title Introduction to Programming (in Python)
term Fall 2018
credits 4
time Tues/Thu 11:30 - 12:50
level Introductory
faculty Jim Mahoney
repeat no, cannot be repeated for credit
prereq none
number NSC552
Python Programming: An Introduction to Computer Science by John Zelle, 3rd edition, ISBN 1590282752
This is a first class in computer programming, and as such a foundation class for further work in computer science. Much as a competency with English grammar is required for writing, an understanding of programming is required to for nearly all intermediate and advanced work in computer science.
A similar course is offered every Fall, though the language chosen varies from year to year. Python is a modern, elegant, high level scripting language, used for scientific programming, web servers, and all sorts of other things. It's been one of the most popular programming languages at Marlboro.
Topics will include program design, boolean logic, debugging, input/output, object oriented programming, as well as a variety of basic computer skills. Expect weekly practice problems (for a single term grade based on how many are turned in), a small midterm project, and a final project.
We'll be following the text pretty closely, so check it out for more details.
This semester we'll be using python 3 and the most recent version of the textbook, the 3rd edition.
Subject to change as we go along.
chapter date
------------------------- ------
1 computers & programs Aug 30
2 writing simple programs Sep 4
3 computing with numbers 11
4 objects and graphics 18
5 sequences: strings, lists, files 25
6 defining functions Oct 9
7 decision structures 18
8 loop structures and booleans 23
9 simulation and design 29
10 defining classes Nov 6
11 data collections 13
12 object-oriented design 20
13 algorithm design and recursion 27
‘Plagiarism’ occurs when a student, with intent to deceive or with reckless disregard for proper scholarly procedures, presents any information, ideas or phrasing of another as if they were his/her own and/or does not give appropriate credit to the original source. Proper scholarly procedures require that all quoted material be identified by quotation marks or indentation on the page, and the source of information and ideas, if from another, must be identified and be attributed to that source. Students are responsible for learning proper scholarly procedures."
See the college's Policy on Academic Integrity.
This course will honor all reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilaties. If you have a disability that requires specific accommodation, please contact Catherine O’Callaghan, Assistant Dean of Academic Advising & Support, cocallag@marlboro.edu. Catherine will convene the ADA commitee to review documentation and determine what accommodations are warranted. Catherine will then provide a letter to faculty outlining reasonable accommodations. It is your responsibility to engage in this process; i.e., disclose your disability, provide documentation, request accommodations, and deliver the accommodations letter to your faculty.