Fairfield University Physics Department

 

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Course Syllabus - PS 70 Computers Today

TEXT BOOKS: Microcomputing Today by Steven Mandell
TEST: There will be a midterm test and a final.  The midterm covers the 1st half of the course.  The final exam covers the 2nd half of the course and also some topics from the 1st half, for example HTML and Basic.  If a student misses a test, he/she must furnish a valid excuse, i.e., from a physician or from the dean, otherwise a failing grade will be given.  Whether students with a valid excuse are given a makeup test is at the discretion of the professor.  If no makeup is given, one less test grade will be averaged for the course grade.
HOMEWORK: Each homework assignment has an announced due date.  Homework handed in late is give reduced credit.
GRADING:
Final 2/4 - 2 units
Midterm 1/4 - 1 unit
Homework/Participation 1/4 - 1 unit

In no special order, here are answers to FAQ about the course:

  1. No previous background in computers is required.   

  2. Time permitting, you will 'learn by doing' (hands-on) the following topics:
                a.  Web page design and the language HTML.
                b.  Computer programming in the language BASIC.
                c.  Creating spread sheets in Excel.
                d.  Creating slide presentations in Power Point.
                e.  Creating data bases in Access.
                f.  E-mail, scanning, burning CD, and uploading a home page to the Internet.

  3. PS 70 is not a course for computer scientists; however, you are expected to learn basic concepts.  This includes the basics of computer programming and application software.

  4. There is no mechanism by which a student can earn extra credit (no term papers, etc.).

  5. The midterm covers chapter's 1, 2, 4, 5, appendices A, B and the topics covered in class.

  6. The final covers chapters 3, 6, 7, appendix C, and all the topics covered in class during the entire semester.  These topics will be announced.

  7. The format of the tests is multiple choice questions, essay questions, and programming questions such as create a spread sheet to ... or write a program in BASIC to...

  8. Students are encouraged to participate in class:  ask questions, offer opinions, describe experiences and contribute to discussions.  Classroom participation is part of the homework grade.

  9. My office hours in Bannow 112 are posted.  In addition feel free to make appointments.

  10. Class meets in BNW GR4 except on test dates when class meets in the assigned classroom.