[ Last web update: October 13, 2008 ]  Contact: roabel@engineering.uiowa.edu

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
57:017 Computers in Engineering

Fall 2008

Course Information

Time & Location: 12:30 - 1:20 p.m., MWF, 2229 SC

Course Description: Introduction to digital systems and engineering applications of microprocessor based computers; procedural and object-oriented computing; C and C++ programming languages; and dynamic data structures in C.

Prerequisites: 59:006 (EPS II) and sophomore standing.

Course Learning Goals:

  1. Gain an understanding of, and facility with, the C programming language.
  2. Gain an understanding of the principles of top-down structured development of
    software.
  3. Gain an understanding of parameter passage (by value versus by reference), pointers,
    and dynamic memory allocation/deallocation.
  4. Gain a basic understanding of object oriented programming.
  5. Gain a basic understanding of the C++ programming language

Instructor:
Prof. Gary E. Christensen
Office: 4324 Seamans Center
Email: cie@engineering.uiowa.edu
Office Hours: 11:00-noon Monday, Wednesday, & Friday

Consultant:

Martin Dolejsi
Office: 2243 SC
Office hours: 3-4:30 PM TTh
E-mail: cie@engineering.uiowa.edu

Teaching Assistants:

Nathan Fritze
Lab and Office: 2243 SC
Office hours: 3-4pm MWF
E-mail: cie@engineering.uiowa.edu
(old lab times: 9:30-11:30am Tues, 6:30-8:30pm Th, 2-4pm Friday )


Brian Pitt - No longer a TA

Lab Hours:

See TA information above for lab times. Please sign up for one of the sections on the signup sheet outside of 2243 SC. Everyone should have a lab partner and should attend lab during their scheduled time unless arrangements are made with the TAs. We will also allow access to the lab so that you can complete your homework outside of lab sessions.

NOTE: The lab has a camera to monitor activity. Access to the lab is also monitored through your key card. Do not prop the door open. Everyone should use their own key to gain access to the lab. If equipment goes missing or is damaged, we will look back at the log of key access to determine who is responsibile.

Textbooks:
Textbook for C (Required):    C How to Program (Fifth Edition)
                                               H.M. Deitel and P.J. Deitel
                                               Published by Prentice Hall

Optional: The C++ Standard Library: A Tutorial and Reference, N.M. Josuttis, Addison-Wesley

Course Web Page: http://www.engineering.uiowa.edu/˜cie

Homework and Labs: There will be weekly homework assignments of which some of these will be laboratory projects. C/C++ programming assignments can be developed on any suitable computer, but must be submitted electronically from the student’s engineering (CSS) account, so the assignment must work properly on those machines. Students must have a CSS account (stop in the CSS office in 1256 SC if one is needed).

Grading: There will be two midterm exams and a final exam during the semester. In addition, there may be several quizzes (in-class or take-home) sprinkled throughout the term. These may be unannounced. Final grade will be determined as follows:

Homework & Lab: 25%
Quizzes: 0-5%
Midterm Exam I: 22.5%
Midterm Exam II: 22.5%
Final Exam: 25-30%