ECS 145 Preview, Fall 2014

As Fall Quarter approaches, here is important information for enrolled students (and those who hope to enroll).

• Coverage: We will focus on the Python and R languages, spending about 5 weeks on each. (R will be viewed as a programming language -- object-oriented and functional programming-based, with interesting metaprogramming features -- rather than focusing on its data/graphics capabilities).

  This is NOT a "Where do you put the semicolon?" class. (No class should be like that.) Instead, the issues are the goals of the language, the strengths and shortcomings, external enhancement (e.g. interfacing to C/C++), performance issues, etc.

• Necessary background:
  • NO prior knowledge of Python and R is required.
  • You need programming skill on the level of ECS 60. You must be able to write programs ON YOUR OWN, WITHOUT being given an outline. You also need to know C++ and data structures from ECS 60.

• Textbooks: Free download from Web -- Python notes, R notes (latter is early, 50% draft of published book).

  You are REQUIRED to have hard copies of these documents -- actual paper, not electronic (best to go to a copying store). Quizzes are open-book/open-notes.

• Workload: Required textbook reading; weekly quizzes (including group quiz on the last day of lecture, Dec. 11); four programming assignments; final project. (No midterms, no final exam.)

  Programming assignments, last-day quiz, and final project are done in groups.

• Grading: Quizzes (70%), programming assignments (30%).

  Programming assignments are GRADED INTERACTIVELY. TA will ask questions of EACH GROUP MEMBER, both ON THE PROGRAM AND THE COURSE CONTENT.

• Syllabus: Not ready yet, but will be similar in class structure to that of my other classes, e.g. ECS 158 .