Course Information

ISE 108 introduces computer programming at a level suitable for those with no prior programming experiences, including liberal arts and humanities majors. Programming exercises involve state-of-the-art visual applications. Topics include problem-solving techniques, object-oriented design, and programming concepts such as conditionals, iteration, arrays, and modularity.


Course Objectives

• Introduce students to algorithmic problem-solving techniques and elementary program design

• Develop basic programming concepts including assignments, conditionals, loops, subroutines and common data types in a high-level programming language.


Important Dates

9/6: No Class (Day after Labor Day)

9/29: Midterm 1 (in class)

11/3: Midterm 2 (in class)

11/24: No Class (Thanksgiving Break)

12/20: Final exam (11:15 AM–1:45 PM, location TBA)


Grading Policy

Course grades will be based on a combination of:

• four written homework assignments (20% total)

• one final project (15%)

• two computer-based midterm exams (15% and 20%, respectively)

• one computer-based final examination (30%)

The letter grade conversion table is below. All grades will be posted on Blackboard.


Final score (out of 100) Letter grade
94–100A
91–93A-
88–90B+
84–87B
81–83B-
78–80C+
74–77C
71–73C-
65–70D
0–64F


Late Assignment and Make-up Exam Policy: Each assignment clearly states its due date and should be submitted through Blackboard. Late submissions may be accepted at the instructor's discretion, with an accompanying 50% penalty to the assignment grade. Make-up exams will ONLY be granted for valid medical reasons (a doctor's note is required), for religious reasons, or for documented participation in University-sponsored events. Except for medical excuses, reasonable prior notification (at least 48 hours prior to the exam) to the instructor is REQUIRED in order for a make-up opportunity to be granted.

Grade Challenge Policy: The TAs and I will endeavor to post grades as soon as possible after assignments/exams are turned in (normally within 7–10 days). Questions about or challenges to assignment or midterm exam grading MUST be made within TWO WEEKS of the grades being posted; after that period, grades are considered final for that assignment or exam.


Policy on Electronic Devices in Class

Students are encouraged to bring laptops and tablet devices to class for note-taking purposes only, especially during the programming lectures. All communication and entertainment devices should be silenced or (preferably) turned off for the duration of the class unless otherwise directed by the instructor. No personal electronic devices of any sort may be consulted or used during exams; this will be considered an instance of academic dishonesty, and will be treated as such.


Students With Disabilities

If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may have an impact on your ability to carry out assigned course work, please contact the staff in the Disabled Student Services (DSS) office, 128 Educational Communications Center (E.C.C), Phone/TTY: (631) 632-6748. DSS will review your concerns and determine with you what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation of disability are confidential. 

Students who require assistance during emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Support Services. For procedures and information please visit http://www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/fire/ and search Fire Safety and Evacuation.


Academic Integrity Policy

Each student must pursue his or her academic goals honestly and be personally accountable for all submitted work. Representing another person's work as your own is always wrong. Any suspected instance of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Academic Judiciary. For more comprehensive information on academic integrity, including categories of academic dishonesty, please refer to the academic judiciary website at  http://www.stonybrook.edu/uaa/academicjudiciary/ (Adopted by the Undergraduate Council 9/12/06)

Students who are found guilty of academic dishonesty will automatically receive a final grade of 'F' for the course.


Critical Incident Management

Stony Brook University expects students to respect the rights, privileges, and property of other people. Faculty are required to report to the Office of Judicial Affairs any disruptive behavior that interrupts their ability to teach, compromises the safety of the learning environment, or inhibits students' ability to learn.


Use of Email for Official Communication

Students, faculty, and staff are responsible for making sure they are receiving and checking for official University communications at their primary campus email address (@stonybrook.edu) on a regular basis, or making sure they forward their Stony Brook mail to a personal email account (Google Apps users only).