ITI 201

Introduction to Computer Concepts

Syllabus Fall 2016

Instructor:

Shardul Khatri
shardul.khatri@rutge
rs.edu

Course
Number:

04:547:201:05

Office:

Room 216

Office Hours:

Class Time and

Location:

Saturday 1:10 PM 4:10

PM

Saturday 12:30 pm to
1:10 pm and by
appointment

CI-119

Course Description
As the introductory course to the technological concentration/area in the ITI program,
Introduction to Computer Concepts explains the basic principles of computer systems
and applications. It covers the basic mathematical-theoretical principles that govern the
functioning of computers, the architecture and organization of computer systems, the
role of hardware and software, and the role of creative thinking and problem solving in
building software applications.
The student will:

understand the difference between hardware and software, the architecture of the computer
and the functioning of software;
use a variety of applications to organize, process, store and retrieve data;
understand the principles of computer programming and write simple applications such as
macros and Web scripts;
use the computer in a networked environment and access remote resources and services;
create and publish simple webpages;
demonstrate competency with technical terminology and ability to communicate with IT
professionals;
develop creative thinking and problem solving skills
create and publish simple webpages;

Students need a Sakai account to help us keep in communication as a class throughout

the semester. You are responsible for any information (e.g., announcements, quiz tips,
schedule changes) that I post to the website. To access the course website, go to
http://sakai.rutgers.edu and login using your Rutgers NetID and password. Click on the
tab above with our course title and/or number.
This class takes place in a computer lab. Students do not need to bring personal
computers of their own into class, although they are encouraged to bring a flash drive to
save any work they may do on the lab computers.
Organization of the Course
This is a lecture/discussion-based course; all readings must be finished prior to class.
If there is a material outside of the textbook (like a handout), I will make it available on
Sakai in a timely fashion.
The course will have homework assignments (including some coding-related ones),
short quizzes, and a final exam.
Required Textbooks & Readings

The textbook for this course is required. Other

supplemental information from Internet resources as
well as other texts will be made available via Sakai.
The book provides a comprehensive collection of
topics we will cover as well as additional topics we
will not.
o Computer Science Illuminated, 6th Edition
by Nell Dale & John Lewis.
ISBN: 9781284055917

There is one optional textbook for this class

to learn Java.
o Head First Java, 2nd Edition
by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates.
ISBN 978-0596009205 (used in ITI 202)

Student can learn java using Linda Campus Courses. Login into Lynda Campus through
https://comminfo.rutgers.edu/instructional-technology/lyndacampus-for-sc-i.html

You can get different (earlier) editions of these books

(they might be cheaper?), but you are responsible for any
differences between them and the ones Ive listed above
most specifically, this could impact the questions at the
end of chapters that I might assign in your homework.

Other websites and/or printed handouts given in class,

announced or posted on Sakai. Always bring a copy of
the assigned reading to class.

Page 2 of 10

Class Schedule (subject to change)

Week
No.

Class
Date

Topic of Lecture/Discussions
What we will be talking about/doing in
class

9/10

Course overview
Introductions
Review of the syllabus what to
expect in this Course?

Readings Due
for the Class
What you have to
read before
coming to this
class. Additional
handouts will be
announced ahead
of time.
-

Assignments
and Quizzes
What you have
to submit before
coming to this
class.
What quizzes
will be given on
this day.

Introduction to Computing Concepts

CSI Ch. 1
Computing system layers
Brief history
Computing as Tool and Discipline
2

9/17

9/24

Information Layer
Binary Values and Numbers Systems
Numbers: a refresher talk!
Counting in Base 2, 8, and 16
Data Representation
Data on computers
Representing numbers, text,
audio, images, video
The Hardware Layer
Gates and Circuits
Digital logic functions
Circuits and ICs
Computing Components
Individual components
Embedded systems
Parallel computing

CSI Ch. 2

Homework #1

CSI Ch. 3

CSI Ch. 4
(skip
4.3)
CSI Ch. 5

Homework #2
Quiz #1

10/1

The Programming Layer

Introduction to Computer Software
Processes
Problem Solving
The SDLC model
OOP
Low-Level Programming
Pseudo-code
Machine language & Assemblers

Handout,
CSI Ch. 7

High-Level Programming
Programming Essentials
Variables & operators
Logical statements and loops
Functions
OOP

CSI Ch. 9

Java: Introduction and examples

Installing and using Eclipse SDK

HFJ Ch. 1 or
Lynda Campus

10/15 Java: Classes and objects (w/ examples)

HFJ Ch. 2 or
Lynda Campus

Java: Variables (w/ examples)

HFJ Ch. 3 or
Lynda Campus

10/8

CSI Ch. 6

10/22

Abstract Data Types and Algorithms

Stacks, queues, lists,
trees & graphs
Introduction to Algorithms
Searching
algorithms Sorting

CSI Ch. 7,8

10/29

Operating Systems

CSI Ch. 10

File Systems

CSI Ch. 11

Java: Reading/Writing to a file (w/

examples)

HFJ Ch. 14
(select sections)
Lynda Campus
HFJ Ch. 6 or
Lynda Campus
-

11/5

Java: Libraries
(w/ examples)
Java: More examples
10

11/12

Application Layer
- Information Systems
Spreadsheets
Databases & DBMS
- Artificial Intelligence

Homework #3

CSI Ch. 12,13,14

Homework #4
Quiz #2

Homework#5
Quiz #3

Homework #6

Quiz #4

11

11/19

Networks and the World Wide Web

Programming the Web

(HTML, JavaScript, PHP and MySQL)
12

11/26

13

12/3

14

12/10

CSI Ch. 15
(skip 15.2)

Quiz #5
Homework #7

CSI Ch. 16
Lynda Campus

NO Class Thanks Giving Holidays

Java in Web Development

Lynda Campus

Homework #8
Quiz #6

Final Exam Review

Reading Assignments

Please read the assigned book chapters and other handouts before coming to
class. A significant amount of class will involve discussion of ideas and answering
questions posed by the instructor. You will be at a distinct disadvantage if you do not
do the readings.
Furthermore, 10% of the class grade will be on your attendance and participation. I
will take attendance and make notes of participation.

Homework Assignments

Please do not email your assignments to the instructor. Upload your work to
Sakai under the Assignment tab. Restrict your file types to MS Word DOC or
DOCX, or to Adobe Acrobat PDF.

You have 8 homework assignments, as shown in the schedule. All together, the
homework assignments are worth 40% of the class grade.

Each homework assignment is due on the dates shown in the schedule, by noon
(12:00 pm). Upload your assignment into Sakai under the Assignment tab.

If your assignment is not uploaded on Sakai in time, it will be considered late. If your
assignment is late by less than 24 hours, then you will be docked 25% of the grade
on that assignment. If your assignment is late by greater than 24 hours but less
than 48 hours then you will be docked 50% of the grade on that assignment. If your
assignment is late by greater than 48 hours but less than 72 hours then you will be
docked 75% of the grade on that assignment. Any submission after the due date +
72 hours will NOT be accepted.

You cannot re-do or re-submit homework. If there are dire/extreme circumstances,

please let me know as soon as possible. In case I do grant a make-up assignment, I

will likely ask for proof first (for example, a note from the Office of the Dean of
Students).

Quizzes

There will be 6 quizzes, which will cover material from the lectures, the assignments
and the readings. Each quiz one is worth 5% of the grade therefore, all together,
the quizzes are worth 30% of the grade.

Each quiz will be given on the dates shown in the schedule at the start of class.
Quizzes will be closed book/notes and short (around 10 minutes). You must put
away all computing devices and cellular phones while taking a quiz. You cannot use
the lab computers during a quiz, unless explicitly told to do so by the instructor. You
cannot re-do or re-take a quiz. If there are dire/extreme circumstances, please let
me know as soon as possible. In case I do grant a make-up quiz, I will likely ask for
proof first (for example, a note from the Office of the Dean of Students).

Final Exam

There will be one final and comprehensive exam that will cover everything weve
done in the course. The date for the final exam is set by the university. Our section
has the following date and time set: Saturday, Dec 17nd, 2016: 1:10 PM - 4:10 PM.
This date is subject to change (but Ill let you know in advance if it does). The final
exam is worth 20% of your grade.

The final exam will be closed book/notes. You must not have any computing devices
or cellular phones out of your bag during the final exam. You cannot use the lab
computers during the final exam.

You cannot re-do or re-take the final exam. If there are dire/extreme circumstances,
please let me know as soon as possible. In case I do grant a make-up exam, I will
likely ask for proof first (for example, a note from the Office of the Dean of Students).

Grading
I will assign numerical grades to each assignment. The final class grade will be
calculated out of a total possible of 100 points. The final class grade distribution and
assignment is shown here.

Graded Item

Percentage
of the total
grade

Homework (8)

40%

Quizzes (6)

30%

Final Exam

20%

Participation

10%

TOTAL

100%

All components are necessary to complete the requirements of this class.

Letter Grade

Numerical Grade

Explanation

90

Excellent work throughout and of the highest

standard for this class

B+

85 89.9

Very Good work, substantially better than the

minimum standard

80 84.9

Good work, better than the minimum standard

C+

75 79.9

Met the minimum standard of work

70 74.9

Barely meeting the minimum standard

60 69.9

Work not up to standard

< 60

Unacceptable work; failed

General Class Policies

a. Participation
Participation in each class session is an important requirement as it provides an indicator of
engagement with the course, learning needs, and important foundations for all class
assignments. Participation counts towards 10% of your final grade. Students will be
evaluated on asking good questions, making valuable observations, and answering
questions effectively on an ongoing basis. Students can expect an average or poor grade if
they only participate infrequently, or if their questions/answers do not reflect adequate
preparation, or if they are habitually late to class. If student do not participate except rarely
or show that they have not prepared for class, or if they are habitually very late to class, or
miss classes, they can expect a very poor or zero participation grade. Being absent without
prior communication with the instructor more than two times will drop a students
participation grade to zero.

b.

Absences

Attendance in each class session is also an important requirement, especially in a

condensed semester, like this one. The availability of course material and notes online does
not represent a replacement of class attendance. Students are expected to be present at
each meeting of their classes and I will be taking attendance every class. Students should
inform me (the instructor), in advance when possible (I prefer at least a week), of conditions
warranting absence from class. I may ask to see documentation for medical absenteeism
from the Office of the Dean of Students. Regardless of the reason for being absent, the
student is responsible for making up the work according to an agreedupon schedule
with the instructor.
c. Class behavior
In class, I expect you to be respectful of otherswhich means no talking with others during
lecture, no sleeping or reading non-class material, and no smart phones or similar devices in
use. Please turn your cellular phones off or to manner mode during class. Please do not
make or answer calls or text messages during class. When taking a quiz, all phones must be
put away and not used in class.
You are welcome to use the lab computers or other devices to take notes and do quick Web
checks on topics being discussed; however, such tools should not be used for extracurricular endeavors once class begins. You are asked to refrain from non-class-related
Internet access, including Web browsing and social networking during class. The instructor
may ask you to leave the classroom if you are deemed to be disruptive to him/herself or to
others.
d. Assignments & general work habits

Assignments are due by noon on their due date and uploaded onto Sakai,
unless otherwise noted by the instructor. If your assignment is not uploaded on
Sakai in time, it will be considered late. If your assignment is late by less than 24
hours, then you will be docked 25% of the grade on that assignment. If your
assignment is late by greater than 24 hours but less than 48 hours then you will be
docked 50% of the grade on that assignment. If your assignment is late by greater
than 48 hours but less than 72 hours then you will be docked 75% of the grade on
that assignment. Any submission after the due date + 72 hours will NOT be
accepted. As IT professionals, all of your work will need to be timely and
responsive. E-mailed work will not be accepted.
e. Research
This course may require you to perform some research. As such, you need to be able to
access archived documents on a regular basis. The best way to do this is using the Rutgers
University Online Libraries website. Please take the time at the start of the semester to
become familiar with this system. If you have any questions or encounter difficulties with

this task, contact the instructor or the grader (the system also has a great online chat
application for getting real-time help from a librarian). The website for the RU Online

Libraries is: http://www.libraries.rutgers.edu.

When you write up your assignments, please cite other peoples work properly. If what you
write down is not your own idea, or not in your own words, or if you paraphrase from a
source, or quote someone directly, make sure you cite the work properly (otherwise, you
are plagiarizing someone elses work). Please make sure you read the Academic Integrity
and Plagiarism section in this syllabus we take plagiarism very seriously at Rutgers and
the consequences for engaging in plagiarism can range from getting a zero grade in an
assignment to getting a zero grade in the class (i.e. an F), or worse.
Regarding the use of Wikipedia for your research: remember that this Web service, while
an excellent source of quick information, can be very inconsistent in the quality of
information it presents (i.e. sometimes its correct, sometimes its not). You are better off not
using Wikipedia as a source, but rather as a stepping-stone in your research (well-written
Wikipedia articles will usually have a reference section well-suited for this purpose).
f.

Students with Disabilities

Rutgers has helpful policies to accommodate students with various disabilities. The Office of
Disability Services provides student-centered and student-inclusive programming in
compliance with the ADA and Section 504. All accommodations for students will be
handled out of that office. Please refer to the Office of Disability Services website:
http://disabilityservices.rutgers.edu/ or talk to the instructor for more information.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
The consequences of scholastic dishonesty are very serious. Rutgers academic integrity
policy can be found at: http://academicintegrity.rutgers.edu/policy-on-academic-integrity.
Please take time at the start of the semester and familiarize yourselves with the Rutgers
website on Academic Integrity at http://academicintegrity.rutgers.edu.
Academic integrity means, among other things:

Develop and write all of your own assignments.

Show in detail where the materials you use in your papers come from. Create
citations whether you are paraphrasing authors or quoting them directly. Be sure
always to show source and page number within the assignment and include a
bibliography in the back.
Do not fabricate information or citations in your work.
Do not look over at the exams of others or use electronic equipment such as cell phones
or MP3 players during exams.
Do not facilitate academic dishonesty for another student by allowing your own work to
be submitted by others.

Students who violate these rules are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the
possibility of failure in the course. At a minimum, violations of these policies can result
in a zero on that assignment.
If you are doubtful about any issue related to plagiarism or scholastic dishonesty, please
discuss it with the instructor.