Course overview

Welcome to Computer Science I! This is an introductory course in computer science, with an emphasis on problem solving and programming in Java. You will become familiar with the syntax and structure of Java, but this course is about more than just one language. You will gain exposure to some of the fundamentals of computer science, including problem decomposition, algorithm design, software construction, arithmetic and logical operations, control flow through conditional execution, iteration, and recursion, classes, data structures, and object-oriented programming. This course is designed for majors and non-majors alike, and upon completion, students will have enhanced their reasoning and logic skills, which will serve them well in many disciplines.

Note: this course contributes to the data analytics minor.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course students will be expected to be able to do the following:
  • Explain core concepts in computer science
  • Convert between binary, decimal, and hexadecimal numbers
  • Distinguish between primitive data and objects, and how to convert between the two when applicable
  • Create interactive programs using Scanner and Java's printing functions
  • Understand Java's arithmetic and logical operators in order to evaluate expressions to the rules of the language
  • Understand and apply conditional execution, iteration, and recursion
  • Understand how and when to use arrays and ArrayLists for storing compound data
  • Apply decomposition, abstraction, and pattern recognition through the use of reusable methods
  • Design custom classes and objects with proper encapsulation
  • Use the Random and Math packages for special mathematical operations
This list is neither exhaustive nor set in stone.

Instructor

Name: Arjun Chandrasekhar (he/him/his)
Lecture:
  • Section 1: Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 9:30 am - 10:45 am
  • Section 2: Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 11:00 am - 12:15 pm

Email: chandrasa@southwestern.edu
Student Hours: Schedule them by appointment via Calendly. You may sign up for individual student hours (maximum of one per week per student), or group student hours (a more collaborative setting).
  • One-on-one student hours
  • Group student hours
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    Tutors

    CS 1 Tutoring for Fall 2025 will take place at the Tutoring center in the Smith library. starting TBD. The tutors for Fall/2025 will be TBD. You can register for tutoring here, or you can drop in for without registering. Tutors will be available at the following times:
    • TBD will be tutoring on TBD
    • TBD will be tutoring on TBD

    Course Links

    Here is a tentative calendar for the course.