Computing for Science Majors

Course Details

Course Number: 1023  Section Number: 101

Fall 2012

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 103

Days & Times:

MWF 11:00 AM

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Richard P. Simpson   
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Course Objectives

This course is designed as a first course in computing for Science Majors. It's focus will be on the techniques and software that support the writing of scientific papers. Each student will be led through the process of researching, data analysis, data graphing, image processing and paper writing of a topic from the students major. These papers will follow the format of a known journal format such as that required by Association of Computing Machinery and the American Chemical Society. There are style plugins that now work with Microsoft Word for these organizations.


Course Expectations

Prerequisite: College Algebra

Exams: 2 Exams and 1 Final

Homework: 10-15 homework/projects are required.

A paper written in Word  is required together with its associated Powerpoint presentation.


Grading Standards

20% Major Examination(2) 10% each

15% Final Exam

45% Homework and Projects

5% Powerpoint

15% Paper


Final Exam12/10/2012  10:30 AM

Submission Format Policy

A paper will be assigned that will concern itself with a specific topic in each students major. For example if you are a chemistry major you may research and write a paper on the molecular structure, application and future of Fullerenes(Buckyballs, carbon nanotubes). The format for this paper will follow the format specified by the journal of ACM.  Students are required to use Microsoft Word together with its Bibliography and Citation support.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Assignments be regularly given to be done outside of class either in the labs on campus or at home on the students personal computer. All homework assignments must be turned in at the beginning of the class period in which they are due. Late homework will be penalized. Not turning in the homework will result in a severe reduction of the students grade.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance will be taken at each class meeting by having students sign a roll sheet. Many of the classes will have an in class exercise that is turned in. If you are not in class you will not get credit for these exercises. A few of the in-class exercise grades will be dropped to allow for a few special circumstances. In otherwords it is very important that you attend every class and arrive on time.


Other Policies

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.