Course Number: CMPT 126
Course Title: Introduction to Computing Science and Programming
Credit Hours: 3 Vector: 3-0-0
Course Description
A rigorous introduction to computing science and computer programming, suitable for students who already have substantial programming background. This course provides a condensed version of the two-course sequence of CMPT120/125, with the primary focus on computing science and object oriented programming. Topics include: fundamental algorithms and problem solving; abstract data types and elementary data structures; basic object-oriented programming and software design; elements of empirical and theoretical algorithmics; computation and computability; specification and program correctness; and history of computing science.
Prerequisite: Students should feel comfortable writing programs in a structured language. Students must consult with the self-evaluation on the Computing Science web site to decide whether they should follow the CMPT120/125 course sequence or enroll in CMPT126.
Recommended: None.
Corequisite: None.
Special Instructions: None.
Course(s) to be dropped if this course is approved:
CMPT101-4, CMPT104-3, and CMPT201-4 are proposed to be replaced by the new three-course sequence CMPT120-3, CMPT125-3, CMPT225-3 and the new two-course sequence CMPT126-3 and CMPT225-3.
At present, students enter CMPT 101 with diverse backgrounds and expectations. A large proportion of students have little or no exposure to programming, and a similarly large fraction have written substantial programs or written programs in more than one language. This creates a problem in choosing a rate and depth of coverage for the course. The CMPT 120/125 sequence is designed for those with little or no exposure to computing science and programming; CMPT126 is the alternative for students with substantial programming background.
Will this be a required or elective course in the curriculum; probable enrolment when offered?
Indicate Semester and Year this course would be first offered and planned frequency of offering thereafter.
Which of your present CFL faculty have the expertise to offer this course? Will the course be taught by sessional or limited term faculty?
Almost all present faculty could teach this course. Sessionals or limited term faculty may on occasion teach a parallel section to that taught by a CFL faculty member serving as course champion.
Are there any proposed student fees associated with this course other than tuition fees?
Is this course considered a `duplicate' of any current or prior course under the University's duplicate course policy? Specify, as appropriate.
Note: Senate has approved (S.93-11) that no new course should be approved by Senate until funding has been committed for necessary library materials. Each new course proposal must be accompanied by a library report and, if appropriate, confirmation that funding arrangements have been addressed.
Provide details on how existing instructional resources will be redistributed to accommodate this new course. For instance, will another course be eliminated or will the frequency of offering of other courses be reduced; are there changes in pedagogical style or class sizes that allow for this additional course offering.
This course will use instructional resources currently used for CMPT 101 as well as new resources made available through the Double the Opportunity (DTO) program.
Does the course require specialized space or equipment not readily available in the department or university, and if so, how will these resources be provided?
No.
Does this course require computing resources (e.g. hardware, software, network wiring, use of computer laboratory space) and if so, describe how they will be provided.
This course will use instructional resources currently used for CMPT 101 as well as new resources made available through the Double the Opportunity (DTO) program.