Synopsis for 04:547:201 (2)

Here are some extra questions for course feedback.

Course description

Part I: Introduction to Computer Concepts

The course explains the basic principles of computer systems and applications, providing an introduction to the technological concentration/area in the ITI program. It covers the basic principles that govern the functioning of computers, the architecture and organization of computer systems, the role of hardware and software, and the role of creative thinking and problem solving in building software applications.

Objectives/Competencies

The student will:

• Understand the difference between hardware and software, the architecture of the computer and the functioning of software
• Use a variety of applications to organize, process, store and retrieve data
• Understand the principles of computer programming and write simple applications such as macros and Web scripts
• Use the computer in a networked environment and access remote resources and services
• Create and publish simple webpages
• Demonstrate competency with technical terminology and ability to communicate with IT professionals
• Develop creative thinking and problem solving skills

Topics

• Systems of numeration
• Computer architecture; hardware vs. software
• Data organization; spreadsheets; databases
• Introduction to information organization; XML
• The Internet and the World Wide Web; building basic webpages; HTML; telnet and FTP
• Introduction to data structures and algorithms for problem solving
• Introduction to programming: Word and Excel macros; Web scripting
• The evolution of programming languages: from machine code to object-oriented programming.

Part II: Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming with Java

In the latter part of the semester we will start an introduction to Object-Oriented Analysis, Design and Programming. Most of the course, described in this section, will be taught during the next semester, as Programming II. The focus is on developing creative thinking for analyzing a problem domain and designing a solution, and on using the Java programming language to implement it.

Objectives/Competencies

The student will:

• Apply critical thinking to analyze the requirements of a simple application and build a model of the problem
• Use the Unified Modeling Language (UML) and object-oriented design principles to develop a conceptual solution
• Use the Java programming language to implement the designed solution
• Use visual programming tools to sketch and build simple user interfaces
• Apply testing and debugging to ensure the correctness and efficiency of the application

Topics

• Introduction to programming; object-oriented vs. procedural programming
• Object-Oriented Analysis and Design
• Java as a foreign language: syntax and grammar vs. conversation
• Classes – encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism
• Java variables and flow of control
• Introduction to Graphical User Interface (GUI) design with Java
• Deploying Java applets and applications
  

Class conduct

The class is a combination of lecture and lab: new concepts are introduced and discussed based on a set of examples; students try to solve a set of exercises; some of the solutions are discussed with the instructor; students work on coursework assigned by the instructor. Generic advice. Try to understand the concepts and principles of programming that underlie any good programs. Similarly to learning chess, get inspiration from good programs ! Copy shareware programs and modify them. Practise ! Requirement. Normally, you will be able to save and access your files in the network account you got when you registered. Just in case the network is down, it is a good idea to have with you a floppy disk with your current work. Occasionally, you will need a floppy disk for assignments. So, always have a disk with you during lab time ! Note. Don't mis-interpret the image. Food and drink are not allowed in computer labs.

Grading

You will be graded based on assignments and the final exam. The instructor may adjust the final grade according to the student's participation in class. Assignments The take-home assignments will attempt to test the students' practical skills developed in class, as well as their creativity and problem-solving skills. While the students will work and be graded individually, some collaboration and the discussion of the assignments between students is acceptable. Final exam The sit-in final exam will test the students' understanding of the concepts covered in the course. No collaboration between students is allowed. As this course is compulsory and a pre-requisite for a number of other courses in the ITI program, a passing grade in the final exam is required in order for a student to pass the course. Here's the conversion from percentage of correct answers to letter grades, used at Rutgers: A: 90-100, B+: 85-89, B: 80-84, C+: 75-79, C: 70-74, D: 60-69, F: 0-59. The exam will not require rote learning of the course material. It will require understanding, thinking, and problem solving. No calculators and no sources of information will be permitted during the exam. Percil and eraser will be sufficient. Scrap paper for exercises will be provided; no pencils will be provided. Grades The table below indicates the grades assigned in the ITI program, as well as the official numerical equivalent (scale 0 - 4). For convenience, I used a scale from 0.0 to 8.0, by simply doubling the official numbers. Grade Description Numeric equivalent A Outstanding 4.0 B+   3.5 B Good 3.0 C+   2.5 C Satisfactory 2.0 D Poor 1.0 F Failing 0.0

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