CS 101 Introduction to Computing

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Instructors

Shafay Shamail Mian M Awais

Office Email

Rm 401, 402, Lib. Bldg. sshamail@lums.edu.pk awais@lums.edu.pk

Phone

8187, 8188

Course Website: Office Hours: Course TA(s): Course Code (Units) Goals

TBA TBA (will be posted on the course website) TBA CS 101 Introduction to Computing (3 credit hours) This is a university wide elective course in computing. Therefore, we expect most freshmen to register for this course, including students who do not intend to major in Computer Science. As such, there are multiple objectives of this course, which primarily include the following: Provide basic knowledge about computers Enhance ability to use computer for everyday business/work environment Introduction to programming concepts Visual Basic Develop problem-solving through advance use spreadsheets Expose students to applications of computing in other domains Provide each student a set of productivity tools that they will be able to use for the rest of their lives

Pre-requisites

None

CS 101 Introduction to Computing

Course Descriptio n

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This course was redesigned recently to better cater to the needs of different majors and to make it more interesting and intuitive. Regardless of their intended major, all students at LUMS will have to use computers extensively during their studies here, and most likely, will continue to use them even after they graduate. The course will provide a general overview of the computing, and develop problem-solving skills using basic programming. This course has been remodeled to facilitate students in applying computer knowledge for problem-solving in everyday business/office environment. Key component of the course will be a series of labs and pre-lab assignments that are geared towards introducing students to application of computing in financial domain. However, we aim to do so without burdening students with useless details that have little utility from a users perspective. By the end of this course, we aim to impart the following skill-set to the students: A thorough understanding of a user-level view of computers, and their role in the society. The ability to use computers to enhance productivity, regardless of the type of discipline in which they are being used, including effective use of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Visio. An introduction to programming, using Visual Basic, and the ability to write short programs, for example for financial computations or computer graphics. Sophisticated environment. spreadsheets usage for everyday business/work

Good understanding of the worldwide web and Internet applications.

Text Books and Programming Environment

The text used in support of the lecture contents is Introduction to Computers and Technology, by Robert D. Shepard (Paradigm Publishing, ISBN 81-86830-39-1). In addition, portions of Schaum Series Visual Basic will be used as a programming reference. Both these materials is available together in the reading package. Programming environment used for the course is Visual Basic 6.0, chosen primarily because it allows users to create sophisticated computer programs with minimal programming effort.

CS 101 Introduction to Computing

Lectures/Labs

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The lectures and tutorials will cover the reading package as per following schedule. Per week: Two lectures of 50 minutes each and 100 minute lab session Generally attendance is required and highly recommended in all the sessions especially labs. Midterm: one session Final: outside class time

Apart from this reference material will be uploaded on the website to orient students about the interesting avenues in the computer science discipline. Thoroughly going through this reference material will help students in their quizzes.

Course Modules

Introduction to Computer/History of Computing 1 Session Word, Excel, Power-Point 5 Sessions Computer HW and SW details 2 Sessions Introduction to HTML 3 Sessions Pseudo Code and Flow Charts 3 Sessions Programming in Visual Basic 13 Sessions

CS 101 Introduction to Computing

Grading

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Quizzes: 15% Labs Assignments/Lab Quizzes: 15% Course Project: 15% Midterm: 25% Final: 30%

Policies and Information

Course Website: Course website will serve as the primary source for information on lecture content, copies of slides, announcements and policies. Please check the website frequently. Office Hours: Each instructor and TA will announce their office hours on the website. You should make good use of this resource, especially if you feel that you are not doing well in the course. The schedule will be posted on the website. Missed Quizzes: There will be no-retake of any quiz. Late Submissions: Late submissions are not accepted. Coming Late to Lectures and Labs: The instructors reserve the right to not allow late comers to attend the lecture. Plagiarism: Unfortunately, some students have resorted to cheating and plagiarism in the past. We want to make it clear to you that we have a zerotolerance policy for such cases. You have made it to LUMS after passing through significant competition. Do not squander a promising opportunity that may have significant impact on your future. After all, it will be too bad to be expelled from LUMS or to end up with an F in your first quarter. To be clear on what constitutes plagiarism, please consult your student handbook. Some typical cases that we have encountered in the past include submitting identical homework, copying a paragraph from the internet for your assignment without referencing the source, and taking someone elses code, changing variable names in it, and then submitting it under your own name. The instructors also reserve the right to use automated tools to check for plagiarism.