Course: EECS 1021 3.0
Course Webpage: moodle.yorku.ca and
www.eecs.yorku.ca/course/1021
Term: Winter 2016
The objective of 1021 is to introduce computational thinking -- a process-based approach to problem solving. It uses a problem-based pedagogy to expose the underlying concepts and an experiential laboratory to implement them. The programming language is chosen so that it is widely used in a variety of applications, is object-oriented, and is of industrial strength (Java is an example of such a language). The problems are chosen in order to expose abstract programming concepts by immersing them in relevant and engaging applications. The experiential laboratory is based on sensors and actuators that connect to a computer. The problems are chosen with consultation with the various engineering disciplines in the Faculty with a view of exposing how computing is used in these disciplines. The course format is two lecture hours per week and three lab hours per week.
Prerequisites: LE/EECS1011 3.00.
Course Credit Exclusions: LE/EECS 1022 3.00, LE/EECS1020 3.00, LE/CSE 1020 3.00, AK/AS/SC/CSE 1020 3.00, AP/ITEC 1620 3.00.
Instructor: Steven Castellucci, PhD
Office: Lassonde Building, office 3048
Email: steven_c@yorku.ca
Office hours: MW 11:30 - 12:30
Lectures: TEL 0016, Tuesdays, 18:30 - 20:30
Lab01: William Small Centre 106, Wednesdays, 14:30 - 17:30
Lab02: William Small Centre 106, Wednesdays, 17:30 - 20:30
Lab03: William Small Centre 106, Fridays, 17:30 - 20:30
Lectures: ACW 206, Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:30 - 11:30
Lab01: William Small Centre 106, Tuesdays, 13:30 - 16:30
Lab02: William Small Centre 106, Mondays, 16:30 - 19:30
Lab03: William Small Centre 106, Tuesdays, 16:30 - 19:30
Lab04: William Small Centre 106, Thursdays, 14:30 - 17:30
Lab05: William Small Centre 106, Thursdays, 17:30 - 20:30
Lab06: William Small Centre 108, Tuesdays, 13:30 - 16:30
Lab07: William Small Centre 108, Tuesdays, 16:30 - 19:30
Beginning Java Programming: The Object-Oriented Approach by Baesens, Backiel, and vanden Broucke. Available to students as an ebook for free from the York University Library.
Other recommended readings include the following (additional readings may be assigned or recommended during the course):
The final grade of the course will be based on the items below, with the weights indicated. The weights will not be adjusted, except to accommodate missed tests as outlined below. In addition, no "extra credit" assignments will be provided. A request to re-grade a test submission must be provided to the appropriate TA within one week of receiving the original grade. The mark for a lab is contingent upon completing the corresponding pre-lab exercises and achieving the required minimum grade. Failure to do so will result in a mark of zero (0) for that lab, regardless of the quality of the work submitted for grading.
| Labs 8x3% | 24% |
| Lab Tests 2x13% | 26% |
| Quizzes 5x2% | 10% |
| Midterm | 15% |
| Exam | 25% |
Grading: The final grade for the course is obtained by combining the scores of the tests and converting this total to a letter grade according to the following table.
| ≥ 90 | ≥ 80 | ≥ 75 | ≥ 70 | ≥ 65 | ≥ 60 | ≥ 55 | ≥ 50 | ≥ 40 | < 40 |
| A+ | A | B+ | B | C+ | C | D+ | D | E | F |
Missed labs, tests, etc.: Students with a properly documented reason for missing a lab, test, or other evaluation, due to illness, compassionate grounds, etc., will have the weight of the missed component shifted in the following manner, as appropriate:
The only accepted documentation for missing a lab or test due to illness is a completed Attending Physician's Statement. However, once a student begins writing a test, the weight of that test will not be shifted for any reason. Thus, if a student is not feeling well, it is recommended that the student not attend the test, seek the advice of a physician, and submit a completed Attending Physician's Statement to the instructor as soon as possible.
Missed final exam: Students who miss the final exam must complete a Deferred Standing Agreement form and submit it and your supporting documentation to the EECS Department (LAS 1012M) within one week of the originally scheduled exam. As with missing other evaluations, the only accepted documentation for illness is a completed Attending Physician's Statement form.
During tests, students are expected to do their own work. Looking at someone else's work during the test, talking during the test, using aids not permitted (such as a phone) during the test, and impersonation are all examples of academically dishonest behaviour. Students are expected to read the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty.
Academic Integrity: There is an academic integrity website with comprehensive information about academic honesty and how to find resources at York to help improve students' research and writing skills, and cope with University life. Students are expected to review the materials on the Academic Integrity website.
Access/Disability: York University is committed to principles of respect, inclusion and equality of all persons with disabilities across campus. The University provides services for students with disabilities (including physical, medical, learning and psychiatric disabilities) needing accommodation related to teaching and evaluation methods/materials. These services are made available to students in all Faculties and programs at York University.
Students in need of these services are asked to register with disability services as early as possible to ensure that appropriate academic accommodation can be provided with advance notice. You are encouraged to schedule a time early in the term to meet with each professor to discuss your accommodation needs. Please note that registering with disabilities services and discussing your needs with your professors is necessary to avoid any impediment to receiving the necessary academic accommodations to meet your needs.
Additional information is available at the following websites:
Religious Observance Accommodation: York University is committed to respecting the religious beliefs and practices of all members of the community, and making accommodations for observances of special significance to adherents. Should any of the dates specified in this syllabus for an in-class test or examination pose such a conflict for you, contact the course director within the first three weeks of class. Similarly, should an assignment to be completed in a lab, practicum placement, workshop, etc., scheduled later in the term pose such a conflict, contact the course director immediately. Please note that to arrange an alternative date or time for an examination scheduled in the formal examination periods (December and April/May), students must complete an Examination Accommodation Form, which can be obtained from Student Client Services, Student Services Centre or online.
Student Conduct in Academic Situations: Students and instructors are expected to maintain a professional relationship characterized by courtesy and mutual respect. Moreover, it is the responsibility of the instructor to maintain an appropriate academic atmosphere in the classroom and other academic settings, and the responsibility of the student to cooperate in that endeavour. Further, the instructor is the best person to decide, in the first instance, whether such an atmosphere is present in the class. The policy and procedures governing disruptive and/or harassing behaviour by students in academic situations is available online.