CS 160 is designed as an introduction to the world of Computer Science. It offers an overview of a variety of topics, including computer design and architecture, algorithms, data structures, logic, and artificial intelligence. We will also explore the world of computer programming using virtual robots. You will program these to perform various "missions" in a world far, far away, and then watch your robot in action! It is really fun, and really rewarding!

Note: It is essential that you have access to a Windows computer capable of running the CeeBot software application. Although this is supplied free of charge to students enrolled in the class, it is an 80Mbyte download, so you will need access to a high speed internet connection to do this in a reasonable period of time. You will also need access to a moderately powerful Windows machine capable of running 3D graphics. I recommend you download and install the software now to be sure your computer is capable of running it successfully before term begins.

There is no required book for this class. All the reading material is available online.

CS 161 is an academically rigorous transfer class designed to be compatible with CS 161 as taught at PSU. It is generally not considered an easy class, and, for many students, represents a considerable investment of study and project time.

NOTE: I do NOT recommend you take this class online (DL) unless you are sure you have adequate prior preparation in computer programming to be successful. You should not register for the DL section if you are new to computer programming.

The required book for all sections of CS 161 is C++ Programming, From Problem Analysis to Program Design (3rd edition or later) by D. S. Malik (Thompson/Course Technology). The C++ compiler you will require is available as a free internet download from Bloodshed. Be sure you get Dev-C++ 5 Beta 9.2 (4.9.9.2), which is the latest release as I write this. Alternatively, you can use Microsoft Visual C++ Express if you prefer, although I do not recommend this for online students unless you are already familiar with its use as it is more sophisticated and complicated to use than Bloodshed.

CS 233G will explore some current technologies for developing games for the Windows platform. This class will be co-taught with Jordan Weinfurtner of the Multimedia department and will focus on 3D game development using Unity 3D. We will also be discussing texturing using Photoshop and modelling using Maya.

Although there are no official pre-requisites, you will need to be proficient with basic programming to be comfortable in this class. I would strongly suggest you have completed CS 161 (with a decent grade), CIS 133J (with a decent grade) or CS 133U (with a decent grade). Additionally, a good understanding of college algebra and trigonometry is also going to be very helpful, and you will probably feel lost without it. Finally, CS 133G would be a good prior introduction to the world of game development.