Computer Science Department

Loyola College

CS 111.01 – Introduction to Computers with Software Applications

Instructor: Roberta E. Sabin

Office: Donnelly Science 125E

Telephone: (410) 617-2562

FAX : (410) 617-2157

E-mail: res@loyola.edu

BlackBoard Course Website:

http://www.loyola.edu/blackboard/index.html

Visit the CS Department WebSite: http://www.cs.loyola.edu

Class Meets: MWF 9-9:50 (in SH102)

Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10-11

Other times by appointment or stop by.

(I am usually here on MWF 8-8:50 and 12-12:50. I am frequently in my office until 3 or 4 on MWF.)

One must learn by doing the thing, for though you think you know it, you have no certainty until you try, --Sophocles, 5^th century B.C.

Man is still the most extraordinary computer of all. — John F. Kennedy

I think there is a world market for maybe five computers. — Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1945

Home computers are being called upon to perform many new functions, including the consumption of homework formerly eaten by the dog."
— Doug Larson

Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons." — Popular Mechanics, 1949

Analytical Engine has no pretensions whatever to originate anything. It can do whatever we know how to order it to perform.

--Ada Augusta Byron, 1843

CS 111 Introduction to Computers with Software Applications 3 credits

Prerequisite: none

SYLLABUS

Catalog Description: This course is an introduction to computer science and software applications. Students will be introduced to the design of computers, computer systems, and structured programming concepts. The course includes experience in popular computer applications such as e-mail (GroupWise), word processing (Word), spreadsheets (Excel), database management (Access), presentation graphics (PowerPoint), Internet applications, and structured programming concepts. This course incorporates extensive hans-on experience on a personal computer using the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office for computer applications.

Texts:

Carey/Zimmerman/Shaffer/Adamski/Finnegan, New Perspectives on Microsoft Office 2003, Course Technology, 2006.

Dale/Lewis, Computer Science Illuminated, Jones and Bartlett, 2004.

Software: Microsoft Office XP Suite, MS FrontPage, Internet Explorer, and Windows 2000 will be used.

Supplemental Websites:

Tutorials for CS Illuminated: http://csilluminated.jbpub.com/index.cfm

New Perspectives Student Materials (data files, internet assignments, lab assignments, PPT slides):

http://www.course.com/downloads/newperspectives/Office2003/FirstCourse2e.cfm

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. understand to some degree the major principles underlying computer science

2. explain how information (text, numbers, and multimedia) is stored for computer use

3. explain in broad terms the functioning of the Internet and the World Wide Web

4. understand and explain the major hardware and software components of a computer system

5. understand and explain the purpose and structure of software and the steps in the software lifecycle

6. develop a simple Java program

7. competently use a software package to create a webpage

8. use a standard application to create a spreadsheet that incorporates the use of formulae and graphics

9. understand the basic principles of database design and use a standard application to create a simple database

10. use a standard application to create a presentation

What you can expect of me: You can expect that I will come to class prepared and ready to help you learn. You can expect me to be enthusiastic (easy--since I LOVE computer science and teaching!), be knowledgeable, and keep the class moving. You can expect me to be available during my office hours and at other times that you arrange to see me. Expect me to return graded work promptly. You can expect me to treat you respectfully.

What I expect of you: I expect you to come to every class prepared to contribute to class—computing is an active sport. You CANNOT learn it in the passive mode. This means that you should have completed the assignment, done the reading, and determined what you need help in understanding. You contribute to class by intelligently questioning the instructor and offering further explanation to me and your classmates. I expect you to take responsibility for learning computer science—you won’t be sorry. Further, I expect you to treat every other member of the class (including me) with respect.

Course Outline of Class Activities:

Notice that most days will involve activities aimed at 1) learning computer science concepts (usually lecture-based) and 2) learning to more effectively use application software (usually hands-on based). Lecture-based computer science concepts topics are shown in italics below. The schedule below may be changed as need arises.

Class No.	Date	General & CS Topic	Reference^{^[1]}	App Topic	References^{^[2]}
1	1/17 W	Intro to the course Internet and WWW	Syllabus CI 16.1	survey of skills
2	1/19 F	HTML	CI 16.2	webpage construction with FrontPage	on-line
3	1/23 M	Binary numerals	CI 2.1-2.2	FrontPage	on-line
4	1/25 W	Number base conversion	CI 2.2	Using Search engines	on-line
5	1/27 F	Quiz		Organizing Files via Windows Explorer	FM 4-18
6	1/30 M	Data Representation: Basics	CI 3.1	Spreadsheets: Excel	EX
7	2/1 W	Representing Text	CI 3.3	Excel
8	2/3 F	Quiz		Excel
9	2/6 M	Representing audio and graphics	CI 3.4,3.5	Excel
10	2/8 W	Representing video	CI 3.5,3.6	Excel
11	2/10 F	Quiz		Excel
12	2/13 M	Hardware: Basic components	CI 4.1	Excel
13	2/15 W	Circuits	CI 4.2	Excel
14	2/17 F	Quiz		Excel
15	2/20 M	Hardware: Higher-level	CI 5.1, 5.2	Presentation Software: Powerpoint	PPT
16	2/22 W	Hardware Devices	CI 5.2	Powerpoint
17	2/24 F	Quiz Deciphering Ads	CI 5.4
18	2/27 M	Catch-up day & test review
19	3/1 W	TEST 1
20	3/3 F	Re-cap of test		Extra Credit Opportunity
3/6-3/10 Spring Break

Second Half of the Semester (Spring, 2006)

Course Outline of Class Lectures: (notice that tests and quizzes are shown) Not all project due dates are shown.

Class No.	Date	General and CS Topic	Reference	App Topics	Reference (text)
21	3/13 M	Problem Solving and Algorithms	CSI 6.1 & 6.2	Java Programming: General program structure; using an IDE	Handouts
22	3/15 W	Object-Oriented Design	CSI 6.3	Java: Doing math computations PPT Project due	Handouts
23	3/17 F	Quiz		Java: More math and I/O HW due	Handouts
24	3/20 M	Low-level languages	CSI 7.1-7.3	Java: repetition	Handouts
25	3/22 W	High-level languages: imperative languages	CSI 8.1-8.3	Java: decision making	Handouts
26	3/24 F	Quiz		Java: using classes HW due	Handouts
27	3/27 M	More on imperative languages: & flowcharts	CSI 8.3	Java: putting it all together	Handouts
28	3/29 W	Information Systems	CSI 12.1-12.3	Access	AC section of Microsoft Office text
29	3/31 F	Quiz		Access HW due	AC
30	4/3 M	DBMS	CSI 12.3	Access	AC
31	4/5 W	Networks	CSI 15.1	Access	AC
32	4/7 F	Quiz		Access HW due	AC
33	4/10 M	Network Protocols	CSI 15.2	Access	AC
34	4/12 W	Network Addresses	CSI 15.3	Access	AC
35	4/19 W	HW due	These classes will be devoted to advanced CS applications via student presentations. They will include selected topics from CSI chapters 13, 14, and 17.
36	4/21 F	Quiz (networks)
37	4/24 M
38	4/26 W	Test 2
39	4/28 F	Final advanced CS applications presentations
40	5/1 M	Final Exam review
Exam: Monday May 8, 9AM, SH102

The second half of the course will cover programming concepts, including simple programming in Java, database concepts using MS Access, and computer science applications. Additional topics may be added as time permits.

GRADING

Your final grade will be determined by the number of points that you earn. Approximately 900 points will be possible this semester. They will result from:

Collected written assignments labs (approximately) = 150 points

10 quizzes = 100 points

Projects = 250 points

2 tests (100 points each) = 200 points

1 final exam = 200 points

Total = 900 points

Final letter grades will be calculated on a scale close to the following:

2. Normally, homework is discussed at the beginning of each class. Homework is generally collected on Friday. A submitted assignment is assigned a value of 10-20 points. Generally, half the points are awarded for completeness and half for correctness. Correctness is determined by my checking all or a portion of the assigned exercises.

3. Projects involving the use of the application software will be given. Generally 10 days to 2 weeks are provided for the completion of a PA. Late PAs are NOT accepted, unless so stated when the assignment is given. PAs are due at the beginning of the regular class period. See class schedule for dates.

4. Please keep a record of the points you have earned. This will enable you to calculate your current average and correct errors on my part.

CLASS PROCEDURES

1. This is a 3 credit course. You should expect to invest at least 3 x 3 = 9 hours per week outside of class time on this course.

2. You are expected to have read the reference material listed in the class schedule before the lecture. You will greatly enhance your experience of the lectures by coming to class prepared. I normally distribute many handouts--copies of notes, assignment sheets, etc. In the past, many students have increased their success in this course by keeping class notes, tests, and assignments organized. A three-ring binder is recommended (sections for CS topics, Applications, home assignments, and projects may be helpful.

3. I will use Blackboard for dissemination of class materials. Blackboard will also hold copies of classnotes, project assignments, weekly assignments, data files, and important announcements. Normally, you will submit your assignments BOTH in hardcopy and as a file send to me via the Blackboard DropBox.

4. Regular attendance is necessary for success in this course. As a point of courtesy, plan to arrive on time for class. Students are responsible for material presented and assignments made during absences. Normally, make-up exams are not administered and LATE ASSIGNMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

5. This is a "hands-on" course. Therefore, besides reading the texts, attending all classes, taking good notes, completing assignments and studying, to be successful in this course, you will need to spend a substantial amount of time in the lab or at your computer. Many students find they need five to six such hours per week. Start planning a project assignment when it is first distributed. Remember that the) is usually quiet and not crowded.

6. Should you need extra help, please see me during office hours or make an appointment for a mutually convenient time. Do NOT wait until you are totally lost and have failed a test or quiz. Your success is my first priority. Even if I am busy or seem distracted, please know that I am determined to be available to you for your assistance. There is also help available on a regular basis in the Intro Programming Lab (DS121). Hours for tutoring assistance will be announced.

7. Assignments that are not printouts should be submitted on standard size paper. Please make them legible and neat. Illegible and/or sloppy assignments will NOT be graded.

8. All assignments that are not group exercises are to be completed by the student as an individual. Collaboration on design is encouraged. However, sharing files or answers to exercises is NOT allowed. (See below.)

9. Academic honesty is required of all Loyola students at all times. It is expected that all students abide by the Honor Code:

The Honor Code states that all students of the Loyola Community have been equally entrusted by their peers to conduct themselves honestly on all academic assignments.

The students of this College understand that having collective and individual responsibility for the ethical welfare of their peers exemplifies a commitment to the community. Students who submit materials that are the products of their own minds demonstrate respect for themselves and the community in which they study.

All outside resources or information should be clearly acknowledged. If there is any doubt or question regarding the use and documentation of outside sources for academic assignments, your instructor should be consulted. Any violations of the Honor Code will be handled by the Honor Council

Any copying of an assignment, whether electronically or by hand is considered plagiarism. Students submitting non-trivial projects with identical structure will be considered to have acted dishonestly. Such students may be referred to the Honor Council for disciplinary action. At the very least, two or more students presenting assignments identical in all important aspects will share the points from a single grade. Discussion among students on how to attack projects or programs is encouraged. However, as soon as code is exchanged, the line between collaboration and plagiarism has been crossed. Giving someone or using a file from someone else that can be altered in superficial ways is not ethical and violates the Honor Code. Telling someone exactly what to type or giving them hand-written directions on exactly what to type or write is likewise not ethical and violates the Honor Code.

You will be asked to sign the following pledge that will appear at the bottom of all tests and quizzes:

"I understand and will uphold the ideals of academic honesty as stated in the Honor Code."

10. If you have a disability of any type that requires an accommodation, please let me know as soon as possible.

2 references are to modules in New Perspectives MS Office 2003 (2^nd edition)

Date

General & CS Topic

Binary numerals

CI 2.2

Using Search engines

on-line

CI 3.5,3.6

Excel

Date

General and CS Topic

Reference

App Topics

Quiz

Java: More math and I/O

Low-level languages

CSI 7.1-7.3

Java: repetition

Handouts

AC