CSC 121: Computers and Scientific Thinking
Fall 2005



9:30 - 10:45 TuTh
411 Old Gymnasium
Dr. David Reed
209 Old Gymnasium      x2583
DaveReed@creighton.edu


Text: A Balanced Introduction to Computer Science, David Reed, Prentice Hall, 2005.


Course Description

This course introduces students to science and scientific reasoning from a perspective that integrates computer science and the natural sciences. Students will gain a basic understanding of computer technology (its organization, history, societal impact, etc.) and how computers are used in various scientific disciplines. In particular, the use of the scientific method and the importance of computer modeling in scientific inquiry will be studied. Students will learn to develop simple Web-based programs for analyzing data and modeling systems, and use those programs in conducting hands-on experiments. Applications in biology, chemistry, and physics will provide insights into how these disciplines approach problems and utilize computers and computer modeling as tools.

The specific goals of this course are:


Required Work

Class periods will consist of two types of activity. For discussion days, students will be assigned readings and must answer review questions via email before the discussion day. Attendance and participation in class discussions of the assigned material is expected of all students. Practical experience in developing Web-based programs and using them to conduct experiments will be obtained through chapter exercises. Students will be assigned exercises and will work on the computer with the assistance of the instructor.

Interspersed throughout the course will be 5 lab assignments, which involve using computers as tools to solve problems from the sciences. In addition to some programming, lab assignments generally involve the observation of natural systems or simulations, data collection and analysis, and a written summary of your findings.

In addition, there will be two 75-minute tests and a cumulative 100-minute final exam.

chapter exercises 20 %
lab assignments 15 %
review questions/discussions 10 %
two 75-minute tests 30 %
100-minute final exam 25 %

The final course grade will be based on the above weightings. At the minimum, the following cutoffs will apply: A (90-100%), B+ (86-89%), B (80-85%), C+ (76-79%), C (70-75%), D (60-70%), and F (0-59%). Some shifting of grades (in an upward direction only) may occur as final letter grades are assigned.

Regular attendance is expected of all students. If a student must miss class for a legitimate reason, it is their responsibility to make up missed work. Assignments and tests will not be rescheduled except in extreme circumstances. Unexcused absences will directly impact the student's grade on discussion days (resulting in a 0 for the missed day), and it is expected that excessive absences will leave the student unprepared for tests and assignments.


Policy on Collaboration

Creighton's policy on cheating and plagiarism is spelled out in the the Student Handbook, with college procedures available online at puffin.creighton.edu/ccas/policies/acadhonesty.html. In addition, the following guidelines hold for this course.

Violations of the above collaboration will be dealt with severely, with possible outcomes including failure in the course.


Tentative Schedule

Date Topic Readings Hand-in
Aug 25
Course overview.  
30
Sep 1
Computer basics. (ppt/ pdf)
History of science & computing. (ppt/ pdf)
Ch. 1
online, Ch. 6
email
email
6
8
LAB 1
Creating a Web page, HTML, (ppt/ pdf)
 
Ch. 2
13
15
    lists, images.
Web & Internet History. (ppt/ pdf)
 
Ch. 3
LAB 1
email
20
22
Interactive Web pages, (ppt/ pdf)
    user input, assignments, expressions,
Ch. 4-5 Ch. 2
 
27
29
    data collection and analysis.
LAB 2
 
Ch. 4-5
Oct 4
6
TEST 1
Problem solving & algorithms. (ppt/ pdf)
 
Ch. 8
 
email
11
13
Applications in biology: (ppt/ pdf)
    bio-tech, modeling, bioinformatics. LAB 3
online, online
 
LAB 2
 
18
20
NO CLASS -- FALL RECESS
25
27
Abstract thinking, functions, (ppt/ pdf)
    modularity, reuse.
Ch. 7
 
LAB 3
 
Nov 1
3
Design & interfaces. (ppt/ pdf)
DoIT tour: 1st floor, Old Gym
Ch. 9
 
 
Ch. 7
8
10
Control structures, decision making, (ppt/ pdf)
    if statements, counters. LAB 4
Ch. 11
 
Ch. 9
 
15
17
Applications in atmospheric science.
TEST 2
online, online
 
Ch. 11
 
22
24
Computer science as a discipline. (ppt/ pdf)
NO CLASS -- THANKSGIVING
Ch. 10
 
email
 
29
Dec 1
LAB 5
Data Representation. (ppt/ pdf)
online
Ch. 12
 
email, LAB 4
6
8
Applications in artificial intelligence. (ppt/ pdf)
Computers in Society. (ppt/ pdf)
online, online
Ch. 18
LAB 5
email
Dec 12
FINAL EXAM   Mon, 1:00-2:40