Fall 2025 / COSC-1306, Programming for Non-Majors

Catalog Description:
An introduction to structured programming for students in non-computing disciplines. Logic and number representations are presented as they are used in programming. Students will learn how to write programs in a programming language and develop algorithms to perform computations of interest in mathematics and the sciences.
Prerequisites: None.

Course Overview:
Introduces students to the fundamental concepts of programming as a problem-solving methodology. Topics include: data types, variables, basic data operations, decision and repetition control structures, basic input and output including use of data files, programmer-defined functions, and basics of working with various Python objects. Course will also address testing, debugging, and documentation techniques. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have a working knowledge of the Python programming language and will be able to design, write, and debug Python computer programs. This is a technology-intensive course, students must have a laptop and bring it to every class period.

Required Textbook:

Starting out with Python, 5th Edition, Tony Gaddis ISBN-13: 9780135929032

Course Details:

Lecture:	Tuesday,Thursday -- 9:30 am to 10:50 am, Cooke 211.
Office Location:	Cooke C-206
Office hours:
Monday, Wednesday -- 8:00 am to 11:00 am.
Tuesday, Thursday -- 8:00 am to 9:00 am and 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.