Description: 3 hours, 3 credits: This course presents an overview of computer science (CS) with an emphasis on problem-solving and computational thinking through 'coding': computer programming for beginners. Other topics include: organization of hardware, software, and how information is structured on contemporary computing devices. This course is pre-requisite to several introductory core courses in the CS Major. The course is also required for the CS minor. MATH 12500 or higher is strongly recommended as a co-req for intended Majors.
Honors Section: Augmenting the material covered in the regular course, the honors section introduce additional tools for acquiring, analyzing, and visualizing data from publicly available sources. To focus the inquiry, students will use the NYC OpenData to explore a self-chosen topic about the forces that shape the physical and social dynamics of New York City. Students will present their analysis and visualization, employing multiple data sources and techniques, during a showcase at the end of the course.
Expectations: Students are expected to learn both the material covered in class and the material in the textbook and other assigned reading. Completing homework is an essential part of the learning experience. Students should review topics from prior courses as needed using old notes and books.
Honor Code: You are encouraged to work together on the overall design of the programs and homework. However, for specific programs and homework assignments, all work must be your own. You are responsible for knowing and following Hunter College's Academic Integrity Policy:
Hunter College regards acts of academic dishonesty (e.g., plagiarism, cheating on examinations, obtaining unfair advantage, and falsification of records and official documents) as serious offenses against the values of intellectual honesty. The College is committed to enforcing the CUNY Policy on Academic Integrity and will pursue cases of academic dishonesty according to the Hunter College Academic Integrity Procedures.All incidents of cheating will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct in the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students office.
Homework: Programming exercises are posted on the class website, usually three weeks before the due date. They reinforce concepts covered in lecture and lab. Note that as the semester progresses, the programs will require work on design and programming outside of class to complete. To receive full credit for a program, the program must perform correctly, must include comments, and be written in good style. Programs are submitted via gradescope. You can miss up to 5 programming assignments without affecting your grade (if you turn in all the programming assignments, we will drop the lowest 5 scores). No late homework is accepted.
In addition to the 60 programming assignments from the main course, students in the honors section will complete an additional 14 assignments or oral reports that introduce additional tools for acquiring, analyzing, and visualizing data from publicly available sources.
Lecture Participation: At every lecture, there will be a lecture slip to be submitted electronically. Completed lecture slips are given full credit. Turning in lecture slips will only help your grade. There are no make-up lecture slips. Instead, if you miss a lecture slip, your grade on the final exam will replace that grade.
Lab Quizzes: At every recitation, there will be an in-class quiz on the lecture notes, reading, submitted programs, and laboratory exercises.
Showcase Presentation: Students will use the NYC OpenData to explore a self-chosen topic about the forces that shape the physical and social dynamics of New York City. Students will present their analysis and visualization, employing multiple data sources and techniques, during a showcase at the end of the course. The presentation will include a "lightening talk" (60 second overview of the project) followed by a electronic poster session.
Final Exam: The final exam is required. It is comprehensive, covering all the material of the course. Sample and past exams will be available on the course webpage.
Grades: The grading for the course will be based on:
You must take and pass the final to pass the course.
Textbook & Readings: The following free on-line book is required for the course:
Technology: This course uses multiple software tools and languages. All are available on the lab computers.
Computer Access: If you need equipment for this course, please visit Hunter College technology loan programs pages:
Tutoring: The CSci 127 course offers peer-mentor tutoring with a wonderful staff of undergraduate teaching assistants to provide drop-in tutoring and assistance with the course. The link for tutoring sessions can be found on the main course homepage.
Accommodating Disabilities: In compliance with the American Disability Act of 1990 (ADA) and with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Hunter College is committed to ensuring educational parity and accommodations for all students with documented disabilities and/or medical conditions. It is recommended that all students with documented disabilities (Emotional, Medical, Physical, and/or Learning) consult the Office of AccessABILITY, located in Room E1214B, to secure necessary academic accommodations. For further information and assistance, please call: (212) 772- 4857 or (212) 650-3230.
Hunter College Policy on Sexual Misconduct: In compliance with the CUNY Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Hunter College reaffirms the prohibition of any sexual misconduct, which includes sexual violence, sexual harassment, and gender-based harassment retaliation against students, employees, or visitors, as well as certain intimate relationships. Students who have experienced any form of sexual violence on or off campus (including CUNY-sponsored trips and events) are entitled to the rights outlined in the Bill of Rights for Hunter College.