Computer Science Bridge Syllabus
Syllabus
Instructor: Alex St. Aubin
Office: TBE-B108 (In-person by appointment only)
Email: alex.st.aubin@unlv.edu
Catalog Description
As computers advance, their inner workings have been abstracted away from the user to provide user-friendly interfaces. While this is a positive for ease of use, it hides the inner workings of the computer away from the user causing gaps that new computer scientists tend to struggle with. In this class you will bridge these gaps and learn about the basic structure of computers, how computers store data in memory, different operating systems and how they manage files through file systems, the command line, word processing and text editors, and the beginning basics of how programs are able to be run on hardware.
Required Text
No required text. See class readings and videos on Canvas.
Online Learning
This course is an online course and is 100% asynchronous. This means there is no meeting time for this class on any specific day of the week. This class is a semi-self-paced class which has assignments due at the end of each week. Each week you will log onto Canvas, navigate to the provided module(s) for the week, read the provided notes, watch the provided videos, and complete the provided assignments (by their respective due dates). If you have any questions feel free to reach out to the instructor.
Student Learning Objectives for This Course
Students of this course will learn the basic structure of computer hardware, software, file systems, data, and basic programs.
Specific Course Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
- Understand memory and how it is structured in computers.
- Understand basic computer hardware, architecture, and software.
- Understand number systems and how to convert between them.
- Differentiate between different main-stream operating systems.
- Create, use, and navigate directories and files.
- Differentiate between and use command line interfaces.
- Understand how local machines and servers interact.
- Understand the basic elements and life cycles of C++ programs.
- Understand how to set up a C++ programming environment.
- Understand how to write and run a basic C++ program.
Grading
Grades will be based on the following:
| Category | Weight |
|---|---|
| Assignments | 100% |
Grades will be posted throughout the semester. Grading is as follows:
| Grade | Percent | Grade | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 100% - 93% | C | 76.99% - 73% |
| A- | 92.99% - 90% | C- | 72.99% - 70% |
| B+ | 89.99% - 87% | D+ | 69.99% - 67% |
| B | 86.99% - 83% | D | 66.99% - 63% |
| B- | 82.99% - 80% | D- | 62.99% - 60% |
| C+ | 79.99% - 77% | F | 59.99% - 0% |
There will be numerous assignments given throughout the semester. There is NO MAKEUP for any of these if they are missed. Assignments scores will be counted as assignment points. Graded assignments will be returned to you as soon as possible. It is your responsibility to check the grade summaries for posting errors. Any score issues must be identified to the instructor with two classes. Scores are final after that.
Tentative Schedule
| Week | Module |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 - Computer Organization |
| 1 | 2 - Data Representation |
| 2 | 3 - Physical Computers and Operating Systems |
| 2 | 4 - Directories, Files, and the Command Line |
| 3 | 5 - Remote Access |
| 3 | 6 - C++ Problem-Solving Process |
| 4 | 7 - Setting Up a Programming Environment |
| 5 | 8 - Your First C++ Program |
University Policies
Please see: https://www.unlv.edu/policies/students