Is CS 10 the right class for you?
- CS 10 replaces CS 110A. It is a broad introduction to fundamental concepts in computer science. Investigate how computers store and transmit information, how to solve problems with computers by designing and implementing algorithms (intro to programming), and how computing fits into larger social issues. It is a gentle introduction to computer science and programming for people who have never
programmed before. We will be using the Python programming language, but the concepts we cover are the same as in other programming languages.
- The only prerequisite knowledge I will assume is:
- Readiness for college-level English, or take ENGL 88 or ESL 188 before this course.
- Algebra: you need to be comfortable with order of operations, variables and functions from algebra. For example, you should know how to evaluate an expression like:
f(x) = 5 + 3 * x
when x=2, you should be able to calculate that f(2) = 11.
- Our main focus in the second half of the course will be to write programs with if-statements, loops, and functions/methods. After students complete CS 10, they should be able to do something like this:
Write a complete function/method that takes in a single numeric parameter. If the number is positive, use a loop to print a "Hello world!" message that number of times. Otherwise, print a message such as: "Error: number must be positive!"
If you already can write a program like that, then you can skip CS 10 and take CS 110B, 111B, or 131B, depending on your choice of language. If you don't know how to do something like that, then CS 10 is the right class for you.
- CS 10 is not required for most certificates, degrees, or transfer, but it is
an important first step for those who have never programmed, before they take other programming courses.
- If you want to transfer and get a Bachelors Degree,
assist.org has official information about which courses transfer (articulate) between schools. For example, you can see there that SFSU wants CS majors to know Java (as covered in our CS 111B and 111C courses).
Class Information for Craig Persiko's CS 10 Sections:
- I will be teaching 3 sections of CS 10 for Spring 2023. All of them are face-to-face at the Ocean Campus, full-term (January 17 - May 24):
- CRN 34864 Section 003: Mondays and Wednesdays 11:10 AM - 1:00 PM in Cloud Hall room 115 (Windows computers available in the classroom for students)
- CRN 34862 Section 001: Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:10 AM - 1:00 PM in Batmale Hall room 453 (Apple MacOS computers available in the classroom for students)
- CRN 34863 Section 002: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:10 PM - 3:00 PM in Batmale Hall room 453 (Apple MacOS Computers available in the classroom for students)
- My classes will NOT meet on Zoom - I encourage all my students to come to class, where we will work together on practice exercises on computers in the classroom. All course material will be available online, for students to read, watch videos, and complete the activities anytime, by the due dates each week.
- Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required, via this link, before you can register in face-to-face classes.
- You will need to use a computer (or tablet with external keyboard) for this class. Only a web browser is needed, so a simple computer or Chromebook is fine,
but a phone is not enough - you need a full-size screen and keyboard, so you can do homework.
You may be able to borrow a chromebook and/or get wifi from CCSF. There will also be computer labs available to you on campus.
- The textbook for this class is required for your grade, and it costs $40. It is interactive, so must be used online. The link will be available after you register for the course, but it is from ZyBooks.
- Course Procedures and Information are detailed here.
Inside that document, you'll find
the Semester Schedule, including test dates and holidays, etc.
- All of the course materials, assignments, etc. will be in Canvas (and in ZyBooks), so after you've registered for this course, you should see the course when you
login to Canvas between January 17 - May 24.
Miscellaneous Information: