Objectives

The course is designed to present and discuss the history, methodology and impact of informatics; students are introduced to various approaches to informatics via interaction with faculty working on diverse problems, as well as the appropriate literature.

Time:

Time: Tue/Thu from 14:30 to 15:45
Location: Informatics East 122
Office hours: Wed, 14:00-17:00, INFO EAST 305

Fall schedule

First class: Aug 27
Thanksgiving: Sun Nov 24 - Sun Dec 1
Last class: Dec 12
Project or essay deadline: Midnight, Dec 12 (very strictly enforced)

Evaluation

1. Participation (20%): based upon attendance and participation in class discussion. We expect that students will approach the course as they should a professional job – attend every class.
2. Assignments (45%):
   • 15%: presentation of paper selected by student
   • 30%: final readings essay. Student takes selected paper + 2 others in class readings list, develop common thread in computational thinking
3. Research proposal (35%):
   • A proposal as if it were prepared for submission to the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Program (CISE field of study). This research proposal should be developed in consultation with an appropriate faculty member, and should focus on a Computational Thinking approach to a research question (http://www.nsfgrfp.org/). We will cover the general requirements and details of this proposal throughout the semester.

Grading

No curve.
A+ (98%), A (94%), A- (90%): Excellent Work. Student performance demonstrates thorough knowledge of the course materials and exceeds course expectations by completing all requirements in a superior manner
B+ (85%), B (80%), B- (75%): Very Good Work. Student performance demonstrates above-average comprehension of the course materials and exceeds course expectations on all tasks as defined in the course syllabus.
C+ (70%), C (65%), C- (60%): Good Work. Student performance meets designated course expectations and demonstrates understanding of the course materials at an acceptable level.
D+ (55%), D (50%), D- (45%): Marginal Work. Student performance demonstrates incomplete understanding of course materials.
F (<45%): Fail

Incomplete

An incomplete (`I`) final grade will be given only by prior arrangement in exceptional circumstances conforming to university and departmental policy which requires, among other things, that the student must have completed the bulk of the work required for the course with a passing grade, and that the remaining work can be made up within 30 days after the end of the semester.