{syllabusdate}
Fall 2024 Syllabus
====================
{instructor}
**Instructor:** [Curtis Larsen](/faculty/larsen.php)
**Email:** curtis.larsen@utahtech.edu
**Phone:** 435-652-7972
**Office:** North Burns 233
**Office Hours:**
Office hours are a fantastic opportunity to receive personalized assistance with any questions or concerns you may have about course concepts, assignments, or anything else on your mind.
I'm here to support you throughout the week with regular office hours. No need to worry about telling me in advance to use the scheduled office hours, just drop by whenever it suits you! Whether you prefer a face-to-face chat in my office at North Burns 233 or joining me virtually via Zoom, the choice is yours. You can find the Zoom link conveniently posted in an announcement on Canvas.
For the Fall 2024 semester, I'll be available during the following times:
* Mondays 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
* Tuesdays 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
* Wednesdays 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
* Thursdays 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
* Fridays 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
If these times don't fit your schedule, don't hesitate to reach out to me. Simply shoot me an email or a message through Canvas, and we can find a time that works better for you. When you message me, suggesting a few alternative times would be incredibly helpful.
Looking forward to connecting with you during office hours!
{fees}
**Course fee:** $20, used to assist in maintaining department infrastructure.
{covid19}
Per state and campus policy, a face covering must be worn over the nose and
mouth inside all campus buildings, including class rooms.
{attendance}
Students are responsible for material covered and announcements made in class.
School-related absences may be made up only if prior arrangements are made. The
class schedule presented is approximate. The instructor reserves the right to
modify the schedule according to class needs. Changes will be announced in
class and posted to the website. Exams and quizzes cannot be made up unless
arrangements are made _prior_ to the scheduled time.
Occasional absences are acceptable as long as the student keeps up with
assignment work. Students who miss more than two consecutive weeks of class or
who miss more than 20% of scheduled classes during the semester without making
prior arrangements will receive a failing grade. Students who miss any
scheduled exam (including midterm exams and the final exam) or fail to complete
a final project without making prior arrangements will receive a failing grade.
{notestout}
This course can only be completed by attending classes and completing all
assigned work to a satisfactory level. There is no procedure for testing out of
the class.
{timecommitment}
Courses should require about 45 hours of work per credit hour of class. This
class will require about 135 hours of work on the part of the student to
achieve a passing grade, which is approximately 9 hours per week. If you do not
have the time to spend on this course, you should probably rethink your
schedule.
{uselatex}
All assignments will be typeset in LaTeX to produce a PDF document.
The PDF document will be submitted via Canvas file uploads.
It is recommended that students use Overleaf for processing LaTeX documents
into PDF documents. Overleaf has extensive documentation on how
to use LaTeX effectively.
Note that technology problems are not acceptable excuses for late homework. You
are responsible for completing all steps of the assignment submission in advance of the
deadline.
{labs}
You may use departmental computers and software in the Smith Computer Center.
Some lab assistants may be able to help with assignments and pass
off homework assignments for introductory courses.
{virtualmachines}
The [CIT virtual machine farm](http://vm.cs.utahtech.edu) is also
available for use in this course.
{reading}
The student is responsible for reading the material in the textbook. A reading
schedule is provided with the class schedule on the course website. The student
is expected to read the material before the class in which it is discussed. The
book also includes material beyond what we will discuss in lecture, which you
are encouraged to study on your own. Feel free to bring questions from the
reading to lectures or to office hours.
{readingsysad}
The student is responsible for finding and reading valuable
information sources for this course. There are many helps
available online.
{quizzes}
There will be an in-class quiz about every two weeks. Each quiz will involve
writing code on paper, without the use of a computer. The quiz will cover
material from the most recent assignment as well as topics discussed in
lectures. Students are expected to practice writing code _daily_ to prepare for
assignments and quizzes. In general, merely completing the assignments will not
be sufficient preparation for the quizzes.
{lateness}
Assignments are due on the date specified in the schedule. Handing them in or
passing them off after the specified time is considered one day late. You may
turn them in up to two school days late with penalties as described below.
After two days late, you receive zero points.
For example: if an assignment is due at noon on Thursday:
* Before noon Friday the assignment is considered 1 day late.
* Before noon Monday the assignment is considered 2 days late.
* After noon on Monday the assignment will not be accepted.
Saturdays, Sundays, and school holidays do not count as late days. Late days do
_not_ extend beyond the last day of class.
{latedays}
Each student is given five free late days to use over the course of the
semester. The lateness of an assignment will be determined according to the
rules given above, and the first five late days used during the semester will
be forgiven. After that, each late day will result in a 10% penalty.
Important notes:
* Even using free late days, students cannot submit assignments more than two
days late and receive credit. No assignments will be accepted more than two
days past the original deadline.
* Free late days are applied to the _first_ five late days during the
semester. Students cannot control which late days are penalized and which
ones forgiven; the first five late days in the semester are forgiven, and
the rest are penalized.
* Free late days only apply to students who submit _every_ assignment within
the two-day cutoff period. For example, if you fail to submit the fifth
assignment, or submit it more than two days late, you will forfeit all free
late days, _including those used for earlier assignments_.
* No other extensions will be granted, except under exceptional
circumstances. Students should reserve their free late days to use in the
event of illness, emergencies, traveling, sports conflicts, etc. Students
are advised not to use their free late days early in the semester, as
assignments tend to get more difficult and schedules tighter as the
semester progresses.
{latenesssysad}
Assignments are due on the dates listed in the course schedule.
Handing in or passing off assignments after the due date, but
before the practical exam related to the assignments will result
in a 10% penalty. Handing in or passing of assignments after
the practical exam related to the assignments will result in
a 20% penalty. No assignments will be accepted after the last
day of class.
{droplowest}
If you complete all homework assignments and all exams, your lowest homework
score will be dropped at the end of the term. If you fail to complete any of
the assignments, or you submit one beyond the hard deadline (two days after the
initial deadline), your lowest score will _not_ be dropped.
{cheating}
Cheating will not be tolerated, and will result in a failing grade for the
students involved as well as possible disciplinary action from the college.
Cheating includes, but is not limited to, turning in homework assignments that
are not the student's own work. It is okay to seek help from others and from
reference materials, but only if you learn the material. As a general rule, if
you cannot delete your assignment, start over, and re-create it successfully
without further help, then your homework is not considered your own work.
You are encouraged to work in groups while studying for tests, discussing class
lectures, discussing algorithms for homework solutions, and helping each other
identify errors in your homework solutions. If you are unsure if collaboration
is appropriate, contact the instructor. Also, note exactly what you did. If
your actions are determined to be inappropriate, the response will be much more
favorable if you are honest and complete in your disclosure.
Where collaboration is permitted, each student must still create and type in
his/her own solution. Any kind of copying and pasting is _not_ okay. If you
need help understanding concepts, get it from the instructor or fellow
classmates, but never copy another's code or written work, either
electronically or visually. The line between collaborating and cheating is
generally one of language: talking about solutions in English or other natural
languages is usually okay, while discussions that take place in programming
languages are usually not okay. It is a good idea to wait at least
30 minutes after any discussion to start your independent write-up. This
will help you commit what you have learned to long-term memory as well as help
to avoid crossing the line to cheating.
{collaboration}
Limited collaboration with other students in the course is permitted. Students
may seek help learning concepts and developing programming skills from whatever
sources they have available, and are encouraged to do so. Collaboration on
assignments, however, must be confined to course instructors, lab assistants,
and other students in the course. Students are free to discuss strategies for
solving programming assignments with each other, but this must not extend to
the level of programming code. Each student must code his/her own solution to
each assignment. See the section on cheating.
{assignmentscommon}
It is important that you start early and get each of your assignments done
before its due date. Many problems will take much longer to solve in a single
sitting than in many shorter sessions. Give yourself time to think; sleep on
difficult problems. Finish early so you can go back and refine your initial
approach.
{assignmentslabbie}
Assignments are due on the date listed in the schedule, and must be passed off
to a lab assistant for the course. This means that you must find a time during
the course assistant's lab hours to pass it off before the end of the day it is
due.
{assignmentspassoff}
Assignments are due on the date listed in the schedule, and must be passed off
to the instructor or a lab assistant for the course. This means that you must
reserve time to pass it off at a suitable time before the end of the day it is
due.
{assignmentswritten}
Assignments will be graded for correctness and elegance.
{assignmentsungraded}
Assignment grading will consider promptness of submission, participation in
class review of solutions, and earnest attempts to solve problems.
{assignmentsprogramming}
Assignments will be graded for accuracy of function and style of design.
Programs that do not compile will receive no credit.
{assignmentsbrowser}
Assignments will be graded for accuracy of function and style of design.
Programs that do not function will receive no credit.
{finalproject}
A final project will take the place of a final exam. You will be expected to
start planning and implementing your project early in the semester. No
assignments or quizzes will accompany the last unit of the class to give you
more time to complete your project. Projects will be presented to the class and
passed off during the final exam timeslot assigned to the course.
Projects can be completed alone or in pairs. A project topic, completion plan,
schedule, and grading criteria must be passed off about six weeks before the
end of the semester (see the course schedule).
{collegepolicies}
University Policies
-------------------
[Utah Tech Student Policies](https://utahtech.edu/policylibrary/?category=500:%20Students&owner=&keyword=#policy-search)
Disability/Accessibility Resources
----------------------------------
Utah Tech strives to make learning materials and experiences accessible for all students so if you are a student with a medical, psychological, or learning disability or anticipate physical or academic barriers based on disability, you are welcome to let me know so we can discuss options. Students with documented disabilities are required to contact the Disability Resource Center located in the North Plaza Building, next to the Testing Center (435-652-7516) to explore eligibility process and reasonable accommodations related to disability.
Title IX Statement
----------------------------------
Utah Tech seeks to provide an environment that is free of bias, discrimination, and harassment. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment/misconduct/assault we encourage you to report this to the university’s Title IX Director, Cindy Cole, (435) 652-7731, cindy.cole@utahtech.edu. If you report to a faculty member, she or he must notify the Title IX Director about the basic facts of the incident.
Email Disclaimer
----------------
You are required to frequently check your campus email account. Important class and university information will be sent to your campus email account, including Utah Tech bills, financial aid/scholarship notices, notices of canceled classes, reminders of important dates and deadlines, and other information critical to your success at Utah Tech and in your courses. To access your campus email account, visit mail.utahtech.edu. Your username is your Digital ID (e.g. D00111111) If you have forgotten your PIN, visit my.utahtech.edu and click the "Forgot Pin" button.
Useful Resources
----------------------------------
- [Disability Resource Center](https://drcenter.utahtech.edu/)
- [IT Help Desk](https://helpdesk.utahtech.edu/)
- [Library](https://library.utahtech.edu)
- [Testing Center](https://testing.utahtech.edu)
- [Tutoring Center](https://tutoring.utahtech.edu)
- [Writing Center](https://writingcenter.utahtech.edu)
{gradescale}
Minimum Percentage | Letter Grade | Minimum Percentage | Letter Grade | Minimum Percentage | Letter Grade | Minimum Percentage | Letter Grade
------------------------|--------------|-------------------------|--------------|-------------------------|--------------|-------------------------|-------------
94 | A | 84 | B | 74 | C | 64 | D
90 | A- | 80 | B- | 70 | C- | 60 | D-
87 | B+ | 77 | C+ | 67 | D+ | 0 | F
{website}
Assignment submissions and grades will be managed in the
[Canvas System](http://utahtech.instructure.com/).
{disability}
If you suspect or are aware that you have a disability that may
affect your success in the course you are strongly encouraged to
contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) located in the North
Plaza Building. The disability will be evaluated and eligible
students will receive assistance in obtaining reasonable
accommodations. Phone # 435-652-7516.
{importantdates202320}
Important Dates Spring 2023
-------------------------
Click on this link: for the official academic calendar, which has several important dates you should be aware of.
Jan 9 - Date classes begin
Jan 13 - Last day to add without instructor permission
Jan 20 - Last day for refund of 100% tuition and fees
Jan 23 - Late registration / payment fee – Purge date (students who have not paid tuition / fees IN FULL or made payment arrangements may be dropped from classes!)
Jan 30 - Pell Grant census date
Jan 30 - Last day for refund of 50% tuition and fees
Feb 6 - Last day to add or audit classes with instructor permission
Mar 1 - Midterm grades posted
Mar 3 - Last day to drop an individual class
Apr 10 - Last day for complete withdrawal from all classes
Apr 26 - Last day of classes
Apr 28-May 4 - Final Exam dates
May 5- Commencement
May 9 - Final grades posted
{unused}
Commencement (as applicable)
{importantdates202340}
Important Dates Fall 2023
-------------------------
Click on this link: for the official academic calendar, which has several important dates you should be aware of.
Aug 21 - Date classes begin
Aug 25 - Last day to add without instructor permission
Sep 1 - Last day for refund of 100% tuition and fees
Sep 5 - Late registration / payment fee – Purge date (students who have not paid tuition / fees IN FULL or made payment arrangements may be dropped from classes!)
Sep 11 - Pell Grant census date
Sep 11 - Last day for refund of 50% tuition and fees
Sep 18 - Last day to add or audit classes with instructor permission
Oct 11 - Midterm grades posted
Oct 18 - Last day to drop an individual class
Nov 15 - Last day for complete withdrawal from all classes
Dec 8 - Last day of classes
Dec 11-15 - Final Exam dates
Dec 19 - Final grades posted
{unused}
Commencement (as applicable)
{importantdates202420}
Important Dates Spring 2024
-------------------------
Click on this link: for the official academic calendar, which has several important dates you should be aware of.
Jan 8 - Date classes begin
Jan 12 - Last day to add without instructor permission
Jan 20 - Last day for refund of 100% tuition and fees
Jan 22 - Late registration / payment fee – Purge date (students who have not paid tuition / fees IN FULL or made payment arrangements may be dropped from classes!)
Jan 29 - Pell Grant census date
Jan 29 - Last day for refund of 50% tuition and fees
Feb 5 - Last day to add or audit classes with instructor permission
Mar 1 - Midterm grades posted
Mar 5 - Last day to drop an individual class
Apr 9 - Last day for complete withdrawal from all classes
Apr 25 - Last day of classes
Apr 26 - Reading day (no classes or exams)
Apr 29-May 2 - Final Exam dates
May 3- Commencement
May 6 - Final grades posted
{importantdates}
Important Dates Fall 2024
-------------------------
Click on [this link](https://catalog.utahtech.edu/academiccalendar/): for the official academic calendar, which has several important dates you should be aware of.
Aug 19 - Date classes begin
Aug 23 - Last day to add without instructor permission
Sep 9 - Last day for refund of tuition and fees
Sep 9 - Pell Grant census date
Sep 13 - Last day to add or audit classes with instructor permission
Oct 9 - Midterm grades posted
Oct 14 - Last day to drop an individual class
Nov 13 - Last day for complete withdrawal from all classes
Dec 5 - Last day of classes
Dec 9-12 - Final Exam dates
Dec 16 - Final grades posted