The student will solve problems by writing computer programs that include input, output and control structures (sequence, selection, repetition). In addition, the student will learn and use some of the tools of a computer algebra system, and do programming in the system.
In this section the first language used will be UCBLogo. We will follow the text through the topic of recursion, supplementing the book's text-based treatment of the language with a more traditional visual approach. After the midterm, we will switch to using the computer algebra package Maple. You may wish to purchase the optional Maple book for reference, but class work will mainly depend on course materials developed by Dr. Robert Sutherland.
Course web page: http://webhost.bridgew.edu/hburgiel/COMP203/
Logo exam: 3/14/12 (second class after spring break)
Maple exam: 4/30/12 (last day of classes)
Final presentations: 5/7/12, 2:00-4:00, MKC220
Grades for the course will be recorded in Blackboard and computed on a curve. The final grade will be determined as follows:
Homework: Homework for this course will be collected electronically using Blackboard's Assignment Manager feature. To register for your Blackboard account, visit Bridgewater State College's Account Registration Page to claim BSC user and Blackboard accounts.
To turn in homework, first log in to Blackboard then use the Assignment Manager to submit homework; please include your full name and the assignment number in your submitted homework file. If you get stuck, try reading the instructions at http://blackboard.bridgew.edu/faculty_help/assignmang.cfm. Homework can be submitted late, but if you do so without requesting an extension you may lose points.
Quizzes: There may be brief (15-20 minute) quizzes.
Attendance: Attendance will be taken in class and factored into your final grade. In addition, your grade depends on your behavior in class; please use common courtesy. Turn cell phones off, refrain from discussing subjects other than mathematics, and if you must leave early please notify me in advance and sit near an exit. Your attention in lecture will be noted and appreciated.
Midterm Project: Write and test a complex Logo program which uses variables, helper procedures, and binary logic (if/else).
Final Presentation: Students will work in groups to research and present ways in which Maple can be used to facilitate the teaching or learning of Precalculus, Calculus, or Linear Algebra.
Materials: All students are expected to have laptop computers. While UCBLogo can be freely installed on and (depending on the version) run from a USB key, you must either use the lab computers at BSC or purchase a student version of Maple for your laptop; more information on purchasing a student version of Maple will be presented in class. All students should have Blackboard accounts. Check the email address associated with your Blackboard account regularly. Paper and pencil will also be useful during class.
Office hours: I will be available in my office during these hours for consultation on a first-come-first-served basis. You do not need an appointment in advance. In addition, many brief matters can be handled directly after class or by email, and in special cases we can schedule appointments at other times.
Academic integrity: The Academic Integrity Policy will be enforced in this class. In particular, please do not copy programs from or share files with your classmates until after both your assignments have been graded.
Students with disabilities: If you have a diagnosed disability which will make it difficult for you to carry out the course work, please contact me during the first two weeks of class to discuss reasonable accomodations.
Math services: Mathematics Services (http://mathservices.net) provides free tutoring on a walk-in basis. It is located in the basement of Maxwell Library. If you complete this course with a good grade, you may apply to be a tutor there.