CIS 122       Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving

Course Description

Computational problem solving, algorithm design, data structures, and programming using a multi-paradigm programming language. Introduces techniques for program design, testing, and debugging.

Instructor

Phil Colbert, pcolbert@cs.uoregon.edu

Lectures and Labs

Prerequisites

• Math 101 or equivalent required.

Textbooks and Readings

• (Required) Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist, 2nd edition, by Allen B. Downey (O'Reilly Media: 2015)

Major Topics

• Fundamental Python Programming Topics: 9 lectures
• Data Structure Programming Topics: 5 lectures
• Problem Solving Topics: 4 lectures
• Algorithm Design and Implementation Topics: 2 lectures

Expected Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Utilize Python programming tools
• Solve programming problems using the following elements:
  • Variables, expressions/operators, and statements
  • Primitive data types
  • Functions, scope, and stack diagrams
  • Drawing primitives
  • Control structures: repetition, iteration, and break
  • Conditional execution: Boolean expressions, and logical operators
  • Encapsulation, generalization, composition, and interfaces
  • Keyboard and file input
  • Strings, lists, dictionaries, and tuples (optional)
• Implement code refactoring, and conduct incremental development
• Apply testing and debugging concepts, skills and tools:
  • Identify and resolve the three categories of errors: syntactical, logical, and runtime
• Apply consistent coding standards
• Apply problem solving skills to design and implement programming code
• Exercise self confidence and persistence in solving problems using logic and Python

Acquired Skills

Upon successful completion of the course, students will have acquired the following skills:

• Solving programming problems using logic, pseudocode, and Python
• Implementing basic Python programming skills
• Applying testing and debugging concepts, skills, and tools
• Applying consistent coding standards
• Applying refactoring and incremental development
• Exercising self confidence and persistence in solving problems using logic and Python

Course Requirements and Grading

Grading will be based on the following criteria:

Graded or P/N.

Grading Scale

CIS 122 uses a straight percentage (no curve) to calculate your final grade.