CMPSC 201   Programming for Engineers with C++

Spring Semester 2009, Section 1

Time:  M W 4:20 – 5:35 p.m.         Place:  103 ISTC

Course Overview

CMPSC 201 is an introductory programming course where problem solving and software engineering, top-down design, documentation and testing are covered in depth. The vehicle language is C++.  It is a required course for engineering majors. The prerequisites are MATH 140 and 141 (may be taken concurrently).

Please note:  A student will receive credit for a passing grade in only one of the following courses: CMPSC 101, 102, 200, 201, or 202.

Instructor

Emily C. Wenk, M.S.
Instructor of Information Sciences and Technology
Office Hours:  M  W 3:15 – 4:00 p.m. and by appointment
Office Location: 205 ISTC
Office Phone (with voice mail): 771-4095
Email: ewenk@psu.edu
Home Page: www.yk.psu.edu/~wq9

Course Materials

1.      Hanly,  Essential C++ for Engineers and Scientists (2nd ed.)

2.      Removable secondary storage media (such as USB drive)

3.      Folder (with inside pockets) to use when submitting projects

4.      Angel - Course management space (cms.psu.edu)

5.    MS Visual Studio 2008 software (to create, edit, compile, and execute C++ programs) – optional.  It is available in any PSY computer lab, but to work on programming assignments at home, you will need a personal copy.  PSU students may download it for free by logging into your MSDNAA account.

Grade Determination

Your own effort and quality of work over the course of the semester will determine the final course grade you are assigned.  It will be based on the following formula:

         

Programming Projects  (6)

200 pt.

40%

 

 

 

Tests (3)

150 pt.

30%

 

 

 

Final Exam

100 pt.

20%

 

 

 

Labs, Homework, Quizzes

  50 pt.

10%

 

 

 

Final percentages will be converted to letter grades based on the following: 94-100=A; 90-93=A-; 87-89=B+; 84-86=B; 80-83=B-; 77-79=C+; 70-76=C; 60-69=D; below 60=F

Tests and Quizzes

There will be three tests given in class during the semester. The tentative dates for these tests are February 4, March 4 and April 6. Questions will be taken from assigned readings, class notes, homework and lab assignments, and projects. You will be asked to write pseudocode, C++ code, answer short essay, multiple choice, or true/false questions, evaluate expressions, analyze code, etc.

The comprehensive written final exam will be held during finals week, at a time and place to be determined by our campus registrar.

Occasionally quizzes, possibly unannounced, will be given throughout the semester.  These quizzes may be written or delivered on-line via Angel.

If you are unable to attend class the day of any scheduled test or project due date, notify your instructor by e-mail or voice-mail before class.  Otherwise, it will not be possible for you to arrange a make-up exam.

Submission of Programming Assignments

There will be six projects due at roughly two week intervals. To be eligible for full credit, the project must be submitted (in the required format) to me on or before the due date. Late projects will be accepted within 24 hours of the due date with a penalty of 25%. No project turned in more than 24 hours late will be accepted.  It is extremely important to submit all projects.  Students should not expect to successfully complete this course if all projects are not submitted.

The format for submitting a project to me is as follows:

·      Each project must be submitted in a folder that has your name, course number (CMPSC 201) and student mailbox number clearly marked on the outside.

·      Inside the folder should be a hard copy of the source code and the required external documentation (variable list, algorithm, etc).

·      A copy of the source code uploaded into the appropriate Angel drop box.  (This will be demonstrated in class.)

Expectations

·      Programming is a time-consuming process.  Expect to spend at least eight hours outside of class per week on assignments.

·      Do assigned readings before class.

·      Check your Access account e-mail and Angel course material regularly.

·      Contact your instructor if you are having problems with course material.  Visit during office hours, make an appointment, e-mail me.

·      Regular attendance is expected.

·      You are accountable for all material covered and all announcements made during class.  If you are absent, you should contact a classmate for notes.

Student Collaboration

Throughout the semester students may be assigned group work. There is substantial value to collaborative learning which takes place during group exercises. Students are also encouraged to discuss course concepts and examples that are not specific to any assignment.

Academic Dishonesty

All Penn State policies regarding ethics and honorable behavior apply to this course (see links below for policy statements). Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity free from fraud and deception and is an educational objective of this institution. All University policies regarding academic integrity apply to this course. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarizing, fabricating of information or citations, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others, having unauthorized possession of examinations, submitting work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor, or tampering with the academic work of other students. For any material or ideas obtained from other sources, such as the text or things you see on the web, in the library, etc., a source reference must be given. Direct quotes from any source must be identified as such. All exam answers must be your own, and you must not provide any assistance to other students during exams. Any instances of academic dishonesty WILL be pursued under university regulations concerning academic integrity.

For more information regarding Penn State University and the College of Engineering academic integrity policy and procedures, please visit the following links:

http://www.engr.psu.edu/Forms/AcademicIntegrity/precedent_students.pdf

http://www.engr.psu.edu/Forms/AcademicIntegrity/AcademicIntegrity_G-9.pdf

Disabilities

It is Penn State policy not to discriminate against qualified students with documented disabilities.  If you have a disability-related need for modifications in this course, please contact your instructor during the first week of class.  You may also wish to contact the Nittany Success Center for assistance with testing accommodations that extend beyond the scope of the instructor.

Disclaimer

This syllabus is subject to change. Be sure to check with a classmate after an absence to see if any announcements were made. Remaining in the course after reading this syllabus will signal that you accept the possibility of changes and responsibility for being aware of them.