CS-160
Introduction to Computer Science
Western Oregon
University
345 N. Monmouth Ave.
Monmouth, OR 97361
Term
Winter 2015
Course Description
Explores the disciplines and professions of Computer Science and Software
Engineering. Overviews computer hardware and software architecture, the
study of algorithms, software design and development, data representation and
organization, problem-solving strategies, ethics in the digital world, and the
history of computing and its influences on society. Explores career options and
begins the process of planning a program of study. Exposes students to both
low-level and high-level programming languages.
Credit: 3 credit hours
Instructor
Don Kraus
Required Text/Materials
Online/Digital class materials can be found on:
http://moodle.wou.edu
http://wou.edu/las/cs/csclasses
Office Hours
Tuesday and Thursday
8:30 – 9:20 and 11:00 – 11:50
Performance Based Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the class, students should be able to:
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Contact
krausd@wou.edu
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Time and Location
Don Kraus, CRN: 20722
9:30-10:50 TR ITC-311
Code of Student
Responsibility
All members of the University
community have a
responsibility to maintain a
level of behavior that reflects
favorably upon the person and
the University. The University
expects students to abide by
local, state, and federal laws
as well as University policies,
procedures and regulations.
Please read the school catalog
for campus policies on
students’ rights and
responsibilities, and academic
dishonesty. All campus
policies will be enforced.
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Define the field of computer science and related fields (computer engineering,
information technology, information systems, software engineering); describe what
practitioners of each of these fields do.
Describe the educational requirements and options available to those wanting to
enter any of the professions in computing.
Identify the campus computing resources available to students and the appropriate
uses of each for communication, research, and coursework.
Analyze the societal and ethical issues that arise as a result of the increased use of
digital systems.
Review the historical and technical evolution of computing and its impact on the field
today.
Assess the direction that hardware and software development may take in the next
ten years and its impact on jobs for future computing professionals.
Describe the commonly used architecture of digital computers, and the function and
relationships of the primary components of digital computers.
Describe the interrelationship between system software and application software in
the context of efficient and correctly operating computing systems.
Solve problems using abstraction and modularization techniques.
Describe software life-cycle and common tools of the software engineer (compilers,
editors, IDE’s, version control systems, change management systems, document
management system).
Primary Teaching Method
On-line course materials supplemented with interactive lectures, discussions, and
classroom activities.
Course Requirements
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Quizzes/Exams must be taken at the times and dates scheduled. There will be no
makeup quizzes or exams. If you must miss an exam due to a REAL emergency,
contact your instructor (phone or email) PRIOR to the exam time.
A minimal mastery of the content is necessary to be successful in following classes in
the CS program; so a minimal mastery grade (D or better) is required on the final in
order to receive a passing grade in the course.
READ THE CLASS POLICIES & STUDENT TIPS FILE on the class Moodle site for detailed
class policies and student tips.
CS-160 Syllabus, Page 2
ADA
If you have a documented
disability that requires
academic
accommodations at
Western Oregon
University, you are
required to have your
accommodations
coordinated through the
Office of Disability
Services (ODS). ODS is
located in APSC, Rm. 405.
Phone: 503-838-8250
VTTY. Email:
ODS@wou.edu
Veterans and active duty
military personnel with
special circumstances are
welcome and encouraged
to communicate these, in
advance if possible, to the
instructor.
Diversity
By providing a
multicultural campus
community, WOU offers
students the knowledge,
attitudes, and skills to
function effectively
within and beyond their
cultural boundaries as
required in today’s global
society. To accomplish
this WOU has developed
active communities of
learning representing
diverse populations and
perspectives. We provide
access to an array of
diverse and inclusive
populations to foster a
quality workforce and
well-educated citizens.
Student Success
Students in this class may be
referred to the WOU Student
Success Specialist (SSS) if the
instructor determines their
performance in the class is
placing them at academic risk.
The SSS will offer to work with
referred students to address
issues and develop a student
success strategy. Irrespective
of whether a referral has or
has not been made, you are
ultimately responsible for
tracking your own progress in
this course.
Grading/Policies
Components
Grade Scale
Labs/Exercises: 30%
Quizzes: 30%
Final Exam: 40%
Notes:
100% - 92% A
91% - 90% A–
87% - 82% B
81% - 80% B–
77% - 72% C
71% - 70% C–
67% - 62% D
61% - 60% D–
59% - 0% F
See the “Class Policies” page for more details on labs/exercises,
quizzes, grading and points. Note that the 9 labs are all equally
weighted (3.33 points each) and the 5 quizzes are also equally
weighted (6 points each)
89% - 88% B+
79% - 78% C+
69% - 68% D+
Course Content/Assignment Outline
Week Topics and Notes
1
CS education and careers; introduction to science of
computation
Last day to drop with 100 % refund: Friday
2
Digital number systems
3
Digital logic and binary systems
4
Computer architecture and machine languages
5
Operating systems and networking
6
Algorithms and theory of computation
7
Programming languages
Last day to withdraw with a “W” grade: Friday
8
Software Engineering
9
Data abstraction and data structures
10
Database systems and AI
11
Finals Week: Moodle exam (2 hours) any time TuesdayThursday on-line.
Labs Due Exams
Mon - L1
Q1
Mon - L2
Mon - L3
Q2
Mon - L4
Mon - L5
Q3
Mon - L6
Mon - L7
Q4
Mon - L8
Mon - L9
Q5
Final
Exam
Course Notes
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It is important finish the reading/tutorials PRIOR to doing the labs. The topics
covered in this course are difficult and may be hard to understand otherwise.
An incomplete grade will be given only in unusual circumstances. You must be
passing the class at the time of the request for an incomplete, and there must be
a serious event that prevents you from completing the class.
Please review Western’s Students Rights and Responsibilities, and the campus
policy on plagiarism.
See the “academic calendar” at: http://wou.edu/provost/registrar/calendar.php
for all important academic dates for the term and holidays.
Remember that the syllabus is a guideline to this course; it is not a legal
contract. Situations may arise that could require modifications to this guide. Any
changes will be announced in class or posted on the class web site.