Synopsis for 04:547:202 (3)

 

Course description

The course introduces students to the principles of Object-Oriented Analysis, Design and Programming. The focus is on developing creative thinking for analyzing a problem domain and designing a solution, and on using an object-oriented programming language (Java seems the most appropriate at the moment) to implement it.

Objectives/Competencies

The student will:

Topics

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 homework / coursework assigned by the instructor.
We will attempt to do one textbook chapter per week. The rest of the classes will be for revisions, tests, and assignment discussions. If we move through the textook exceptionally fast, we'll spend the extra-time using visual tools (Forte, Visual Studio) building graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

Advice.

  • Try to understand the concepts and principles of programming that underlie any good programs. Similarly to learning chess, get inspiration from good programs ! Study example programs and modify them. Practise !
  • Try not to fall behind ! As weeks pass, new concepts will be taught based on concepts discussed already in previous weeks.
  • This is a difficult course (the most difficult in the ITI program, according to student feedback). Plan to spend at least 5-8 hours per week outside class doing the readings and exercises.

Requirements.

  • You will do a lot of work based on the projects that come with the book on the CD, so you need to have the projects with you for every class. However, you will want to modify or expand the existing projects; therefore you will need to make a copy of the projects on writable media (jump-drive, floppy disk) or to work on the C: drive and FTP your files to eden (the network is occasionally down, so FTP-ing your files is not a reliable solution).
  • You will have a folder called 202 in your eden webspace (in public_html); you will upload there your homeworks and, when instructed, assignments. You are responsible for setting the access permissions right, so that your work can be inspected.
  • You will be assigned a personal code for this course to protect your privacy when grades are posted and when you grade each other's work. Please keep it safe and do not share it with your colleagues.

    • Note. Don't mis-interpret the image. Food and drink are strictly not allowed in computer labs ! Also, the computer lab is not an Internet cafe; do not use email / chat software and do not surf the Web during class !

    Out of politeness for your colleagues and I, please

    • turn off your mobile phones during class
    • do not walk in and out of the lab during class, unless necessary
    • do not talk among yourselves, unless asked to discuss an issue or to work together on a problem

    Grading

    You will be graded based on assignments and, to a lesser extent, homeworks. The instructor may adjust the final grade according to the student's participation (not just presence) in class (positive or negative), and to extra-credit work.

    Without a TA to help, you will occasionally be asked to grade each other's work. Each time you will be randomly allocated a colleague, whose work you need to evaluate; that person will not know that you are checking their work, unless you tell them. I will selectively check the quality of your evaluation. This will count as class participation and it is also an occasion for you to train your attention and analytical skills.

    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. The students will work and will be graded individually (although some discussion of the assignment requirements between students is acceptable).

    Note. The assignments will have similarities (in terms of conceptual model) with project discussed in the textbook and in class. Therefore, study these projects well !

    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.

    Do not expect an A without outstanding assignment solutions and/or submission of optional extra-work and/or active class participation.

    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

     

    Please read the University's Policy on Academic Integrity for Undergraduate and Graduate Students.

    Research opportunity

    Rutgers University encourages Follow the link from the Vice President for Undergraduate Education to the Rutgers Undergraduate Research Fellows Program. It is an opportunity for you to do interesting, creative research work and get paid for it and/or present it at a conference. For my project, "XML-based integrated approach to user interaction modeling", I need two more student between Jan - June 2004. Note that it is hard: you are expected to work an average of 8 hours a week, much of it without supervision, and to apply your creativity, judgment and common sense. Contact me if you are interested.