This course focuses on the basic principles behind computer engineering and programming. Students learn how to develop a requirements list, plan a computer-controlled system (a simple robot), and build and program the system. Principles covered include:

• Computer architecture
• History of computers
• Data representation and storage
• Gates and circuits
• Algorithms
• Programming languages
• Operating systems
• Artificial intelligence

After completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Develop a list of system requirements for a computer-controlled system
2. Determine whether available resources can satisfy the requirements
3. Specify a system that makes the best use of available resources
4. Construct a computer-controlled system (a robot)
5. Construct programs to control the system and solve problems

Each student may be absent twice without penalty. Each additional two absences without a medical excuse (no others are acceptable) will cost the student three points on the course grade.

Grades will be based on six quizzes, two small papers, and one final paper. The papers will be team efforts. The final paper will describe how the design of the robot project was developed and report on the outcome. The project goal will be a robot capable of solving a maze. See the Course Schedule for further details.



Students who plagiarize tests and projects will receive zeros for the work in question, with no makeup opportunities.

Students with a disability who are requesting academic accommodations should contact the Center for Academic Support (CAS) and the instructor as soon as possible.