Scientific Computing 118: Introduction to Programming, Spring 2016

Syllabus:We will cover most of Chapters 1-8, 10, 11, and 14 of the textbook.

Software: We will be using the Code::Blocks compiler (free software).

Homework.The only way to learn to speak a language is to speak it. The only way to learn to program is to program. Without a doubt, the programming assignments are the most important element of this course. There will be approximately 10 programming projects over the course of the semester. I will talk in class about the particulars of handing in homework electronically. Programming assignments must be posted on time to be considered for credit. There will be an optional assignment due at the time of the final exam which may be used to replace your lowest homework score from the semester.

CodeLab.  As a supplement to the programming assignments, there will also be weekly CodeLab assignments. To continue the language learning analogy, programs are like short papers; CodeLab assignments are like grammar workbook exercises. Each week, you will have 10-15 exercises to complete, most requiring fewer than 5 lines of code, and many requiring 1 or 2 lines. The advantage of CodeLab is instant feedback. When you submit an exercise, you are told immediately whether it is correct; if it is not, you are given suggestions for how to fix it, and you can retry until the mini-program is correct. You will each have an individual account, and I will be able to see how many exercises each of you has completed, and when. These assignments will be scored wholly on completeness, so someone who completes all the problems will receive full credit, regardless of whether the answers were right on the first attempt or after several attempts. Access code: KENY-22961-NNYP-27

Tests. There will be a midterm (currently scheduled for 24 March) and a non-comprehensive final exam, effectively a second midterm (1:30 p.m. on Monday 10 May).

Quizzes. There will be short quizzes most Tuesdays. (Expect one each week, though there will be exceptions.) Quiz problems will be drawn verbatim from the textbook's Self-Test Exercises, to which the answers are all in the text. Your lowest quiz grade will be dropped.

Grades. Your grade will be based on the homework, quizzes, the midterm, and the final exam. The percentage totals are as follows:

 
Academic Honesty.  At Kenyon we expect all students, at all times, to submit work that represents the highest standards of academic integrity.  It is the responsibility of each student to learn and practice the proper ways of documenting and acknowledging those whose ideas and words they have drawn upon (see Academic Honesty and Questions of Plagiarism in the Course Catalog).  Ignorance and carelessness are not excuses for academic dishonesty.  If you are uncertain about the expectations for this class, please ask for clarification.
 
Student Accessibility Accommodations Students who anticipate they may need accommodations in this course because of the impact of a learning, physical, or psychological disability are encouraged to meet with me privately early in the semester to discuss their concerns. In addition, students must contact Erin Salva, Director of Student Accessibility and Support Services (740-427-5453 or salvae@kenyon.edu), as soon as possible, to verify their eligibility for reasonable academic accommodations.