This course is a broad introduction to a variety of fundamental topics in computer science including abstraction, computer organization, representation of information, history of computing, ethics, and the development and evaluation of algorithmic solutions the Python programming environment.

Course goals:

• Introduce the discipline of computer science
• Enhance problem-solving abilities
• Learn how to program and solve problems using the Python programming environment
• Help acquire knowledge about computing systems in general, both hardware and software

Students in this class are required to:

• Read the assigned textbook chapters to prepare for lecture and labs.
• Complete online lecture material equivalent to two hours per week where the instructor will describe concepts and examples that are not easily understood from the reading alone.
• Meet for lab two hours per week to learn skills and complete activities based on the concepts covered in lecture.
• Complete 5 homework projects based on the skills learned in lecture and lab..
• Complete two semester exams and a comprehensive final exam to demonstrate expert subject knowledge.

CSIS—110. Introduction to Computer Science (2 hours lecture, 2 hours laboratory) 3 credits. This course is a broad introduction to a variety of fundamental topics in computer science through a contemporary theme such as robotics, the web, graphics, or gaming. Students will consider problems in the application area that can be solved with software. Using the theme of the course, students will be introduced to important areas of computer science including abstraction, computer organization, representation of information, history of computing, ethics, and the development and evaluation of algorithmic solutions using an appropriate programming environment. Themes may differ across sections. Lab fee. (ATTR: ARTS, CAQ, CDQ, REC, STVN)

Satisfies core: CAQ, CDQ

Required for: Computer Science major, minor and certificate; Information Systems minor and certificate; Computer Science 3/2 major; Actuarial Science major; Computational Science major and minor; Risk Management Certificate; Chemistry 3/2 major; Math major; Math 3/2 major.

Prerequisite for: Accounting Masters program.

Elective for: Entrepreneurship minor; Cognitive Science minor; Multimedia minor; Revolutionary Era Studies certificate; Science, Technology, and Value minor; Business major with concentration in Corporate Accounting and Internal Controls; Business major with concentration in Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting.