CS 110 - Essentials of Computer Science
George Mason University, Department of Computer Science
Section DL1 : Monday/Wednesday 3-4:15pm (online)
Instructor and Teaching Assistants
Course Description:
This course provides a baseline knowledge of
technical and social issues at the heart of computer science. No prior
knowledge of computing or programming is required. Students will develop a
basic understanding of simple algorithms, information representation, and
styles of problem solving which significantly 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
and text editors. A variety of social and ethical issues will be discussed
throughout the course including the impact of computing on society.
This course is required for all computer science students and serves as
an opportunity for students to be introduced to GMU Computer Science
Department policies. Freshmen and transfer students are expected to take
the course in their first year in order to ensure that all CS students
have exposure to certain essential tools and topics early on to enable
their use in subsequent classes.
Prerequisite: None. (However, enrollment in the course is limited to
students in the BS in Computer Science or BS in Applied Computer Science
programs.)
Learning Outcomes:
- 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 and Social Media. Several class assignments will also
address these topics.
- 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, student use of secure
communication channels (i.e. Virtual Private Networks), and an
assignment on the modification of software security settings.
- Students will understand the requirements of the Computer
Science Major at GMU and have an appreciation of Computer Science as
a discipline. This will be met with lectures on the
requirements for the CS major, as well as assignments that teach about
the history of computer science and the people who influenced its
progress.
- Students will have a basic understanding of the Unix operating
system and how computers convey, store, and manipulate information,
including binary representation of numbers and ASCII encoding of
characters. This will be met through class lectures
and assignments that assess the students' understanding of Unix, binary
numerical operations, ASCII representation of text, and logical
operations.
- Students will learn techniques for general problem solving and
dividing complex problems into manageable component parts.
This will be met through class lectures that discuss various factors
that hinder one's ability to find solutions to problems, puzzle solving
techniques, and exercises that teach students how to break down the
steps necessary to create solutions.
Textbook and Readings
- Computer Science Illuminated (7th or 8th Edition) by
Nell Dale and John Lewis
- The 8th Edition is available in the GMU Bookstore
- This edition may contain a code for access to additional
online materials that will not be used in the course. However,
you might find these additional materials useful for study and
review.
- You can also buy/rent the textbook in hardcopy or electronic
form on Amazon or other websites
- The 7th Edition is also acceptable, although you should note that it
is not quite as up to date as the 8th ed. You may be able to
find this used through online booksellers for
a much lower cost than the 8th Edition.
- Introduction
to Unix by Fiamingo, DeBula, Condron (available online
for free)
- Certain webpages and other materials may also be assigned throughout
the class (either provided in class or available free online)
Computing Resources
The following computing resources are required to successfully complete this class:
-
A personal computer where you have the ability and permissions to install software.
-
Internet access with sufficient bandwidth to participate in video conferencing.
-
Software: Mason email, Blackboard, Piazza, Zoom, VPN
-
For exams only: Respondus Lockdown Browser and a webcam
Grading
- Main Assignments: 30%
- Discussion Board Assignments: 4%
- Group Project: 8%
- Weekly Readings: 15%
- Class Participation: 15%
- Academic Advising Meeting: 3% (required to pass the class)
- Two Midterm Exams: 10% (5% each)
- Final Exam: 15%
Grading Scale
| grade: |
A+ | A | A- | B+ | B | B- | C+ | C | C- | D | F
|
| range: |
[98,100] | [92,98) | [90,92) |
[88,90) | [82,88) | [80,82) |
[78,80) | [72,78) | [70,72) |
[60,70) | [0,60) |
Course Policies
Class Communications
We will use email and Piazza for all class communications; it's your responsibility to check
them regularly for any messages and notifications. Some information will be disseminated
through class too, so you should always take note of in-class announcements.
All the general and the assignment related questions must be submitted through piazza.
Email is for personal matters only. If you email the instructor, please be
sure to use your GMU account and include your G# and your section number.
Class Participation
To get credit for class participation you must: a) attend all scheduled class sessions, and b)
actively participate to the in-class activities. There are no makeups for participation activities
(it would defeat their purpose if there were) but everyone is excused for up to 3 absences.
This eliminates the need to submit documentation in the event of sickness or other emergency.
Late Policy
Assignments turned in after the due date will be
penalized 10 percent per day (including weekend days and holidays). Since late work
can cause major penalties, start work early!
Grade Disputes
You have 1 week from the release of a grade to discuss any concerns you might have regarding the grading.
Honor Code
All students are expected to abide by the GMU Honor Code.
This policy is 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 will not be tolerated. Cheating
on any assignment will be prosecuted and result in a notification of the
Honor Committee. Review the
university policies carefully. If you ever have a question about the Honor
Code or instructor policies, ASK! We welcome the opportunity to help you
understand the policies.
Note that the Computer Science Department also has its own mandatory CS
Honor Code that provides more specific instructions regarding CS
classes. Make sure you read and familiarize yourself with these rules too.
University Policies
The following are Common Policies Affecting All Courses at George Mason University