What questions about the course do you have that are not answered by the web site?

Is it okay for students who have no computer science course experience to take this course?

Absolutely! You're our target audience.

What extent of programming skills will we have upon completion of the course?

You'll have a good working knowledge of the "algorithm ingredients" presented early on, as well as some very useful conceptual tools for thinking about computation, such as "higher order procedures." Stay tuned!

Well, I was a little confused about your grading system for homework, and the equivalence of checks to an A-F grading scale.

Partly, that is the point. I am more interested in the broad strokes outlined in the syllabus's rubric. As there are many components to the course, as well as several homework assignments, you should feel less constrained to get an "A" on assignment, but rather more encouraged to meet the learning objectives and perhaps explore beyond them.

I could not understand the question number 3, although I am answering. What does "one level" mean?

That is actually a very good question. At some point I must convert your homework grades into something that figures into the overall grade reported to the college. At that point, any late work's contribution is adjusted downward.

Are the labs done on the computer? If they are how is a student to complete the lab if they do not have access to the computer outside of class?

For the most part, yes, labs and homework are computer-based. There is an open lab with hours from 8 am-midnight M-Thursday, 8-5 Fridays, noon-6 on Saturdays, and noon-midnight on Sundays. For your health and sanity, I don't recommend trying to get into the in other hours anyhow.

How difficult will it be to make minor changes to other kinds of Lisp code after we learn Scheme? (let's say I want to modify an emacs config file)

There are a few fundamental differences between Lisp and Scheme, and the space of things an ordinary human being might want to do with their .emacs file should be straightforward after only a few weeks in the class.

I was wondering whether we will be able to install the software we will be working with on our personal laptops, so that we can work on assignments from different locations.

There is not (and probably won't be) a version for Windows machines, but there are versions for Linux and Mac. However, with the proper configuration you can run the software on the MathLAN, but display it on your local machine. See this page for more information.

When and where are good places to do computer science work? Is there a lab that we can use?

Yes! Right next door to our classroom (SCI 3815). Any hours it is open are good hours, but the tutors are available most evenings to help.

Are the exams mostly focused on assessing theoretical knowledge, or problem solving ability on an actual computer?

Well, that depends on your view. You may be able to answer the questions without testing your code, but I wouldn't recommend it. Exams will ask you to produce algorithms that employ the theories we hope you'll be learning.

Also, would it be necessary to bring a notebook to class to take notes, or is learning sufficiently hands-on that a notebook is unnecessary?

I recommend bringing a notebook, for no other reason than as soon as you don't, you'll wish you had.

What sorts of collaboration ARE allowed on homework?

You will (usually) be allowed to work with up to 3 other people in groups.

If we need a certain program to work on a project will we get it from the college?

Yes, it is freely available on the MathLAN computers, and for select other platforms. (See link above.)