Introduction to Computing Science I - Online computer science courses | Arts and Science ONLINE

Introduction to Computing Science I

CISC 121/3.0

Introduction to design, analysis, and implementation of algorithms. Recursion, backtracking, and exits. Sequences. Elementary searching and sorting. Order-of-magnitude complexity. Documentation, iterative program development, translating natural language to code, testing and debugging.

Please note: This course is typically offered in the summer term

Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of this course, students will be able to,

  1. write and run Python code
  2. describe basic searching and sorting algorithms
  3. describe the concept of computational complexity and evaluate programs for their computational complexity
  4. write short recursive functions to solve a particular problem
  5. explain the advantages of a linkedlist
  6. build a binary search tree from a given list of values.

Description

This course is an introduction to programming using Python.  It is assumed that students have some prior experience in programming and understand the basics of a programming language such as variables, functions, iteration and loops. We will cover these concepts briefly in Python.  In addition, we will cover topics such as recursion, searching and sorting techniques, data structures such as linked lists and binary search trees and computational complexity. Throughout the course you will learn good programming style, how to document your code and testing/debugging techniques.

Computer Requirements: You will need access to a computer (any platform) with Python 3.* installed (any version of Python 3.* will do). Python can be downloaded from http://www.python.org/download/.  PLEASE NOTE THAT IF YOU ARE USING VERSION 2.* of PYTHON YOUR ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT RUN FOR THE TAs AND THEY WILL BE GIVEN AN AUTOMATIC ZERO.

Terms

Summer 22: July-August
Course Dates: 
July 4 - Aug 12, 2022
Exam Dates: 
August 15 - 17, 2022

Evaluation

25% - Assignments (x4)
10% - Quiz 1
15% - Quiz 2
5% - Participation
45% - Proctored Final Exam 

** Evaluation Subject to Change **

*You MUST achieve at least a 50% on the final exam in order to pass the course.

Live Sessions

This course has optional live sessions (e.g. webinars, synchronous activities).

STUDENTS ENROLLED IN ONLY ONLINE COURSES WILL HAVE TWO OPTIONS TO WRITE THEIR EXAMS:

  1. You may choose to write your exam(s) online using Examity proctoring services where you will be charged the additional $100 exam fee; or
  2. You may choose to write your exam(s) in-person on Queen's campus in Kingston where you will NOT be charged the additional $100 exam fee.

LOCATION AND TIMING OF FINAL EXAMINATIONS

Once the exam schedule has been finalized the exam date will be posted on your SOLUS account. The exam dates for each Term are listed on the Faculty of Arts and Science webpage under "Important Dates." Student exam schedules for the Fall Term are posted via SOLUS immediately prior to the Thanksgiving holiday; for the Winter Term they are posted on the Friday before Reading Week, and for the Summer Term they are individually noted on the Arts and Science Online syllabi. Students should delay finalizing any travel plans until after the examination schedule has been posted. Exams will not be moved or deferred to accommodate employment, travel/holiday plans or flight reservations.

Instructor

Paul Allison (allisonp@queensu.ca)

Textbooks and Materials

ASO reserves the right to make changes to the required material list as received by the instructor before the course starts. Please refer to the Campus Bookstore website at http://www.campusbookstore.com/Textbooks/Search-Engine to obtain the most up-to-date list of required materials for this course before purchasing them.

Required Textbook

  1. The online text Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist, by Allen B. Downey. You can read it in HTML format online or download a PDF copy.
  2. Additional notes written for CISC 121 that will be posted on our onQ page.

Computer Requirements

You will need access to a computer (any platform) with Python 3.* installed (the version of Python is very important - there are newer versions of Phython, however, we are using 3.*). Python can be downloaded from http://www.python.org/download/

Time Commitment

To complete the readings, assignments, and course activities, students can expect to spend on average, about 18 - 20 hours per week (120 hours total) on the course.

Course Resources

About SOLUS

SOLUS is Queen’s Student On-Line University System. You’ll have access to a SOLUS account once you become a Queen’s student. You’ll use SOLUS to register for courses, add and drop courses, update your contact information, view financial and academic information, and pay your tuition.

About OnQ

onQ is Queen's online learning platform. You'll log into onQ to access your course. All materials related to your course—notes, readings, videos, recordings, discussion forums, assignments, quizzes, groupwork, tutorials, and help—will be on the onQ site.

About Credit Units

Queen’s courses are weighted in credit units. A typical one-term course is worth 3.0 units, and a typical two-term course is worth 6.0 units. You combine these units to create your degree. A general (three-year) BA or BSc requires a total of 90 credit units.

Computer Requirements

To take an online course, you’ll need a high speed internet connection as well as a microphone and speakers to be able to watch videos, hear sounds, and participate in interactive online activities. A webcam is recommended but not necessary.

System Requirements:

Computer Specifications

  • Windows 8.1 or newer
  • OSX 10.13 (High Sierra) or newer
  • Dual Core 2 GHz processor
  • 4 GB RAM
  • Soundcard
  • USB Headset
  • Webcam

Supported Browsers

  • Chrome (preferred - latest version)
  • Firefox (latest version)
  • Safari is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ
  • Edge is not recommended as it causes several known issues in onQ

Internet Connection

  • Wired high speed access: Cable or better
  • Wifi is not recommended

Java

  • Latest version

Media Player

  • Flash (latest version)

Adobe Reader

  • Latest Version

Dates/Deadlines

The deadlines for new applications to Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are in our Upcoming Application Dates section.

Grading Scheme

The information below is intended for undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts and Science. Academic Regulations in other Faculties may differ.

Letter Grade Grade Point
A+4.30
A4.00
A-3.70
B+3.30
B3.00
B-2.70
C+2.30
C2.00
C-1.70
D+1.30
D1.00
D-0.70
F0.00

GPA Calculators
Have your SOLUS grade report handy and then follow the link to the Arts and Science GPA calculators.

How does this affect my academics?
See the GPA and Academic Standing page.

Follow the link above for an explanation of how the GPA system affects such things as the Dean’s Honour List, requirements to graduate, and academic progression.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Grading Scheme
Please follow this link to the FAQ's

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending when you start, your year, faculty, and program. Fees for Summer Term 2018 first-year Distance Career Arts & Science Domestic students are as follows: for a 3.0-unit course, $685.90; for a 6.0-unit course, $1371.80 See also Tuition and Fees.

Campus Bookstore

All textbooks can be purchased at Queen’s Campus Bookstore.

Non-Queen’s Students

All Queen’s Arts and Science Online courses are open to students at other universities. Before applying as a visiting student, request a Letter of Permission from your home university that states that you have permission to take the course and apply it to your degree. See also Apply.

Academic Integrity

Please see Queen’s policy statement on academic integrity for information on how to complete an online course honestly.

queensu.ca/artsci_online