1. An Introduction to Computer Programming Anna Bretscher
Welcome to CSCA20
An Introduction to Computer Programming
Anna Bretscher

2. Why Study Computer Science?
Computers provide tools to simplify processes
Computers allow for analysis that is otherwise impossible
Computer science can be applied to many problems in the sciences, business, arts, humanities…
Computers don’t always do what we think they are doing, better to understand when this happens!

3. Course Goals To learn most Python instructions.
To be able to write programs that solve scientific (or other) problems.
To understand what computer scientists do.
To acquire an appreciation of how computer science applies to other areas of research.

4. Intended for students with no programming experience.
CSCA20 - Content
Intended for students with no programming experience.
Introduction to
algorithms
programming using Python
Data analysis and plotting
Database design
Pic from messymind.net

5. CSCA20 - Course Work Textbook – ebook or hardcopy Labs (10%)
“Practical Programming 2nd Edition” by Campbell, Gries, Lockwood, Montojo
and Wilson
Labs (10%)
2 hour labs every week, starting in week 2.
Assignments (40%)
4 assignments - 10% each

6. CSCA20 - Tests Quizzes (15%) Final (35%)
Quizzes in weeks 4, 7 and 11 during lab time.
Think of quizzes as practice for the final.
Final (35%)
You need to score at least 40% to pass the
Course.

7. Labs 2 hour labs every week starting in week 2.
You earn 1% per lab attended up to 10%.
This means you may miss one lab.
These are the “tutorials” on ROSI
Labs are your new best friend. This is where you will learn the most!

8. Assignments Posted on the website. Submitted electronically.
First assignment very short and easy – an easy way to earn 10%.
2nd, 3rd and 4th assignments progressively more challenging.

9. Where do I get HELP!!
Labs
Ask your TA questions. Your labs are also like office hours!!
Office Hours
M 11: :45, W 11:30 – 1:00, F 12:10 - 1:00
Come visit me, I want to get to know you.
Online Tutorial Me
Include a relevant subject (e.g., CSCA20 - A1 question 2).
Sign your name.

10. Week 1 - To Do List See the “Resource” page on the website
Read the course information sheet and check out the website.
Order/download the text and read chapters 1 and 2
Install Python and Wing 101 (if working at home)
See the “Resource” page on the website

11. Computer Science Is about problem solving and writing algorithms.
ALGORITHM (WEBSTER’S).
A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing some end especially by a computer

12. Lets Practice Algorithms
Give the smiley face instructions to get to the star. Use Forward, Right, Left.
F x 2, R
F x 2, L
F x 7, R
F, L
F, R
F x 3, R F

13. Let Practice Algorithms – Take 2
F x 9, R
F x 7, R
F x 5, R
F x 3, R F

14. Let Practice Algorithms – Take 2
F x 9, R
F x 7, R
F x 5, R
F x 3, R F
F x 9, R
steps  9
(F x steps, R) x 2
steps  7
steps  5
steps  3 F

15. Algorithms – Take 2 Now you are thinking like a computer scientist!
F x 9, R
steps  9
(F x steps, R) x 2
steps  7
steps  5
steps  3 F
F x 9, R
steps  9
(F x steps, R) x 2
steps  steps - 2 F
F x 9, R
steps  9
while steps > 2 repeat:
(F x steps, R) x 2
steps  steps - 2 F
Now you are thinking like a computer scientist!

16. Python Python is the language we will use to write our algorithms.
We use Wing 101: a free environment and editor for coding in Python.