CS 172: Computer Modeling (Section 40)

Lecture: Tuesday 6:10-7:00pm –SS 356

Lab (41): Tuesday 7:10-9pm-  LA 206

OR

Lab (41): Thursday 7:10-9pm-  LA 206

Instructor: Mark Shwayder

Office: SS 405 (fourth floor of the social science building)

Office Hours: Monday and Thursday 4-5pm.

Office Phone: 243-2126

Email: mark.shwayder@umontana.edu

Course Description:

Simply put, we will be learning how to solve real-world problems using a computer.  Specifically, we will be learning how to use spreadsheet and database models to help us understand problems that can be very complicated without them.  By the end of the semester we should be both better computer users and better problem solvers.

Prerequisites:

From the catalogue, “Prereq., previous computer experience and Math 100 or equiv. score on math placement test, or consent of instr.”  Essentially, you must have basic computer skills and an understanding of basic math and algebra.  There will be extra help sessions available for people who don’t feel comfortable doing basic computer tasks such as emailing attachments and downloading files.

Texts:

Exploring Microsoft Office 2007 Plus Edition by Robert Grauer, Michelle Hulett, Cynthia Krebs, and Maurie Lockley

CS 172: Computer Modeling Course Pack, which should be available in the student store by the third week of school.

Grading:

I will use the following percentages to determine your final grade.  The exact weight of each category is subject to change.

Homework/Labs: 70%

Tests: 30%

            Good attendance in class and lab will be rewarded by a third of a grade increase to your grade at the end of the semester.  This bonus will be determined by both your attendance and the effort you put into the course. It is extremely important that you attend lecture.  We will cover topics that are not covered in either your book or in your lab section.  Paying attention in class and asking questions are both good ways of showing effort.  In addition, the amount of effort you put into your assignments will be evident to me, and I am reserving the right to award extra credit to students who obviously go above and beyond the bare minimum requirements.  If you have and questions about this policy, please come talk to me.

Turning in Homework/Projects:

We will be turning in hard copies (paper copies) of our assignments at the beginning of class on the day they are due.  We will also be submitting some assignments/projects to blackboard using the digital dropbox.  We will go over BlackBoard on the first day of lab, but here is a link if you would like to look ahead: http://www.umt.edu/ce/umonline/students/welcome.htm.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS

Late assignments will be accepted at the cost of one third of a letter grade for each day it is late up to one week.  I will not be accepting any assignments that are more than one week late.  I will use the following grading scheme:

100-93 = A      92-90 = A-     

89-87 = B+      86-83 = B        82-80 = B-

79-77 = C+     76-73 = C        72-70 = C-

69-67 = D+     66-63 = D        62-60 = D-

59-0 = F

If you are taking this course P/NP, 70 or higher is passing and anything below is not.

Drops/Incompletes:

Please see http://www.umt.edu/catalog/acpolpro.htm#5 for information on drop dates for this semester.  I follow the standard incomplete policy that can be found in the course catalogue.   

Collaboration

Working together on assignments is fine.  You are, however, responsible for understanding the material.  If you cannot reproduce the work you submit when asked to do so, I will assume you simply copied the work.  Copying and plagiarism will not be tolerated.  If you do work with anyone else, please indicate that you did so and include their name(s).   Every student must turn in an assignment.

Disabilities:

Students with DSS certified disabilities should notify me at the beginning of the course

Class Etiquette:

Be respectful of your fellow classmates.  Please do not use profanity or obscenity either in class or on assignments