CSC005 – Overview Of Computer Science 

Hofstra University – Fall 2006 

Instructor: Vinnie Costa 

E-Mail: vcosta@optonline.net or
papacosta@gmail.com

Class Meets: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:05-9:30PM, Adams, Rm: 106 

Office hours: Mondays, 7:30-8:00PM, Adams 211, and after class 

 

1.Course Overview and Description

Introduction to fundamental concepts in computer hardware and software. Exploration of the history and evolution of computing, and foundational areas of current computer science research. Algorithms, program development, and problem solving. Elements and use of a high-level programming language.

2.Required Text

Nell Dale and John Lewis, Computer Science Illuminated, 2/e, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2004, 699pp., ISBN: 0763726265

3.Grading

There will be several assignments during the class, three of these will count towards your grade (you’ll get advanced notice). There will also be a mid-term and an end-term exam. These will be take home exams assigned a week before the due date.

Class participation and involvement counts. This should be an interactive experience. Please feel free to share information and ideas. Be willing to assist others.

There will be no makeup tests (mid-term and end-term exams) or extended deadlines. Submitting the test on an alternative date is at the discretion of the instructor, but prior arrangements should be made (unless, in case of emergencies, in which case, proper documents should be provided).

    1. 01Point Allocation:

Assignments 1-3:         10% each
Mid-Term:         30%
End-Term:         35%
Participation:           5%

4.Attendance

Attendance will be taken at each class but it is not mandatory. However, if you do not attend class regularly, you will have a high probability of failing. Participation is important to fully appreciate the subject. If you cannot make a class for some reason (travel, business commitments, etc.) try to let me know. 

5.Course Outline

is a rough outline of the course. This schedule may change depending on the pace of the class and threads of discussion. Assignment dates are not shown here. These will be provided at a later date.

Session 

Date 

Topic 

1 

9/8 

Introduction 

2 

9/11 

Binary Values  and Number Systems

3 

9/13 

Data Representation 

4 

9/18 

Data Representation 

5 

9/20 

The World Wide Web 

6 

9/25 

The World Wide Web 

7 

9/27 

Gates and Circuits 

8 

10/4 

Gates and Circuits 

9 

10/9 

Computing Components 

10 

10/11 

Computing Components, Problem Solving 

11 

10/16 

Problem Solving and Algorithm Design 

12 

10/18 

Low Level Programming Languages 

13 

10/23 

High Level Programming Languages – Midterm Exam Due

14 

10/29 

High Level Programming Languages 

15 

11/1 

High Level Programming Languages 

16 

11/6 

Operating Systems 

17 

11/8 

Operating Systems 

18 

11/13 

File Systems and Directories 

19 

11/15 

Information Systems 

20 

11/20 

Workshop 

21 

11/27 

Networks 

22 

11/29 

Network Security 

23 

12/4 

Artificial Intelligence 

24 

12/6 

Special Topics 

25 

12/11 

Limits of Computing 

26 

12/18 

Final Exam Due 

 

 

(the schedule is subject to change) 

Table 1: Course Outline

6.Programming Assignments

There will be several programming assignments. The programs will be graded 80% on correctness and 20% on style (general structure, comments, etc.)  

7.Slides, Links and News

I will try to have the slides for each class available on a web site at: 

        http://www.cs.hofstra.edu/~cscvjc/Fall06

These will be available in HTML, OpenOffice, and PowerPoint formats. There will also be helpful and interesting links along with news items. 

8.Class Rules