Computer programming in the life sciences is used for modeling and data analysis across all fields. In this course, students will learn the fundamentals of computer programming and apply it to solve real problems in the life sciences. Common syntax and thoughtful decisions on proper use of data structures will be emphasized.

Prequisites

COS majors only

Under certain circumstances, the instructor may have to alter course requirements, assignment deadlines, and grading procedures; and the university may have to alter the academic calendar.

Extra Assignments: Bonus assignments may be offered periodically throughout the semester. These are opportunities to practice what you have learned at a higher level. It is in your best interest to complete as many as possible...it will make the later semester easier. 😁

In class worksheets: Periodically there will be worksheets given in class as group exercises. For each of these worksheets that you complete during the regular semester, you will earn 0.5 pts toward your final grade. Only one member of the group needs to submit each worksheet...just be sure that all group members "sign" the submission.

Other: Bonus points may be offered as part of regular assignments/quizzes/exams. It is recommended that you complete the base assignment/assessment first, as these points are worth much less than the base activity. However, as with Extra Assignments above, it is in your best interest to complete as many as possible. The more you code, the better you will get at it.

There are a total of fourteen weekly assignments in the workshop periods. Assignments will be started in the two hour workshop, then can be completed outside of class if necessary. Final workshops are due in the appropriate myCourses Dropbox the next Wednesday before class.

Workshops may not be submitted for credit more than one week late. Workshops get increasingly more challenging as the course progresses and build on the lecture discussion. Therefore, be certain to complete workshops on time. Late workshops will be penalized 0.25 pts.

You are free to discuss workshops with other students. In fact, it is strongly encouraged! However, do not share your code with other students! (See cheating/plagiarism policy below) Any discussions, especially in the myCourses Discussion groups, must not include code. Pseudocode may be shared.

Homework assignments will generally expand upon the workshop assignments. Most will involve programming assignments. Homework is due Fridays of the following week before class in the appropriate myCourses Dropbox. So the homework for Week 1 is due before class on Friday, September 3rd. As with workshops, homework may not be submitted for credit more than one week late, and with a penalty of 0.2 points.

Quizzes will take place at the start of Friday workshops, except for weeks with a Monday exam. To take the quiz, you must start it in myCourses on time. It is highly recommended that you login to Zoom, too, in case you have questions during the quiz.

If needed, only one quiz/exam makeup will be given per assessment, at a day and time to be determined by the instructor. So all students needing a makeup will take the makeup on the same date, time, and location. Let the instructor know as far in advance as possible if you need to take a makeup.

Credit for attendance will be based upon the percent of sessions (lecture and workshop) for which students attend the full period with cameras on.

Note that the class may receive official communication in person in class, by email, or in the myCourses Discussion group(s). Any and all are considered official communication methods.

For the first offense, anyone caught plagiarizing or otherwise cheating will receive a 0 (zero) on the assignment/exam, and be referred to the Head of the School of Life Sciences. In the event of a second offense, the student will receive an "F" for the course. If you have any questions about whether or not something constitutes plagiarism and/or cheating, please ask the instructor in advance. Duplicate submissions will also receive a grade of 0 (zero) for the first incident. In the case of especially egregious offenses, the instructor reserves the right to assign a grade of "F" for the course, as per RIT policy.

Note that your code must be written by yourself. You are encouraged to work with each other in person and through discussion groups, but must in the end write all code on your own. Sufficient evidence of cheating on a workshop or homework will be treated the same as for plagiarism or cheating in any other part of the course. The assignments will be automatically checked for cheating.

Copyright notice

The legal use of distributed material is strictly limited to course activities, and not activity outside the course. The use of copyright protected material outside the RIT course may be prohibited by law.

COVID-19 Syllabus Addendum