Informatics I101: Introduction to Informatics

Instructor: Matt Hottell

Course Description This course teaches basic concepts in the field of Informatics, focusing in particular on subjects that will prepare students for more advanced coursework in Informatics. Specific lecture topics taught include problem solving techniques, propositional logic, basic computer architecture, database concepts and SQL, networking basics, and information theory. A lab component teaches basic technology skills in the areas of web design and accessing UNIX systems. No previous programming experience is necessary. Course Meeting Times Days Time Location Lecture: MTWR 10:20am-12:00pm INFO I107 Lab TR 12:10-1:00pm INFO 109 Office Hours Instructor Role Email Location Time Matt Hottell Lecturer mhottell I302 MTWR 9:45-10:15 AM Grades Homework 20% Laboratory 20% Attendance and Participation 10% Exam One 15% Exam Two 15% Cumulative Final 20% Optional Book Report Special Course Policies The information contained herein is not optional. You are responsible for conducting yourself in accordance with the rules below. Ignorance of a rule stated or referred to here is not grounds for excusal. If you have questions regarding a policy, ask one of us before you act. Assignments In I101, all assignments must be submitted electronically via Oncourse. This is done in the "In Touch" part of Oncourse in the appropriate drop box. The only acceptable format for submission is: Microsoft Word for Windows (version 98 or later). Note the following requirements: Every question should start a new page. Your name should be on every page of your assignment in a header. Specify page numbers and the total page count of your assignment in a footer. Name your submission with your username and the assignment number, for example mhottell0.doc, mhottell1.doc, etc. Your assignment should be one, single file (i.e. all question parts and accompanying diagrams should be present in that file and appropriately labelled). Exceptions to this rule will be clearly indicated. Scanned handwritten submissions are not acceptable. Ensure you view your finished document after you submit it to Oncourse so you know it looks the way you want us to see it. Put your name on every page of your submission. Do not put your student number on your submission if it is also your SSN. Group work is not permitted on the assignments. You may research the material with one of us, with your peers, or with another source (including the internet), but the final writeup of your assignment must be entirely in your own words. If any significant part of your submitted assignment overlaps with another source, you will receive a flat "0" for that assignment. In the case of unreferenced sources, you will be reported to the IUB Office of Student Ethics. Exams It should be obvious, but group work is not permitted on the exams. The exams must be entirely your own work. If you are caught talking to another student or otherwise using an unpermitted source during an I101 exam, the penalty will be immediate failure of the course and a report to the IUB Office of Student Ethics. Note that two such reports of this type of incident are usually grounds for expulsion or suspension from the University. Grading We will try to have your assignments and exams graded in a timely manner. You can assist this process by conforming to the stated guidelines for submission. Grading concerns will usually not be addressed during office hours. If you want to discuss the grade you've received, e-mail the person who graded your assignment or exam for an appointment. Academic Integrity Read the Indiana University Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct to be sure you understand the rules under which IU courses operate. Cases of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Ethics, a branch of the Office of the Dean of Students. If you have any questions about the official document, ask one of us. Withdrawal Make sure you know the last day to drop a course or withdraw from all courses with an automatic 'W'. For Summer 2006, this date is Tuesday, May 20. After that date, a student may withdraw only with the permission of his or her dean. This approval is normally only for urgent reasons related to extended illness or equivalent distress. Incomplete grade An incomplete ("I") final grade will be given only by prior arrangement in exceptional circumstances conforming to university and school policy which requires, among other things, that the student must have completed the bulk of the work required for the course with a passing grade, and that the remaining work can be made up within 30 days after the end of the semester.