Principles of Computing (Part 1)

About this course: This two-part course builds upon the programming skills that you learned in our Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python course. We will augment those skills with both important programming practices and critical mathematical problem solving skills. These skills underlie larger scale computational problem solving and programming. The main focus of the class will be programming weekly mini-projects in Python that build upon the mathematical and programming principles that are taught in the class. To keep the class fun and engaging, many of the projects will involve working with strategy-based games. In part 1 of this course, the programming aspect of the class will focus on coding standards and testing. The mathematical portion of the class will focus on probability, combinatorics, and counting with an eye towards practical applications of these concepts in Computer Science. Recommended Background - Students should be comfortable writing small (100+ line) programs in Python using constructs such as lists, dictionaries and classes and also have a high-school math background that includes algebra and pre-calculus.

Created by:  Rice University

• Taught by:  Scott Rixner, Professor

  Computer Science

• Taught by:  Joe Warren, Professor

  Computer Science

• Taught by:  Luay Nakhleh, Associate Professor

  Computer Science; Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Basic Info Course 3 of 7 in the Fundamentals of Computing Specialization Level Intermediate Commitment 4 weeks of study, 7-10 hours/week Language English How To Pass Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. User Ratings 4.8 stars Average User Rating 4.8See what learners said Coursework

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Syllabus


WEEK 1


Required Python knowledge, coding standards, and machine grading
This week, we will introduce you to the structure and standards of the Principles of Computing courses.


10 videos, 9 readings expand

1. Video: Principles of Computing
2. Video: Introduction
3. Video: Required Python Knowledge
4. Reading: Required Python Knowledge
5. Video: Coding Style and Standards
6. Reading: Guidelines for Coding Style
7. Video: Python Modules
8. Reading: Importing Custom Modules in Python
9. Video: Machine Grading
10. Video: Mini-project Video
11. Reading: Mini-project Description
12. Reading: 2048
13. LTI Item: Assignment Submission History
14. Reading: Math Expressions for Homework
15. Reading: Math Notes on Functions
16. Reading: Practice Mini-project - Solitaire Mancala
17. Video: CodeSkulptor
18. Video: Saving in CodeSkulptor
19. Video: Beyond CodeSkulptor (15:12) (optional video)
20. Reading: Python Development Environments

Graded: Homework 1
Graded: Assignment: 2048 (Merge)

WEEK 2


Testing, plotting, and grids
This week, we will explain the importance of testing. We will also learn to solve problems with grids.


5 videos, 4 readings expand

1. Video: The Importance of Testing
2. Video: Testing
3. Reading: Building Tests for Python Programs
4. Video: Plotting
5. Video: Grids
6. Video: Mini-project Video
7. Reading: Mini-project Description
8. Reading: Math Notes on Grid Representations
9. Reading: Practice Activity - Testing Solitaire Mancala

Graded: Homework 2
Graded: Assignment: 2048 (Full)

WEEK 3


Probability, randomness, and objects/references
This we will learn how to use probability and randomness to solve problems.


6 videos, 6 readings expand

1. Video: The Importance of Probability
2. Video: Basics of Probability
3. Video: Expected Value
4. Video: Monte Carlo Methods
5. Video: Objects and References
6. Video: Mini-project Video
7. Reading: Mini-project Description
8. Reading: TTTBoard Class
9. Reading: Math Notes on Basic Probability
10. Reading: Math Notes on Expected Value
11. Reading: Practice Mini-project - Nim (Monte Carlo)
12. Reading: Practice Activity - The Monty Hall Problem

Graded: Homework 3
Graded: Assignment: Tic-Tac-Toe (Monte Carlo)

WEEK 4


Combinatorics, generators, and debugging
This week, we will learn how to use combinatorics to solve problems.


6 videos, 5 readings expand

1. Video: The Importance of Combinatorics
2. Video: Enumeration
3. Video: Permutations and Combinations
4. Video: Combinatorics and Password Breaking
5. Video: Debugging
6. Video: Mini-project Video
7. Reading: Mini-project Description
8. Reading: Math Notes on Enumeration
9. Reading: Math Notes on Permutations and Combinations
10. Reading: Practice Activity - Analyzing a Simple Dice Game
11. Reading: Practice Activity - Counting Game States

Graded: Homework 4
Graded: Assignment: Yahtzee

WEEK 5


Counting, growth of functions, higher-order functions
This week, we will explain the importance of counting in solving complex problems.


6 videos, 7 readings expand

1. Video: The Importance of Counting
2. Video: Counting and Sums
3. Video: Functions: Finding the Max
4. Video: Higher-order Functions
5. Video: Plotting Statement Counts
6. Video: Mini-project Video
7. Reading: Mini-project Description
8. Reading: BuildInfo Class
9. Reading: Math Notes on Arithmetic Sums
10. Reading: Math Notes on Logarithms and Exponentials
11. Reading: Math Notes on Growth Rates of Functions
12. Reading: Practice Activity - Modeling the Growth of Functions
13. Reading: Practice Activity - The Case of the Greedy Boss

Graded: Homework 5
Graded: Assignment: Cookie Clicker