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Course description. An introduction to computer science in the context of scientific, engineering, and commercial applications. The goal of the course is to teach basic principles and practical issues, while at the same time preparing students to use computers effectively for applications in computer science, physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and other disciplines. Topics include: programming in Java; hardware and software systems; algorithms and data structures; fundamental principles of computation; and scientific computing, including simulation, optimization, and data analysis.
Instructor. Robert Sedgewick.
Lectures. Lectures meet in McCosh 10 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 10am.
Preceptors. Aleksey Boyko · Jesse Farnham · Tom Funkhouser · Donna Gabai (co-lead) · Maia Ginsburg (co-lead) · Jens Grossklags · Rob Harrison · Timothy Lee · Jen Rexford · David Shue · Aaron Wong
Precepts. Precepts meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays or Wednesdays and Fridays, except for Integrated Science precepts which meet once a week. All precepts begin either September 17 or September 18.
Website. The course website contains a wealth of information, including precept rosters, office hours, lecture slides, programming assignments, and old exams.
http://www.princeton.edu/~cos126
Computing facilities. Undergraduate lab TAs are available most evenings in the Friend Center 016 and 017 labs to provide general help with using your operating system and assist with debugging your programs.
Grading. Two exams (50%), nine programming assignments (40%), final programming project (10%), and staff discretion.
Exams. There are two 2-part exams during the semester. No final exam.
Programming assignments and final project. There are weekly programming assignments plus a final programming project, due Mondays at 11pm, beginning September 21.
Required readings. R. Sedgewick and K. Wayne, Introduction to Programming in Java: An Interdisciplinary Approach, Addison-Wesley, 2007. ISBN 0-321-49805-4. Available at Labyrinth Bookstore, 122 Nassau Street. Also on reserve at Friend library.
Recommended readings. D. Harel, Computers Ltd.: What They Really Can't Do, Oxford, 2003. ISBN 0-19-860442-4. Available at the Labyrinth Bookstore, 122 Nassau Street. Also on reserve at Friend library.
