CPSC 220: Fundamentals of Computer Science III

Instructor:

Dr. Adrienne Bloss

Office Hours:

MW: 10:50 - 11:50

Office:

201 Administration Bldg

TTh: 2:30 - 3:30

Phone:

375-2434

Also by appointment

E-Mail:

bloss@roanoke.edu

Course Objectives: This is the third and final course in the introductory computer science sequence. This course focuses on the design, implementation and analysis of elementary data structures. Students will learn fundamentals of efficient sorting and searching and the mathematical theory underlying tree and graph structures, increasing their ability to apply formal mathematical reasoning to such structures and algorithms. Programming will emphasize object-oriented design and will be done in Java.

Prerequisite: CPSC 170.

Text: Java software structures: designing and using data structures, 2nd edition, by John Lewis and Joseph Chase, Addison Wesley, 2005. Additional materials may also be provided.

Homework Assignments: Homework assignments are small theoretical or applied problems that are designed to reinforce the material covered in the text or in class. Homework will be assigned frequently and will usually be due at the beginning of the next class. Late homework will not be accepted for credit except by special arrangement. Students are encouraged to work together on homework assignments, but it is never permissible for a student to turn in work that is substantially someone else's as his or her own.

Programming Projects: Programming projects are designed to give students the opportunity to apply the problem solving and programming skills they have learned to larger projects. Programming projects are to be individual work. Students may discuss general program design and may seek input from other students on syntax errors, but programs are NOT to be constructed jointly or with substantial help from anyone but the instructor -- each student is responsible for his or her own design and code. Students are strongly encouraged to seek help from the instructor. As always, it is a violation of academic integrity for a student to turn in work that is substantially someone else's as his or her own.

Unless otherwise specified, projects are to be turned in by 4 pm on the due date. Five percent per calendar day (24 hours) will be deducted for late work; work more than 5 days late may receive no credit. A student who anticipates being unable to meet a deadline should talk to me before the deadline; in extenuating circumstances we may be able to make special arrangements.

MCSP Conversation Series: The Math, Computer Science and Physics department offers a series of discussions that appeal to a broad range of interests related to these fields of study. These sessions will engage the community to think about ongoing research, novel applications and other issues that face our disciplines. Students in this class are required to participate in at least two of these sessions this semester and, within one week, submit a one-page paper responding to the issues that were discussed. This semester's schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, September 13, 5:30 pm (Massengill)
Dr. Jeffrey Spielman, "Statistical Analysis of Two Contemporary Issues: Global Warming and The Battle of the Sexex"

Thursday, September 21, 7:00 pm (location TBA)
Dr. Matthew Fleenor, (title TBA)

Wednesday, September 27, 5:30 (location TBA)
Dr. B. Sidney Smith, Radford University, "The Mathematical Art of MC Escher"

Thursday, October 12, 7:00 (location TBA)
Dr. George Brooks, Virginia Military Institute (title TBA)

Thursday, November 2, 7:00 (Massengill)
Erin Hackett (Roanoke alum), Johns Hopkins University, "The Blue Planet: Exploring Earth”Ēs Oceans"

Friday, November 3, 3:30 (Trexler 372)
Erin Hackett, Johns Hopkins University, "Flow Measurements on the Atlantic Continental Shelf using PIV"

Thursday, November 16, 7:00 (Massengill)
Dr. Chris Lee, "The Tainted Truth: The abuse of statistics by pollsters, politicians, advertisers, and even academic researchers!"

Attendance Policy: Class attendance is a very important aspect of a student's success in this course. The student is expected to attend every class and is accountable for any missed classes.

Grading Policy: The course grade will be based on three tests, homework assignments, programming projects, and a comprehensive final examination. The course grade is determined using the following weights:

Course Topics and Schedule (Tentative)

Exact test dates will be announced at least one week in advance.

Make-up Policy: Everyone is expected to take tests and the exam at the scheduled time. Make-ups may be available at the discretion of the instructor in case of medical emergency, and under other extenuating circumstances if the instructor is notified ahead of time. Make-up tests, if given, may be oral.

Academic Integrity

1. Students may work together on homework assignments, and are encouraged to do so. They may discuss programming projects in a limited way as described above. However, copying someone else's work or turning in work that is substantially someone else's is never allowed. Consultation with the instructor is always encouraged.

2. Unless otherwise announced in class, tests and exams are to be the work of the individual student.

Computer Use Policies: All students must abide by the Computer Use policies of Roanoke College. Failure to do so will result in involuntary withdrawal from the course.