Introduction to Computational Science Syllabus

Introduction to Computational Science
Fall 2008

Course: CS101
URL:http://www.asms.net/facultymanaged/lilly/computation.html
Instructor: Dr. Albert Lilly, Ph.D. in Computer and Information Sciences from UAB, M.S. in Computer Science from UA
Course
    Description:
Students learn to make decisions and construct models using tools such as Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML), Alice, Excel, and JavaScript. Also, communication skills are emphasized by writing and verbalizing and with PowerPoint productions. Students work and interact in both teams and as individual team members to resolve real world problems.
Grading scale: 90 - 100 A
80 - 89 B
70 - 79 C
** - 69 D
** Lower limit of D and upper limit of F are at the discretion of the instructor
Weights:          Assignments
Tests
Project
30%
40%
30%
Absences
    and tardies:
Students are expected to attend class and exhibit a positive attitude. Ten percent will be deducted for work, including a test, that is late if unexcused. Three unexcused absences will result in the deduction of one letter grade. Six unexcused absences will result in the deduction of two letter grades. Excused absences are sickness approved by the nurse or other reasons approved the instructor ahead of time. Unexcused time away from class (either arriving late or leaving class without permission) will be recorded. Each 55 minutes of accumulated unexcused time will count as one unexcused absence for the purpose of deducting one or two letter grades.
Office hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Thursday: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., or by appointment



Tentative Schedule

Week 1:
Computational science and visualization
Search techniques
VRML tutorial
Alice tutorials
Excel spreadsheets
Patterns and techniques

Week 2:
Graphing in Excel

Week 3:
Excel techniques

Week 4:
Excel techniques continued
Test I

Week 5:
Introduction to JavaScript

Week 6:
JavaScript basics

Week 7:
Project proposal

Week 8:
Work on projects

Week 9:
Work on projects
Test II

Week 10:
Work on projects

Week 11:
Finish projects