MCMPSC 261

Problem Solving and Computer Programming II

Spring 2005

 

Professor:                            Brian Larson

 

Class Webpage:                 http://www.sff.net/people/brian-larson/CS261.htm

 

Office:                                    Electronics: 110 E

 

Office Phone:                      575-6148

 

E-mail Address:                  Larsonhomework@hotmail.com

 

Office Hours:                       M W                10-11 am

                                                T Th                9:30 – 11 am

 

Lab (Lib 116):                      Th                   1 - 3 pm

 

Required Text:                    Data Structures using C++, by Nell Dale

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

MCMPSC 261 is the second half of a year-long sequence that covers fundamental programming techniques.  The first class, MCMPSC 205, studied problem-solving, documentation, modular program development, data types, input and output methods, files and arrays.  The second semester will cover more advanced topics: object-oriented programming, structures, multi-dimensional arrays, stacks, queues, recursion, dynamic data structures, lists and trees.  The programming language C++ will be used.

 

Grading:                   Percentage:                                                 Frequency:

 

Projects                    50%                                                                Every two weeks

 

(2) Midterms             30% (make up with prior approval)       Dates to be announced

 

FINAL                        20% (no makeup)                                       See Class Schedule

 

 

LATE WORK:

Note that there will be no credit given for late homework papers or missed in-class assignments.  Full credit will not be given for late lab projects either: credit will be reduced by 25% for lab projects that are late.  If lab projects are more than one week late, credit will be reduced to 50%. 

 

Projects aren’t late until the end of the day they are due.  If you can't finish a project before class starts, drop it, come for the lecture and finish it after class.

 

SURVIVAL NOTES:

Show up ON TIME and take notes every day.  When you don't get something, ask questions, no one is paying you to know everything, that will come later...  People who make it through this class are ready for an entry-level programming job.  No one makes it through this class unless they are serious about learning the highly marketable skill of programming.  It will take time, effort and sacrifice for everyone.  You should be prepared to live in the lab when a project you just can't figure out is overdue.

 

WORK INDEPENDENTLY:

This class is intended for everyone to learn how to problem-solve individually.  Asking questions of your classmates is fine, copying their code is not.  If you can't do it alone, you won't make it through the tests, or your next job.