University of New York Tirana

Komuna e Parisit,Tirana, Albania

Tel.: 00355-(0)4-273056-8 – Fax: 00355-(0)4-273059

Web Site Address: http://www.unyt.edu.al

Introduction to Computer Science

Spring 2016

Course : Introduction to Computer Science (3 credit hours)

Instructor : Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marenglen Biba

Office : Faculty building 2^nd floor

Office Hours : Thursday 15-17 or by appointment

Phone : 42273056 / ext. 112

E-mail : marenglenbiba@unyt.edu.al

Course page : http://www.marenglenbiba.net/introcs/

Course Location and Time

Laboratory Room 4B, Wednesday 14-17.

Catalog Description

This module covers essential concepts of computer science at an introductory level. Students are introduced to the history and evolution of computing and to the impact of information technology on the society.

Course Purpose

This course will provide an introduction to computer science, information technology and related areas. Even though computer science is a relatively new field if compared to other classical fields of science, the impact of computing in society and in the progress of other sciences has increasingly become essential. The course will start with an historical perspective of the evolution of computing since its birth: primitive computing systems, first mechanical computers, birth of the digital computers, birth of internet and current developments. The purpose is to introduce students not only to the evolution of computers but also to the advantages and disadvantages that they have brought in the society. The course will also introduce basic concepts on computers and their functioning. Finally, the course will present to students problem-solving strategies and how problems can be solved with computers.

At the end of the course students will be able to:

1. Understand and distinguish the main historical milestones in the evolution of computer science

2. Understand the impact of computer science in society in the past and in the future

3. Understand and describe how computers perform basic operations

4. Understand and describe simple problem-solving strategies and how these can be implemented through computers

5. Understand general principles of networking, Internet and World Wide Web

Course Prerequisites

ESL III

Required Readings

Glen Brookshear. Computer Science: an overview. 11^th Edition. Addison Wesley, 2012.

Content of the Course

History of computing systems

History of modern computers

Introduction to modern computer systems

Introduction to how computers work: basics of computer architecture

Introduction to operating systems

Introduction to problem solving, algorithms and programming

Introduction to networks, Internet and World Wide Web

Social aspects of computers and information technology

Course Requirements

Students are required to attend lectures and labs. Students are expected to participate in class discussions. In the event of illness or emergency, contact your instructor IN ADVANCE to determine whether special arrangements are possible.

Participation: Participation extends beyond mere attendance. You may miss up to two classes without penalty. Each absence beyond the first two will cost you points off of your participation grade. The only exceptions to this rule are severe illness (doctor’s note required) and UNYT approved trips/activities. Appropriate documentation for absences beyond the first two is necessary and is to be provided on the class day directly before or after the one you miss. Students are expected to collect materials from the online course page, their classmates or see the instructor during consultation hours.

Exams: Two examinations will be taken one midterm and one final. Test format may combine a mixture of Definitions, Blanks, and short answers, two or three Essay questions covering all readings, lecture, and hand-out and class discussion content. No Student may miss a scheduled exam without receiving permission before the administration of the exam. Make-up exams might be significantly different from the regular tests, and will be administered at a time of instructor own convenience.

Reading assignments: You will be required to read all the handouts, slides, and other relevant materials. Each week, I will notify you in class what specific materials to read and/or assignments to prepare for the week. The reading assignments are selected to give you adequate understanding of the course material.

Project: I will announce projects usually based on the chapters/materials covered in class. Due dates will be specified accordingly. Projects must be submitted as specified to be considered on-time. Late assignments are accepted with the following penalties: -2 if submitted the next day it is due, and -1 for each day late after that. I will accept e-mail submissions.

Make-up policy Midterm/Final exam: Only students who miss an exam for university-approved and verifiable reasons will be allowed to take a make-up exam. Even then, except in the most extreme circumstances, no student may miss a scheduled exam without receiving permission before the administration of the exam. Make-up exams might be significantly different in format from the regular tests, and will be administered at a time of my own convenience.

Cheating policy: Cheating policy: Exams, assignments, projects and quizzes are subject to the STUDENT HONOUR CODE. The University’s rules on academic dishonesty (e.g. cheating, plagiarism, submitting false information) will be strictly enforced. Please familiarize yourself with the STUDENT HONOUR CODE, or ask me for clarification.

Grading Policy

Assignments	30%
Midterm	30%
Final	40%

Grading Scale (Standard UNYT grading scale)

Letter Grade	Percent (%)	Generally Accepted Meaning
A	96-100	Outstanding work
A-	90-95	Outstanding work
B+	87-89	Good work, distinctly above average
B	83-86
B-	80-82
C+	77-79	Acceptable work
C	73-76
C-	70-72
D+	67-69	Work that is significantly below average
D	63-66
D-	60-62
F	0-59	Work that does not meet minimum standards for passing the course