9:30 - 10:45 TuTh 411 Old Gymnasium |
Dr. David
Reed
209 Old Gymnasium x2583 DaveReed@creighton.edu |
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:
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.
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.
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 |
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 |
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 |
|
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 |
Dec 12
FINAL EXAM Mon, 1:00-2:40
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