CS 110
Essentials of Computer Science
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Meets
Section 001 (Otten) |
Tuesday and Thursday, 1:30–2:45 PM, in King Hall 1006 |
Section 002 (Luke) |
Monday and Wednesday, 1:30–2:45 PM, in Planetary Hall 129 |
Section 003 (Otten) |
Tuesday and Thursday, 3:00–4:15 PM, in Planetary Hall 131 |
Professors
John Otten | |
Email | jotten2@gmu.edu |
| Phone | 703-993-1669 |
| | Office | ENGR 5335 |
| Hours | TBD |
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Sean Luke | |
Email | sean@cs.gmu.edu |
| Phone | Unanswered |
| | Office | ENGR 4451 |
| Hours | TBD |
Teaching Assistants
Prerequisites None. Enrollment in the course is limited to students in the BS Applied Computer Science or BS Computer Science programs.
Textbook and Readings
Introduction
to Unix by Fiamingo, DeBula, Condron, available online for free. Additional assigned readings of webpages and other materials will be given as the course progresses.
Computing Resources
Students must have access to a computer and have the ability to install software and operating systems on it. If a student anticipates difficulty accessing a suitable environment, contact your instructor.
Course DescriptionThis course provides a baseline knowledge of
technical and social issues at the heart of computer science. No prior
knowledge of computing is assumed. Students will develop a basic
understanding of simple algorithms, information representation, and styles
of problem solving which strongly affect computer science. They will gain
practical experience working with a Unix-like operating system. Data
security will be discussed to ensure safe communication. Students will gain
exposure to basic software development tools such as version control, text
editors, and shell scripting. A variety of social and ethical issues will be
discussed throughout the course including information ownership and the
impact of computing on society. Guest lectures from active computer science
researchers will give students some exposure to cutting-edge problems in the
field.
Grading Grading will be divided roughly as follows:
45% Homework assignments,
10% Class participation, group assignments, and instructor evaluation,
45% Exams.
In addition, in order to receive a passing grade in this class, each student
will also meet at least once with their academic advisor during the
semester.
Late Assignments
Assignments turned in after the due date will be
penalized 10 percent per day (including weekends and holidays). You are permitted to submit early and to do so multiple times: only the last submission will be graded. Resubmissions after the deadline will require prior (before the deadline) approval of your TA. No resubmissions may be made after an assignment has been graded.
Class Communications
CS 110 will be using Piazza and
Blackboard for most class communications. You are responsible for any
notifications or information posted on Blackboard/Piazza either by your
instructor, your GTA or the class UTA(s), and you will need to check the
systems regularly for such notices. Some information may be disseminated
through these systems rather than in class. Individual communications with
the professor/GTA/UTA may be done by email using your GMU email account.
When you email, please be sure to include your name, the class number and
the topic in the subject header. (E.g.: Subject: Jim Jones / CS 110-003 /
Homework 2)
Disabilities
If you have a documented learning disability or other condition which may affect academic performance, make sure this documentation is on file with the Office of Disability Services and come talk to us about accommodations.
Absences and Participation Credit
Any absences from class for
health or emergency reasons are excused only if reasonable, official notice is
provided.
Honor Code
All students are expected to abide by the GMU Honor Code. The computer science department has a specific interpretation of the Honor Code for computer science majors that you are subject to.
Honor code policies are rigorously enforced. Unless otherwise specified, all
class-related assignments are to be individual efforts. Certain portions of
group assignments may require individual efforts as well. Be careful
to follow instructions regarding acceptable group efforts. Plagiarism, copying code, unauthorized collaboration, looking at other assignments that are not your own, and other forms of cheating
on any assignment will result in a notification of the
Honor Committee as outlined in the GMU Honor Code. Feel free to ask the instructors for any clarification.
MASON Core Ethics Learning Outcomes
This course is intended to meet the IT Ethics component of the Mason core Requirements (pending approval from the GMU Core Committee). To do this, it will address the following outcomes:
- IT Outcome #3: Students will understand many of the key ethical, legal and social issues related to information technology and how to interpret and comply with ethical principles, laws, regulations, and institutional policies.
This will be
met through class discussions related to ethical theories and social
implications of current computing trends such as Artificial
Intelligence, Software Reliability, Responsible Computing, and use of online resources. Several class
assignments will also address these topics.
- IT Outcome #5: Students will understand the essential issues related to information security, how to take precautions and use techniques and tools to defend against computer crimes.
This
outcome will be met by class lectures on encryption, security, student use of
secure communication channels (i.e. Virtual Private Networks), and an
assignment on the modification of software security settings.
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