CIS 110 {{FULL_TERM}}: Introduction to Computer Programming

Introduction to Computer Programming is the first course in our series introducing students to computer science. In this class you will learn the fundamentals of computer programming in Java, with emphasis on applications in science and engineering. You will also learn about the broader field of computer science and algorithmic thinking, the fundamental approach that computer scientists take to solving problems.

The website for Spring 2014 may be found here: Spring 2014


Announcements

August22

Fall 2014 Wait List Update: At present, the wait list is quite short. We expect that we will ultimately be able to offer permits to everyone who is currently on the list.

August5

Fall 2014 Wait List: We have two lecture sections of CIS 110 in the Fall, at 12:00 and 1:00. They are identical. As of today, both are completely full, and we have started a wait list. Click here to sign up for the wait list, or to switch from one section to the other. We will update this announcement as more information becomes available, including the pace at which students are coming off the wait list. There is unlikely to be much or any movement until the semester starts.

Permits to register or to switch sections will be issued as space becomes available. (Enrollments are more than 25% higher than at this time last year; we will strive to make space for everyone who is interested in taking the class this semester, but we are limited by the resources available to us.) Please direct questions to the wait-list to , but understand that there is essentially nothing we can tell you beyond the information on this page and the wait list itself.

If you are still wait-listed at the beginning of the semester, plan to attend lecture and recitation, and complete homework throughout the add period. Your ability to catch up if you have not been participating in the class from the start will be sharply limited.

Recitation information (Fall 2014): CIS 110 will have a weekly recitation. You will not sign up for recitation through PennInTouch! Instead, you will receive an e-mail around the start of the semester or during the first week of class with instructions. You will have a choice between a 1-hour recitation or a 2-hour recitation, depending on your preference. There will be a wide range of recitation times on Monday afternoons and evenings (starting at 2:00pm) and all day Tuesdsay.

Textbook (Fall 2014): The textbook for Fall 2014 will be "Introduction to Computer Programming in Java" by Sedgewick and Wayne, as in previous semesters. This book is readily available online, and will be available from the Penn bookstore. It is also fine to purchase a used copy or rent it.

Clickers! (Fall 2014): We will be using clickers as an in-class participation tool this Fall. The supported models for CIS 110 are Turning Technologies ResponseCard RF, RF/LCD, NXT, and QT. Penn has standardized on the ResponseCard for all classes that use clickers.

If you already have a supported clicker from a previous course, you do not need to buy a new one. In fact, we prefer the older RF and RF/LCD models because they are small and light. The NXT is thicker, and the QT resembles a small graphing calculator.

The Penn Bookstore will be stocking either ResponseCard NXT or QT clickers. We have been told that you will be able to sell your clicker back to the bookstore at the end of the year at a "significant fraction" of its cost, but you will need to check with the bookstore for details. We have also been told that the University is likely to standardize on the QT model going forward, and that it will be the same price as the NXT model.

Clickers can also be ordered from http://store.turningtechnogies.com. Use the Penn school code BG2Y to obtain a substantial discount. It is not clear if you will be able to sell back a clickers purchased online at the end of the term. You are also welcome to purchase one from another store, or second-hand. You may purchase any of the RF, RF/LCD, NXT, or QT models for CIS 110, but other courses may require functionaility of the QT and/or NXT model.