East Carolina University
Department of Computer Science

CSCI 1000
Explorations in Computing
Standard Syllabus

Catalog entry

2 lecture and 2 lab hours per week. C: CSCI 1003; P/C: MATH 1065. Central principles of problem-solving and programming on a computer in a high-level programming language. Testing programs by hand and on a computer. Common classes of algorithms and how to write them.

Course summary

This is a course on introductory computer programming and algorithmic problem solving. The objective is to introduce students to computer science topics, and build a solid foundation on very basic programming skills and computational problem solving. The course is geared toward non-CSCI majors whose degree requires an introductory computer course, or CSCI majors who desire a more solid foundation in computer science before beginning the CSCI curriculum, or for anyone wanting to gain a basic understanding of computer science principles and programming.

The CSCI 1003 lab course must be taken simultaneously with this course, as the programming assignments given in the lab course are counted as a portion of the grade for CSCI 1000.

Although Python is currently used as the programming language for the course, this is not a course on using tools or a particular programming language. The language used for the course should be one which is easy to learn, and does not require a lot of extra syntax to set up a basic program. The focus is problem solving and programming.

Course topics

• Basic computer architecture.
• Introduction to number systems (ASCII and Unicode, binary, decimal, and hexadecimal).
• Generations of languages. Compilers vs interpreters.
• Values and expressions. Types. Variables and assignment.
• Designing and implementing programs. Top-down design. Successive refinement.
• Sequential program execution.
• Control structures. Sequencing, choice and loops. Algorithm design using sequencing, choice and loops.
• Turtle graphics.
• Assorted case studies and examples.

Student learning outcomes

• Obtain a fundamental understanding of how information is represented and stored in computers.
• Explain how software is created, translated, and executed.
• Design and develop small-scale computer programs that work in accordance with specified requirements.
• Implement programming solutions that employ a variety of programming techniques, including conditionals and loops.
• Carry out hand simulations of code.

Textbook

Grading

Grading will be based on two tests, a final exam, assignments, and class participation and quizzes. The tests count 20%, final exam 20%, assignments 50% and class participation and quizzes 10%.

Grade meanings