Opening-of-Course Memo
Course Number and Title:
CS 103, Introductory Programming for Engineers and Scientists Instructor's Name:
Semester/Year:
Fall 2009
Staff:
Listed on Blackboard (on-line)
Lectures:
1:10 pm, MWF, Jacobs-Believed-In-Me Auditorium (134 Featheringill Hall)
Objectives and Methodology: The objective of this course is to introduce non-computer science and non-computer engineering students to the analysis, design, implementation, testing, and debugging of programs. The emphasis in the course is on the use of programming techniques to solve problems. The programming language to be used is Matlab (The Mathworks, Natick, MA, http://www.mathworks.com/).
General Description of the Course: The course consists
of three hours of lecture per week..
Lecture will include many examples of programs written in Matlab. Programs will be written, run, and debugged by the instructor and also by the students, during
the lecture hour. Six tests will be administered in class and graded. Sets of homework exercises will be assigned periodically but will not be graded.
These exercises will be considerably more difficult and time-consuming
than the examples in class and the problelms on tests. They are provided to give students practice on concepts. Mastery of these concepts will be assessed by via tests and a graded project. The project is simply an extended programming assignment. Students
are encouraged to work together on all homework assignments, but tests and projects are subject to the honor-code
requirements for this course.
Note: Students are required to bring portable computers
to class in order to work in-class examples.
Prerequisites: Eagerness to learn.
Required Texts:
- Introduction to Programming with Matlab by J. Michael Fitzpatrick and John D. Crocetti, copyright on all versions from 2003 through 2009 [available at no charge to students in CS 103 on line].
Course outline: A class schedule and outline is available on line.
Grading:
| Component | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Test 1 | 10% |
| Tests 2-6 each | 15% |
Project |
15% |
Disabilities: Vanderbilt is committed to equal opportunity for students with disabilities. If you have a physical or learning disability, you may ask the Opportunity Development Center to assist you in identifying yourself to your professor as having a disability so that appropriate accommodation may be provided. Absent notification, your professor may assume that you have no disabilities or that you seek no accommodation.
Emergency Evacuation Plans: In the event of a fire or other emergency, the occupants of this class should collect coats and personal belongings and leave the building through either the front or rear of the room and exit the building .
VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY POLICY FORBIDS REENTRY TO A BUILDING IN WHICH AN ALARM HAS OCCURRED WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION BY VANDERBILT SECURITY.
If in consequence of a disability you anticipate the need for assistance, please discuss that need with your professor.
Honor Code: A detailed description of your obligations with regard to the honor code in this course can be found online. Read this description carefully before working on the first assignment in this course. It is your obligation to make certain that you understand and abide by these rules. If you have any doubts, ask your professor for clarification, not another student, not even a teaching assistant.