EMT 1111 - Logic and Problem-Solving
Course Syllabus Fall 2015
Credit hours:
1 credit, 2 hours class
Instructor:
Email:
Instructor’s website:
Office Hours:
Prof. Marius Constantin
mconstantin@citytech.cuny.edu
https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/constantinemt1111fall15
Friday 11:00-12:00, room V627
Course Description: This course introduces the foundations of problem-solving and
computer programming as it is applied to electromechanical
engineering technology. It provides a basic understanding of
number systems and programming techniques with practical
examples implemented in a modern programming language.
Concepts are developed through hands-on laboratory exercises.
Pre-requisites: CUNY proficiency in mathematics
Required Texts:
Think Python by Allen B. Downey.
Free eBook at http://www.greenteapress.com/thinkpython/thinkpython.html
Program Educational Objectives and Program Student Outcomes:
Please refer to http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/academics/deptsites/cetech/btech.aspx
General Education Outcomes:
SKILLS/Inquiry/Analysis: Employ scientific reasoning and logical thinking.
SKILLS/Inquiry/Analysis: Use creativity to solve problems.
Learning Objectives:
This course will teach the students how to use logic and solve problems using
computers. Students will learn the basics of computer programming using a modern
high-level programming language and apply it to problems in the area of computer
engineering technology. Students will be introduced to numbers systems.
Course Material:
Refer to the course schedule for appropriate deadlines and procedures. Course material
as well as assignments and labs will be distributed mostly electronically via Blackboard
or the class website. It is your responsibility to check for new material frequently, daily is
recommended. Unawareness of applicable deadlines and procedures is not a valid
reason for not fulfilling these.
Course Schedule
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Topic
Syllabus and Introduction
Variables, expressions and statements
Functions
Interface design
Exam 1
Conditionals
Fruitful functions
Iteration
Strings
Exam 2
Lists
Dictionaries
Tuples
Number systems
Final Exam
Chapter
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
11
12
-
Note:
The dates of the topics and assignments are subject to change depending
upon how things progress during the course of the semester.
Grading Criteria:



Labs: Labs will consist of problem-solving and programming assignments where
the students will apply the techniques learned in class. Late labs will not be
accepted and labs will be graded individually.
Exams: Exams will be administered to test the knowledge acquired at different
stages during the semester. These are partial exams. Students are required to
take exams the day and time they are scheduled. There is no make-up exam
unless you have a valid reason according to CityTech’s policy.
Final Exam: There will be a final examination at the end of the semester. This
exam will be comprehensive and will test the material taught during the entire
semester. Students are required to take the final exam the day and time it is
scheduled. There is no make-up exam unless you have a valid reason according
to CityTech’s policy.
Grading scale:
Grading:
Exam 1:
Exam 2:
Final Exam:
Labs:
Letter
Grade
Numerical Grade
Ranges
Quality
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
D
F
93-100
90-92.9
87-89.9
83-86.9
80.82.9
77-79.9
70-76.9
60-69.9
59.9 and below
4
3.7
3.3
3
2.7
2.3
2
1
0
25%
25%
35%
15%
Attendance: Under CUNY mandate, attendance in EACH class is REQUIRED and
attendance WILL be taken at each class meeting. You are allowed a
MAXIMUM of 3 absences. If you exceed that number, you may receive a
WU grade. If for any reason you miss a class, it is your responsibility to
review all the material covered in the class and to complete the
corresponding reading and programming assignments. EXCESSIVE
LATENESS (more than 15 minutes) will be considered to be an absence
from that class meeting.
PORTFOLIO AND PROGRAMMING ASSIGMENTS
There will be a weekly programming assignment, in which the student will develop an
App to solve a defined problem. The student’s portfolio should contain a web page for
each App developed, including the ones from tutorials and the ones from a programming
assignment. Each webpage should contain as minimum the following: a description of
the App, a picture of the main screen. Late homework will not be accepted and ALL
HOMEWORK MUST BE DONE INDIVIDUALLY. The website will be evaluated every
week. If for any reason you miss a class, it is your responsibility to complete the
corresponding programming assignments.
Helpful Hints:
1) You may get assistance in the Tech Learning Center on the 2nd floor
in the Voorhies building.
2) Do your homework and seek help immediately if any difficulties arise
3) Study in groups. Studies have shown that students who study in
this manner perform better in all of their classes. SO MAKE FRIENDS.
4) DO NOT wait until the night before work is due to get help. If
there is something that you do not understand, get help
immediately.
5) Students who are failing should consider officially withdrawing
on or before the Withdrawal Date to avoid an F or WU grade.
6) Check CUNY blackboard regularly for various announcements,
course lectures and hand-outs.
https://cunyportal.cuny.edu/cpr/authenticate/portal_login.jsp
Electronic Communication Policy:
Electronic communication with the instructor must be done using your official CityTech
student email address.
Emails sent from personal addresses may be blocked by the server or ignored. You
must identify yourself in the first sentence of your email by indicating your name and the
course and section you are in (e.g. Hello Prof. Constantin this is John Smith from EMT
1111 – D_xxx). Avoid sending messages via Blackboard, OpenLab, Facebook, etc. as
they may not be delivered or answered.
Academic Integrity:
Students and all others who work with information, ideas, texts, images, music,
inventions, and other intellectual property owe their audience and sources accuracy and
honesty in using, crediting, and citing sources. As a community of intellectual and
professional workers, the College recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in
information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and
responding vigilantly and appropriately to infractions of academic integrity. Accordingly,
academic dishonesty is prohibited in the City University of New York and at New York
City College of Technology and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades,
suspension, and expulsion.