6.095 Introduction to Computer Science and Programming (U)

L TR11, Room 26-414, Recitations Friday 11, room 32-044
Professor John Guttag, guttag@eecs.mit.edu
Prereq.:
3-4-2

This subject has several related goals:

o Provide an understanding of the role computation can play in solving problems.

o Help students, including those who do not necessarily plan to major in Course VI, to feel justifiably confident of their ability to write small programs that allow them to accomplish useful goals.

o Position students so that they can compete for UROPs and excel in subjects such as 6.001.

There will be two one-hour lectures a week, one recitation a week, and six hours of homework. Two-thirds of the lectures will cover the main material of the subject. Every third lecture will focus on a different exciting application of computing. Many of these lectures will be given by guest lecturers.

Each problem set will involve programming in Python. Students will make extensive use of libraries, so that it will be possible to write programs that solve real problems. There will be one midterm quiz and one final quiz, each given during regularly scheduled class hours.

This subject is aimed at first year students with little or no programming experience. Enrollment may be limited.