CSci 1211 Introduction to Problem Solving with Java.

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Problem solving and algorithm design using object oriented programming techniques. Introduction to the Java programming language and its use in implementing algorithms to solve scientific problems. Testing and debugging of software with emphasis on the complexity of modern software systems.
4 credits.

On this page you will find information about:

Class meetings

When: M,W,F 02:15pm-03:20pm
Where: Sci 2185.

Instructor

Elena Machkasova
Office: Sci 2325, Phone: 6308
Office hours: Tue 10:30-11:30am, Th. 10-11:30am, W, F noon-1pm
e-mail: elenam@morris.umn.edu

Textbook and other resources

Stephen J. Chapman "Java for Engineers and Scientists", Second Edition (available at the University bookstore).

In addition to the book I may occasionally assign extra reading material. These materials will be available at the resources page of the course web site, I will also distribute copies in class.
It is also your responsibility to read homework assignments carefully; sometimes they detailed instructions on such tasks as compiling and running programs. In addition, you must check your UMM e-mail frequently (at least once a day). I may send clarifications for problem sets by e-mail.

Grading

The grade for this course will be based (approximately) on the following:
Problem sets 35%
In-class quizzes 15%
Midterm exam 20%
Final exam 30%

In-class quizzes

There will be approximately 10-12 quizzes during the semester. A quiz will be about 10-15 minutes and will be based on recent material (including the material of the previous class meeting and the assigned reading). You may use your notes and the textbook on a quiz. Quiz dates will not be announced in advance.

Missed quizzes are counted as 0. The lowest quiz grade in the semester will be dropped (i.e. it will not contribute to overall grade).

Grading policies

Basic Grading Scheme: (100-90)% A; (90-80)% B; (80-70)% C; (70-60)% D; below 60% F. Small adjustments may be made for particularly good final exams, class average and other signs of individual effort.

Official Grading Policies:
Grades:
A achievement that is outstanding relative to the level necessary to meet course requirements.
B achievement that is significantly above the level necessary to meet course requirements.
C achievement that meets the course requirements in every respect.
D achievement that is worthy of credit even though it fails to meet fully the course requirements.
S achievement that is satisfactory, which is equivalent to a C- or better (achievement required for an S is at the discretion of the instructor but may be no lower than a C-).
F (or N) Represents failure (or no credit) and signifies that the work was either (1) completed but at a level of achievement that is not worthy of credit or (2) was not completed and there was no agreement between the instructor and the student that the student would be awarded an I (see also I)
I Incomplete. Assigned at the discretion of the instructor when, due to extraordinary circumstances, e.g., hospitalization, a student is prevented from completing the work of the course on time. Requires a written agreement between instructor and student.

Credits:
One credit is defined as equivalent to an average of three hours of learning effort per week (over a full semester) necessary for an average student to achieve an average grade in the course. For example, a student taking a four credit course that meets for three hours a week should expect to spend an additional nine hours a week on coursework outside the classroom.

Other class policies

No make-up tests will be given unless prior arrangements have been made.

Problem set submission

Problem sets are due in the beginning of the class on the due date. If a problem set is submitted late, there is a late penalty, unless it is submitted with a late coupon. See the details below.

Late penalty. If a problem set is submitted at (or before) the next class meeting after the due date, it is graded out of 3/4 credit. If it is submitted any time after the next meeting (until the last class meeting), then it is graded out of 1/2 credit.
Problem sets submitted more than 2 minutes after beginning of the class are considered late.

Late coupons. You are allowed two delayed submissions of problem sets during the entire semester without late penalty: either two problem sets, each one meeting late, or one problem set two meetings late. To avoid late penalty, attach a separate sheet of paper to your problem set with the following information:

Since you only get two late coupons, use them wisely. No other extensions on problem sets will be given.

In exceptional cases (such as severe illness or a family emergency) late homeworks are accepted without penalty and without a late coupon only if arrangements with the instructors are made. If you have one of such circumstances, please let me know as soon as possible, and I will discuss with you what's the best way of handling the situation.

Problem set collaboration policy:
Unless otherwise specified, problem sets and exams are your individual work. Discussion of problem sets with other students, tutors, or anyone else must be limited to general approaches to the problem. You should never look at another person's code for solution of a homework problem, nor should you show your code to others.

All help on a problem set as well as use of sources other than the textbook and the handouts given in class must be acknowledged in the beginning of the problem solution (in comments if it's program code).

Academic dishonesty:
Academic dishonesty in any portion of the academic work for a course shall be grounds for awarding a grade of F or N for the entire course.

Persons with disabilities:
It is University policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. This publication/material is available in alternative formats to persons with disabilities upon request. Please contact the instructor or the Disability Services office, 589-6178, Room 362 Briggs Library to discuss accommodation needs.

If you need any help in arranging such accommodations, please don't hesitate to talk to me, I'll be happy to help.