CSC015 Fundamentals of Computer Science I:

Problem Solving and Program Design

(Fall 2022)

Class Hours: 1:00-2:25PM TR (STARR 108) Hours: 4

Lab Session Hrs: 2:40-4:35 PM F(Adams 208) Prerequisite: None
Instructor: Dr. Xiang Fu
Office Hours: See Blackboard
Office: ADAMS 120
E-mail: [email protected]

Course Description: Welcome to CSC15! This is a class where you have to get your hands dirty. We tackle real world problems
using a programming language called Python. You will be exposed to fun projects like (topics each semester might vary):

(1) How to set up a dynamic Python Web-application and build a simple local site search engine?
(2) How to build a fully automated Web crawler which searches the best textbook deal?
(3) Solving puzzles like Sudoku.
(4) Processing huge amount of information, e.g., the historical stock price data.
(5) 2-D Animation.
(6) Computer Gaming, e.g., building a cool Tank Battle game.

This course is an introduction to computer science with emphasis on problem solving, programming and algorithm design. Topics
include basic programming constructs, expressions, functions, data types, arrays and strings.

Course Objectives:

 Develop a basic understanding of computing. Appreciate the important problems of computing research. Know the major
branches and application areas of computing.
 Proficiently master a very high level programming language (Python) for tackling real-world problems.
 Develop problem solving skills. Know how to apply general principles (e.g., software design process, problem specification
and feasibility analysis, computer simulation, algorithm design, testing and quality assurance, reading and writing technical
documents) in simple application scenarios.

Required Textbook:

(1) T. Gaddis, Starting out with Python, (4e). ISBN 9780134543666. (Special note: this version is bundled with Pearson
MyProgramming Lab, which is needed for this class. If you purchase an older version of the book, please make sure
to purchase the Pearson MyProgramming Lab pack separately.

Pearson Mylab CourseID: HOFS-54304-YJMJ-54

Recommended:

(2) John M. Zelle, Python Programming – an Introduction to Computer Science (2e). ISBN 1590282418.
(3) Mark Guzdial and Barbara Ericson, Introduction to Computing and Programming in Python, A Multimedia Approach. 2/e.
ISBN 9780136060239.

Required Hardware/Software:. The professor has prepared the entire lab environment in a VirtualBox image. Please download the
file (4GB) from your Blackboard account. To make your life easier in this class, it is recommended to have your own laptop.

(1) Laptop with >2.0Ghz multi-core CPU (avoid Intel Celeron or similar single-core CPU products), >4GB RAM, > 20GB free
space on hard-drive.
(2) Install latest Oracle VirtualBox above
 (3) CPU supports Vt-X (virtual machine technology) and it is enabled in BIOS or UEFI. Some laptops, e.g., HP and Dell has
Vt-x disabled by default. Please configure UEFI of your laptop.

Tentative Course Schedule: subject to change. Please check Blackboard regularly for updates.

Week Topic*
1 Introduction to Programming Language
1 Numbers, Control Flow
2 Strings, Input/Output
2 File Operations
3 Array, Function Calls
3 Recursion
4 Algorithm Design I
4 Algorithm Design II
5 Application Project 1: Performing Web Search
6 Application Project 2: Graphical Interface. Plotting Stock Data
7 Application Project 3: Scratch 2D Animation
7 MIDTERM EXAM
8 Introduction to Object Oriented Design
8 OO Design II
9 Application Project 4: The Tank Battle Game.
9 Application Project 4: The Tank Battle Game.
10 Application Project 4: The Tank Battle Game.
10 Algorithm Design III
11 Algorithm Design IV
11 Application Project 6: Tic-Tac-Toe
12 Application Project 6: Tic-Tac-Toe
12 Application Project 7: Sudoku
13 Application Project 7: Sudoku
14 Application Project 8: Web App
14 Application Project 8: Web App
15 Application Project 9: Search Engine
15 Final Review
16 Final Exam (TIME/LOCATION TBA)

Grading: Both assignments and exams are important indicators of your learning outcomes. The grade will be normalized to 100
point scale using the following formula: (Here “assignments” is the total points you scored from all assignments and
“assignments total” is the sum of all available points from the assignments.)

min ⁡( ( assignments
assignments
total
85+
quiz
quiz total
15) , (
midterm exam
midterm examtotal
40+
final examtotal )
final exam
60 )

Letter grade will be assigned according to the following formula.

A = by curve,
A- = by curve,
B+ = by curve,
B = 81 to 85,
B- = 70 to 80,
C+ = 65 to 69,
C = 60 to 64,
C- = 55 to 59,
D = 50 to 54,
F = below 50.

The use of “academic assistance site” such as chegg is strictly forbidden in this course.

Make-up Exam Policy: One make-up exam (in the form of oral exam) will be provided for the midterm and final exam.
Attendance & Camera Policy: You are required to attend all class sessions of this course and are responsible for all material
presented in class (all homework assignments, quizzes, and exams). No doctor notes or excuse statements will be asked for
absences or late work. Missing a significant number of classes, however may lead to an INC or UW grade. Camera should be
turned on for all exams and when required by the professor during lab discussions.

Late Policy: You will submit your work in Blackboard, unless stated otherwise in the assignment specification. Late submission
penalty is 20% per calendar day.

Mask-wearing
Mask-wearing will be optional in all indoor spaces on the Hofstra campus, including classrooms. The only exceptions will be in the
Student Health Services Office and on the campus shuttle. Some members of our community will continue to wear a mask. Masks
will remain available in buildings around campus. Additional information regarding COVID protocols, including mask-wearing, can
be found on the University’s Together Again webpage.

Information regarding the latest guidance on the Monkeypox viral infection can be found on the University’s Student Health Services
Information about Monkeypox webpage.

Campus Closures/Snow Days

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pedagogically appropriate. Meeting remotely during campus closures eliminates the need to use snow/study days later in the
semester. The decision to do so is left to the discretion of each faculty member and is communicated to students in a timely manner.
On snow days or other school closures, childcare, weather emergencies, bandwidth, technology or other home arrangements may
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class and/or catch up on missed work.
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In the spring of 2012, the University community affirmed a new expression of commitment by instituting the Hofstra University
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 Hofstra University Honor Code: “As a member of the Hofstra community I pledge to demonstrate integrity and ethical
behavior in all aspects of my life, both inside and out of the classroom. I understand that I am accountable for everything I
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 Honor Code Short Form: “I pledge on my honor that I have done this work with honesty and integrity, without giving or
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Student Access Services
Room 107 Mack Student Center
[email protected]
516-463-7075
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