Course Announcements
- August 28, 2018 is the first day of class.
- You will need to bring a laptop to class and download Alice version 3 before coming to the first class if possible. (NOTE, There are two versions of Alice that are quite a bit different. We will be using Alice version 3 Resources page)
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 repetition (calculating how many steps a person needs to walk to their car), selection (deciding which animal is the tallest), and organizing data (grouping penguins to waddle together), 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.
ATTENDANCE REQUIRED: Class attendance is REQUIRED since we program in class everyday. I need to know in advance if you have an excused absence for not attending class.
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. We use laptops everyday. For outside of class, Alice is installed on the computer clusters around campus, for example in Old Chem 101. Use the Mac Version on those machines.
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 or CompSci 201.
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, then you can work with someone in class and use the computers in the clusters for homework assignments.
- 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 day almost every day in class.
- 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 Piazza site (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. You can post anonymously. Please try to be explicit as possible (Having trouble setting up your computer, please tell us what type of computer, operating system, etc...).