Welcome to CS 124, a comprehensive course designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of computer science. This syllabus outlines the course objectives, topics to be covered, and the evaluation criteria. CS 124 is tailored for students who are new to programming and computer science, aiming to provide a solid foundation for further studies in the field.
Course Overview
CS 124 is an introductory course that focuses on the principles of computer science, including programming, algorithms, and data structures. The course is designed to be hands-on, with a significant emphasis on practical programming skills using Python as the primary programming language. Throughout the course, students will learn to design, implement, and test their own programs, developing problem-solving skills and logical thinking.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of CS 124, students will be able to:
- Understand the basic concepts of computer science, including data types, variables, control structures, functions, and object-oriented programming.
- Design and implement algorithms to solve problems using Python.
- Apply data structures such as lists, tuples, dictionaries, and sets to store and manipulate data.
- Analyze problems, identify the requirements, and develop appropriate solutions.
- Demonstrate an understanding of software development principles, including testing and debugging techniques.
Course Outline
The course is divided into several modules, each focusing on a specific aspect of computer science:
- Introduction to Computer Science and Python
- Basic Programming Concepts: Data Types, Variables, Control Structures
- Functions and Modules
- Data Structures: Lists, Tuples, Dictionaries, Sets
- Object-Oriented Programming
- File Input/Output and Persistence
- Algorithms and Complexity
- Introduction to Web Development
Assessment and Evaluation
Student performance will be evaluated based on:
- Homework Assignments (40%): Practical programming tasks that cover the concepts learned in each module.
- Quizzes and Tests (30%): Periodic assessments to evaluate understanding of the material.
- Project (20%): A comprehensive project that applies the concepts learned throughout the course.
- Participation and Attendance (10%): Engagement in class discussions, participation in lab sessions, and regular attendance.
| Module | Description | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to CS and Python | Basics of Python, variables, data types | 10% |
| Basic Programming Concepts | Control structures, functions, modules | 20% |
| Data Structures | Lists, tuples, dictionaries, sets | 20% |
| Object-Oriented Programming | Classes, objects, inheritance | 15% |
| Algorithms and Complexity | Basic algorithms, time and space complexity | 15% |
| Project | Comprehensive project applying course concepts | 20% |
Resources
Recommended texts and resources for the course include:
- “Python Crash Course” by Eric Matthes
- “Automate the Boring Stuff with Python” by Al Sweigart
- Python documentation and official tutorials
- Online platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank for practice
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism and academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. All work submitted must be original, and any instances of cheating or plagiarism will result in severe penalties, including failure in the course.
What programming language will be used in CS 124?
+Python will be the primary programming language used in CS 124. It’s known for its simplicity and readability, making it an ideal language for beginners.
Are there any prerequisites for taking CS 124?
+No, there are no prerequisites for CS 124. It’s designed as an introductory course, making it accessible to students with no prior experience in computer science or programming.
How can I get help if I’m struggling with the course material?
+There are several resources available for students who are struggling. These include office hours with the instructor and teaching assistants, online forums, and study groups. Additionally, the university offers tutoring services and academic support centers.
