Course Outline
 |
Textbook & Other Resources
Big Java, 3rd edition, Cay Horstmann, John Wiley & Sons, 2008.
Computer Science Learning Centre
The Computer Science Learning Centre (CSLC) is in place to help students learn how to learn Computer Science. Some students, particularly those learning Computer Science for the first time, have difficulty figuring out how to study. The CSLC is there to help. For more details and for scheduled hours please see the CSLC website.
Grading
| Labs (10) | 10% |
| Assignments (3) | 10% |
| Midterm 1 | 10% |
| Midterm 2 | 20% |
| Final Exam | 50% |
Please note that in order to pass the course you must:
- obtain an overall grade of at least 50%
- obtain a grade of at least 50% on the final exam
- obtain an overall grade of at least 50% on the combined lab and assignment grades
If you fail to satisfy any of the above criteria, a grade no greater than 45% will be assigned in the course.
The instructor reserves the right to modify this grading scheme as necessary throughout the term.
Schedule of Topics
| Week 0 | Introduction, Course Outline Programming Languages, Compilers, Interpreters, Java Virtual Machine |
| Week 1 | Variables, Assignment, Fundamental Data Types (int, double), Expressions |
| Week 2 | References, Object Instantiation, Class Libraries, Packages, Input from User, Methods |
| Week 3 | Introduction to Class Design, Methods, Primitive Data Types as Parameters, Scope and Lifetime |
| Week 4 | Class Design (cont'd), Other Fundamental Data Types, Casting, Calling Static Methods |
| Week 5 | Boolean Expressions, Branching |
| Week 6 | Looping |
| Week 7 | Arrays, Two-dimensional Arrays |
| Week 8 | Searching, Sorting |
| Week 9 | More Advanced Class Design, Static Data and Methods, Helper Methods, Refactoring |
| Week 10 | Interfaces, Polymorphism through interfaces |
| Week 11 | Inheritance, Abstract classes, Polymorphism |
| Week 12 | Simple Graphical User Interface Elements, Event-driven programming, Inner classes |
Note: this schedule is intended to provide only a rough guide to the topics covered in this course. The ordering of topics may be changed by the instructor.