Syllabus for CSC 152:
Computer Packages for Science Majors

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Contact Information
Thomas E. Blum
Office: H-133 (often hang out in H-124)
Office Hours:  Mon. 9:00-10:00, Tues. 2:00-3:00, Wed. 9:00-10:00 and Fri. 3:00-4:00, or by appointment
(215) 951-1139
blum@lasalle.edu

Course Objectives
  • develop competency in file management, e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, presentation software and Internet packages (including basic web page design and posting) with a focus on mathematics and science appplications.
  • develop problem-solving techniques, e.g. design of a spreadsheet, create and interpret an x-y graph, perform statistical analysis, locate needed information electronically
  • understand how a computer works
  • understand computer-related terminology
  • understand and adhere to the University computing policy
  • appreciate the role of computers and information in our society
  • understand some of the ethical issues involved in processing and using information
Relevant e-books:
  1. Microsoft Office Word 2007 inside out Murray, Katherine, 1961- Redmond, Wash. : Microsoft Press, 2007
  2. Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 plain & simple Muir, Nancy, 1954- Redmond, Wash. : Microsoft Press, 2007
  3. Excel 2007 bible Walkenbach, John Indianapolis, Ind. : Wiley, c2007
  4. Macromedia Dreamweaver 8 unleashed Ruvalcaba, Zak Indianapolis, Ind. : Sams, c2006
(These books are available as part of the library's Safari On-line collection. Go to the library catalog webpage and do a keyword search on "safari online".)

Assessment:

 There will be weekly labs and/or classwork as well as weekly homework. There will be three exams, a project and a final. The various components of the course will be weighted as follows:

      Labs: 24%
      Homework: 12%
      Tests (3): 48%
      Final: 16%
or if it is beneficial (to the individual student)
      Labs: 24%
      Homework: 12%
      Tests (lowest test dropped): 32%
      Final: 32%
  • The plus/minus grading system will be used.
  • Attendance will be taken.
  • Absences, lateness, inattention, etc. will be factored into the lab/class component of the grade.
  • Over three unexcused absences may result in the reduction of your final grade.
  • Unless an extension has been granted, a late assignment will be penalized 5 pts. (out of 100) each day it is late.
  • All tests are cumulative, though they will tend to focus on and give more weight to the new material.
  • It is your responsibility to keep copies of all of your assignments, tests and so forth at least until you receive your final grade for the course.
  • Make-up tests are given at the discretion of the professor. You have to meet with me to discuss the reason for missing the exam and to schedule a make-up. It may be decided that the missed test will serve as your dropped score (see the second grading scenario above).

Printing:

 Note that a student is allotted 400 sheets of paper per semester to be printed in the classroom labs, open labs and library. A student can pay more if he or she wishes to exceed this limit. Think about what you are printing and how you are printing it.

Classroom Behavior:

While in the classroom, students should behave in a manner that is neither distracting to nor disrespectful to the professor or other students. Cell phones should be turned off.

Cheating:

When using materials from a book, website, etc., the source must be cited, otherwise it is considered plagiarism. Claiming another's work as your own is cheating. A student caught cheating will receive a score of zero. Repeated cheating can result in a failing grade for the course. Asking another for help on a step or two in a many step homework is acceptable; handing in duplicate or nearly duplicate work is not. If you require a significant amount of assitance, you should seek my help. Finally, openly allowing your work to be copied is also cheating.

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