CSC 222: Computer Programming II
Spring 2004



Section A:
11:00-12:15 TuTh
411 Old Gymnasium
Dr. David Reed
207 Old Gymnasium      x2583
DaveReed@creighton.edu


Text: C++ Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design, D.S. Malik, Course Technology, 2002.


Course Description

This course, together with CSC 221, forms an introduction to problem-solving and programming using the language C++. Building upon CSC 221, this course focuses on the design and analysis of larger, more complex programs. The process of breaking down a complex problem into manageable pieces and building a working system will be stressed throughout. Since part of this process is choosing the appropriate algorithm to solve the problem at hand, we will investigate the design and analysis of some standard and useful algorithms. Similarly, we will consider various ways of structuring and transforming information so as to make it efficiently accessible and manageable.

Specific topics covered in the course will include: basic C++ programming and data structures (e.g., vectors, pointers, classes), defining and using abstract data types (e.g., lists, stacks, queues), static vs. dynamic implementations of data structures, and recursion as an alternative to iteration. The structures and concepts covered in this class will be a starting point for further development in subsequent computer science courses.

The specific goals of this course are:


Required Work

Learning to program requires a consistent time committment, as each new concept and programming technique builds on those that came before. To encourage students to keep up with the course content and to provide immediate feedback, each class period will begin with a "random" quiz. A quiz will be handed out to highlight important concepts, but only admistered with a 50% likelyhood. To allow for unavoidable absences, the two lowest quiz grades will be dropped. Periodically, there will be in-class exercises that will be collected and graded.

To demonstrate problem solving and programming skills, students will complete 5-7 programs throughout the semester. Each assignment will involve the design and implementation of a C++ program, and may also include a written component in which the behavior of the program is analyzed. Late assignments will be accepted up to 7 days after their due date, with a 25% penalty. Beyond 7 days, late submissions will not be accepted.

In addition, there will be two 75-minute tests and a cumulative 100-minute final exam.

daily quizzes/exercises 10 %
5-7 programming assignments 40 %
two 75-minute tests 30 %
100-minute final exam 20 %

The final grade for the course will be based on the above weightings. At the minimum, traditional grading cutoffs for the final average will apply. That is, 90% is guaranteed an A, 87% is guaranteed a B+, etc. Depending on class performance, some shifting of grades (in an upward direction only) may occur as final letter grades are assigned.

Regular attendance is expected of all students. If you must miss class for a legitimate reason, it is your responsibility to make up missed work. Quizzes and assignments will not be rescheduled except in extreme circumstances.


Policy on Collaboration

The college policy on cheating and plagiarism is spelled out in the Student Handbook. In addition to this, the following guidelines hold for this course.

Violations of the above collaboration will be dealt with severely, with possible outcomes including failure in the course and expulsion from the university. In the case of programming assignments, you are encouraged to start early so that there is time to seek help from the instructor as the need arises.


Tentative Schedule

Date Topic Readings Assignments
Jan 15
Course overview. (ppt)
(pdf)
20
22
C++ review. (ppt)
(pdf)
Chapters 1-9
HW1: due 2/3
27
29
OOP and classes. (ppt)
(pdf)
Chapter 13
Feb 3
5
Vectors and arrays. (ppt)
(pdf)
Chapter 16 HW2: due 2/17
 
10
12
Class design and implementation. (ppt)
(pdf)
Chapter 13
17
19
review
TEST1
24
26
Structuring data. (ppt)
(pdf)
Chapter 14  
HW3: due 3/18
Mar 2
4
Searching and efficiency. (ppt)
(pdf)
Chapter 10
9
11
SPRING BREAK
16
18
Sorting and recursion. (ppt)
(pdf)
Chapter 11
23
25
Stacks and recursion. (ppt)
(pdf)
Chapter 18  
HW4: Due 4/8
30
Apr 1
Queues and simulation. (ppt)
(pdf)
Chapter 18
6
8
review
TEST 2
13
15
Pointers and dynamic memory. (ppt)
(pdf)
Chapter 15 HW5: Due 4/27
 
20
22
Pointers and linked lists. (ppt)
(pdf)
Chapter 17
27
29

course overview
May 4
FINAL EXAM    Tue, 1:00-2:40