CS302 Information Sheet

Lectures 15 & 18, Fall 2003

The Basics

Instructor: Lisa Torrey Class times: (15) TR 11-12:15, (18) TR 1-2:15

Office: 1306 Computer Sciences Classroom: (15) 379 Noland, (18) 1263 CSS

Office phone: 262-6601 Office Hours:

Email: ltorrey@cs.wisc.edu Lab Hours:

Lecture homepage: http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~ltorrey/cs302/main.html

Overall CS302 website: http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~cs302/cs302.html

Description

CS302 is an introductory programming class. It will teach you to design, write, and use computer programs. Specifically, it will teach an approach called object-oriented programming, using an object-oriented language called Java. The emphasis will be not only on how to write programs that work, but also on how to design them using a good programming style. This course is intended to prepare students for later Computer Science courses.

The prerequisites are problem solving skills, like those used in logic, advanced algebra, and statistics. No programming knowledge is required, and only basic computer skills are assumed (i.e., how to use a web browser, how to send and receive email, and a familiarity with the Windows operating system). CS302 is open to freshmen.

This will be a very challenging course. It will require students to develop strong problem solving skills and to take considerable time outside of class.

Texts

· Required text: An Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming with Java, by C. Thomas Wu.

· Required online tool: Codelab, at http://www.turingscraft.com, which costs about $30. You will get instructions on how to purchase and register for CodeLab later.

Coursework

· Short readings will be assigned from your Java book to show you another approach to the concepts.

· Short online CodeLab exercises will correspond with each chapter as we go through the book.

· Large programming assignments will incorporate all of the concepts and skills that you learn. These will require a substantial time commitment outside of class.

· Three exams spaced throughout the semester will rigorously test your individual understanding of the material.

Exam Schedule

This is not negotiable. Makeups are only given for verifiable emergencies. If you have a conflict, either resolve it or contact your instructor immediately. These are the times:

· Midterm 1: Tuesday 2/24, 5 – 7pm

· Midterm 2: Thursday 4/8, 5 - 7pm

· Final exam: Wednesday 5/12, 5:05–7:05pm

Grading

CodeLab /Class participation……………………. 10%

Programming Assignments……………………… 15%

Exams……………………………………………. 75%

Policies

· Coursework Extensions: On a programming assignment (but not on a CodeLab), you may receive an extension if you ask for one at least 3 days before the due date and you have a good reason, such as prolonged illness. Unless there is a verifiable emergency, you will receive no credit for any assignment turned in late.

· Attendance: Missing lectures is a good way to miss deadlines and do very poorly on exams. If you have to miss a class, make sure you get all the information from someone.

· Collaboration: On a programming assignment (but not on a CodeLab), you may collaborate with one other student if you get written permission from the instructor first. With this permission, two students may share code with each other and work on code together. Without it you can discuss general programming rules, concepts covered in class, and the meanings of error messages with other students and TAs, but you may not look at or copy anyone’s code or let anyone look at or copy yours. Be forewarned: the lessons and assignments are intended to give you the practice necessary to understand the course material. We grade you primarily on your individual performance on the exams, and you will only do well on those if you have done the work yourself and understand it thoroughly. Go to one of the course websites and find the Collaboration Policy Page to find out more, or to get the collaboration permission form.

Computer Labs

There are four labs full of Windows 2000 computers in the Computer Science building, which you may use to work on your assignments. They are open from 7am to 1am every day. The labs are:

· Rooms 1351, 1355, and 1370 on the first floor

· Room B240 in the basement

There will be lab consultants in these labs during the most popular hours to help you with technical and programming problems. Feel free to ask them questions, but please don’t try to monopolize their time, and definitely don’t expect them to do your work for you. If you believe that you need more help than a lab consultant can reasonably provide, contact the instructor either by email or by going to office hours.