Course Syllabus

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About this course:   Computer Science Data Structures (CSDS) is a year long course that continues and extends the work that was started in AP Computer Science last year.  CSDS focuses on fundamental algorithms and dynamic data structures, including linear lists, stacks, queues, trees, directed graphs, and other linked structures: arrays, strings, heaps, and hash tables.  Topics includes elementary methods of complexity analysis applied to algorithms that manipulate dynamic and static data structures, as well as algorithms focused on sorting and searching methods. Emphasis is placed on the appropriate choice and use of standard data structures.

This course offers the students a mixture of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Alternative techniques for solving problems will be discussed and implemented. The study of data structures and algorithms is carried out within an object-oriented framework. When implementations are considered, the Java programming language is used.

Learning Portal:  The fundamental tool of computer science is a computer.  You will be using your school laptop everyday in class, so be sure to bring it to class everyday fully charged and ready to go.  We will be installing software specific for the class on it.  Furthermore, all of our class content will be presented through this Canvas course site, which will provide you with all of the details regarding classroom lessons, assignments, assessments, and grades.

Textbook:  Object-Oriented Data Structures using Java, 3rd edition

Expectations:

  • Show up on time
  • Come prepared (materials, assignments, ready to learn)
  • Be present and try your best
  • Treat each other with kindness and respect

Grading Policies:

Marking Period grades will be determined based on the following weights:

  • Question Sets                 20%
  • Projects                          40%
  • Tests                              40%

Semester grades will determined based on the following weights:

  • Marking Periods              80%
  • Final Exam                      20%

The grading scale is generally as follows:

  • A   =  90 – 100%
  • B   =  80 –  89%
  • C   =  70 –  79%
  • D   =  60 –  69%
  • F   =  59% and below

Question Sets: You can expect almost daily reading assignments from the textbook, which are followed by a series of online questions to assess your level of understanding.  Your answers are automatically scored so that you will know immediately how well you have done.  You may retake any question set anytime to improve your score, but the questions are randomized so you will not be asked the same questions in the same order as before.

Projects:  You will have a multitude of projects to complete that will be listed in the online assignment guide.  Projects are generally due the following day, but can be turned in any time during the semester.  Simple projects will be assigned a point value from 0 to 5 based on the amount completed.  More extensive projects will be spread out over several days (or even weeks) and will be evaluated separately according to the complexity of the assignment.  The key to doing well in this class is to complete all of the assignments on time!

Tests:  You can expect to have a chapter test as we complete each chapter in the textbook.  Test dates are scheduled in advance as listed in the assignment guide.  Tests usually will contain a combination of true-false and multiple-choice questions.

Final Exam:  There will be a final exam at the end of each semester.  Each final exam is comprehensive, covering appropriate material over the entire course (the first semester exam only covers the topics discussed in the first semester).  In preparation for each final exam, you will have the opportunity to take a practice exam, that will be then reviewed in class.

Make-up Policy:  You may make arrangements to make-up or retake any assignment or test on your own time before the end of the semester.  Please make specific arrangements with me in advance so that I may be prepared to accommodate you.   
 
Academic Honesty:  It is good to collaborate with other students on projects and such, but all students are expected to submit work that is their own.  Cheating is not acceptable under any circumstances.
 

Extra Help:  If you do not understand a particular topic, come in for help immediately!  Don’t wait until it is too late!  I am available both before and after school (it is ok to drop in without an appointment).

Thanks!  I’m looking forward to a fabulous year together with you!

Course Summary:

Course Summary
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