CS105 Introduction to Computer Concepts
Spring 2 0 1 2
Class room & time:
Instructor:
Office hours:
Class website:
Forum:
W-1-063, TuTh 12:30PM-1:45PM
Cuong (Charlie) Pham, (617) 287-6419, cpham@cs.umb.edu
S-3-124B, TuTh 11:30AM-12:30PM, and by appointment
http://www.cs.umb.edu/~cpham/cs105/sp12
http://groups.google.com/group/cs105sp12_umb/
Course Description
This course presents an overview of the role of computers in society -- their application and misapplication,
their capabilities and limitations. Applications may include artificial intelligence, medical, aerospace and
business uses of computers. Computer hard ware and associated technologies will be discussed. Computer
programming will be taught from a non -mathematical, problem-solving point of view, the objective being an
understanding of the programming process, rather than the development of complex or extended computer
programs.
Prerequisites
•
Math placement exam
Textbook
•
•
Required: Computer Science Illuminated, 4th edition by Nell Dale, John Lewis.
Recommended: The Analytical Engine: An Introduction to Computer Science using the
Internet by Rick Decker, Stuart Hirshfield or Java Five Illuminated by Julie Anderson, Hervé
Franceschi
Learning Objectives (LO)
After taking this course, engaged students will be able to:
1. Understand the history, evolution, applications, and trends of today’s computer technologies
2. Differentiate components of a computer and describe how they work together
3. Understand programming from a non-mathematical point of view
4. Improve communication skills (technical writing, team work, and presentation)
5. Make their own website
6. Do research on technical topics of interest
7. Summarize recent articles on new technologies
8. Make technical presentation and communicate technical ideas
9. Relate computer technologies with daily activities
Topics
The following topics are covered:
• Introduction: history of computer, overview of different layers of a computer system
• Information layer: Binary values and number systems, data representation
• Hardware layer: gate s, circuit, computing components
• Programming layer: problem solving and algorithms, abstract data types, and object-oriented
programming concepts
• Operating systems layer: history and organization
• Applications layer: database design, artificial intelligence
• Communications layer: computer networks, internet, search engine, social media
• Special topic (if time permits): Limitations of computing
Grading
•
•
•
•
•
Homework (20% of final grade): There will be totally 4-6 homework assignments.
Midterm exam (20% of final grade): Cover the first half of the course lectures
Final (30% of final grade): Cover the second half of the course lectures (since the midterm exam)
Presentation (20% of final grade): Each group (maximum 3 students) is required to give a 20-minute oral
presentation about an assigned topic.
Class attendance (10% of final grade): there will be random quizzes in class. Note: No laptop or
cell phone devices are allowed to be used during class section.
Note: Letter grades are assigned at the end of the course following the guideline below
Threshold (%)
Letter Grade
91+
A
89+
A-
87+
B+
83+
B
80+
B-
77+
C+
73+
C
70+
C-
67+
D+
63+
D
60+
D-
<60
F
Late Homework and Makeup Policy
Unless a good reason and its supporting evidence are given, e.g., due to illness, emergency, important events:
• No makeup is acceptable for students missing a quiz/exam/presentation.
• Homework may be submitted late by no more than 24 hours, weekend and holiday counted. The penalty
for late submission is 20% of the homework score.
Accommodations
Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 offers guidelines for curriculum modifications and
adaptations for students with documented disabilities. If applicable, students may obtain adaptation
recommendations from the Ross Center for Disability Services, M-1-401, (617-287-7430). The student must
present these recommendations and discuss them with each professor within a reasonable period, preferably by
the end of Drop/Add period.
Student Conduct
Students are required to adhere to the University Policy on Academic Standards and Cheating, to the University
Statement on Plagiarism and the Documentation of Written Work, and to the Code of Student Conduct as
delineated in the catalog of Undergraduate Programs, pp. 44-45, and 48-52. The Code is available online at:
http://www.umb.edu/life_on_campus/policies/code
Additional Information
You should visit the website regularly for other information including latest announcements about the class.
Assessment Matrix
LO
LO1
LO2
LO3
LO4
LO5
LO6
LO7
LO8
LO9
H1
H2
H3
H4
H5
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
H6
x
x
x
Q1
x
x
Q3
x
Q4
x
Q5
x
x
x
x
x
Q2
x
x
x
x
x
Q6
x
x
x
E1
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
LO: Learning Objective, H: Homework, Q: Quiz, E1: Midterm Exam, E2: Final Exam
E2
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x