CS1 offered two ways in 2009-10



We plan to offer two varieties of CS 121 (CS1) during 2009-10.

  • The popular emphasis on applications to online communication and multimedia using the Scheme programming language will continue throughout the year (Fall, Spring).

  • A pilot section focusing on applications to science and Mathematics using the Python programming language will be offered the Fall.

Both will include the same basic CS content that develops your analytical thinking skills, whatever your major. CS 121 also provides a foundation for later CS courses for those who want to go on. All versions of CS 121 satisfy the MAR/AQR requirement.

Multimedia communications

Most sections of CS 121 (CS1) supplement the base concepts of CS with applications to multimedia communications, using the Scheme programming language. This means using the intellectual and practical skills you get from studying CS in order to create web pages, sounds, music, images, and animations. Our unique "wiki"-based system enables students to take advantage of the CS knowledge gained throughout the course for creating distinctive multimedia applications.

For example, you can create a piece of music by simply writing a sequence of "midi" numbers for the notes. Differences in loudness, note length, etc., can also be indicated; and you can "play" multiple sequences at once in order to create multi-part harmony. You can even generate note sequences automatically using the programming learned in the course.

Students start making their own web pages on the first day of class, with our easy-to-use wiki system. Team projects during the course give you a chance to collaborate with others to create interesting web sites, novel sounds, etc. Working together with others is fun, and a great way to learn.

The final project applies the CS concepts to plan and create an online animation as a team. You can now convert your online animation to a video format and upload it to YouTube and other sites! The instructions for converting CS1 animations to video format are explained in the course.

No prior experience is assumed for these multimedia applications -- you learn everything you need in the course. If you have prior experience, it will just give you more things you can explore...

These applications complement the core material of CS 121 (CS1), which surveys the concepts of Computer Science. The ideas of CS can be applied to any field, since an understanding of computing is relevant to nearly any study. In particular, CS develops logical thinking and an ability to organize abstract ideas in concrete ways. These are skills you can use in lots of contexts, not just in multimedia applications.

CS1 with multimedia applications will be offered in the Fall semester, Interim term, and Spring semester.

New Science/Mathematics emphasis

In Fall 2009, CS 121 Section A will focus on the sciences and Mathematics. This pilot (or trial) offering will build on the same core CS concepts that provide CS background, develop programming skills, teach analytical and computational thinking, and improve problem-solving abilities as other sections of CS 121. However, this section will use the Python programming language, and will focus on applications in the natural sciences (including Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Psychology) and Mathematics.

The particular applications will be chosen in consultation with faculty in the target fields, as the course is developed this summer. More specific information will appear in this location as the choice of applications is finalized. This section is designed for students in these application areas, although like other sections of CS 121, this section has no prerequisites. All sections of CS 121 make a satisfying single course in CS, and also prepare students for subsequent CS courses.

For more information, contact the instructor, Dick Brown (rab@stolaf.edu, x3861.

More about CS1

Students learn in CS1 through "hands-on" exercises that make the concepts of computer science and our applications quite concrete and accessible. Doing and understanding the ordinary daily homework is the surest way to do well in the course.

In multimedia sections, CS1 students do practically all of their work using our specially modified wiki software, which is easy to use and accessible from anywhere on or off campus using the web. Our wiki is special because it directly "understands" the Scheme programming language that we use to teach CS concepts. You can create web pages, sounds, animations, etc., all using the Scheme language, via the wiki, then view your results on the same system. Plus, you can continue using the wiki after the course ends, in order to keep using the practical skills you learn during the course.

The Fall 2009 Section A of CS 121 will use a Python-oriented system for programming in that language.

Sound interesting? Want to know more? Sign up for CS 121 in the Fall or Spring terms, or talk to:

Or, for any questions about CS1, other CS courses or the CS program in general, contact Dick Brown (rab@stolaf.edu).