises and Programming Exercises sections after each chapter of the textbook. Additional homework exercises will be provided in the class notes. You must plan to devote at least 5 hours every week for preparation for class sessions.  If you miss a class, or get behind for any reason, you will need much more time to catch up.

         

Withdrawals:     No withdrawals will be approved after the official University deadline.

 

Assessment:     Three tests (approximately 50 minutes in duration) and a cumulative final exam (2:30 hours). The emphasis will be on good understanding of programming concepts. No make-up tests will be offered. If you miss a test for a valid reason, the final exam will count with increased weight.  

 

Grading:  

         

                        Semester tests:                                 60%

                        Final exam:                                        40%

 

Tentative Schedule of Topics:

 

Session

Date

TOPIC

Reference

1-Mo

Jan 22

Overview.  Problem solving. Program development cycle. The Programming Environment

Ch. 1, notes

2-We

Jan 24

Writing simple programs

Ch. 1

3-Mo

Jan 29

Writing simple programs

Ch. 2

4-We

Jan 31

Writing simple programs

Ch. 2

5-Mo

Feb 05

Computing with numbers

Ch. 3

6-We

Feb 07

Computing with numbers

Ch. 3

7-Mo

Feb 12

Computing with numbers

Ch. 3

8-We

Feb14

Snow

 

Mo

Feb 19

Presidents’ Holiday Break

 

9-We

Feb21

Computing with strings

Ch. 4

10-Mo

Feb 26

Test 1

 

11-We

Feb 28

Computing with strings

Ch. 4

12-Mo

Mar 05

Computing with strings

Ch. 4

13-We

Mar 07

Computing with strings

Ch. 4

14-Mo

Mar 12

Problem solving with decisions

Ch. 7

15-We

Mar 14

Problem solving with decisions

Ch. 7

 

Mar 19-25

Spring recess – no classes

 

16-Mo

Mar 26

Problem solving with decisions

Ch. 7

17-We

Mar 28

Test 2

 

18-Mo

Apr 03

Problem solving with decisions

Ch. 7

19-We

Apr 04

Objects and graphics

Ch. 5

20-Mo

Apr 09

Objects and graphics

Ch. 5

21-We

Apr 11

Objects and graphics

Ch. 5

22-Mo

Apr 16

Objects and graphics

Ch. 5

23-We

Apr 18

Defining functions

Ch. 6

24-Mo

Apr 23

Program design with functions

Ch. 9

25-We

Apr 25

Defining classes

Ch. 10

26-Mo

Apr 30

Problem solving with loops

Ch. 8

27-We

May 02

Problem solving with loops and data collections

Ch. 8, Ch 11

28-Mo

May 07

Data collections

Ch. 11

29-We

May 09

Test 3

 

Th

May 17

11:00am-1:30pm Final Exam