Section A: 11:00-12:15 TuTh 411 Old Gymnasium |
Dr. David Reed
207 Old Gymnasium x2583 DaveReed@creighton.edu |
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:
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.
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.
Date | Topic | Readings | Assignments | ||
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Jan 15 |
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20 22 |
| Chapters 1-9 | HW1: due 2/3 | ||
27 29 |
| Chapter 13 | |||
Feb 3 5 |
| Chapter 16 | HW2: due 2/17 | ||
10 12 |
| Chapter 13 | |||
17 19 |
| ||||
24 26 |
| Chapter 14 | HW3: due 3/18 | ||
Mar 2 4 |
| Chapter 10 | |||
9 11 |
SPRING BREAK | ||||
16 18 |
| Chapter 11 | |||
23 25 |
| Chapter 18 | HW4: Due 4/8 | ||
30 Apr 1 |
| Chapter 18 | |||
6 8 |
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13 15 |
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Chapter 15 | HW5: Due 4/27 | ||
20 22 |
| Chapter 17 | |||
27 29 |
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May 4
FINAL EXAM Tue, 1:00-2:40
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