Algoma University College

COSC 1047 - INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE II

Winter 1996/97 - Monday and Wednesday 5.30 PM

GUIDELINES FOR ASSIGNMENTS

INSTRUCTOR: Pawan J. Lingras

GENERAL

This document will describe the requirements of programs that are assigned in this class, the method of submitting them, and the criteria for assessing them and providing feedback. The assignments form a critical part of the development of computer skills in this course, and with large numbers of students it is important that regular feedback is given on student progress. It is recommended that you submit programs as soon as you have completed them, allowing you to use any feedback you may get with the next program.

PROGRAM STYLE

Every program should have the following parts:

1. A Header. This is a block of comments that contain the following information. The Author of the program and their e-mail address. ex. Pawan Lingras lingras@tbird
2. The Problem. This should identify the problem being solved by indicating the assignment (1, 2 or 3) and the program such as problem 3 part 1.
3. A pseudocode description of the algorithm used to solve the problem. If multiple functions have been used to solve the problem, the algorithm for each function should be included at the beginning of the function.
4. Brief data descriptions. A short definition of the meaning of each data item.
5. Well structured code, using indentation to ensure that the sequential, selection and iteration structures are clear.

FILES

Each program will result in .cpp, .hpp files and an executable file. The file names used should indicate the assignment, problem, and subsection number if there is one. For example the file name: a1p2.cpp will be the source file for assignment 1 problem 2. If problem 2 had three parts, the source file for the second part would be: a1p2_2.cpp. The header file (if any) will have the same name and an extension hpp. The executable file will be compiled on UNIX and will have no extension.

SUBMISSION

The assignments will be tested under the UNIX environment. In the beginning, students can complete the assignments and perform preliminary testing under the familiar Borland environment.

The student will create/upload, compile, debug, test and submit the source and executable files in the following way:

Upload the files to their account on eagle in the following way:

1. Log on to eagle.
2. If students wish to create the programs on UNIX, use pico editor and type in your program. Eagle provides you with disk space to save your work. You don't need to carry your disks around. It is a good idea to maintain a separate directory for each assignment.
3. If you want to stay with the familiar environment, create the program in the Borland environment
   • Invoke the ftp program. alt/t press enter when name prompt comes up press alt/w at the password prompt at the ftp prompt change to binary mode
   • Change to the appropriate drive on the pc.(B: in the lab).
   • Use the get command to transfer the file from the workstation to eagle. Do this for each of the files. Remember the up arrow.
   • Quit the ftp program.
4. Compile the program using c++ command as

   % c++ alp2.cpp -o alp2

   This command creates an executable file called alp2 by compiling and linking alp2.cpp. BE CAREFUL WITH THE SYNTAX UNIX CAN BE EXTREMELY UNFORGIVING.

5. Submit the files using the submit command. Remember, a program can only be submitted once for each program. For example:

% submit cs1047 3 a1p3

ASSESSMENT

The first level of assessment of the assignments is with the Teaching Assistants. They will allocate up to 7 marks for the proper execution of the program and 3 marks for style, pseudocode, data definitions etc.

They will normally use the following procedure:

1. Run the executable and test it with input that will demonstrate all aspects of it's function. If the program fully solves the problem, 7 marks will be allocated. If it only partially solves the problem, marks will be deducted and an explanation given when marks are returned. If there is any questions about the value, the instructor will be consulted.
2. Read the source code to ensure that it meets the standards, and deduct marks for omissions or errors. a mark of 0-3 will be given.
3. Email the student with the mark and a brief explanation of where any marks were deducted.

COUNSELLING AND TUTORING

When the TA's identify that a student is not succeeding with their assignments they will immediately inform the instructor. Students should also contact the instructor if they are having difficulty doing the assignments. When this occurs, special tutoring sessions for groups or individuals will be set up to try to overcome those problems. Remember, this will only work if everyone is willing to face problems as they occur, and not wait until there is insufficient time to overcome them.