A. Course
Title Introduction
to Computer Science and Problem Solving
B. Semester
Credit Value 3
credits
C. Prerequisites Instructor
Permission
Math
0210 or appropriate score on math-placement test.
D. Catalog Description
An overview of Computer
Science topics with an emphasis on problem-solving and algorithm development. Students will utilize both pseudocode adn diagrams to
develop problem-solving skills. They will write simple programs utilizing one
or more computer languages. Topics to be included are computer architecture,
networks, boolean logic, and
computer ethics.
E. General
Course Purpose
1. To provide the student with:
a. the knowledge to develop
algorithms to solve problems using the computer.
b. an introduction to computer
programming.
c. a perspective on what
Computer Science is.
d. a preparation for further
study in Computer Science, e.g. other programming courses.
F. Course
Information
1. Hours per Week
a. Classroom 2
b. Laboratory 1
c. Clinical
d. Other
(describe)
2. Degree for which Course is
Intended
Transfer in Computer Science/Computer
Information Systems
3. Program of Study for which
Course is Required
Dependent on specific transfer program.
G. Learner Outcomes
1. At the conclusion of the course, the student
should be able to:
A. Use a top-down approach to
problem-solving.
B. Use and write appropriate
Computer Science terminology in the description of the problems and their
solutions. e.g. provide proper documentation, etc.
C. Express problem solutions in
the form of algorithms using pseudocode and diagrams.
D. Perform a trace of their
program showing the programs dynamics.
E. Utilize functional
decomposition in the solution of the program. This includes understanding the
usage of procedures and functions.
F. Use structured programming
and program documentation.
G. Use arrays and recursion in
solving problems.
H. Implement their design using
a high-level programming language.
2. Computer ethics regarding copyright laws and writing
malicious computer software will be discussed.
H. ARCC Guiding Principle(s) Satisfied
Identify the learner outcomes (from G) which relate to each of the guiding principles listed below or describe how the guiding principle(s) is/are used in this course.
1. Clear Thinking 1-2
2. Effective Communication 1A, 1B, 1C
3. Accepting Diversity 1H
4. Ethical Decision-Making 2
I.
J. Entry Level Skills/Knowledge
Choose: 1 (basic), 2 (pre-college), or 3 (college)
1. Mathematics:
2
2.
3. Writing:
2
K. Major Areas of Course Content:
1. Problem-solving using the
top-down approach.
2. Functional decomposition.
3. Design of algorithms.
4. Structured Programming
5. Program documentation
6. Arrays and recursion
7. One or more high-level
programming languages, e.g. Java, C++, Visual Basic, utilizing Lego Mindstorm Robots.
8. Computer
Concepts—Translators, operating systems, graphics, networks, database systems,
computer architecture, and boolean
logic.
9. Computer Ethics.
L. Outcomes Assessment:
1. Learner outcomes that will be assessed (from G): All
2. How information will be
collected to assess outcomes:
a. One or more exams and/or
quizzes.
b. Homework consisting of
several computer programs and/or written assignments.
c. Final examination at the end
of the semester.
d. Laboratory to study and
experiment with topics discussed.
3. When information will be collected (i.e., each semester,
yearly): Each semester
4. Measure(s) used to determine
if an outcome has been achieved: (choice
by instructor)
a. written exams and quizzes
b. homework sets and laboratory
reports
c. group projects
d. class discussion
e. research paper
5. Person/Group responsible for
information collection:
Computer Science Coordinator and all people teaching the
course
6. Person/Group responsible for reviewing the resulting data:
Computer Science Coordinator and all people teaching the
course
M. Procedure for Credit by Examination:
For credit by examination, a student must achieve an
average score of 70% on all exams used to evaluate regular students.
N. Proposed Implementation Date: Fall 2000
N:\CCO\CSCI\CSCI1101.DOC