CPSC 220: Computer Programming and Problem Solving
Course Description
Continued coverage of disciplined problem-solving and algorithmic development
including emphasis on procedural and data abstraction. Topics include
elementary data structures such as arrays, files, and classes. The notions of
data modeling and the linking of data type definitions with their associated
operations is introduced. Study of program design, coding, debugging, testing,
and documentation in a higher level language that supports the object-oriented
paradigm. Intended for students who have had previous programming experience.
Course Goals & Objectives
- Quantitative Reasoning Objectives:
- Students will demonstrate an ability to interpret quantitative/symbolic information.
- Students will have the ability to convert relevant information into various mathematical/analytical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, tables, words).
- Students will be able to apply analytical techniques to or rules to solve problems in a variety of contexts.
- Students will gain an appreciation for how analytical techniques or rules are used to address real-world problems across multiple disciplines.
- Course Objectives:
- To develop the algorithmic thinking skills required for structured problem solving.
- To gain proficiency in small scale computer programming, using a high-level language.
- To become familiar with how digital information is represented, stored, and manipulated.
Grading Policy
Your grade will be determined as follows:
- 50% Programming Assignments
- 10% Lab Exercises
- 20% Midterm Exam
- 20% Final Exam
The grading scale used for this course is as follows:
- [92, ∞): A
- [89, 92): A-
- [87, 89): B+
- [82, 87): B
- [79, 82): B-
- [77, 79): C+
- [72, 77): C
- [69, 72): C-
- [67, 69): D+
- [60, 67): D
- [0, 60): F
There is a 10% per day late penalty on assignments that are not turned in on time.
Final grades will not be rounded up, and no extra credit opportunities will be given on an individual basis.
The University provides the opportunity to provide grading feedback midway through the semester.
This will take into account your score on the mid-term exam and the programming projects submitted up to that point.
Any student receiving less than a 65% on either of these will receive a "U" for their mid-semester grade.
If this happens to you, please don't hesitate to talk with me about how we can improve your performance in this class.
Student Conduct
- You are expected to attend each class meeting, though attendance will not directly affect your grade.
If you miss a class, you are responsible for the material covered.
- You are expected to arrive on time, turn off your cell phone, and not disrupt the class.
- This class will be interactive. Expect to answer questions in class and always feel free to ask any questions yourself.
- If you miss an exam, you are required to provide legitimate documentation of an emergency for your absence to have a makeup exam.
- If you can't make an exam for a non-emergency reason, you must schedule an alternate time to take it ahead of time.
Honor Policy
Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the
letter and spirit of the Honor Constitution.
For assignments, you may discuss the task with other students, but
all of your work must be your own. You must yourself type and understand every
line of code in each assignment you submit. It is an honor code violation to
copy code directly from another student either by copy and paste or by
transcription, or to copy code from any online source. You must include the
UMW honor pledge in the comments for each assignment you submit.
For lab exercises, you may collaborate more with those next to you.
You still must type and submit your own work, but looking at each others
programs and helping one another is OK. Lab exercises are to ensure that
you understand the ideas in the lab. Cheating would only hurt yourself.
For exams, you can not talk to anyone during the exam, or use any
kind of notes. You must include a signed UMW honor pledge at the top of
your exams.
If you have any questions or need clarification, please don't hesitate to
contact me!
Disability Statement
The Office of Disability Services has been designated by the University as the primary office to guide, counsel, and assist students with disabilities.
If you already receive services through the Office of Disability Services and require accommodations for this class, make an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss your approved accommodations needs.
Please bring your accommodation letter with you to the appointment.
I will hold any information you share with me in the strictest confidence unless you give me permission to do otherwise.
If you have not contacted the Office of Disability Services and need accommodations, I will be happy to refer you.
The office will require appropriate documentation of disability.
Their phone number is 540-654-1266.
The office is located in Seacobeck Hall.
Tentative Schedule
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2024
Ian Finlayson | Licensed under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 4.0 License.
Fall Break
Thanksgiving Break