Cs-150: Structured Problem Solving Using ComputersRed Sarna -- 110 Andrews -- 207/326-0796 -- red.sarna@mma.edu
Fall 2008: A computer is a machine that is dumber than a human and smarter than a programmer. Cs-150: STRUCTURED PROBLEM SOLVING USING COMPUTERS - A course in problem solving using computers and emphasizing a structured approach. Topics include: hardware, software and network organization of computers, structured solution methods, programming fundamentals, and spreadsheet modeling. Rec. 3, Cr. 3.
Institutional Objectives relevant to this course:
Course Goals:
Course Performance Criteria: - 80% of students will increase their problem-solving skills, using the Whimbey text and methods, as demonstrated by the tests/retests on the WASI scale.
- 80% of the students will
demonstrate fluency* in the use of spreadsheets for
engineering uses, by lectures and
completing the assigned problem sets, and as demonstrated in
timed tests. This includes setting up simple spreadsheets,
graphs, and translating scientific/engineering /mathematics
formulas into electronic spreadsheet format. - 70% of students will learn, by lectures and completing assigned projects. the basics of computer programming. - 80% of students will learn, by lectures and assigned projects, to be able to create and demonstrate a simple project using presentation software. *Fluency means the ability to accurately and quickly carry out the required tasks -- just like when you are on a job! Assessment: Assigned projects will not be marked. Correct examples will be posted online. There will be unannounced quizzes to assess whether each individual student can do those exercises. There will be examinations after each major section. In all exams, you must know the material well enough to do the work quickly! The average of the quizzes will be equal to one exam. That average, plus the section exams, will be averaged to determine your grade. Students wishing to learn more about various aspects of computer science and/or earn extra credit are encouraged to contact me. Note that extra credit work must demonstrate your ability to do the course work. General 'book reports', etc. are not permissable. It must be approved by the instructor beforehand. I reserve the right to adjust grades, based upon my experience and a student's demonstrated ability. The grade requirements are the usual: 80-82:B- 82-87:B 87-89:B+, etc., with the exception that there is no A+ (I dunno why, ask the registrar), and, of course, anything below 60 is just a plain old F. (But work for an A!) Quizzes and tests that are missed FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES must taken within one week of your return to class.
Text: Whimbey, Arthur and Lochhead, Dale:
Problem Solving and Comprehension, Fifth or
Sixth Edition,
ISBN 0-8058-1024-2
Look here to see what you need for Cs 150. Programming Language: We will also be studying the fundamentals of programming. The programming language used will be scilab, a system developed in France (by INRIA, the French National Institute for Research in Computer Science and Control). It is very similar to to MatlabŪ, a program most design engineers will be expected to know. You can download it for free from www.scilab.org We will be using version 4.1.1 or later.
Attendance:
You will be doing
some of the course work in class. Other work will be assigned, as the
only way to get good at something is to do it. (You can't learn to
drive by riding in a chauffeur-driven car!)
YOU MUST MAKE UP ANY WORK YOU MISS! (Within one week of the last day
of your absence, unless otherwise arranged with the instructor.)
Communications: We will be using Blackboard, FirstClass, other web sites, and email in this class. All email will be sent to your MMA address. Make sure you either check that address often, or have your email forwarded from there to an address you do check. Class Conduct: Students are encouraged to contribute to the class, but don't interfere with another's rights. You must do your own work -- you will not learn as much otherwise, and CHEATING IS CONSIDERED A VERY SERIOUS MATTER. Collaborating with other students on homework is one thing -- and you must work together on some segments -- copying what the others do is quite another. Make sure that you have done the work! Copyrighted Material: Students found having knowingly violated copyright laws (which will be explained in class) will fail this course. Extra Help: Don't wait too long to ask for help if you think you need it! My schedule is posted on the door of my office: 110 Andrews Hall (down ion the waterfront). Also, I'll be glad to help you use your computer where it can be applied to other classes. If I'm Late: If I am later than 10 minutes for the start of class (due to weather, being hijacked to Cuba, etc.) then you may assume that this class has been canceled for the day.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
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