Monash University > School of Computer Science and Software Engineering > CSE1301 > Introductory Information

CSE1301 Computer Programming 
Semester 1, 2005

Note: there has been a change in lecture theatres in order to be able to provide audio recording of the lectures.
Please refer to Section 2.1 below.


Welcome To First Year Computer Science

This introduction to "First Year Computer Science" applies to students enrolled in a wide range of degrees taking one or more of CSE1301, CSE1303, CSE 1304 and CSE1402 . You will find that your fellow students are doing various degrees, such as Bachelor of Computer Science or Bachelor of Science. We hope you will find the course interesting and challenging. We aim to teach a deep and fundamental understanding of the art and science of computing, and to provide you with directly applicable technical skills.

Our First Year units are designed to give you an overview and basic understanding of major areas in Computer Science, including principles and practice of computer programming, computing applications and technology, algorithms and data structures and machine level concepts.

This information sheet and other useful material may be found at http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/courseware/cse1301/. This sheet answers the most commonly asked questions about your course. If you have questions that this handout doesn't answer, see Section 1.6.


Table of Contents

1 General Matters 1.1 What should I be enrolled in?
1.2 What will I be studying?
1.3 What are CSE1304 and CSE1402?
1.4 How is CSE1301 assessed?
1.5 How can I find out about changes in the unit?
1.6 Who can I see if I have problems? 2 Lectures, notes and textbooks 2.1 Where and when are the lectures held?
2.2 What textbooks will I need?
2.3 What about classnotes? 3 Practical Classes and Tutorials 3.1 When, where and how are the Programming Practical Classes held?
3.2 When and where are the Tutorials held?
3.3 Are all these sessions compulsory?
3.4 What if I miss a Practical Class or Tutorial?
3.5 What if I need to change my Practical Class or Tutorial?
3.6 What are the demonstrators there for? 4 Policies on cheating
5 Language and Learning Service Unit (LLS)

1 General Matters

1.1 What should I be enrolled in?

In first semester you should be enrolled in CSE1301 Computer Programming. In second semester you should be enrolled in CSE1303 Computer Science. You should also check that you are enrolled in 12 points of first year mathematics if you intend to do second year Computer Science units. The actual math units you are enrolled in depend somewhat on which degree you are enrolled in.  However, in order to take second year Computer Science units, you must pass both CSE1301 and CSE1303 and 12 points of mathematics.1.2 What will I be studying? CSE1301 teaches Introductory Computer Programming and provides an introduction to Programming and the study of Computer Science. CSE1303 teaches data structures and algorithms as well as machine-level concepts. For each unit, your lecturers will distribute a detailed syllabus at the beginning of the semester.1.3 What are CSE1304 and CSE1402? Professional Communications prepares you for communication challenges that you will meet in both the workplace and academia. It is an elective subject which runs as two independent units (CSE1304 and CSE1402) over two semesters. Each one is worth six points.

In Professional Communication and Presentation CSE1304 you will learn about computer tools, Web-based communication, and where they stand in the realm of human interaction. In CSE1402 Technical Documentation you will use computer tools to produce technical documents both on-line and in hard copy, and you will design both external and internal documentation. Both units are very hands-on and practical in their orientation.

If you have not enrolled in one or both of the Professional Communications units and wish to do so, you should obtain a Change of Enrollment form from your Faculty Office and see the First Year Coordinator (contact details in Section 1.6 below). If you would like more information about the units themselves, see the lecturer, Linda McIver (Building 75, Room 152) for CSE 1304, or look at the on-line web pages:

  • On-line material
    http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/courseware/cse1304/ 
    http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/courseware/cse1402/ 

  • General unit information
    http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/subjects/CSE1304.html
    http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/subjects/CSE1402.html

    • Bachelor of Science students should also note that under Faculty of Science regulations, only 12 points of first year Computer Science units may be counted towards a Bachelor of Science degree.

    1.4 How is CSE1301 assessed?

    In CSE1301, your final result consists of 3 components. In order to pass the unit overall, in addition to achieving 50% overall, a student must achieve a hurdle in both the programming practical class assessment, and the final exam. Attendance of the mid-semester test is a hurdle requirement. Both the mid-semester test and the final exam are "closed book".

    Note that this is a variation from the information given in the handbook. Objections to this variation must be raised in writing to one of the lecturers by Monday, March 7, COB.
    Assessment
    Component
    Hurdle
    Programming Practical Classes Assessment
    30%
    13/30
    Mid-semester Test
    none
    attendance
    Final Exam
    70%
    31/70
    Overall
    100%
    50/100
    If you do not meet ALL of the above hurdles, the highest mark you can receive is 44N.

    The Mid-semester Test lasts 50 minutes, and will be held during both lectures on Thursday, April 14, 2005 (see the CSE1301 Timetable for the schedule).

    1.5 How can I find out about changes in the unit? Notices concerning the unit will be placed on the Computer Science First Year noticeboard, which is near the General Office on the ground floor of Building 75. These notices include general announcements, timetables and possible cancelled lectures. You should make sure you check the noticeboard at least once a week. You should also read the CSE1301 Courseware page on the web :

    http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/courseware/cse1301/  (General unit information and On-line material)

    1.6 Who can I see if I have problems?

  • If you find you are having difficulties with some aspect of the unit, you should try to speak to the person who is likely to be of most help. You might be most comfortable speaking to your fellow students, but you should also feel free to speak to your demonstrator during your practical classes, to your tutor during tutorials, or to the Assistant Lecturer or the lecturers during their consultation hours (check the noticeboard in the second week of the semester or access http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/courseware/cse1301/consult.html). If the consultation hours are not suitable, you can ma ke an appointment with the head tutor or the lecturers.
  • There will be a "Help Desk" where you can see a tutor. This is planned to be available every day for one hour. Times and locations will be announced in the lecture and published on the web site.

  • If you wish to make a complaint, you should speak to the most relevant person. However, if you are uncomfortable doing so, you should speak to the next person in line of authority. For example, if you feel you have been treated unfairly by your demonstrator or tutor or that the help you are receiving in classes is inadequate, you may speak confidentially to the head tutor about the matter. If this does not help to resolve the issue, you should speak to a lecturer.

  • You can also speak to the First Year Co-ordinator (see contact details below), especially in regard to general complaints about the course, the unit or the lecturers.

  • Near the start of the year, two class representatives are elected during a lecture to liaise with the School on matters concerning the course. You may channel complaints through these representatives if you are unwilling to present them in person. The names of the class representatives will be posted on the noticeboard.

  • Most demonstrators are postgraduate students who are engaged in research when they are not demonstrating. Hence, you should not seek help from these demonstrators outside practical classes. Similarly, you should make an effort to respect the consultation hours of the Assistant Lecturer and the lecturers, as they have many other duties.

  • In summary, if you need advice or assistance, you can consult the following people:
      For problems related to understanding course material: 1. First see your demonstrator or tutor (only in your prac or tutorial)
    2. Then see the head tutor Mr Cameron Mc Cormack (Bldg 75, room 153) (consultation times on the noticeboard and on http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/courseware/cse1301/consult.html) 3. Then see one of your Lecturers Dr Tim Ferguson (Bldg 75, room 192)
    Dr Bernd Meyer (Bldg 75, room 148)
    (consultation times on the noticeboard and on http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/courseware/cse1301/consult.html)     For other problems related to Computer Science: 1. See the Undergraduate Studies Officer/Office Supervisor: Karen Fenwick (Bldg 75, room G62)2. See the First Year Coordinator: Dr David Albrecht (Bldg 75, room 113)3. See the Course Coordinator: BCS and BSc: Dr Sid Ray (Bldg 75, room 1108)
    BSE: Prof Heinz Schmidt (Bldg 75, room G39)     4. See the Head of School (Clayton): Prof Christine Mingins (Bldg 75, room G53)    For problems related to learning or language difficulties: 1. See the FIT Language and Learning Officer: Harriet Searcy, FCIT Language & Learning (Building 75, room 135)
    email: harriet.searcy@celts.monash.edu.au
    phone: 55 196, 32 794     2. Consult the University Community Services (phone: 9905 3156)    For problems related to your degree, your enrollment, or timetabling issues: 1. See your Faculty's student advisor (usually at your Faculty Office)For problems of a confidential or personal nature: 1. If appropriate, see the First Year Coordinator
    2. Consult the University Counseling Service (phone: 9905 3156)
    •  2 Lectures, notes and textbooks

    The lectures are presented more as a guide to your study than as a self-contained course.
    Beware of falling behind with your reading as it becomes very difficult to catch up again once you slip behind.

    2.1 Where and when are the lectures held?

    You have one-hour CSE1301 lectures, which are repeated:

    Day Lecture Theatre Time
    Tuesday S6, Bldg 24 or
    S4, Bldg 25    		 11 am (24/S6) or
    2 pm (25/S4)
    Wednesday C1, Bldg 63 12 noon or 2 pm
    Thursday C1, Bldg 63 12 noon or 2 pm

    You can attend any of the two lectures on a particular day, but you should try to attend the lecture that is the least crowded. You should check the CSE1301 Timetable to find out the topic of the lecture and the lecturer who is giving it. You can find out the location of the theatres from the campus map in your Diary/Directory.

    2.2 What textbooks will I need?

    Students normally buy the prescribed text book, and visit the library to consult the recommended textbooks. Below are references for the prescribed and recommended books. These books may also be useful to you after the course. In addition, you should learn to use the Hargrave Library, where all these books may be found. Other books containing useful material may be mentioned by lecturers during the year.

    It is essential that you spend time regularly reading the material covered in lectures, revising your notes, and preparing for tutorials and practicals.

    The prescribed textbook for CSE1301 is:

    K N King, C Programming: A Modern Approach ,  Norton, 1996.
    The recommended textbooks for CSE1301 are:  
    Deitel & Deitel, C: How to Program, Prentice-Hall, 1994 (2nd edition).

    Note: We do not recommend the more recent 3rd edition of Deitel & Deitel. The 2nd edition is no longer published, but some copies are still available in the library.

    Brookshear, Computer Science: An Overview, Benjamin-Cummings, 2000 (6th edition).

    Kernighan and Ritchie, The C Programming Language, Prentice-Hall (any ANSI C edition). Recommended for students with prior programming experience.

    One chapter of Deitel & Deitel (Chapter 3, on Structured Program Development) and one chapter of Brookshear (Chapter 1, on Data Storage) have been digitised by the Hargrave-Andrew Library for student use. These are available at http://www.lib.monash.edu.au/resourcelists/c/cse1301.html. (No more of these books can be made available in this way, due to copyright limits.)


    These reference books may also be of value to you throughout the year. They are available in the Hargrave Library:
      Goldschlager & Lister, Computer Science: A Modern Introduction, Prentice-Hall, 1988 (2nd edition).

    Gray, Introduction to Computer Systems, Prentice-Hall, 1987.

    Forouzan & Gilberg, Computer Science: A Structured Programming Approach using C, Brookes/Cole, 2001.

    Aho, Hopcroft & Ullman, Data Structures and Algorithms, Addison-Wesley, 1983.

    Montgomery & Juliff, Introduction to Computer Science, Prentice-Hall, 1981.

    Kernighan & Plauger, The Elements of Programming Style, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill, 1978.

    Wirth, Algorithms + Data Structures = Programs, Prentice-Hall, 1976.

    Mano, Computer Systems Architecture, Prentice-Hall, 1988.

    Tannenbaum, Structured Computer Organization, Prentice-Hall, 1990.

    de Blasi, Computer Architecture, Addison-Wesley, 1990.

         2.3 What about classnotes? You can download copies of the lecture slides, prac notes and tutorial notes from the CSE1301 Courseware page: http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/courseware/cse1301/. The slides are available in PDF and PowerPoint format. The prac and tutorial notes are available in PDF and Word format.

    In addition, prac notes and other essential course materials will be distributed in lectures and practical classes. Note that only one set of materials is available per student. If you lose a handout, you can download it from the CSE1301 Courseware page.

    3 Practical Classes and Tutorials

    3.1 When, where and how are the Programming Practical Classes held?

  • Programming practical classes will be held in buildings 19, 26 and 63. You need to check the exact location for your practical class on Allocate Plus. Practical classes will commence in the second week of the semester.

    Make sure you have organized your computer account prior to attending the prac. Information about getting your account working may be found in the ITS FAQ pages http://www.its.monash.edu.au/faq/register.html/. 

    Make-up prac classes will be organized in the second and third week of the semester for those who could not attend the first two pracs (see noticeboard for announcements).

  • The practical work consists of written and programming exercises as specified in the prac sheets, which will be distributed during the practical classes and the lectures. You should be able to complete the work set each week in the three hours available for the prac, provided you spend an equivalent amount of time working through the preparation questions beforehand. There will always be some work to be completed before each practical class.

  • Most of the programming assignments will require you to design, write, test and document a program to solve a particular problem. These programs will be written in the C programming language and run on the computers in the practical rooms.

  • All of the practical classes will be assessed. The practicals total 150 marks, but they are not all worth the same number of marks. Your work must be completed and submitted by the end of the practical class. There is no provision for late assessment, except in cases of documented illness or accident (Section 3.4). Details of each assessment are given in the prac sheets.

  • In order to work on your practical exercises at home and in the pracs, you need a removable high density diskette for storing your programs. It is advisable to buy several such diskettes and to make a practice of copying important work (such as completed programs) onto two diskettes so that you have a backup in case the first diskette is lost, damaged or destroyed.
    •  3.2 When and where are the Tutorials held? All CSE1301 students will be expected to attend a one hour tutorial each week. During the tutorials you will have the opportunity to work on set exercises and to ask the tutors questions regarding the unit. The tutors will also discuss the requirements of your next practical class assignment. This means that ideally your tutorial should be timetabled at least the day before your prac class during that week; check that this is the case, and change classes if possible.

    The tutorials will begin in the third week of the semester. Tutorials are held in the Menzies Building (# 11).

     3.3 Are all these sessions compulsory? Attendance at tutorials and practical classes is compulsory.

    The marks you receive in the practical classes contribute 30% of your final result. It is expected that you prepare for your pracs beforehand, and complete designated questions in advance, that you remain in the pracs for the required time and work enthusiastically on the material. This way you will learn the most and derive the most benefit from the sessions. The work covered in the practical classes will also be examined (directly or indirectly) in the class test and the final exam. It is in your best interest to attempt the work yourself, but if you find yourself in difficulty, please consult your demonstrator. Discussion with fellow students may also help your understanding. Note, though, that any work submitted for marking must be your own (for information on University policies regarding cheating see Section 4).

    3.4 What if I miss a Practical Class or Tutorial?

    If you do not attend a class you will be marked Absent. If you have an illness or emergency and miss a prac or a tutorial, you must complete an Absentee Form, with a medical certificate or police accident report, and hand it in to the School of CSSE Enquiries Office (Ground Floor Building 75) as soon as possible and within one week of your return to university. In exceptional circumstances a letter of explanation will be considered.

    Upon acceptance of your form, your "absent" will be changed to "sick". At the end of the semester, your mark for practicals marked "sick" will be changed to the average of the marks of the practicals you attended, provided you have attended practicals that are worth at least 110 marks. This means you can only miss practicals worth up to 40 marks.

    If you miss a practical in a particular week, you need to see the Head Tutor in order to make arrangements to attend an alternative practical. You then need to make sure that your mark for that practical is appropriately recorded. To this end, send email to clm@mail.csse.monash.edu.au with the following information:

    NAME:
    STUDENT ID:
    DATE OF MISSED PRAC;
    DATE OF REPLACEMENT PRAC;
    REGULAR PRAC: the time and place of your regular practical, and the name of your demonstrator.
    REPLACEMENT PRAC: the time and place of the practical you attended and the name of the demonstrator.
              3.5 What if I need to change my Practical Class or Tutorial? You can use the AllocatePlus online system at http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/allocateplus/ to change the timeslot of your Practical Class or Tutorial if you have a timetable clash or another legitimate reason. 3.6 What are the demonstrators there for? The demonstrators are there to assist you and to mark your practical work. You should ask them for help when you need it and for feedback on the quality of your work during each practical class.

    If you have difficulties with the current work, your demonstrator may provide a simpler task to be undertaken. If you complete an assignment and there is no current work to attempt, you should ask the demonstrator to suggest some extra challenges.

    Remember, however, that the demonstrators are present only to assist you in understanding the practical work you are doing. You are encouraged to approach them with questions, but do not expect them to do your work for you. You should familiarize yourself with the sheet entitled "General Prac Class Information", which will be distributed in the second week of the semester.

    4 Policies on cheating

  • The work you submit should always be your own. If you have received help from others for some part of your work, this should be acknowledged in writing at the beginning of your submission.

  • Students should consult University materials on cheating, in particular:
    1. Student Resource Guide - section on Student Rights and Responsibilities at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/srg/srg0059.htm
    2. Student Resource Guide at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/srg/, particularly the section on Cheating at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/srg/srg0071.htm
    3. Faculty policy at http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~ajh/adt/policies/cheating.html
    4. Statute 4.1 on Discipline at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/calendar/statutes/statutes04.html
    It is the student's responsibility to make him/herself familiar with the contents of these documents.

    • 5 Language and Learning Service Unit (LLS)

    The Language and Learning Service Unit (LLS) provides academic support programs. Assistance is provided to improve English pronunciation and oral presentation, listening, reading comprehension and note-taking skills, and to plan and draft papers and assignments. This service is available to all Monash students and is free of charge. Individual/group consultations and courses are provided. Students in the Faculty of Information Technology requiring assistance should contact the FCIT Language and Learning Officer (Section 1.6).

    Information regarding LLS services for students may be obtained at http://www.celts.monash.edu.au/html/for_students.html and
    http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/sif/sif.htm
     

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    Last modified 2005-22-02