CS 149 Programming Fundamentals
Instructor: Nathan Sprague
Me
Nathan Sprague
You can call me:
Dr. Sprague
Professor Sprague
Avoid:
Mr. Sprague
Sir
Welcome!
Agenda:
Opening Pep-Talk
A few logistical details
Group activity
Computer Science is Pretty Great
We get to create useful and beautiful things unfettered by physical constraints
Computer science is remaking the human experience
A good place to be if you want to change the world
CS Tackles some of the deepest questions facing humanity...
How does the mind work?
What are the limits of what we can know?
Computer science is much more than programming...
Is Computer Science Your Passion?
"Find Your Passion" is stupid advice
Computer Science
may not
be for you... but don't be hasty
Don't compare yourself to the person sitting next to you
Grit and Growth Mindset
The best predictor of success is not innate aptitude (whatever that is) it's
"Grit"
-- sustained perseverence toward long-term goals
Related to the idea of "Growth Mindset"
Setbacks are normal (starting early gives you time to bounce back)
Moving on From 149...
A grade of B- or better is required to move on to CS 159.
THIS IS NOT DESIGNED TO BE A "WEED-OUT" CLASS
I would be very happy if everyone here earned an A
Getting Help
There are many sources of help. You would be insane not to use them:
My office hours
TA's (hours will be posted)
Piazza
Classmates
You should
not
expect me to be available 24/7
Academic Integrity and the Honor Code
I take it seriously.
Logistics
Course information can be found on the
course web page
and
Canvas
For Wednesday:
Read the Syllabus
Do the posted reading
Take the reading quiz
POGIL Activity
Keep in mind:
You aren't
supposed
to know this already
Make sure all group members are involved
Grab me if you are stuck
We may not finish. If so, work through the rest individually before the next class.