Bethune-Cookman University

Course: Introduction to Scientific Computing     Prefix/number: CS 135

Credit Hours: 3                        Semester: Fall 2008

1. Instructor Information

Professor Name: Ron King

Telephone: 386 481-2670

E-Mail Address: kingr@cookman.edu

Office: Science Hall 108

Office Hours:  MWF 10:30AM – 12:30.PM  and TR 4:15PM – 5:15PM

 

2. Prerequisites:  None

You do not need this course if you have already passed a programming course at any level, high school or college. This includes courses in Visual BASIC, C, C++, Java, or Pascal. See me immediately if you have already completed any type of beginning programming course. I will probably waive this course and recommend that you enroll in CS 230 instead.

 

3. Course Description

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to classroom assignments, emphasizing multidisciplinary projects to introduce a variety of computational tools. Students will participate in projects requiring a scientific approach to problem solving, analytical thinking, data collection and analysis, result write-up, and public presentation. The course is designed for freshman science majors.

 

4. Textbook and Optional Materials

  1. Birnbaum and Vine, MS Excel VBA Programming, 3rd ed., Thompson Course Technology, 2007. ISBN: 9781598633948
  2. Students will need a convenient way to store, carry, and keep their data handy.  A good USB flash drive with 512MB or greater storage capacity is a necessary item for this class.

 5. Main course goal:  The goal of this course is to give beginning students hands-on instruction in the use of computers and software in our labs and introduce the process of writing computer programs to solve problems. The process involves data analysis, computer programming, graphical representation, and preparing material suitable for homework, term paper, and oral presentation.  This course meets the university's general education student computer literacy objective for science majors. If you are not a science major then you probably need to take CS 132 Computer Applications.  This course is required for CS and CIS majors who have no background in computing.

6. Impact: Impact on BCU Mission and Institutional Student Learning Outcomes (ISLOs)- Through the attainment of the course student learning objectives (CSLOs), students will acquire knowledge, skills and competencies outlined in the Institutional Student Learning Outcomes, School Student Learning Outcomes (SSLOs) and Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs). The Course Student Learning Objectives fully support the University Mission and Core Values as stated in the Strategic Plan; as well as, the School Goals.

7. Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) addressed in Course Learning Objectives.

PSLO 1:  An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline

PSLO 2: An ability to analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution

PSLO 3: An ability to design, implement, and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs

PSLO 5: An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities

PSLO 6: An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

PSLO 9: An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practice.

8. Course competencies/outcomes: The student will...

9. Objectives: Student will...

  1. Demonstrate proper use of the lab equipment:
    1. Acquire a personal account on each of the S102 and S130 networks.
    2. In each lab, write a short one page paper using any editor, print and hand it in.
    3. Identify and describe all of the visible parts of all of the computing lab equipment.
    4. Identify and describe the main internal components of the typical computer in the lab.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to access and use the main software:
    1. Correctly use word processor features: write a term paper and at least two essays using MS Word. These must follow the standard term paper format.
    2. Correctly use spreadsheet features:
      1. Create and print a small Excel spreadsheet.
      2. Use data analysis features
      3. Create charts to display results of data analysis
      4. Enter run and debug Excel macros.
      5. Enter run and debug Visual Basic subroutines and functions.
  3. Demonstrate program entry, execution, modification, and debugging:
    1. Enter, debug, modify and run assigned Excel macros
    2. Enter, debug, modify and run assigned Excel VB programs
  4. Demonstrate problem solving. Given an elementary word problem, completely solve it using the process described in class.
    1. Find a pencil and paper solution.
    2. Develop an algorithm from the solution (i.e., write pseudocode).
    3. Write a flowchart for the solution.
    4. Design a user-friendly interface for the program.
    5. Create a computer program from the algorithm.
    6. Code the algorithm.
    7. Run and debug the program until it gives the correct solution to original problem.
  5. Extra credit: add multi-media to the previous problem solving demonstration.

10. Matix

Student Learning Outcomes Matrix (SLOM)
Alignment of Course Assessments with SSEM Goals, Program Student Learning Outcomes, Course Learning Objectives, Institutional Student Learning Outcomes and University Strategic Goals

Course Assessment

Course Objective

Program Student Learning Outcomes

SSLOC

ISLOC

SSEM GOALS

Strategic Goals

Participation

 

The Student Will

 

 

 

 

 

1, 2, 3

Demonstrate proper use of the lab equipment

Demonstrate the ability to access and use the main software

Demonstrate program entry, execution, modification, and debugging

1, 2, 3

1, 2, 3, 4

1, 2, 3 ,4, 5

1. 3

 

Homework

 

The Student Will

 

 

 

 

 

1,2,3

Demonstrate problem solving. Given an elementary problem, completely solve it using the processes described in class (given several times with graduated difficulty).

Demonstrate programming ability by writing an Excel program or  macro to solve assigned problems

1, 2, 3

1, 2, 3, 4

1, 2, 3 ,4, 5

1. 3

 

Exams

 

The Student Will

 

 

 

 

 

1,,2,3

Demonstrate depth and breadth of understanding of the course concepts on written exams.

1, 2, 3

1, 2, 3, 4

1, 2, 3 ,4, 5

1. 3

 

 

11. General Requirements/Student Expectations:  

Attendance is required at all classes. I reserve the right to lower your grade by a letter grade if you miss three or more classes.  Please note: various assignments MUST be completed and turn-in during class.  Other assignments can be completed outside of class using appropriate hardware/software.  Detail instructions on how to turn-in assignments will be given before each assignment.

  1. Read the section to be covered prior to class and arrive on time.
  2. Unless otherwise stated, all assignments and projects are to be INDIVIDUAL work. General discussion is allowed and assistance in understanding or reviewing work covered in class, but not the exchange of files or copying of an individual's work.  ALWAYS try the assignments BEFORE asking for help from ANYONE. 
  3. Participate in class discussions.
  4. Be responsible for any material missed when you are absent.
  5. Disabilities: If you need special consideration due to a disability documented by the college, please inform me during the first week of class and I will be pleased to accommodate you.
  6. Academic Dishonesty: Cheating of any form will not be tolerated.   Students plagiarizing assignments will automatically receive an "F" for the course.  Any student found guilty of mishandling/damaging BCU computing facilities will be referred for disciplinary action that could result in probation or suspension.  Please remember that academic dishonesty includes initialing the attendance sheet for another student who is not in attendance or late for class.
  7. Late policy: Project deadlines are absolute and late work will not be accepted.  Failure to submit an assignment by the deadline will result in a grade of zero. There are no exceptions.  Ample time is given to complete each project, and the only reason for being late will be poor time management. Since projects are turned in by email, you can always turn them in early. However, I will ONLY look at the last on time turn-in.
  8. Questions about grades:  After each graded assignment is returned students will have one week following the return of the assignment to question the grade assigned. After one week has passed, the grade becomes final and will not change. This applies to all programming assignments, and quiz/tests.
  9. Participate in class discussions and be responsible for any material missed when you are absent.

12. Methods of Instruction: We will meet three times a week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. These classes will generally consist of problem solving discussions or demonstrations in the lab. You are expected to show up on time and be prepared. You are expected to participate in the discussions.

13. Topical outline with activities/assignments

Introduction to the labs, equipment and software:

Introduction to problem solving:

 14. Technology: Computers in the classroom used for this course should only be used during class for class assignments.  You must follow all turn-in instructions carefully and email your assignments alone with attachments to kingr@cookman.edu on or before the due date to receive credit.    

15. Assessment/Evaluation/Grading scale

a. Your grade will be based on eight projects (50%), and eight pop quizzes (50%).  There is no final exam for this class. All quizzes are close-book and close-notebook. Calculators are allowed and should be used during exams.   A total of 1600 points make-up this course with 800 coming from projects and 800 from quizzes.   Note: There is no makeup quizzes.  TEN pop quizzes will be given during the course with the TOP eight counting toward your grade.  Students who anticipate the necessity of being absent from class on more than two quizzes days need to see the Dean.  

b. The grade you receive will be based on the percentage of possible course points that you obtain. I reserve the right to set grade lines at the end of the course. For your information, the following are my historical grade lines.

Grade line cutoffs for the lowest grades:

Bottom "A" was 90% (i.e., 1440 points)

Bottom "B" was 80% (i.e., 1280 points)

Bottom "C" was 67% (i.e., 1072 points)