Computer Science III (810:063) Spring 2008

Lecture Time and Place: 11:00-12:15 AM Tuesday and Thursday in ITTC 322

Lab Time and Place: 10:00 AM -12:50 PM Wednesday Wright 112

Web-site: www.cs.uni.edu/~fienup/cs063s08/

Class Email List: Send messages to 810-063-01-spring@uni.edu from your UNI account (let me know other email addesses that you want to use)

Instructor: Mark Fienup (fienup@cs.uni.edu)

Office: ITTC 313

Phone: 273-5918 (Home 266-5379)

Office Hours: M 9-11:30, 1-2; T 9:30-10:45; W 1-2; Th 9:30-10:45; F 9-11:30

Prerequisites: Computer Science II (810:062) and Discrete Structures (810:080)

Goals: After this course, you should be able to (1) write "medium" sized programs using algorithmic problem solving and functional decomposition in analysis, design, and implementation, (2) write these programs in a language that is "new" to you, and (3) implement and understand the algorithms for manipulating the abstract data types (ADTs) stacks, queues, lists, strings, trees, and graphs.

Required Text: "Problem Solving with Algorithms and Data Structures Using Python" by Bradley N. Miller and David L. Ranum, published by Franklin, Beedle & Associates, Inc.in 2006. ISBN: 1-59028-053-9

Assignments: Assignments will consist of "pencil-and-paper" exercises, laboratory exercises, and programming projects.

Pedagogic Approach: In class, I'll tend to break up the lecture with active and group learning exercises to aid learning. While this is not formally graded, part (5%) of your grade will be based on your participation in these in-class activities. Students benefit by (1) increased depth of understanding, (2) increased comfort and confidence, (3) increased motivation, and (4) being better prepared to work in groups on the job. This might sound great, but it will require you (and me) to work differently to prepare for class. Before the class, you must read the assigned reading, thought about what I've asked you to think about, etc.; otherwise you won't be able to effectively participate in your group during class.

Grading policy: There will be three tests (including the final). I'll announce tests at least one week in advance to allow you time to prepare. Tentative weighting of course components is:

In-class Work: 5 %

Assignments: 25 %

In-class Test 1: 23 % (~February 21)

In-class Test 2: 23 % (~March 27)

Final: 24 % (Tuesday, May 6 from 8-9:50 AM in ITT 322)

Grades will be assigned based on straight percentages off the top student score. If the top student's score is 92%, then the grading scale will be, i.e., 100-82 A, 81.9-72 B, 71.9-62 C, 61.9-52 D, and below 52 F. Plus and minus grades will be assigned for students near cutoff points.

Special Notice: In compliance with the University of Northern Iowa policy and equal access laws, I am available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that may be required for students with disabilities. Requests for academic accommodations are to be made during the first three weeks of the semester, except for unusual circumstances, so arrangements can be made. Students are encouraged to register with Student Disability Services, 103 Student Health Center, to verify their eligibility for appropriate accommodations.