CS 113: Computer Science I — Fall 2022

The syllabus may change during the semester. Please check here every week for updates on lecture content, worksheets, and assignments.

Welcome to CS113, an introduction to computer science. This class covers the basics of computer programming using Java. Students will learn fundamental programming concepts, such as variables, conditional statements, loops, functions, and classes. Students will develop their ability to write programs to solve a variety of problems, read existing programs, and find and fix errors in existing code.

No prior computer programming experience is necessary or expected for this class. If you have never programmed, or don’t know much about computers, this class is for YOU! However, we do ask students to have "quantitative readiness (QA)". In this course, QA means a willingness to confront equations and concepts with curiosity. Students may need to do additional learning outside of class if they encounter mathematical concepts to which they do not have previous exposure.

Computer programmers must mix systematic thinking with creativity. Programming can be time-consuming and difficult work, but the results are rewarding!

This course is appropriate for all students who want to learn how to read, write, and debug computer programs as well as learn solve problems like a computer scientist.

Resources

All graded work will receive a grade, 4.0, 3.7, 3.3, 3.0, 2.7, 2.3, 2.0, 1.7, 1.3, 1.0, or 0.0. At the end of the semester, final grades will be calculated as a weighted average of all grades according to the following weights:

At Bryn Mawr, we assume students are trustworthy and work with honesty and integrity. Look here for information about Bryn Mawr’s Honor Code.

As you progress in this course, you will see that programming is a creative process, similar to writing. The same problem can be solved in multiple ways. It’s essential that you develop your own skills for developing algorithms and implementing them through programs.

Discussing ideas and approaches to problems with others on a general level is fine (in fact, we encourage you to discuss general strategies with each other), but you should never read anyone else’s code or let anyone else read your code. All code you submit should be your own with the following permissible exceptions: code distributed in class, and code found in the course text book. In these cases, you should always include detailed comments that indicates on which parts of the assignment you received help, and what your sources were.

All classes will be recorded and close-captioned. Links to lectures will be posted on the class syllabus.

Any student who has a disability-related need to record this class first must speak with the Director of Access Services, Deb Alder, as part of university policy. Class members need to be aware that this class may be recorded.

To receive an accommodation for a course activity (such as more time on quizzes and exams), you must have an Accommodation Letter from the Office of Student Disability Services and you need to contact us to work out the details of your accommodation at least two weeks prior to the activity. Forms can be emailed to me, the instructor.

You are also welcome to contact us privately to discuss your academic needs. However, all disability-related accommodations must be arranged, in advance, through Student Disability Services.

Students needing academic accommodations for a disability must first register with Access Services. Students can call 610-526-7516 to make an appointment with the Director of Access Services, Deb Alder, or email her at dalder@brynmawr.edu to begin this confidential process. Once registered, students should schedule an appointment with the professor as early in the semester as possible to share the verification form and make appropriate arrangements. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive and require advance notice to implement. More information can be obtained at the Access Services website. (http://www.brynmawr.edu/access-services/)

Lectures and labs will have a mask-friendly policy. All are welcome to wear a mask if they so wish, but no one is mandated to wear a mask.

If you are symptomatic (coughing, sore throat, or running nose), please either stay at home or come into campus with a mask. Lectures will be recorded so they can be watched later. Missed lab activities will have their grade credit transferred to the final.

Links that are related to the course may be posted here. If you have suggestions for links, let us know.