CIS 1100 UPenn Intro Course Guide

Introduction to CIS 1100

The CIS 1100 course at the University of Pennsylvania is an introductory course that focuses on the fundamentals of computer science and programming. This course is designed for students who have little to no experience in programming and is intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of the basics of computer science. The course covers a range of topics, including data types, variables, control structures, functions, and object-oriented programming. Throughout the course, students will learn to write programs in a high-level programming language, such as Python, and will gain hands-on experience with programming concepts and techniques.

Course Objectives

The main objectives of the CIS 1100 course are to: * Introduce students to the basics of computer science and programming * Teach students how to write programs in a high-level programming language * Provide students with hands-on experience with programming concepts and techniques * Help students develop problem-solving skills and logical thinking * Prepare students for more advanced courses in computer science

Some of the key topics covered in the course include: * Data types and variables: Students will learn about the different data types, such as integers, floats, and strings, and how to declare and use variables in a program. * Control structures: Students will learn about control structures, such as if-else statements, for loops, and while loops, and how to use them to control the flow of a program. * Functions: Students will learn about functions and how to define and use them in a program. * Object-oriented programming: Students will learn about object-oriented programming concepts, such as classes and objects, and how to use them to write more organized and efficient programs.

Course Structure

The CIS 1100 course is typically structured into several sections, including: * Lectures: Lectures are held twice a week and cover the main topics of the course. During lectures, the instructor will provide an overview of the topic, explain key concepts, and provide examples. * Lab sessions: Lab sessions are held once a week and provide students with hands-on experience with programming concepts and techniques. During lab sessions, students will work on exercises and projects to reinforce their understanding of the material. * Assignments: Assignments are given regularly and provide students with the opportunity to practice writing programs and apply the concepts learned in class. * Exams: There are typically two exams during the semester, a midterm and a final, which test students’ understanding of the material.

Resources

There are several resources available to students taking the CIS 1100 course, including: * Textbook: The textbook for the course provides a comprehensive introduction to programming and computer science. * Online resources: There are several online resources available, including tutorials, videos, and practice exercises, which provide additional support and practice opportunities. * TA sessions: Teaching assistants (TAs) hold office hours and provide additional support to students who need help with the material.

📝 Note: Students are expected to attend all lectures, lab sessions, and exams, and to complete all assignments and projects on time.

Assessment

Student assessment is based on a combination of factors, including: * Assignments: Assignments are worth a significant portion of the final grade and provide students with the opportunity to practice writing programs and apply the concepts learned in class. * Exams: Exams test students’ understanding of the material and are worth a significant portion of the final grade. * Lab sessions: Lab sessions provide students with hands-on experience with programming concepts and techniques and are worth a portion of the final grade. * Participation: Class participation and engagement are also taken into account when determining the final grade.

The following table provides a breakdown of the assessment components:

Component	Weight
Assignments	40%
Exams	30%
Lab sessions	20%
Participation	10%

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for the CIS 1100 course, and it is open to all students who are interested in learning about computer science and programming. However, students who have prior experience with programming may find the course to be too introductory and may want to consider taking a more advanced course.

In summary, the CIS 1100 course at the University of Pennsylvania provides a comprehensive introduction to computer science and programming, covering topics such as data types, control structures, functions, and object-oriented programming. The course is designed for students with little to no experience in programming and provides hands-on experience with programming concepts and techniques. With a combination of lectures, lab sessions, assignments, and exams, students will gain a solid understanding of the basics of computer science and be well-prepared for more advanced courses in the field.

The key points to take away from this course guide are that the CIS 1100 course is an introductory course that covers the basics of computer science and programming, and it is designed for students with little to no experience in programming. The course provides hands-on experience with programming concepts and techniques, and it is a great starting point for students who are interested in pursuing a career in computer science.