CS-160
Introduction to Computer Science
Western Oregon
University
345 N. Monmouth Ave.
Monmouth, OR 97361
Term
Fall, 2013
Instructors
Mitchel Fry, MS
Office Hours
See your instructors web site
Alternative pathway section
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
Required Text/Materials
Online/Digital class materials can be found on these sites:
http://wou.edu/online, http://wou.edu/las/cs/csclasses, www.nand2tetris.org
Text: The Elements of Computing Systems, Nisan and Shocken, MIT Press, 2007
Performance Based Learner Outcomes
Contact
Upon successful completion of the class, students should be able to:
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See your instructor’s web site
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Time and Location
Mitchel Fry, CRN: 11678
10:00-11:20 T ITC-307
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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
The section of CS160 is an alternative CS introduction pathway for students who already
have a background in computing and some programming experience. This section is a
self-study, self-paced course where students will do the online MOOC course content
found at www.nand2tetris.org. All students in this section will meet once per week to
discuss and share their progress through the course, and to get support on any concepts
or issues that they might be struggling with.
Course Requirements
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Quizzes/Exams in this CS160 section will be oral exams covering the concepts of the
completed projects. There will be 3 individually scheduled oral exams done at the
time that you complete projects 2, 4, & 6.
Students must complete at least through Module #5 to pass the course, and through
Module #6 to get a B or higher.
READ THE CLASS POLICIES & STUDENT TIPS FILE on the class Moodle site for detailed
class policies and student tips.
CS-160 alt. 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
Projects: 33%
Midterms: 33%
Final Exam: 33%
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 projects, exams,
grading and points. All exams in this course will be individual, oral
exams taken at the completion of modules 2,4, & 6.
89% - 88% B+
79% - 78% C+
69% - 68% D+
Course Content/Assignment Outline (self-paced modules, not weeks)
Module Topics and Notes
Projects Exams
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Introduction, and the field of computing
Boolean Logic
Boolean Arithmetic
Sequential Logic
Machine Language
Computer Architecture
Assemblers
P0
P1
P2
P3
P4
P5
P6
M1
M2
Final
Course Notes
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This is a self-paced, self-study alternative version of CS160. You are thus
responsible for your own time management and progression through the course
materials. You must schedule times with the instructor to do the 3 oral exams;
these are to be scheduled when you complete modules 2, 4, & 6 (or 5 if that is as
far as you get in the course).
This alternative section requires instructor approval for enrollment. It is only
suitable for students who already have a strong background in computing, and
some programming background (preferably in Java). Discuss your background with
the instructor to determine whether this section of CS160 is appropriate for you.
See the MOOC web site www.nand2tetris.org for all of the class content materials,
access to the text, project assignments, lecture notes, and software tools that you
will need to complete the course.
It is important finish the reading/tutorials PRIOR to doing the projects. The topics
covered in this course are difficult and may be hard to understand otherwise.
Your instructor has an open-door policy; if your instructor is in the office and not
occupied with class preparation, they will be glad to see you. However, please try
to make an appointment if you need to see your instructor outside of office hours.
You may also call your instructor by phone during office hours. Email is strongly
preferred over leaving voice mail messages.
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.