MATH 171 "Computer Science I"
Spring 1999

Texts:

Computer Science - A Breadth-First Approach with C, Impagliazzo & Nagin, 1995 (required).

C - How to Program, Deitel & Deitel, 1994 (optional)

A Practical Guide to the UNIX System, Sobell, 1995 (optional)

Course Goals:
This course is designed to introduce

- the field of computer science

- problem solving via programs

- programming in C

- elements of good programming style

- familiarity with the UNIX operating system

Course Structure:

weekly lab (Friday) in 309 Olin

use of UNIX environment

for details (e.g. assignments, due dates, lecture notes) check class homepage regularly

Grades:

There will be weekly homeworks (including a project), one midterm, and one final. The evaluation scheme is roughly as follows (I reserve the right to change it):

~10 homeworks, 1 project:	50% total
1 midterm:	20%
1 final:	30%
class participation:	taken into account if necessary.

Policies:

• Stated deadlines for assignments are firm. Late assignments will be penalized.
• No make-up exams. Special arrangements can only be made in case of documented medical emergencies.
• Play by the rules. There are "Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures."
• Except when stated otherwise, work turned in must be your own.

Prerequisites:

Math 115

For all practical purposes, only a minimal amount of computer experience is assumed for this class. If you have already programmed in C or another language, this class may come easy for you. Students with limited background will likely find the course challenging. Please see me if you are uncertain if you should be in the class.

Schedule:

We will concentrate on Chapters 3, 5, 7 and possibly 9.

A tentative schedule can be found on the web.