CSCE 145: Algorithmic Design I
Dr. J.J. Shepherd
Office: Horizon II 2215
Email: shephejj@cse.sc.edu
Office Hours: Mondays and Wednesday 12:00pm-01:00pm and 03:45pm – 05:00pm
Class Website: http://www.cse.sc.edu/~shephejj/csce145
Blackboard Link: https://blackboard.sc.edu/
Problem-solving, algorithmic design, and programming.
1. Solve problems using a computer
2. Read and design algorithms
3. Design data structures
4. Demonstrate the ability to use a software development environment to construct, execute, test, and debug software
5. Demonstrate the ability to program a computer in a high-level language.
MATH 111 or MATH 115
This is the first course in Computer Science and Engineering. It introduces the design of computer algorithms and their implementation in the Java programming language. The prerequisite is MATH 115 or enrollment in MATH 141. No prior programming experience is assumed, but you should already have some experience using a computer. The goals of the course are
· Introduce computational problem-solving techniques
· Introduce the use of computers for the construction of software solutions
· Introduce procedural abstraction
· Introduce data abstraction and elementary concepts of object-oriented programming
· Introduce the development of structured, modular algorithms and programs
· Introduce the Java programming language.
· Convey some of the myriad uses for computing.
· This course will be delivered via in-person lectures. Links to all materials will be found at the course’s website.
· Lectures present the principles of algorithmic design and how to express your designs in the Java programming language. Lectures occur during the scheduled lecture times at the scheduled location. Materials that accompany the lectures are posted to the course’s website regularly.
· Laboratories present a problem that relates to the materials found in the lectures. These are smaller problems that require the submission of both a programming solution and a written lab report. To best assist with this work, a graduate teaching assistant and an undergraduate teaching assistant hold regular lab meetings each week to review topics previously presented in lecture and answer questions. These occur during the scheduled lab times.
· Supplemental Instruction (SI) is available to assist you in better understanding the course material. The SI program provides peer-facilitated study sessions led by qualified and trained undergraduate SI leaders who attend classes with you and encourage you to practice and discuss course concepts in sessions. Sessions are open to all students who want to improve their understanding of the material, as well as their grades. SI sessions will focus on the most recent material covered in class. Each SI leader holds three sessions per week to go over homework assignments, prepare for exams, and discuss programming examples. Information about the time and place for supplemental instruction can be found here. You can contact the Student Success Center at (803) 777-0684 if you have questions about SI.
· The instructor will reply to all feedback in a reasonable amount of time; the same is expected of the students. Specifically,
o Communication: Responses to email communication and questions will be provided within a day or two. More details can be found in the section labeled, “Email and Communication Expectations”.
o Grading: Grades for assignments will be returned within 1 week of due date. More details can be found in the section labeled, “Grading”.
You are responsible for checking the class website regularly. Announcements and assignments will be posted. The URL is: http://www.cse.sc.edu/~shephejj/csce145
Walter Savitch, Java: An Introduction to Problem
Solving and Programming (7th Edition), Prentice Hall, 2014, ISBN-13:
978-0133766264.
All readings/materials comply with copyright/fair use policies.
Programs are expected to be written in a Java integrated development environment (IDE) like Eclipse, IntelliJ, NetBeans, etc. Also, some assignments require a word processor such as Microsoft Word, OpenOffice Writer, or Google Docs.
This course requires regular, reliable computer and internet access. Assignments are to be developed on a computer and submitted via Blackboard by their designate date and time. The college recommendations for a computer are found here https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/engineering_and_computing/supportservices/support/
If you have tech-related questions or need help with the software, please contact the Division of Information technology (DoIT) at https://www.uts.sc.edu/support/servicedesk.shtml”https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/division_of_information_technology/index.php
Students are expected to attend all lectures and labs at their scheduled times. In addition, students also must keep track of the course materials regularly, and log into Blackboard to submit assignments before the due time.
Per university policy, face coverings are optional but encouraged and voluntary masking is supported.
· Lectures
|
Section |
Days |
Time |
Location |
|
ALL |
MW |
01:10 pm – 02:00 pm |
Horizon Parking Garage 210 |
· Lab Question and Answer Sessions
|
Sec |
Days |
Time |
Location |
|
26 |
MW |
04:00 pm – 05:40 pm |
COL 3012 |
|
27 |
TR |
02:05 pm – 03:40 pm |
COL 3012 |
*MTWRF is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday respectively
· Before sending an email, check the Frequently Asked Question’s section on the course’s website.
· All communications are expected to be conducted professionally.
· The instructor and TA’s check emails regularly during the week from 9:00am till 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Any email sent outside of those stated times may not receive a response until the next day or week.
· Email responses may take a few days or longer, due to the large volume of students.
· Communication is assumed to be about the course and its subject matter, and anything outside of the course’s material may not receive a response.
· Communication that does not follow the above guidelines or are unprofessional may be ignored or reported to the Office of Student Conduct.
· Students are expected to know how to use basic computer functionality, which includes but not limited to creating/saving/moving files and folders, downloading files from a website, installing software, navigating websites, compressing/zipping/unzipping files, and uploading files to a website. In addition, students are expected to understand the basics of a file system structure which includes understanding folders, directories, paths, files and file extensions.
· Students are expected to keep track of all course materials including but not limited to the syllabus, announcements, lectures, assignments, emails, grades, etc. Instructions or requirements that are not followed in these materials may result in points being deducted.
· All assignments are expected to be uploaded to Blackboard before their due date and time. It is strongly encouraged to submit assignments early, and if there are problems then the instructor needs to be made aware immediately.
· We do not accept late work in this course. Assignments are made available to everyone at the same time and are due at the same time. No credit will be given for late assignments. Exceptions to the late policy may be made on an emergency basis. Furthermore, all absences due to medical, family, or other significant emergencies must be excused by the Ombudsman’s office. All documentation, including but not limited to doctor’s notes, obituaries, etc., must be sent to them and approved before any exception can be made.
· Make-up work for assignments can be requested before the assignment is due. If there is a known conflict that will prevent submitting work at the assigned time, then the instructor must be informed before the deadline. These requests must be done electronically via email. Only a small fraction of assignments can be made up for any excuse(s), which is limited to exactly 1 Homework, 1 Lab Solution, and 1 Lab Report. Outstanding make-up work must be completed and submitted before any additional make-up work can be issued.
· Laboratory solutions (Lab Solutions) are short programs that follow concepts presented in lecture. Students are expected start on these assignments early and ask questions often. The lab solution must be submitted electronically before the indicated time on the day they are due, and they must be done individually.
· Laboratory reports (Lab Reports) are due alongside the lab solution. They are written assignments that consist of a short description of the lab, and then a demonstration of the material. Also, some supplemental questions may be given for each lab. The lab report must be sent in electronically before the indicated time on the day it is due, and they must be done individually.
· Homework assignments are larger programs to be written outside of class. They are to be sent in electronically before the indicated time on the day they are due, and they must be done individually.
· Homework Redo assignments occur infrequently throughout the semester. These assignments allow students to earn back lost points on past assignments – Homework, Lab Solution, and Lab Report. Students are expected to read through the details regarding the assignment and follow the instructions carefully and directly. Submissions that do not follow the instructions will be disqualified and no points will be earned back. Only a few Homework Redo assignments occur throughout the semester, and students are expected to use them carefully and effectively.
· All programming assignments (labs solutions, homework, and exam solutions) are to be written in the Java programming language and require the source files (JAVA file extension) to be submitted. All written assignments are to be submitted in a common word processor format (DOC, DOCX, or PDF file extensions).
· Students are expected to keep track of grades regularly. Grades are available on the Blackboard.
· Students are expected to keep a copy of their Midterm Exams. Midterm exams are returned after they have been graded. In the event that an exam is lost, then whatever grade was previously recorded will remain the same, and if there was no grade recorded then a grade of 0 is assigned.
· Before submitting assignments, students are expected to check their work to ensure quality. For programming solutions, we expect students to test the solution to ensure it both meets the requirements and functions well. Solutions that do not meet requirements or does not function well will have points deducted. For written assignments, the answer must answer the questions fully or points will be deducted.
· While submitting assignments, students are expected to check to make sure they are uploading their work to the correct location on the Blackboard. Blackboard has the name of each assignment where it must be submitted. Assignments submitted to the wrong locations will have points deducted.
· Students MUST NOT EVER RESUBMIT OR MODIFY an assignment AFTER its deadline, unless directly told by the instructor. Otherwise, the assignment will be considered LATE and will receive no credit.
· Regrade requests may only be made within ONE WEEK after the assignment has been graded, and this also applies to Midterm Exams. These requests must be done electronically via email to the instructor. Regrade requests only apply to previously submitted work and we do not accept additional work after the fact. Multiple, frivolous regrade requests will disqualify future regrade requests.
· The two Midterm Exams are in-person, closed-book, closed-notes, no communication with anyone besides the instructor, and no electronic devices are permitted throughout the exam’s duration. Any perceived violations results in an automatic 0 for the exam and an Academic Integrity Violation hearing. The exams will take place during the lecture meeting times and are due by the lecture’s end time. The exams will require the use of a pencil or pen. If accommodations are needed, then they must be approved by SDRC BEFORE the exam’s date. Refer to the section “Accommodating Disabilities” for more details. If there is a known conflict, then arrangements to take a make-up exam must be made AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE THE MIDTERM EXAM’S DATE. Exceptions only occur in the event of emergencies, where the excuse has been approved by the Ombudsman’s office. All documentation, including but not limited to doctor’s notes, obituaries, etc., must be sent to them and approved before any exception can be made.
· The Final Exam is in-person, closed-book, closed-notes, no communication with anyone besides the instructor, no electronic devices are permitted throughout the exam’s duration, and is optional. The Final Exam replaces a lower Midterm Exam score but, any perceived violations results in an automatic 0 for the exam and an Academic Integrity Violation. The exam will require the use of a pencil or pen. If accommodations are needed, then they must be approved by SDRC before the exam’s date. Refer to the section “Accommodating Disabilities” for more details. If there is a known conflict, then arrangements to take a make-up exam must be made AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE THE FINAL EXAM’S DATE. Exceptions only occur in the event of emergencies, where the excuse has been approved by the Ombudsman’s office. All documentation, including but not limited to doctor’s notes, obituaries, etc., must be sent to them and approved before any exception can be made.
· No work or regrade requests can be accepted after the last day of class. If there are grades missing by the last day of class those assignments will automatically be assigned a 0.
· A grade of Incomplete (“I”) is only given in extreme cases when a student is unable to complete some portion of the assigned course work because of a significant incident. These may include an unanticipated illness, accident, work-related responsibility, family hardship, or verified learning disability. An incomplete will only account for 20% of the overall course grade, and it only applies to work after the reported incident. In addition, a student must be in good grade standing, a “C” or greater, at the time of the incident to qualify.
· Grades are assigned based on the criteria found in the “Grading Scale” Section.
|
Letter Grade |
Earned Points Percentage |
|
A |
90% - 100% |
|
B+ |
85% - 89% |
|
B |
80% - 84% |
|
C+ |
75% - 79% |
|
C |
70% - 74% |
|
D+ |
65% - 69% |
|
D |
60% - 64% |
|
F |
0% - 59% |
|
Type |
Percentage of Overall Grade |
|
Lab Solution Average |
10% |
|
Lab Reports Average |
10% |
|
Homework Average (8 at 2.5% each) |
20% |
|
Midterm Exam 01 |
30% |
|
Midterm Exam 02 |
30% |
|
Final Exam |
30%* |
*Final Exam is optional and replaces a lower, previous Midterm Exam.
|
Midterm Exam 01 |
09/30/2026 |
|
Midterm Exam 02 |
11/11/2026 |
|
Final Exam |
12/09/2026 (Wednesday) at 12:30PM |
If Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is used to assist or complete any assignment, then credit must be provided in the form of clear documentation. This must include a brief and precise description of which AI tools were used, such as “ChatGPT private subscription” or “Claude free plan”. In written assignments, this must be in an appendix section. In programming solutions, this must be included in programming comments at the top of each solution file.
It is a violation of university policy to misrepresent work that you submit by characterizing it as your own, such as submitting responses to assignments that do not acknowledge the use of generative AI tools. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have about the use of generative AI tools before submitting any content that has been substantially informed by these tools.
In partnership with USC faculty, the Student Success Center (SSC) offers a number of programs to help you better understand your course material and to support your path to success. SSC programs are facilitated by professional staff, graduate students, and trained undergraduate peer leaders who have previously excelled in their courses.
In Success Consultations, SSC staff assist you in developing study skills, setting goals, and connecting to a variety of campus resources. Throughout the semester, the instructor may communicate with the Student Success Center regarding your progress, which indicates your instructor is concerned about your progress in this course. If contacted by the Student Success Center, please schedule a Success Consultation right away. Referrals are not punitive, and any information shared by your professor is confidential and subject to FERPA privacy laws.
SSC services are offered to all USC undergraduates at no additional cost. Please call 803-777-1000, visit Student Success Center, or go to the Student Success Center in the Thomas Cooper Library (Mezzanine Level) to check schedules and make appointments.
If stress is affecting your ability to complete schoolwork, maintain relationships, eat, sleep, or enjoy life, please reach out to any of USC’s mental health resources. Most of these services are offered at no cost, as they are covered by the Student Health Services tuition fee. For a complete list of available mental health resources, refer to the quick reference list below and visit Student Health and Well-Being.
· Wellness Coaching can help you improve in areas related to emotional and physical well-being (e.g., sleep, resiliency, balanced eating, and more). Schedule an appointment at (803) 777-6518 or through MyHealthSpace.
· Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) by Uplift offers virtual self-help modules. See TAO registration.
· Counseling & Psychology Services (CAPS) offers individual and group counseling, as well as psychiatric services. Schedule an appointment at (803) 777-5223 or through MyHealthSpace.
· 24-Hour Mental Health Support Line: Call (833) 664-2854 for immediate support.
· Anonymous Mental Health Screening: Take an anonymous mental health screening.
Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you have a disability and may need accommodations to fully participate in this class, contact the Student Disability Resource Center: 803-777-6142, TDD 803-777-6744, email sadrc@mailbox.sc.edu, or stop by LeConte College Room 112A. All accommodations must be approved through the Student Disability Resource Center. See https://www.sa.sc.edu/sds/.
· Writing Center (link)
· Carolina Tech Zone (link)
All students must review the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity sanctions. This information may be found at link and more of the following sanctions may be imposed for Academic Integrity or Code of Conduct Violations: 1) Expulsion from the University; 2) Suspension from the University for a period of no less than one semester; and/or Probation. A combination of the above sanctions may be implemented.
Significant enough Code of Conduct
violations, such as Falsification, will result in an automatic F for the
course.
Furthermore, cheating is defined as giving or receiving unauthorized aid on any
assignment, test, or project. The only authorized materials to be used on
assignments are supplied by the instructor. Offenses will be reported in
accordance with the Carolina
Community student handbook.
Academic sanctions for this course are as follows. For every offense, the student will be notified, and the evidence will be sent to the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. Upon confirmation the student will receive a grade of 0 for the assignment for the first offense - that cannot be made up for any reason including exams. Any other confirmed violation(s) will result in an automatic grade of “F”.
|
Week |
Monday Lecture |
Wednesday Lecture |
Lab Due Friday |
Homework Due Friday |
|
8/17/2026 |
- |
00 Class Overview / Introduction |
- |
- |
|
8/24/2026 |
01 Basic Computation Part 1 |
01 Basic Computation Part 2 |
Lab00 |
- |
|
8/31/2026 |
02 Branching Statements Part 1 |
02 Branching Statements Part 2 |
Lab01 |
Homework00 |
|
9/7/2026 |
LABOR DAY |
03 Loops Part 1 |
Lab02 |
Homework01 |
|
9/14/2026 |
03 Loops Part 2 |
04 Arrays Part 1 |
Lab03 |
Homework02 |
|
9/21/2026 |
04 Arrays Part 2 |
04 Arrays Part 3 |
Lab04 |
Homework03 |
|
9/28/2026 |
04 Arrays Part 3 |
EXAM 01 9/30 |
- |
No Homework |
|
10/5/2026 |
05 Methods Part 01 |
06 Objects Part 1 |
Lab05 |
- |
|
10/12/2026 |
06 Objects Part 2 |
06 Objects Part 3 |
No Lab |
No Homework |
|
10/19/2026 |
06 Objects Part 4 |
06 Objects Part 5 |
Lab06 |
Homework05 |
|
10/26/2026 |
06 Objects Part 6 |
07 Inheritance and Polymorphism Part 1 |
Lab07 |
Homework06 |
|
11/2/2026 |
07 Inheritance and Polymorphism Part 2 |
07 Inheritance and Polymorphism Part 3 |
Lab08 |
Homework07 |
|
11/9/2026 |
07 Inheritance and Polymorph
Part 4 |
EXAM 02 11/11 |
- |
AssignmentRedo00 |
|
11/16/2026 |
08 Exceptions Part 01 |
08 Exceptions Part 02 |
Lab09 |
AssignementRedo01 |
|
11/23/2026 |
THANKSGIVING |
THANKSGIVING |
- |
- |
|
11/30/2026 |
09 File I/O Part 01 |
10 GUI Part 01 |
- |
- |
This syllabus is a guide for the course and may be subject to change during the semester to best meet the needs of the class. Any changes will be communicated promptly through email and Blackboard announcements. Keep in mind that,
***Everything is subject to change***