MCS/PHY 186: Introductory Programming
SUNY Cortland
To install python on your own computer, follow this link to install python on your computer and select the latest version of python (currently 3.7.0). (If you want to be able to use R with python then you might consider installing anaconda instead.) Later in the semester we will be using vPython which is built on python 2.7.x. Follow the download link on the left-hand side of the page to install the proper version of python 2 and vPython.Fall 2018
Homework| Due | Reading | Problems | Posted |
| Due | Reading | Problems | Posted |
| Aug. 28 | Chapter 1 | Aug. 23 | |
| Aug. 30 | Chapter 2 | 1.1 and 1.2 | Aug. 23 |
| Sept. 4 | Chapter 3 | Aug. 23 | |
| Sept. 6 | 2.1 (turn in your answers, either hand written or typed) and 2.2 (if your script is well commented then this is all that you need to turn in, if it isn't turn in your script and a piece of paper interpreting your results) | Aug. 30 | |
| Sept. 11 | Chapter 4 through exercises on page 38--we will work these exercises out in class. | 3.2 and 3.3 | Aug. 30 |
| Sept. 13 | Rest of Chapter 4 | Sept. 6 | |
| Sept. 18 | Chapter 5 | Sept. 6 | |
| Sept. 20 | You may do this assignment individually or as part of a
group. Note that every group MUST contain
3 members, each member with their own role: Recorder-takes notes, types, and submits work Skeptic-who questions the validity of the work and insists on clear justification Task master-keeps your group focused. Note that these roles must rotate in future group work. The assignment: 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 (must construct at least 3 letters and at least one with a curved part), 4.5 pick any three. Please submit your programs electronically (recorder's job, email will work). Use comments at the top of your program to identifying the people in your group and their role. Make sure that each group member has a copy of the program (also recorder's job). | Sept. 17 | |
| Sept. 25 | Chapter 6--Read and work through | Sept. 17 | |
| Sept. 27 | 5.2, 5.3, 5.5, 5.6 | Sept. 17 | |
| Oct. 2 | Chapter 7 | Sept. 25 | |
| Oct. 4 | 6.1, 6.4 (you are testing if a equals b**n where n is an integer), 6.5 | Sept. 25 | |
| Oct. 9 | review and vPython, Intro to 3-D modeling | Sept. 25 | |
| Oct. 11 | Exam #1, Chapters 1-6 | Sept. 25 | |
| Oct. 16 | Fall Break | ||
| Oct. 18 | Intro to 3-D modeling using vPython | Oct. 10 | |
| Oct. 23 | vPython activity 1. | The questions for chapter 7. | Oct. 10 |
| Oct. 25 | vPython activity 2. | vPython activity 1 due. | Oct. 10 |
| Oct. 30 | vPython activity 3. | vPython activity 2 due. | Oct. 10 |
| Nov. 1 | vPython activity 4
The shell of the program for activities 4 and 5. | vPython activity 3 due. | Oct. 10 |
| Nov. 6 | vPython activity 5. | vPython activity 4 due. | Oct. 10 |
| Nov. 8 | Chapter 8 (w/ a few comments on the space craft at the beginning of class) | Oct. 29 | |
| Nov. 13 | First 3 pages of chapter 9 (pgs 99-101) | vPython activity 5 due | Oct. 29 |
| Nov. 15 | Chapter 10 | 8.4, 8.5 | Nov. 5 |
| Nov. 20 | We will discuss Monte Carlo simulations and work 10.7 and 10.8 in class. This is foundational to work in future chapters. Any remaining time will be spent on homework. | Nov. 13 | |
| Nov. 22 | Thanksgiving Break today | ||
| Nov. 27 | Chapter 11 | 9.1, 10.5, and 10.11 | Nov. 13 |
| Nov. 29 | Chapter 13, pages 151-155. We will work exercises 13.1-13.3 in class. | Nov. 13 | |
| Dec. 4 | Chapter 14 through databases, pages 165-170. | Nov. 29 | |
| Dec. 6 | review | 11.1, 11.4, and these additional questions. | Nov. 29 |