Skip to content

CS101 - Computer Programming 1

CS101 introduces the foundations of programming through Java. The course focuses on writing, testing, and debugging programs using variables, data types, selection, repetition, methods, arrays, and file input/output. It is a hands-on programming course, so the theory is learned through regular lab work and Java practice.

Course Information

Item Details
Course code CS101
Course title Computer Programming 1
Credit hours 4 credits
Contact hours 3 lecture hours, 1 tutorial hour, and 2 lab hours
Prerequisite None
Main textbook Y. Daniel Liang, Introduction to Java Programming: Global Edition, 10th ed.
Course role Required

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of CS101, students should be able to:

  1. Use basic programming language features such as variables, data types, operators, type casting, arithmetic expressions, and the Math library.
  2. Use selection statements, including if, nested if, if-else, switch, logical operations, and logical expressions.
  3. Use repetition statements, including while, do-while, for, nested loops, break, and continue.
  4. Write modular Java programs using methods, parameters, return values, method overloading, and variable scope.
  5. Write programs that use one-dimensional arrays, array copying, passing and returning arrays, searching, and sorting.
  6. Read from and write to the console and text files.
  7. Use a Java IDE to write, run, test, and debug programs.

Course Content

  • Introduction to Computers, Programs, and Java

    Programming basics, Java programs, compilation, execution, and using an IDE.

  • Input, Variables, and Data Types

    Input, variables, naming conventions, assignment, type casting, arithmetic operations, operator precedence, and numeric expressions.

  • Selection

    Boolean values, if statements, nested selection, if-else, logical operations, and switch statements.

  • Strings, Characters, and Math

    Math library functions, character data, string data, and common operations.

  • Loops

    for, while, and do-while loops, nested loops, break, and continue.

  • Methods

    Void methods, parameters, return values, method overloading, and variable scope.

  • Arrays

    One-dimensional arrays, copying arrays, passing arrays as parameters, returning arrays, searching, and sorting.

  • Exceptions and Text Files

    Basic exception handling and file input/output using text files.

Assessments

Assessment Weight
Final exam 40%
Major exam 20%
Three quizzes 15%
Lab exam 10%
Two assignments 5%
Lab work 5%
Attendance 5%

Study Path

  1. Start with variables, expressions, input, and Java program structure.
  2. Practice selection until if, if-else, logical operators, and switch feel natural.
  3. Move into loops and trace loop behavior carefully.
  4. Use methods to break programs into smaller reusable parts.
  5. Practice arrays with searching, sorting, passing arrays, and returning arrays.
  6. Finish with file input/output and debugging practice in the Java IDE.

Source

This overview was updated from the CS101 course syllabus.