Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.250.205

Introduction to Computing

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.18)

This course is helpful for many disciplines, not only the life sciences. It will introduce students to basic computing concepts and tools useful in many applications. Students will learn to work in the Unix environment and write bash shell scripts. They will learn to program using Python and explore graphing, numerical analysis, and statistical computing libraries, such as NumPy, SciPy, pandas, and Matplotlib. The course will also include an introduction to Machine Learning and will conclude with a Python project focused on data analysis. No previous programming knowledge is required. This course is designed for beginners.

Fall 2012

(3.9)

Fall 2013

(4.0)

Fall 2014

(3.72)

Fall 2014

(4.1)

Fall 2022

(4.18)

Fall 2022

(4.24)

Spring 2013

(4.44)

Spring 2014

(4.8)

Spring 2014

(4.25)

Spring 2015

(4.19)

Spring 2015

(4.43)

Spring 2023

(4.18)

Spring 2023

(3.94)

Fall 2012

Professor: Carolyn Fitch

(3.9)

Students enjoyed the well-paced teaching style because it ensured that everyone was actual y learning the material. Many students felt they learned a lot through the professor and the daily assigned labs. The worst aspect of the course was the professor’s inability to stick to the syl abus throughout the semester. The course could have been improved if students had a teaching assistant to help them understand some of the concepts. Prospective students should know that this is a practical course that will definitely teach them basic programming. It may get frustrating at times, but as long as they apply

Fall 2013

Professor: Carolyn Fitch

(4.0)

Students felt that the best aspects of this course included the topics covered in class and the smal class size that made it a comfortable place to ask questions and participate. However, many of the students felt that the course was disorganized, and that the workload was too great for an introductory level course. They also found it difficult to follow the syl abus and to know due dates for assignments because the schedule changed each week. Suggestions for improvement included having more structured lectures that provided detailed information and explained a topic in more depth. Students also wanted fewer assignments that were less complex assignments on a more consistent and evenly spread out schedule. Suggestions for prospective students include having an interest in computer programming, 41and some familiarity with computers. The course load is heavy, but students will learn a fair amount so long as they are willing to put in a lot of time and effort for the course.

Fall 2014

Professor: Ana Damjanovic

(3.72)

Students praised this interesting course for providing them with a basic understanding of programming and problem sets. Multiple students found that the course covered too much material and went through that material at too fast a pace for all students, particularly those unfamiliar with computers, to keep up. Suggestions for improvement included a desire by some students for additional opportunities to learn and practice programming such as a ‘lab’ section. Prospective students should know that students found the course difficult particularly if one lacked programming skills, although it provided useful life and career skills. 44

Fall 2014

Professor: Carolyn Fitch

(4.1)

Students praised this introductory course for al owing students to learn new programming languages and for covering a variety of material. Multiple students felt the course moved too quickly and that the homework could be hard and confusing particularly for people without programming experience. Some students found the homework an area worthy of improvement as it could vary from excessive to repetitive. Prospective students should know that students thought that prior computing knowledge wasn’t necessary but was helpful.

Fall 2022

Professor: Ana Damjanovic

(4.18)

Fall 2022

Professor: Maria Procopio

(4.24)

Spring 2013

Professor: Carolyn Fitch

(4.44)

The best aspect of the course was the general overview of computing language it provided students. The worst aspects of the course included the lack of feedback on assignments and the lack of adequate coverage on certain topics in class. Students felt that the course was somewhat disorganized and that the assignments had vague deadlines. The course would improve if the overall structure of the class was sorted out to have more effective use of class time. Prospective students should expect some chal enge and be willing to dedicate some extra time to learning the material.

Spring 2014

Professor: Ana Damjanovic

(4.8)

The top features of this course were the smal class size, hands-on learning, and an attentive and knowledgeable instructor. Three coding languages are taught in one semester, something that was ranked both the best and worst aspect by many students. Additional y, many students cited the fast pace as a detraction from the course. Some improvements suggested were to slow the pace or include only two coding languages. Prospective students should know that the workload is heavy, but the information is invaluable.

Spring 2014

Professor: Carolyn Fitch

(4.25)

The highlights of this course included the overview to three of the most used programming languages, the interactive nature of the assignments, and the relaxed and stress-free environment. Many students found that they left the course with a firm grasp of useful and applicable information. However, many students cited the need to work in on-campus computer labs and the heavy workload as the worst aspects of the course. Some suggestions for improvements included more time for each assignment, additional TA’s, and more clarity in the overall instruction. Prospective students should know that the course can be labor intensive, but the information is invaluable especially for those going into the sciences.

Spring 2015

Professor: Carolyn Fitch

(4.19)

The best part about this course was that it exposed students to four different programming languages. Students praised the professor for carefully and effectively explaining the material, and found that the assignments given enforced concepts. Some students claimed that there was not enough time given for 41tests, and none of the four languages covered were learned in great depth. Suggestions for improvement included recording and posting lectures online, and providing clearer instruction on homework assignments. Prospective students should know that this class was a good introduction to computer science.

Spring 2015

Professor: Ana Damjanovic

(4.43)

The best part of this course was that it exposed students to three different programming languages. Many students agreed that the professor was passionate and invested in her students’ success, provided helpful feedback, and assigned homework that effectively prepared students for exams. Some students thought that this course moved too quickly through the material and provided only surface-level understanding of each language. Suggestions for improvement included removing exams or allowing more time for exams. Prospective students should know this class is a great introduction to computing.

Spring 2023

Professor: Ana Damjanovic

(4.18)

Spring 2023

Professor: Maria Procopio

(3.94)

Lecture Sections

(01)

No location info
A. Damjanovic
10:00 - 10:50

(02)

No location info
A. Damjanovic
11:00 - 11:50

(03)

No location info
A. Damjanovic
09:00 - 09:50

(04)

No location info
M. Procopio
09:00 - 10:15

(05)

No location info
M. Procopio
12:00 - 13:15

(06)

No location info
M. Procopio
15:00 - 16:15

(07)

No location info
Staff
15:00 - 16:15