Syllabus
Objectives |
Grading |
Policies |
Academic integrity |
Remarks
Main class objectives
This course will introduce students without a strong computing
background to a common set of concepts and technologies that will be
encountered throughout their informatics education. Topics to be
covered will include:
- System architecture
- Computer hardware and software
- Informatics concepts, algorithmic complexity
- Data structures, representation, and storage
- Unix, shells, editing
- Database organization and access
- Computer networks
- Internet and the Web
- File management and processing
- Programming with Perl
Additional topics may be covered based on student needs and
interests. Lab sessions and assignments will provide hands-on activities to
put into practice the concepts covered in lectures.
Top
Tentative grading
| Lab assignments |
40% |
4, 10% each |
| Homework |
0% |
3, not graded; used to prepare for quizzes |
| Quizzes |
30% |
3, 10% each |
| Final Exam |
30% |
|
| Participation |
0-5% |
Extra credit may be assigned for outstanding participation
in class and online discussions |
Top
Class policy
- The main communication medium outside of class is the Oncourse discussion
board. Students are expected to post their questions on the board,
answer other students' questions, post pointers to relevant technology
news (do NOT copy and paste news articles!), and check the board daily
for announcements. Postings must be signed in order to get
participation credit.
- Students are responsible for assigned readings PRIOR to class
discussions.
- If you miss class, it is your responsibility to find out about any
announcements or assignments you may have missed.
- Missed quizzes cannot be made up.
- Grades will be given out via Post'Em only.
- The instructors reserve the right to take into account class trends
in the assignment of course grades.
- Extenuating circumstances will normally include only serious
emergencies or illnesses documented with a doctor's note.
- Students are responsible to make backups of all of their work! This
includes any assignment and other materials you produce.
- Students are responsible for the safe and ethical use of class
accounts on shared servers, according to university policy and
copyright law, and for the sole purpose of carrying out class assignments.
Accounts will be monitored and abuses will be reflected in the grades.
Top
Academic integrity
The principles of academic honesty and professional ethics will be
vigorously enforced in this course, following the IU Code of Student
Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct, the School
of Informatics Academic Regulations, and the CS Department
Statement on Academic Integrity.
This includes the usual standards on acknowledgment of help, contributions
and joint work, even when you are encouraged to build on libraries and
other software written by other people. Cases of academic misconduct
(including cheating, fabrication, plagiarism,
interference, or facilitating academic dishonesty) will be reported to the
Office of Student Ethics, a branch of the Office of the Dean of Students.
Your submission of work to be graded in this class implies acknowledgement
of this policy. If you need clarification or have any questions, please see
the instructor during office hours.
Top
Final remarks
We would like to hear from anyone who has a disability
that may require some modifications of seating, or other class requirements
so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Please see the instructor after
class or during office hours.
We welcome feedback on the class organization, material,
lectures, assignments and exams. You can provide us with constructive
criticism via the discussion forum. Please share your comments and
suggestions so that we can improve the class.
Top