CSCI 1080 Principles of Computer Science
This is an introductory course for students with little or no programming experience. It is intended principally for students who will not be CS majors or minors, but it will help prepare students for futurecomputerscience courses if they wishtocontinue, and will enable themtouse programmingtosolve problems in their field of study. The course presents an overview of the history, great principles, and transformative applications ofcomputerscience, as well as a comprehensive introductiontoprogramming. Students will start with visual coding and later be introduced to Python. The course is based on the 'learning by doing' approach where active participation and pair programming are pillar of the course.
Course overview
- Department
- Computer Science
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Fall
Catalog details
- Satisfies core
- Mathematics
Requirements fulfilled
- University Core: Mathematics (All undergraduates)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 3.38 / 5 · Good
- Instructor rating
- 3.51 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 4
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Cristina Maier | 3.7 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 4.1 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 1–3 hrs/week | 29 of 37 |
| Fall 2024 | Maira Marques Samary | 3.2 | 3.4 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 1–3 hrs/week | 39 of 54 |
| Fall 2023 | Maira Marques Samary | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 45 of 59 |
| Fall 2022 | Maira Marques Samary | 3.5 | 3.6 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 1–3 hrs/week | 51 of 71 |