CompSci 94
Introduction to Programming
Via Animation and 3D Virtual Worlds
CompSci 94 is an introductory programming course that teaches fundamental computer science concepts. This version of CompSci 94 uses the tool Alice to create 3-D virtual worlds. You will learn programming constructs such as looping, selection, and data structures, along with how to control objects (raise hands, flap wings, move, turn, spin, walk, etc.).
This is a hands on course. During class we will be writing programs with partners, designing 3-D virtual worlds. Outside of class projects will be done alone, unless otherwise stated.
LAPTOP: If you have your own laptop, bring it to class. It will be much easier to keep all your work on your own laptop. There may be a few laptops you can borrow during class only. We use laptops everyday. For outside of class, Alice is installed on the computer clusters around campus, but there is probably an old version of Alice there. Since we are using new software that has regular updates it is better that you put it on a computer and update it regularly.
CompSci 94 will introduce you to the world of computer science and you will learn how to make impressive animations for your other courses or clubs. CompSci 94 is intended as a non-majors course to give you a feel for programming, while blending in animation concepts. If you want to take a second computer science course after this course, CompSci 94 will prepare you well for CompSci 101, though you could also take CompSci 101 without having CompSci 94. CompSci 101 is also a beginner's course, uses a different programming language (python), focuses more on processing data, and covers programming more in depth with more programming assignments.
You cannot get credit for this course if you have taken CompSci 101 (formerly CompSci 6) or CompSci 201 (formerly CompSci 100 or 100E) then you cannot get credit for this course.
Required Background:
No experience necessary, this is an introductory course.More Course Details
- Should I bring a laptop to class?
Please bring a laptop to class if you have one. Having your own laptop in class will make it easier on you so you will not have to transfer files every day. If you don't have a laptop, we have a few laptops you can borrow during class only.
- The first two weeks of this course are a bit hectic and take some
settling in time. It is ok if it takes you a bit longer to complete the
classwork/assignments the first two weeks! For the majority of you, this is
your first experience with programming, so you are not alone.
We will be using Alice almost every week and your
environment should stay the same for many weeks. At that
point you need to try to stay caught up. At some point we will also
write some programs with Alice version 3. It is newer, and quite different
and still changing some.
- File Transfer Program.
To use your laptop in this course, you need to put some type of file transfer program
on it so you can transfer files from your laptop to your Duke web
space. This software is free from OIT. If you have trouble installing it,
you can post a message to the class bulletin board and try to describe the
problem you are having, or you can go to the OIT help desk. See the
resources page.
- HELP - How do I get help?
We will setup consulting hours and office hours, they will be posted on the CompSci 94 web page once they are setup.
You can also post questions on the course bulletin board, piazza. Please try to be explicit as possible (Having trouble setting up your computer, please tell us what type of computer, operating system, etc...).
Feedback
The Computer Science department at Duke University aims to excel in education and research. To ensure that our courses fulfill student needs and expectations, you can submit comments about this course anonymously here. These comments will be read only by the Director of Undergraduate Studies for Teaching and Learning and the course staff.Course Announcements
- August 27, 2013 is the first day of class. NOTE THE ROOM CHANGED and is now in LSRC D106.
- You will need to bring a laptop to class and install Alice version 2.3 by August 27 if possible. (NOTE, There are two versions of Alice that are quite a bit different. We will be using Alice 2.3 to start with, and later use Alice 3.1. DO NOT use the CD that comes with the book, but instead follow instructions on the Resources page)
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