Introduction to Computing - COMS 161 Course Overview
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the organization and functioning of digital computers and the Internet. Taught by Professor Paul F. Hemler, students will explore key topics including computer architecture, systems theory, programming, and ethical considerations in computing. Assessment includes homework (20%), exams (40%), research papers (20%), and a comprehensive final exam (20%). Attendance is mandatory, and students are expected to dedicate around 9 hours per week to this course. Prepare to engage in an informative and dynamic learning environment.
Introduction to Computing - COMS 161 Course Overview
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Presentation Transcript
COMS 161Introduction to Computing Title: Course Introduction Date: August 25, 2004 Lecture Number: 1
Announcements • I try to make class announcements at this time • Like assignments, program due dates, etc…
Review • I try to give a brief review of what we covered in the last class to motivate you for this class
Outline • I try to give an outline of the topics we will cover in this class • If all goes well, the outline for this class becomes the review for the next class • Rules of the Game • Go through the syllabus and calendar • Course Introduction
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Professor Paul F. Hemler • New at the HSC this year • Office: Bagby 110 • Office Hours: • MWF: 3:00pm - 4:00pm • TR: 10:00am - 12:00noon • By Appointment • There is no reason we cannot find and set-up a meeting time
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Semester Schedule • Class Times: • MWF: 8:30am - 9:20am • My email address: phemler@hsc.edu • My phone number: 223 – 6202 • My home page • Course home page • Department home page
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Course Objectives • To develop a thorough understanding of the organization and functioning of digital computers. Topics include: • Computer architecture • Systems • Theory • Logic • Programming
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Course Objectives (Cont.) • To achieve a thorough understanding of the organization and use of the Internet and the World Wide Web • To better understand multimedia and networking as methods for information exchange
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Course Objectives (Cont.) • To understand and appreciate the ethical, moral, and legal issues surrounding computers and computer networks • To gain a historical perspective on today’s computer and network technologies • To become aware of many facets of the computer science discipline
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Course Textbook • Exploring the Digital Domain, Second Edition by Ken Abernethy and Tom Allen
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Course Grading Policy • Straight-up, no curves, tricks, or illusions
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Point Distribution
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Homework: 20% • Homework assignments to help you understand the book material • No late homework will be accepted • Homework is due at the start of class on the due date
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Homework: 20% (Cont.) • Write your solutions clearly and concisely on the paper you hand in • The work you hand in is a reflection of you • Make it look good and easy for me to evaluate • Put a box around your final answer
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Exams: 40% • Three exams spaced throughout the semester
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Exams: 40% (Cont.) • Closed book, Open mind • No make-up exams unless your absence is excused • Come prepared
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Research papers: 20% • Two research papers on topics related to the course will be required
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Research papers: 20% (Cont.) • Here are some potential topics and we will discover more as the course progressed. • Feel free to investigate any Computer Science topic you may be interested in.
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Research papers: 20% (Cont.) • The papers should be written according to the guidelines you learned in you Rhetoric 101 and 102 classes • Papers must be on a topic that is new to you • Paper should not have been or is being done for another course
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Research papers: 20% (Cont.) • Grading • Research: - research quality and thoroughness; significance and credibility of sources • Persuasion: - thesis and arguments presented clearly; sources used effectively; points well-justified • Style: - grammar and spelling; organization; presentation
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Final Exam: 20% • Mandatory on the assigned date and time. • Cumulative • Your last opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the course material • It is important you prepare for this exam
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Class Attendance: • Mandatory • I will keep a class roll • We will cover material that may not be in the book, but is important for you to know • Class is fun, interesting, and informative
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Class Attendance: (Cont.) • Your third unexcused absence get you a special meeting with me • Your sixth unexcused absence gets you • A letter from the Dean • Grade Drop of a letter (B- goes to a C-) • Class roll taken at the start of class(8:30 sharp) • If you miss the roll but are in the class • See me at the end of class
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Class Attendance: (Cont.) • There are good reasons for missing a class • Sickness, death in the family, ..., • You will be excused from the class if you let me know before the class you intend to miss • Send email, call me, stop by, ... • There are no reasons for anyone to have unexcused absences
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Commitment: • You should expect to spend 9 hours a week on this class • 3 hours in class • 4 hours reading the text book • 2 hours doing homework problems • Less than 4 hours or more than 12 hours per week means there is something is wrong
COMS 161 - Syllabus • Extra curricular activities: • Let me know if your play a sport that will require travel and missing class • You should have a schedule of those classes you will miss • Share it with me ASAP
Class Introduction • Let’s get to know each other • Name • Year • Where are you from? • Major (if known) • What do you like to do for fun? (Or tell us something that nobody in here knows about you.) • Why are you here?
Class Introduction • Me First!