Basic Facts

Required Resources

Official UCSB Catalog Description

CMPSC 9: Intermediate Python Prerequisite: CMPSC 8 or ENGR 3 with a grade of C or better. Intermediate topics in Computer Science using the Python programming language. Topics include object-oriented programming, runtime analysis, data structures, and software testing methodologies.

What this course is about

CS 9 serves as a continuation of material covered in CS 8: Introduction to Computer Science using the Python programming language. The target of this class is for non-CS majors who will learn additional fundamental CS topics such as object-oriented programming, algorithm runtime analysis, fundamental data structures, and testing methodologies. By the end of this course, students should be able to explain tradeoffs between various algorithms / data structures, their performance, and their implementation.

A few course policies in brief

Course Philosophy

Learning the details of programming requires A LOT OF PRACTICE, like learning any new skill. Making mistakes is an essential part of learning as long as you learn from them! Questions like “I wonder what will happen if I do this…” or “How will Python behave in this case…” is a great way to investigate and observe the functionality and limitations of a programming language (there are many programming languages available to software developers and each have their specific pros and cons that may or may not be the best choice for the problems you are trying to solve).

One of the best way to practice is to rapid prototype constantly. Writing simple snippets of code to test and confirm your understanding allows you to 1) practice typing out code, which makes you more comfortable with the language and 2) solidify your understanding of the specific behavior of the programming language functionality.

We highly encourage all students to start all assignments and reading as early as possible, and invite all students to seek assistance during our lab sections / office hours when offered. Waiting until the last-minute to ask questions or provide clarifications may result in not receiving a response in time - please give us ample time to help you appropriately.

Piazza Etiquette

Here are some general rules about Piazza, to keep it from getting cluttered, ensure you can benefit the most from having this forum, and to make it easier for us to answer your questions. Class communication will be done through this platform (reminders / announcements / etc).

In general, Piazza is not a substitute for lab sections / office hours, and we generally will not consistently check Piazza on weekends - the best feedback is given in lab sections / office hours.

But when you have a question and would like to post it on Piazza:

  1. Search through existing Piazza questions to make sure your question hasn’t been answered before. Please, don’t clutter the forum with duplicate questions - use the follow-up discussion if your question is related to something that’s been asked.
  2. Use the filters (lab, lecture, logistics) to navigate between questions easily.
  3. Please DO NOT post your code (even if incorrect) in your public questions at any time, including past the deadlines. Snippets of code are generally fine, but should be framed in a generic way, not specific to the lab or your unique solution.
  4. If you believe that other students will benefit from the answer, make the question public. Else, make it private. Note: You are able to post anonymously to your classmates, so the majority of posts should be public, in case someone else has the same question.
  5. We do our best to get your questions answered in a timely manner. However, if you find a question that you can help with, please feel free to answer it! We encourage students’ participation in answering questions.

Course Grades

Letter grades will be determined by the end of the course after all labs, homeworks, and exams have been computed. The grade will include the + and - scale (90% = A-, 89% = B+, etc.). However, we will adjust the letter grades accordingly based on the class’ overall performance at the end of the course. If you are concerned about your grade in the class, I encourage you to discuss the matter with me during my office hours. Please come talk to me sooner rather than later, so there can be some time where we can help you succeed in the course.

Your course grade will be determined as follows:

Grade Item Percentage of Final Grade
Academic Integrity Contract 1 %
Homeworks 9 %
Labs 20 %
Midterm (Week 5, Thu 05/02) 3:30pm - 4:45pm 35 %
Final (Th 06/13), 4:00pm - 6:00pm 35 %

In general, homeworks will be assigned periodically throughout the quarter and should be completed on Gradescope by the due date.

There will be labs assigned throughout the quarter. These labs are autograded and your score is based on Gradescope’s recorded score. Lab sections and office hours are available to ask questions and seek assistance. Please be sure to check the due dates for all assignments on the course page and calendar.

Late work

We will consider late submissions/accommodations only for athletic and university-approved accommodations, medical or family emergencies where formal documentation can be provided. An official documentation has to show: 1) your name, 2) the reason/issue description, and 3) dates (e.g., even the processed tickets to fly home for an emergency can count as documentation as long as your name and dates are on them).

This policy does not cover overwhelming workload from other courses, scheduling conflicts, technical difficulties, or vacation plans. The course policy of dropping two lowest homeworks, and lab assignments’ 24-hour late window is in place to accommodate any unfortunate situation where no form of documentation can be provided.

Any accommodation requests based on religious affiliation are required to be submitted before the end of Week 2. We will not accommodate any last-minute requests.

Use the following request for an extension form to submit your documented accommodation and attach the documentation (e.g., for varsity sports-related absences submit a signed letter from the coach with the tournament dates with your name on it). You will need to submit this form separately for all weeks in which you will need the accommodation.

Accommodations for disabilities

Students with disabilities may request academic accommodations for exams online through the UCSB Disabled Students Program at http://dsp.sa.ucsb.edu/. Please make your requests for exam accommodations through the online system as early in the quarter as possible to ensure proper arrangement.

Managing stress

Personal concerns such as stress, anxiety, relationships, depression, and cultural differences, can interfere with the ability of students to succeed and thrive. For helpful resources, please contact UCSB Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at 805-893-4411 or visit http://counseling.sa.ucsb.edu/.

Responsible scholarship

Honesty and integrity in all academic work are essential for a valuable educational experience. The Office of Judicial Affairs has policies, tips, and resources for proper citation use, recognizing actions considered to be cheating or other forms of academic theft, and students’ responsibilities, available on their website at: https://studentconduct.sa.ucsb.edu/academic-integrity. Students are responsible for educating themselves on the policies and abiding by them.

Furthermore, for general academic support, students are encouraged to visit Campus Learning Assistance Services (CLAS) early and often. CLAS offers instructional groups, drop-in tutoring, writing and ESL services, skills workshops, and one-on-one consultations. CLAS is located on the third floor of the Student Resource Building, or visit http://clas.sa.ucsb.edu.

Student Organizations and Resources

More information about student clubs and organizations can be found via Shoreline.

If you have a resource that you would like us to link here, send us a message on Piazza titled “Resource for the Syllabus” with the information.

Standard Disclaimer

This syllabus is as accurate as possible but is subject to change at the instructor’s discretion, within the bounds of UC policy.

Last Updated: Apr 17 - spelling corrections, clarifications, and the correct extensions form link