CS 199 SPST: Computer Science for Beginners

Professor	Lois Delcambre (with assistance from Scott Fletcher)
Offering	Spring 2009 Quarter – March 30, 2009 – June 13, 2009
Time/days	Tuesday/Thursday 6:40PM – 8:30PM
Room	4^th Avenue Building (FAB), Room 150

Introduction:

Are you a bit curious about computer science? Have you ever wondered what it was like to write a computer program? This might be the course for you. The purpose of the course is to gently introduce you to programming in a simple, easy-to-use environment, help you master basic programming statements as you write your own programs, show you how to design programs in a step-by-step manner, and, most importantly, introduce you to important computer science concepts. At the end of the course, you will have an idea of what programming is like and also have an idea of what computer scientists like to think about and some examples of the kinds of things that they do.

This course is designed for students who have no background or prior experience in programming.

Based on changes to the CS curriculum that will be effective in the Fall of 2009, this course will satisfy the prerequisite for CS162.

Who should take this class?

• Anyone interested in trying their hand at computer programming.
• Anyone interested in being introduced to computer science and the kinds of things that computer science majors learn and professional computer scientists do.
• Any student considering or pursuing a major or minor in computer science who has not taken a course in programming. Note: if you have experience programming and know the basic concepts of programming you are welcome to take this course but you may find that you don’t need to take this course.

Course Description:
Introduction to fundamental concepts of computer science. Problem solving, algorithm and program design, data types, loops, control structures, subprograms, and arrays. Learn to write programs in a high level programming language. Surveys current social and ethical aspects of computer science.