CSCI - 121 Introduction to Computer Science

Credits: 3

This course provides a foundation in computer science for students who do not have prior computer science and programming experience. It provides essential support to permit a student to continue in Computer Science as a potential major course of study but it is also appropriate for all other students as well. Topics include the basics of computer systems’ organization, the software development life cycle in specific problem domains, the research resources available for problem solving, and the social and ethical aspects of technology. Additional topics include an introduction to the algorithm and program development process using high-level structured programming languages with hands-on computing facilities, and problem-solving using critical thinking and computational thinking skills. The course begins with an overview of the context of computing, computational operations, the computer organization and design, the basic algorithm and data structures for problem solving, the storage and transmission of data, the presentation of information, and the limitations of computing. Students learn about the design and implementation of computational systems, and the values of abstraction in critical thinking, in computational thinking, and in problem solving. Supervised hands-on experience is provided. There are no prerequisites. (May not be taken for graded credit after passing CSCI 221.)

Notes
Three hours lecture; three credits.