Syllabus

COURSE INFO

  • Lecturer: Jay Summet
    (A&B sections)
  • Lecturer: Melinda McDaniel
    (C sections)
    • Email: mcdaniel [at] cc.gatech.edu
    • Office: COC 138
    • Office Hours: Tuesday 12-3pm
    • ...or by appointment.

So Who uses Python Anyway?

Course Objectives

  1. To understand the basic concepts of computer programming in a high-level language.
  2. To be able to use and combine control flow constructs to form useful programs.
  3. To understand and become familiar with a number of simple data structures.
  4. To understand the process and skills necessary to effectively deal with problem solving in relation to writing programs.
  5. To be able to test and debug programs.
  6. To understand and employ functions and modularity.
  7. Through labs become comfortable with common software packages in use today.
  8. Click here to download the complete list of Learning Outcomes

Lectures and Recitations

Course Materials

LETTER GRADES

Letter grade assignments are given according to the following cutoffs with no rounding:

  • 90.0 <= A <= 100
  • 80.0 <= B < 90.0
  • 70.0 <= C < 80.0
  • 60.0 <= D < 70.0
  • 0 <= F < 60.0
  • 70.0 or above for an Satisfactory (S/U scale)

Grading Policies

There is no curve in this course. The grading breakdown is as follows:

Homeworks & Labs: You will have between 8-11 homeworks due in this class. You will have between 5 to 15 days to complete each homework. You will also have 3-5 "labs" that are typically self-directed assignments training you in how to use basic computer technology (Discussion Groups / Forums, Your OIT file system, HTML/CSS (building webpages), Excel, Powerpoint, 3D printing, etc..)

Timely handling of grade disputes: Disputes of grading on assignments, exams, etc must be discussed within one week of their return or posting. Should you find yourself having an issue with a grade, contact your TA. After you talk with your TA, if you are not satisfied you may contact the Head TA or section instructor.

Late Work and Missed Exam Policy: Assignments must be turned in before the date and time indicated to be considered "on-time". Assignments will be accepted up to one school day late, but late assignments will have their score reduced by 10%. Assignments later than 1 school day will receive no credit. There are no makeups for missed exams. Any request for exceptions to this policy should be made in advance when at all possible. Requests should be due to incapacitating illness, death in the family, or something similarly serious and be accompanied by supporting documentation.

Email Policy for this Course

Please try to use your official Georgia Tech email when sending email to us. Please attach [cs1301] to the beginning of the subject of your email! Please also indicate who you are within your email. :)

TA Help Desk

Assignment Submission

Almost all assignments will be submitted electronically via T-Square.

Access T-Square at https://t-square.gatech.edu/

Collaboration

Collaboration with other students in this CS 1301 class is an important learning method. We require pair programming for several Homeworks in this class because programming in pairs creates higher quality code and improves student learning. The following guidelines will help you understand the difference between collaboration and plagiarism.

Keep in mind that you are allowed to work with other students currently in CS1301. Do give credit though using the collaboration statement. Jay and the current TA's should be treated as course material and need not be listed in the collaboration statement.

Course Expectations

  1. Lecture and workshop attendance is expected.
  2. Keep up with the reading. Readings should be completed before class on the date indicated on the Calendar.
  3. Use the course discussion forums wisely to have discussions about course material with your classmates and the TAs. You are also expected to follow good Internet etiquette.
  4. Do your homework and labs! Learning to program is like learning a sport. It takes actual practice and time to get good. The assignments that are given are opportunities to learn the material that you will be responsible for on exams. Use collaboration wisely to help you learn.
  5. Take responsibility for your course work submissions; it is your job to make sure that you successfully turned in what you meant to turn in. Be sure to verify your submission. This is how you make sure that you get credit for the work you do.
  6. Be prepared when you go to get help from a TA or your instructor. Bring your work with you.
  7. Take initiative. Begin your assignments early and if you think you need help, come prepared. Use the resources that are provided for you, and be determined to succeed from the start.
  8. Read, understand, and follow the Georgia Tech Academic Honor Code
  9. The Institute does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status in the administration of admissions policies, educational policies, employment policies, or any other Institute governed programs and activities. The Institute's equal opportunity and non-discrimination policy applies to every member of the Institute community. Full Policy