CS 302 Home Page - Spring 2007

CS 302 - Computer Fluency
Spring 2007

Objectives

A lot of people are confused (or misled) about computer science and computing. It's not about the obscure commands of a word processor or the peculiar syntax of some programming language. Sure, computer scientists might know these things - but who cares? - that's not what's interesting. Computer science is about solving problems using logical thinking, then testing out candidate solutions by implementing them on a computer, a machine that at times seems incredibly powerful and other times profoundly incapable.

Computer Science is also about applying technology to everyday lives. How does an iPod work? Are you sure that picture is real? What does it mean to be "digital?"

This class will focus on what a computer is and how it is used in everyday situations. When you are done with this class you will be able to recognize a computer and understand why having information in a digital format is important. We will also do some hands on applications, like a simple web page and a spreadsheet for a budget.

Most importantly, this course is not for computer science majors. We won't be going into great detail. The course is designed to try and take the mystery out of the box in a fun way!

We plan to discuss these topics (more may be added):

1. What are computers?

Computer Hardware - binary numbers and arithmetic - gates and circuits - computer organization (input/output, memory, CPU)

2. How do Computers "think?"

A bit about Algorithms
Computer Programming (just a little bit) - Graphical programming in Alice

3. How does it work? - Common digital devices (digital cameras, MP3 players, HDTV) and digital file formats.

4. Computer Networks - servers and clients - the Internet

5. The Future of Computing - artificial intelligence - social impacts

Instructor

Roger Priebe

Office Hours: M-F 10-11

(Click here to make sure I have not cancelled office hours) 

Office: Tay 2.112

Phone: 471-9538

E-mail: rpriebe@cs.utexas.edu

Teaching Assistants

Uli Grasemann

Office Hours: T 12:30-3:30

Office: Painter Elements Lab

E-mail: uli@cs.utexas.edu

Suhasini (Su) Hiremagalur

Office Hours: Th 12:30-3:30

Office:  Painter Elements Lab

E-mail: hrsuhasini@yahoo.com

Dianne Lobo

Office Hours: W 12:30-2, Th 10-12:30Office: Painter Elements Lab E-mail: dianne@cs.utexas.edu

Textbook

Other Materials

How Computer Stuff Works

Locations/Times

Lecture
Welch Hall 1.308: MW 2:00-3:00

Discussions

54685 F 9-10 PAI 5.38 (Dianne)

54690 F 10-11 PAI 5.38 (Dianne)

54700 F 12-1 PAI 5.38 (Su)

54705 F 1-2 PAI 5.38 (Su)

54710 F 2-3 PAI 5.38 (Su)

54675 F 3-4 PAI 5.38 (Uli)

54680 F 4-5 PAI 5.38 (Uli)

54695 F 5-6 PAI 5.38 (Uli)

Labs

Friday's are lab days, and attendance is required. Please attend the lab in which you are registered. Attending a different lab is risky because space is limited and priority will be given to registered students. Labs are held in Painter 5.38.

Go here right away to get your lab accounts. It may take a day or two to become activated.

 http://facilities.cs.utexas.edu/htdoc/computing/accounts.html

Under "Online Account Management"

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Select "Request a New Account" 
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(Note: You must be enrolled in a CS course for this process to work.)

It will take a day or two for the account to become active.

Go here to change your password to something you can remember:
https://udb.cs.utexas.edu/udb/passwd/

Assignments and Lab Exercises

Assignments and lab exercises will be posted here. Without valid proof of an unexpected emergency, you will receive a grade of zero if you miss the deadline.

Quizzes

We will have frequent "announced" quizzes on the lab days.

Policies

We will not accept late work without a valid documented excuse. Makeup exams and quizzes will not be given under any circumstances, but under exceptional conditions, other arrangements may be made.

If you are dissatisfied with a grade you receive, you must submit your complaint in writing along with supporting evidence or arguments. We must receive this protest within one week of the date on which we first attempt to return the assignment to you. We will not consider any grade change request that does not fulfill this requirement.

Turning in an exam which is not entirely your own work is cheating. Turning in an assignment which is not entirely your own work (or your group's work, as per the assignment) is cheating. Group discussion about course content is not cheating, and it is strongly encouraged. Students who violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of a lowered or 0 grade on an assignment or exam, failure in the course, and/or dismissal from the University. Representing the work of others as your own will be considered academic dishonesty and will not be tolerated. Since such dishonesty harms the individual, all students, and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced.

At the beginning of the semester, students with disabilities who need special accommodations should notify the instructor by presenting a letter prepared by the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Office. To ensure that the most appropriate accommodations can be provided, students should contact the SSD Office at 471-6259 or 471-4641 TTY.

A student who is absent from an examination or cannot meet an assignment deadline due to the observance of a religious holy day may take the examination on an alternate day, submit the assignment up to 24 hours late without penalty, or be excused from the examination or assignment, if proper notice of the planned absence has been given. Notice must be given at least fourteen days prior to the classes scheduled on dates the student will be absent. For religious holy days that fall within the first two weeks of the semester, notice should be given on the first day of the semester. It must be personally delivered to the instructor and signed and dated by the instructor, or sent certified mail, return receipt requested. Email notification will be accepted if received, but a student submitting such notification must receive email confirmation from the instructor. A student who fails to complete missed work within the time allowed will be subject to the normal academic penalties.

Grading

Final grades will be assigned on a 90-80-70-60 scale, based on the following components:

Three Midterm Exams: 70%
Assignments and Problem Sets: 20%
Quizzes: 10%

We will drop the lowest quiz score.

The instructor reserves the right to alter the grading scale to the benefit of the students.

Grades will be kept online in utdirect.utexas.edu

Last updated: 1/17/07

CS 302 - Computer Fluency Spring 2007

Uli Grasemann

CS 302 - Computer Fluency
Spring 2007