An introduction to basic computer science concepts and issues with a focus on HTML and JavaScript programming. Additional topics will be chosen from: origins of computers, computer architecture, assemblers and compilers, digital logic, the Internet, and artificial intelligence. Laboratory assignments will offer some experience with programming and the use of application software.

Computers are used every day for an enormous variety of tasks, from playing games and chatting with friends to transferring billions of dollars, delivering radiation treatments, and controlling the electrical grid. Computer programs are an essential ingredient in allowing for this great diversity of applications. In this course, you will learn to create your own programs, based on core programming concepts and analytical problem solving approaches. You will develop dynamic programs by first using Adobe Flash CS4 and AS3 (ActionScript 3), the technology behind many Web applications.

The matrix-based programming language Matlab will be used to introduce students to programming and fundamental computing methodologies such as top-down design and objects. Course work will involve vectors, matrices, numerical integration and differentiation, curve-fitting and graphics. The course is programming intensive.

This course builds on the basic programming concepts learned in Computer Science 101. Emphasis is on developing the skills needed to write more sophisticated programs. This includes strategies to aid in assuring the correctness of programs through the use of assertions and unit testing as well as advanced Java features such as inheritance, polymorphism, and network programming. We will also introduce some widely used data structures such as vectors and linked lists. This course is programming-intensive.