CS 101

Introduction to Programming for Engineers and Scientists

Ruby Tahboub · Computer Science

Mattox Beckman · Computer Science

Resources

What	When and Where
Lecture	M,W
In-Person Labs	Per-section, see below; L416 Digital Computer Laboratory
TA Office Hours	see below; 0224 Siebel Center for Computer Science; Discord Link
Class URL	go.illinois.edu/cs101
Enrollment	Course catalog
Instructor email	cs101admin@cs.illinois.edu
Class forum	Campuswire
Python	Run online » Install (3.7 or higher) » Practice »
MATLAB	Run online » Purchase » Practice »
Gradebook	RELATE Gradebook »

Software & Textbooks

Required

• Python (version 3.7 or higher). We recommend installing Anaconda Python as it comes with all necessary libraries.

• MATLAB (any modern version, post-2010) or Octave (a free open-source implementation, which will be adequate for CS 101).

Optional

In addition to the lesson notes, we refer you to two textbooks throughout the semester. These are optional, and I recommend getting the PDF through the library link rather than buying a hard copy.

• Hans Petter Langtangen, A Primer on Scientific Programming with Python, 5th ed. (2016). ISBN: 9783662498866.

  • Library access to PDF copy (Please note that you can purchase a hard copy through SpringerLink website at a reduced price if desired.)
  • Book website

• Stormy Attaway, MATLAB: A Practical Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving, 5th ed. (2018) ISBN: 9780128154793

  • Library access to PDF copy
  • Book website

Grading

There are four components to your course grade: lessons, homework, labs, and the project. Occasionally extra credit will be offered.

Because we automatically drop several assignments in each category, CS 101 does not excuse absences or failure to complete assignments. Please plan to complete assignments early or before necessary travel. Labs may be made up during the next week with a doctor's note or travel letter. See the absence policy for more information.

When possible, we permit a late period for you to complete a missed assignment eligible for 50% credit. (This may not available the case around holidays, breaks, and the end of the semester.) Please read directions on each assignment carefully when you start a session to make sure that it's eligible for the credit you expect.

• Time zone conversion tool. All times are in U.S. Central Time—note that this changes in spring and in fall due to Daylight Savings Time.

Assignments

Lessons

Lesson introductions and other videos are also available on MediaSpace with a backup mirror at ClassTranscribe, both with captions. (ClassTranscribe currently appears to require multiple login attempts for the link to work.)

Project

There will be a project with components spanning the semester. More information will be communicated at the appropriate time.

• Project Description

There are several project working days scheduled in lab; you should not use these as your only working days, of course, but as a targeted opportunity to talk through your project approach and challenges with course staff.

All submissions for the project will be done on Gradescope.

Labs

Labs meet synchronously (all together at their designated time). We will have course support staff to help you work through the projects in small groups.

Homework

Materials

If we happen to produce materials for a specific lecture, we will put it here.

All of Mattox's Jupyter notebooks can be found on Github

Lab & Discussion Sections

There are no online-only lab sections this semester.

Office Hours

Office hours are held to assist you in understanding course concepts and completing course assignments. You are also encouraged to ask questions on the course forum in the appropriate chat channel.

Office hours will begin the second week week of class. Times are subject to change before that week.

Virtual office hours will be held on discord.

We also have a scheduling queue.

The Engineering CARE Center also has tutorial hours available for CS 101.

If you have spent more than two hours working on a problem and you can not see a way forward, post your code (not a screenshot!) privately to the course forum and include #twohours in the title. A TA will help you resolve your issues and be able to proceed.

• An Anki practice deck for Python has been contributed to the course by Michael Montanile.

Policies & Statements

• Absences
• Academic Integrity
• Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES)
• Mental Health
• Religious Observance

Other Grainger College of Engineering and Student Code policies may apply.