Nova Southeastern University

College of Engineering and Computing

Department of Computer Science

Course Syllabus (Fall 2019)

Last Date Revised: August 17, 2019

I. COURSE INFORMATION
Course Name CSIS 1800: Intro. to Computer and Info Sciences
Section & CRN DO1-20907
Dates/Time 8/19 to 12/8/2019
Class Location Carl DeSantis 2020

II. CONTACT INFORMATION

Instructor Charmaine Barreto
Phone (954) 262 7992
Office XXXX Carl DeSantis Building (TBA)
Office hours T, Th: 9:00 - 9:30 AM; 12:20 - 1:20 PM; and by
appointment
Email Cbarreto1@nova.edu (Preferred mode of
communication)
Website All course information (assignments, tests, etc.)
contained in Canvas

III. COURSE DESCRIPTION

An introductory course to study computer systems layer by layer. The material covers
Information Layer, Hardware Layer, Programming Layer, Operating Systems Layer,
Application Layer, and Communication Layer. Each layer is covered in great detail and the
concepts are supplemented by real examples. (Description Last Updated: Fall 2016
(201720))

IV. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of CSIS 1800, each student will have developed the ability to:
1. Demonstrate deep understanding of the layers of a computing system
2. Demonstrate deep understanding of Data Representation, Computing Components,
Operating Systems, Databases, Artificial Intelligence and Expert Systems, and The
World Wide Web as well as demonstrate familiarity with the latest technological
developments in the world of computers

Page 1 of 5
 3. Complete a series of assignments in order to gain experience with the following topics:
Data Representation, Computing Components, Operating Systems, the World Wide
Web, and programming concepts in a language neutral context and/or C++
4. Develop an awareness of ethical issues and technology’s impact on society

V. REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS

Textbook
Computer Science Illuminated, Nell Dale and John Lewis, Jones and Bartlett, 7th Edition
© 2019
ISBN-13: 978-1284155617 

The book is required and is used throughout the semester

Hardware/Software
Students are expected to have access to a PC in order to complete the homework
assignments and project.

VI. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES

 Class schedule is subject to modification, but not without prior notification.
 Students are expected to read each assigned chapter section, understand all
lectures, and complete all assigned exercises for the pertinent section
 Check announcements on Canvas at least twice a week
 All quizzes must be taken in class unless specified otherwise.
 Plagiarism, cheating and copyright infringement will not be tolerated in this class.
Evidence of academic dishonesty of any type, including copying information
verbatim from other sources, will result in 0 points for the problem/assignment in
question.
 Except for highly extenuating circumstances, an incomplete grade will not be
awarded.
 If an event occurs that warrants consideration, only those students who are
missing at most 45% of assignments of any type (project section, assignment, or
exam) will be considered. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor their
progress and take note of the final withdrawal date for the class.

Page 2 of 5
VII. COURSE SCHEDULE AND TOPIC OUTLINE

Week
Week Topic Covered in Class Due
of
1
8/19 Introductions and Syllabus Review
Ch1: Introduction to Computers
2 8/26 Ch1: Introduction to Computers
Ch2: Binary Values and Number
Systems
3 9/2 Ch2: Binary Values and Number
Systems Ch 1 Quiz (Tues)
Ch2: Binary Values and Number
Systems
4 9/9 Ch2: Review
Ch3: Data Representation
5 9/16 Ch3: Data Representation Ch 2 Quiz (Tues)
Ch3: Data Representation
6 9/23 Ch3: Review
Ch4: Gates and Circuits
7 9/30 Ch4: Gates and Circuits Ch 3 Quiz (Tues)
Ch4: Gates and Circuits
Ch 4 Quiz (Online using
8 10/8 Midterm Lockdown Browser and
Cameras)
9 10/14 Ch5: Computing Components
Ch5: Computing Components
10 10/21 Ch7: Problem Solving and Algorithm Ch 5 Quiz (Tues)
Design
Ch7: Problem Solving and Algorithm
Design
11 10/28 Ch7: Problem Solving and Algorithm
Design
Ch 7: Review
12 11/4 Ch 15: Networks Ch 7 Quiz (Tues)
Ch 15: Networks
13 11/11 Ch 15: Networks
Ch 15: Review
14 11/18 Ch 17: Computer Security Ch 15 Quiz (Tues)
Ch17: Computer Security
15 11/25 Ch17: Computer Security
Ch 17: Review
16 12/3 Final Exam Ch 17 Quiz

Page 3 of 5
 VIII. ASSIGNMENTS/TESTS

TESTS (Individual)
 There are 8 quizzes in this course. Each chapter quiz will consist of 15-20
random multiple-choice/fill-in-the-blanks/short answer questions drawn from the
chapter. All quizzes are completed individually. Each quiz is worth 11.25%.

Class Participation
 Distinct from attendance, class participation points are earned by participating in
the Quizlet games run in class and by interacting with the instructor and peers
when called on. Merely attending class does not earn you participation points.
You must actively participate.

IX. GRADING CRITERIA

GRADING CRITERIA

8 quizzes (11.25%)..............................................................................90%
Class participation ………..………………………………………………10%
.......................................................................................................... 100%

Grading Scale
93% - 100% A 73% - 76.9% C
90% - 92.9% A- 70% - 72.9% C-
87% - 89.9% B+ 67% - 69.9% D+
83% - 86.9% B 60% – 66.9% D
80% – 82.9% B- 59.9% or lower F
77% - 79.9% C+

X. COLLEGE-WIDE POLICY STATEMENTS

Last Day to Withdraw: To withdraw from a course, it is not sufficient simply to

stop attending class or to inform the instructor of your intention to withdraw. In
accordance with college policy, contact your advisor to begin the withdrawal
process. The last day to withdraw from this course may be viewed at
http://www.fcas.nova.edu/calendars/

Students must visit www.fcas.nova.edu/about/policies.cfm  to access additional required

college-wide policies. It is your responsibility to access and carefully read these policies to
ensure you are fully informed.  As a student in this class, you are obligated to follow these
college-wide policies in addition to the policies established by your instructor. 
The following policies are described on this website:

 Academic misconduct
 Writing across the curriculum

Page 4 of 5
  Last day to withdraw
 Email policy
 Student course evaluations
 Student responsibility to register
 Student responsibility for course prerequisites

XI. Additional Academic Resources

Nova Southeastern University offers a variety of resources that may aid in student success.
Among these resources are:

Accommodations for students with documented disabilities. For more information about
ADA policy, services, and procedures, students may call the Office of Student Disability
Services at 954-262-7189 or visit http://www.nova.edu/disabilityservices.
Free tutoring services. Students are encouraged to use the free tutoring services offered by
the Office of Academic Services (OAS). OAS provides a supportive atmosphere in which
tutors and students work collaboratively on improving students’ writing, math, and/or science
skills. For more information, students may visit http://www.fcas.nova.edu/academicservices/
or call OAS at (954) 262-8350.
Student Success Portal. All undergraduate students and faculty are encouraged to utilize
the Student Success Portal to locate information about university-wide resources designed to
promote student success. The Student Success Portal can be accessed at
http://www.nova.edu/studentsuccess.

Page 5 of 5