CMSC131 (Spring 2021) - Object-Oriented Programming I

Syllabus
Introduction

This is the first programming course for Computer Science majors with a focus on object-oriented programming. The goal of the course is to develop skills such as program design and testing as well as the implementation of programs using a graphical IDE. All programming will be done in Java.

Online vs. Regular (Non-online) Class Versions

The course material covered in lecture and discussion, as well as the projects will be similar to the ones you will find in the regular version of the course. The main difference between the online and non-online versions will be the format of the exams and quizzes. In a regular semester, the quizzes and exams were closed notes and students had to complete them in class. This term, the exams and quizzes will be done online. You will develop code and submit to the CS Submit Server (similar to a project). You may use your notes, slides, and example code from class during exams and quizzes. Other details regarding the online version of the course are listed below:

  1. Lectures will be asynchronous. I will post lecture videos before the class lecture times (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays). You can watch them anytime during the day. However, please watch on the day it is posted so you don't fall behind
  2. The discussion sessions (also referred to as the lab) will be synchronous. For lab / discussion sessions, TAs will hold a video conference using Zoom at lab times printed on the schedule. Check your schedule for the time your lab is held.
  3. During Office Hours a TA can provide assistance via Zoom. TAs have submit server access so they can also look at your code if necessary.
  4. Instructor's office hours will be by appointment. General project questions should be posted to Piazza or addressed to the TAs during office hours. If you have other concerns you can either email me directly, or email me to set up a time to meet via zoom to address your concern.
Prerequisites

Corerequisite → Math140
Credits → 4

Coordinators
Name Office Number
Pedram Sadeghian IRB 2214
Textbook

No textbook is required. With the information we provide in class you should be fine (plus the web has ton of information about class concepts). If you would like to have a textbook, here is a recommendation: Absolute Java.

Course Topics (Subject to Change)
Grading
30% Projects
15% Quizzes
30% Semester Exams (3), (10%, 10% and 10%)
25% Final Exam

Once we have graded any class material (e.g., exams, projects, etc.) we will post an announcement and a deadline by which you must submit any regrade request (if necessary). It is your responsibility to submit regrade requests by the specified deadline; no regrade requests will be processed afterwards.

Projects
Regarding Posting of Project Implementations
TA Office Hours

Office hours get extremely busy the day before a project deadline. Therefore do not wait to start your projects. Regarding office hours:

Backups

You need to keep backups of your projects as you develop them. No extensions will be granted because you accidentally erased your project. Feel free to use the submit server as a backup tool by submitting often. You can also use tools like git, etc. Do not post code in any online system that is accessible to others (e.g., GitHub).

Piazza

We will be using (Piazza) for class communication. You will not be able to register to Piazza yourself. Your instructor will register you using the e-mail you have in the school system.

Excused Absence and Academic Accommodations

See the section titled "Attendance and Missed Assignments" available at Course Related Policies.

Disability Support Accommodations

See the section titled "Accessibility" available at Course Related Policies.

Academic Integrity

Note that academic dishonesty includes not only cheating, fabrication, and plagiarism, but also includes helping other students commit acts of academic dishonesty by allowing them to obtain copies of your work. In short, all submitted work must be your own. Cases of academic dishonesty will be pursued to the fullest extent possible as stipulated by the Office of Student Conduct.

It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on Academic Integrity, please visit this page.

The CS Department takes academic integrity seriously. Information on how the CS Department views and handle academic integrity matters can be found at Academic Integrity.

The following are examples of academic integrity violations:

Additional information can be found in the sections titled "Academic Integrity" and "Code of Student Conduct" available at Course Related Policies.

Miscellaneous
Copyright

All course materials are copyright UMCP, Department of Computer Science © 2021. All rights reserved. Students are permitted to use course materials for their own personal use only. Course materials may not be distributed publicly or provided to others (excepting other students in the course), in any way or format.

Web Accessibility