22C:2 From CAT Scans to Google: Great Ideas in Computing

Fall 2006 First-Year Seminar
Section 1: Th 11:00, B11 MacLean Hall

Professor:
Jim Cremer, 14D MLH, cremer@cs.uiowa.edu, office hours: T 8:30-9:30 and by appointment

WHAT'S NEW (Last updated Thursday, 11/30/06)

Contents:

Course overview

From 3D movie and game animation to medical imaging and Googling and text messaging, computing concepts have had enormous societal and economic impact over the past thirty years. In this course, which requires no prior computing background, we will study and discuss some of the great scientific ideas that made these things possible.

Requirements and grading

Course grades will be based on homework assignments and class participation. There will be approximately 10 to 14 short assignments. Class attendance is mandatory.

It is okay with me if everyone in the class receives an A. To get an A: do the readings, participate in class, and complete each homework thoughtfully and carefully. Most of the the homework assignments will not be difficult, and several will simply ask you to write a bit about your thoughts on particular topics (so, thoughtful considered responses will be evaluated more favorably than those appear to have been scribbled down at the last moment).

Topic schedule

Homework Assignments

Notes, supplementary material, and web links for lectures.

Scores and grades

Late assignment policy

All assignments are due at the beginning of class. Late assignments will not be accepted (unless approval is obtained from Prof. Cremer before the normal due date.

Academic integrity

Homework, except when explicitly specified otherwise, should be done alone. It is reasonable to discuss ideas with other students but the bulk of the work must be done alone. Working out details or sharing in the write-up will be treated as a violation of the academic integrity rules, and will be handled in accordance with CLAS policy on Academic Fraud, Plagiarism, Cheating, Forgery.

Accommodations for students with disabilities

We would like to hear from anyone who has a disability which may require seating modifications or testing accommodations or accomodations of other class requirements, so that appropriate arrangements may be made. Please contact one of us during office hours.

For more information about University support for students with disabilities please see this section of the CLAS Classroom Procedures guide.

Procedures for student complaints

If you have complaints, please consult the CLAS policy on Student Complaints Concerning Faculty Actions for procedural information.