Comp 115: Robots, Games and Problem Solving

Course Promises / Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Name and describe the basic keywords, syntax and constructs of the programming language Python
• Determine the simple steps you need to execute to solve simple problems
• Write the Python code corresponding to these steps
• Interpret and trace small snippets of code written in Python
• Test Python code to find flaws (bugs) and fix them

And through all this, you will also gain the following skills which will be useful in every aspect of your life:

• Learn to communicate using the basic vocabulary that tech people use among themselves
• Discover how computers can help solve problems in almost everything we do
• Gain the ability to rediscover how you do things long after you forgot how you learned/execute them (and possibly improve your methods)

Student Responsibilities

We have outlined the skills and objects this course promises to provide you. For this promises to be upheld, you will need to commit towards the policies outlined below. Comp 115 covers a broad range of topics, to succeed you should:

• Attend class.
  The primary introduction to course material is through class lecture. Additionally, we often do learning exercises during class, which give you immediate experience with the material we are covering. While I am more than happy to help with any material in office hours, priority will be given to students who attend and participate in lecture. Office hours are not to make up for missed lecture.
• Take notes
  There is a lot of material in this course, more than you will be able to remember just by attending classes, so you should take notes. In addition, the process of taking notes during class and rewriting what I say in your own words will help you better understand what is going on. As a general rule of thumb, if I go through the trouble of writing something on the board, it is probably important and you should note it down.
• Come to labs prepared.
  Labs will introduce new content and be an opportunity to work in teams on paired assignments. Lab attendance is mandatory.
• Bring your notes to labs
  It would be hard to complete lab exercises on concepts seen in class without the notes you took in class. Do not forget them.
• Participate actively in learning process.
  Showing up is necessary, but not sufficient to success in the course. To fully develop your analytical skills, you are expected to participate in class discussion. This includes asking questions during lecture portions and engaging your peers during short class exercises. Studies show active involvement is the number one determinant of student success.
• Start the assignments early.
  I realize this one is not always easy to do, but if you can get in the habit of doing this, you will be much better off. As the labs get longer and more difficult, starting early will give you plenty of time to mull over the lab problems even when you aren't actively writing your solution.
• Practice, practice, practice.
  The only effective way to learn the material and pass the quizzes and exams is to consistently do the labs.
• Seek help early and often.
  Because course material builds on previous material, it is essential to your success in this class that you keep up with the course material.
• Attend Comp 115 Study Sessions.
  The student tutor hold one evening tutoring session each week. You are encouraged to participate in these sessions. The tutor will help you prepare for quizzes, will provide additional instruction in programming concepts, and will provide friendly assistance on your programming assignments.