COMP 110-001, Introduction to Programming

Fall 2007

Mr. Joshua Stough , Sitterson 220
M,W,F 3:00-4:15 stough@cs.unc.edu , x962-1975
Gardner Hall 307 http://www.cs.unc.edu/~stough/teaching/COMP110-F07/comp110F07.html

 

Blackboard login page.

Course Schedule    Assignment Information  
 

Overview
The major objective of this course is to teach you how to solve problems using algorithmic thinking. An algorithm is just a sequence of instructions used to solve a problem. We will express our algorithms in English, then translate them into the programming language Java. During the course, you will learn how to use loops, conditionals, functions, arrays, and classes. These are the building blocks of programs, which we will use to create increasingly complex programs. This course fulfills the Mathematics Perspective Requirement.

Is COMP 110 For You?

  1. Although this course has no prerequisites, a basic background in math, especially algebra, is needed.
  2. I assume basic computer skills (eg., using a web browser, writing email, using word processing applications, downloading and installing software).
  3. If you are not comfortable using a computer, consider taking COMP 4 ("Power Tools for the Mind") before taking COMP 110.
  4. If you have previous programming experience, such as in a high school course, (especially, a Computer Science AP course) consider taking COMP 401 ("Foundations of Programming") instead. If you are interested in taking COMP 401 without taking COMP 110, please see Mr. Stough first.

Time Commitment
During the course of COMP 110, you will write several full Java programs. This can be a time-consuming process. Expect to spend 10-12 hours on each programming assignment (depending, of course, on the specific assignment). If you do not have this kind of time available to work on COMP 110, you may want to wait and take it in a later semester.

Textbook (required) Java Programming: From Problem Analysis to Program Design, 3rd edition (companion website)
D. Malik,
ISBN: 1-4239-0135-5

Registering for COMP 110

If the course is full and you want to take this class, please use the "waitlist" registration option (see the Registrar's Registration web page) and come to class on the first day. There are typically a lot of drop/adds at the start and so hopefully you will make it in.