Department of Computer Science
CS 50 - Computing: Tools and Issues

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Computer science has insinuated itself into many aspects of our lives. What is computer science? What are it distinctions and similarities with related disciplines, especially mathematics and the sciences? What are the core elements of computer science and how do they reveal themselves in our everyday lives? What do we need to know about computer science in order to function effectively in a technological world?

This course helps prepare students to address these questions. First, we will take a first-hand look at the nature of programming and its role in computer science. Second, we will explore the nature of the Internet -- how it is designed, managed, and used effectively in commercial, academic, and governmental applications. Finally, we will examine some key social and ethical issues that have important places in a technological world; issues like intellectual property, privacy, and Internet security.

Course Web site: blackboard.bowdoin.edu

Course e-mail address: csci050@bowdoin.edu

Class meeting time (attendance required): TTh 2:30-3:55pm, Searles 223
Problem session meeting time (attendance optional): To be determined, Searles 128

PRIMARY TEXT (required): Schneider and Gersting, Invitation to Computer Science
A C++ programming tutorial -- at the course web site,
Additional readings -- at the course web site.

INSTRUCTOR: Allen Tucker, 82 Federal Street
E-mail address: allen@bowdoin.edu
Office Hours: MW 4:00-5:00 in Searles 224, or by arrangement
Phone: x3131

COURSE WORK:

The course will combine lectures, laboratory experiences, readings, and short papers that allow you to substantively engage the central themes of the course. A modest amount of programming in C++ will accompany the laboratory component. Additional laboratory work will include the use of simulators and models that add hands-on experiences to other topics encountered in the readings.

The course includes three examinations; each one is open book and non-cumulative. All assignments and examinations will contribute to your course grade. You are expected to follow the Bowdoin College Honor Code in all course work.

Many of the lab problems may be solved collaboratively. Some additional out-of-class lab sessions will be conducted by the instructor; attendance at these sessions is optional.

COURSE OUTLINE:

 

Week beginning	Topics	Lectures	Readings	Labs
Aug 27, Sept 3	What is computer science? Algorithm design	unit1.ppt unit2.ppt	Ch 1, 2	asst1.html
Sept 10	Algorithm efficiency	unit3.ppt	Ch 3	asst2.html
Sept 17	Programming in C++	unit4.ppt	Ch 8.3-8.6	asst3.html asst4.html
Sept 24	(*** Test #1 ***)
Oct 1, 8	C++ Functions and Graphics Programming	unit5.ppt	Ch 8.7, 8.9	asst5.html
Oct 15	Computing Tools: Logic, Gates, and Circuits	unit6.ppt	Ch 4	asst6.html
Oct 22, 29	Computing Tools: the Internet	unit7.ppt	Ch 7	asst7.html
Nov 5	(*** Test #2 ***) Tuesday Nov 6
Nov 12	Computing Issues: Internet Security and Privacy	unit8.ppt	Ch 13.4, 15.2.3	asst8.html
Nov 19, 26	Computing Tools: Databases and E-Commerce	unit9.ppt	Ch 13.2, 13.3	asst9.html
Dec 3	Computing Issues: Artificial Intelligence	unit10.ppt	Ch 14	asst10.html
Dec 10	Friday Dec 14, 9:00am (*** Test #3 ***)