CSIS 201 Introduction to Computer Science I

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Course Description

A foundational course for the study of computer science and information systems. The course covers an overview of programming methodology and gives the student an ability to write computer programs using standard style and structure. Programming projects are completed in one or more high-level languages.

Instructors

J. Walker Orr, Ph.D.
Office hours: WMR 221 (see schedule)

Isaac Edminster
Office hours by appointment

Texts

required

• zyBooks, access code: GEORGEFOXCSIS201Fall2023

Resources

• Mailing list
• Extra practice at CodingBat
• Setting up Python
• PyCharm IDE
• Major declaration form (more info)
• Python code checker
• GitLab Instructions
• In-class activities - section A
• In-class activities - section B
• In-class activities - section C
• In-class activities - section D

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Objectives

The goal of this course is to provide you with the foundational knowledge of computer programming and problem solving necessary to pursue a degree and career in the fields of computer science and information systems. To achieve this goal, you will study the essential concepts of computer programming and apply those concepts by developing computer programs and implementing algorithms.

You will learn to solve problems by first designing the logic and then implementing programs using the Python programming language.

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Course Organization

The course will include regular homework and/or programming assignments. Unless otherwise specified, assignments are due 5 minutes before midnight on the due date. There will be no credit given for late assignments (without an excused absence)—turn in as much as you can.

Reading assignments should be completed before the lecture covering the material. Not all reading material will be covered in the lectures, but you will be responsible for the material on homework and exams. Quizzes over the assigned reading may be given at any time.

Collaboration

See the GFU CS/IS/Cyber policies for collaboration and discussion of collaboration and academic integrity. Most students would be surprised at how easy it is to detect collaboration in programming—please do not test us! Remember: you always have willing and legal collaborators in the faculty.

Almost all of life is filled with collaboration (i.e., people working together). Yet in our academic system, we artificially limit collaboration. These limits are designed to force you to learn fundamental principles and build specific skills. It is very artificial but intensional for your own benefit. The only way for you to learn is by doing the work.

To be clear, do not:

• Copy other students work
• Copy code from an online sources such as Stack Overflow
• Generate code with "AI" tools such as ChatGPT or GitHub Copilot

University Resources

If you have specific physical, psychiatric, or learning disabilities and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office as early as possible so that your learning needs can be appropriately met. For more information, go to ds.georgefox.edu or contact Rick Muthiah, Director of Learning Support Services (503-554-2314 or rmuthiah@georgefox.edu).

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) on the Newberg campus provides all students with free writing consultation, academic coaching, and learning strategies (e.g., techniques to improve reading, note-taking, study, time management). The ARC, located in the Murdock Learning Resource Center (library), is open from 1:00–10:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 12:00–4:00 p.m. on Friday. To schedule an appointment, go to the online schedule at arcschedule.georgefox.edu, call 503-554-2327, email the_arc@georgefox.edu, or stop by the ARC. Visit arc.georgefox.edu for information about ARC Consultants' areas of study, instructions for scheduling an appointment, learning tips, and a list of other tutoring options on campus.

Anonymous Feedback

At any point in the term, you can leave anonymous feedback via this form. If there is something you want or need to tell me about the course feel free to leave a comment.

Spiritual Formation

Besides EYS, I am always available to discuss the Christian faith if you have any questions or doubts. Send me an email, come by my office hours, or talk to my after class, Christ is the reason I am at GFU, I always have time to talk about faith.

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Grading

The final course grade will be based on:

Grading Scale

• 10% zyBooks Reading Assignments
• 10% zyBooks Challenge Problems
• 30% Programming assignments
• 40% Exams (mid-term exam, final exam)
• 10% Participation

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Tentative Schedule

Week 1 Intro to Computers, Programming, and Python Reading: Ch. 1

Week 2 Variables and Expressions Reading: Ch. 2

9/13 Serve Day — no classes

Week 3 Types, Conversions, and formatting Reading: Ch. 3

Week 4–5 Functions Reading: Ch. 4

10/11 Mid-term exam Reading: Ch. 1–5

10/13 Mid-semester break — no classes

Week 6–7 Decision Structures (Branching) and Boolean Logic Reading: Ch. 5

Week 8–9 Repetition Structures: Looping Reading: Ch. 6

Week 10–11 Tuples, Sets, Lists and Dictionaries Reading: Ch. 7

Week 12 Files and Exceptions Reading: Ch. 8

Week 13–14 Strings Reading: Ch. 9

Week 15 Special Topics Reading: Ch. 10

TBD Final exam Reading: Ch. 1–9

Date	Topic	Reading
Week 1	Intro to Computers, Programming, and Python	Ch. 1
Week 2	Variables and Expressions	Ch. 2
9/13	Serve Day — no classes	-
Week 3	Types, Conversions, and formatting	Ch. 3
Week 4–5	Functions	Ch. 4
10/11	Mid-term exam	Ch. 1–5
10/13	Mid-semester break — no classes	-
Week 6–7	Decision Structures (Branching) and Boolean Logic	Ch. 5
Week 8–9	Repetition Structures: Looping	Ch. 6
Week 10–11	Tuples, Sets, Lists and Dictionaries	Ch. 7
Week 12	Files and Exceptions	Ch. 8
Week 13–14	Strings	Ch. 9
Week 15	Special Topics	Ch. 10
TBD	Final exam	Ch. 1–9

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1. GFU
2. CSIS
3. J. Walker Orr
4. CSIS 201