Faculty Syllabus

Grading System and Policy:

Daily Activities (including homework, quizzes, participation, discussions, etc.) --  20 points total

8 Weekly Projects --  50 points total

Midterm Exam 1 --  15 points

Final Exam --  15 points

Total 100 points

An overall grade will be assigned based on the following scale:

90 - 100 A   80 - 89 B   70 - 79 C   60 - 69 D   0 - 59 F

DO NOT BUY THE TEXTBOOK -- WAIT FOR CLASS

This is a first day access course.

Introduces the fundamental concepts of structured programming. Topics include software development methodology, data types, control structures, functions, arrays, and the mechanics of running, testing, and debugging. This course assumes computer literacy. This course requires the same math skills necessary for College Algebra. Students should either have taken or be currently enrolled in College Algebra or a course that requires College Algebra.

1. Demonstrate problem solving skills by developing and implementing algorithms to solve problems

2. Derive problem specifications from problem statements.

3. Develop algorithms using modular design principles to meet stated specifications.

4. Create code to provide a solution to problem statements ranging from simple to complex.

5. Test and debug programs and program modules to meet specifications and standards.

6. Create programs that contain clear and concise program documentation.

7. Implement programs that use data types and demonstrate an understanding of numbering systems.

8. Incorporate both basic and advanced control structures appropriately into algorithms.

9. Demonstrate an understanding of structure design by implementing programs with functions, including parameter passing and value returning.

10. Implement programs using classes, including strings and files.

11. Implement algorithms using one-dimensional and indexed data structures.

12. Demonstrate an understanding of array searching and sorting algorithms by desk-checking and/or modifying algorithm implementations.

13. Design and implement simple classes.

Professor Ralph E. Hooper

Office Phone: 512-223-2599 (forwards to my cell phone when out of the office)

Office Location: Room 1300.25 San Gabriel Campus

Virtual Office Hours:  availability T/Th 1 - 3 pm via Zoom (email for appt.)

ACC email: ralph.hooper@austincc.edu Zoom will be available for meetings

Instructor Website: https://hooper.accprofessors.com/ 

Instructor Bio: I have been teaching at the college level for over 35 years in both mathematics and computer science. My research interests are computational thinking and educational technology. I enjoy travel and baseball.

Generative AI Policy for COSC 1336 -- Programming Fundamentals I

1. Introduction

This course adopts a balanced approach to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) use, recognizing both its potential as a learning tool and the importance of developing fundamental problem-solving skills independently. Students are permitted to use GAI for specific learning activities while prohibited from using it for assessment and core skill development exercises. This policy aims to prepare students for professional environments where they will need both the ability to leverage AI tools effectively and the foundational knowledge to work independently when needed.

2. Rationale

Permitted Use: GAI is allowed for exploratory learning, concept clarification, and generating practice problems because these activities enhance understanding without replacing the development of core competencies. In professional computing environments, practitioners regularly use AI tools for research, brainstorming, and preliminary exploration.

Prohibited Use: GAI is prohibited for homework assignments, discussions, exams, and proof construction because these activities are designed to build essential analytical thinking skills, mathematical reasoning abilities, and problem-solving strategies that form the foundation of computational thinking. These skills cannot be developed if students rely on AI to complete the cognitive work.

3. Definition of GAI

For this course, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) refers to any artificial intelligence system capable of creating text, code, mathematical solutions, or other content in response to prompts. This includes but is not limited to:

• Large Language Models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.)
• Code generation tools (GitHub Copilot, Tabnine, etc.)
• Mathematical problem solvers (Wolfram Alpha when used for step-by-step solutions)
• Any AI-powered tutoring or homework assistance platforms
• AI-enabled search tools that generate synthesized responses

4. Resources

Students are encouraged to use the following resources when GAI use is permitted:

• Effective Prompting Guide: Course materials on crafting clear, specific prompts for mathematical and computational problems will be provided
• AI Evaluation Checklist: Framework for assessing the accuracy and relevance of GAI-generated responses as discussed and presented in class
• Recommended Platforms: ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini for conceptual discussions; Wolfram Alpha for computational verification
• Office Hours: Instructor support for questions about appropriate GAI use

5. Assessment

For Permitted Activities: GAI use will be assessed based on:

• Quality of questions/prompts submitted to AI systems
• Critical evaluation of AI-generated responses
• Ability to identify errors or limitations in AI output
• Integration of AI insights with course concepts

Documentation Requirement: When GAI is used in permitted activities, students must:

• Include a brief statement describing which tools were used and how
• Reflect on the accuracy and usefulness of the AI-generated content
• Demonstrate their own understanding through explanation or extension of AI-generated ideas

6. Penalties

Violations of this GAI policy will result in the following consequences:

• First Offense: Warning and required completion of AI ethics module
• Second Offense: Zero grade on the assignment and required meeting with instructor
• Third Offense: Failure of the course and report to academic integrity committee

Severe Violations (submitting AI-generated work as original on exams or major assignments): Immediate failure of the course and report to academic integrity committee.

All violations will be documented and may affect future academic standing and recommendation letters.

7. Exceptions

Exceptions to this policy may be granted under the following circumstances:

• Accessibility Needs: Students with documented disabilities may receive modified GAI permissions through the Office of Disability Services
• Technical Difficulties: If course-required GAI tools are unavailable during designated activities, alternative arrangements will be made
• Research Projects: Advanced students conducting independent research may petition for expanded GAI permissions with instructor approval
• Emergency Situations: Documented emergencies affecting a student's ability to complete work independently may warrant temporary policy modifications

Students seeking exceptions must submit a written request to the instructor at least 48 hours before the relevant deadline.

8. Usage Permissions

Prohibited GAI Activities

• All Homework Assignments: GAI may not be used to solve, check, or generate solutions for any graded homework problem
• Examinations: No GAI use during quizzes, midterms, or final examinations
• Mathematical Proofs: GAI may not be used to construct or verify proofs for any assignment
• Algorithm Design: GAI may not be used to create or optimize algorithms for graded submissions
• Code Debugging: GAI may not be used to identify or fix errors in programming assignments
• Problem Set Solutions: GAI may not be used to generate answers for any problem sets

Permitted GAI Activities

• Concept Exploration: Using GAI to explore definitions, ask clarifying questions about course topics, or request alternative explanations
• Practice Problem Generation: Requesting GAI to create additional practice problems (not for submission)
• Study Guide Creation: Using GAI to help organize study materials or create concept maps
• Background Research: Exploring historical context or applications of mathematical concepts
• Syntax Help: Using GAI for programming language syntax questions (not logic or algorithmic help)
• Brainstorming: Generating ideas for project topics or approaches (implementation must be original)

This policy is subject to revision based on evolving technology and pedagogical best practices. Students will be notified of any changes with at least one week's notice.

Generative AI Policy for COSC 3302 -- Computational Thinking

1. Introduction

This course adopts a balanced approach to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) use, recognizing both its potential as a learning tool and the importance of developing fundamental problem-solving skills independently. Students are permitted to use GAI for specific learning activities while prohibited from using it for assessment and core skill development exercises. This policy aims to prepare students for professional environments where they will need both the ability to leverage AI tools effectively and the foundational knowledge to work independently when needed.

2. Rationale

Permitted Use: GAI is allowed for exploratory learning, concept clarification, and generating practice problems because these activities enhance understanding without replacing the development of core competencies. In professional computing environments, practitioners regularly use AI tools for research, brainstorming, and preliminary exploration.

Prohibited Use: GAI is prohibited for homework assignments, discussions, exams, and proof construction because these activities are designed to build essential analytical thinking skills, mathematical reasoning abilities, and problem-solving strategies that form the foundation of computational thinking. These skills cannot be developed if students rely on AI to complete the cognitive work.

3. Definition of GAI

For this course, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) refers to any artificial intelligence system capable of creating text, code, mathematical solutions, or other content in response to prompts. This includes but is not limited to:

• Large Language Models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.)
• Code generation tools (GitHub Copilot, Tabnine, etc.)
• Mathematical problem solvers (Wolfram Alpha when used for step-by-step solutions)
• Any AI-powered tutoring or homework assistance platforms
• AI-enabled search tools that generate synthesized responses

4. Resources

Students are encouraged to use the following resources when GAI use is permitted:

• Effective Prompting Guide: Course materials on crafting clear, specific prompts for mathematical and computational problems will be provided
• AI Evaluation Checklist: Framework for assessing the accuracy and relevance of GAI-generated responses as discussed and presented in class
• Recommended Platforms: ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini for conceptual discussions; Wolfram Alpha for computational verification
• Office Hours: Instructor support for questions about appropriate GAI use

5. Assessment

For Permitted Activities: GAI use will be assessed based on:

• Quality of questions/prompts submitted to AI systems
• Critical evaluation of AI-generated responses
• Ability to identify errors or limitations in AI output
• Integration of AI insights with course concepts

Documentation Requirement: When GAI is used in permitted activities, students must:

• Include a brief statement describing which tools were used and how
• Reflect on the accuracy and usefulness of the AI-generated content
• Demonstrate their own understanding through explanation or extension of AI-generated ideas

6. Penalties

Violations of this GAI policy will result in the following consequences:

• First Offense: Warning and required completion of AI ethics module
• Second Offense: Zero grade on the assignment and required meeting with instructor
• Third Offense: Failure of the course and report to academic integrity committee

Severe Violations (submitting AI-generated work as original on exams or major assignments): Immediate failure of the course and report to academic integrity committee.

All violations will be documented and may affect future academic standing and recommendation letters.

7. Exceptions

Exceptions to this policy may be granted under the following circumstances:

• Accessibility Needs: Students with documented disabilities may receive modified GAI permissions through the Office of Disability Services
• Technical Difficulties: If course-required GAI tools are unavailable during designated activities, alternative arrangements will be made
• Research Projects: Advanced students conducting independent research may petition for expanded GAI permissions with instructor approval
• Emergency Situations: Documented emergencies affecting a student's ability to complete work independently may warrant temporary policy modifications

Students seeking exceptions must submit a written request to the instructor at least 48 hours before the relevant deadline.

8. Usage Permissions

Prohibited GAI Activities

• All Homework Assignments: GAI may not be used to solve, check, or generate solutions for any graded homework problem
• Examinations: No GAI use during quizzes, midterms, or final examinations
• Mathematical Proofs: GAI may not be used to construct or verify proofs for any assignment
• Algorithm Design: GAI may not be used to create or optimize algorithms for graded submissions
• Code Debugging: GAI may not be used to identify or fix errors in programming assignments
• Problem Set Solutions: GAI may not be used to generate answers for any problem sets

Permitted GAI Activities

• Concept Exploration: Using GAI to explore definitions, ask clarifying questions about course topics, or request alternative explanations
• Practice Problem Generation: Requesting GAI to create additional practice problems (not for submission)
• Study Guide Creation: Using GAI to help organize study materials or create concept maps
• Background Research: Exploring historical context or applications of mathematical concepts
• Syntax Help: Using GAI for programming language syntax questions (not logic or algorithmic help)
• Brainstorming: Generating ideas for project topics or approaches (implementation must be original)

This policy is subject to revision based on evolving technology and pedagogical best practices. Students will be notified of any changes with at least one week's notice.