This course serves as an introduction to computational thinking using a problem-centered approach. Specific topics covered include: expression of algorithms in pseudo code and a programming language; functional and imperative programming techniques; control structures; problem solving using recursion; basic searching and sorting; elementary data structures such as lists, trees, and graphs; and correctness, testing and debugging. Assignments (both in class and for homework) requiring a pseudo code solution and an implementation are an integral part of the course. An end-of-term project is also required.

This course serves as a means of bringing transfer students with some programming and data structures background to the same skill level that the computer science program's first year students have after completing CSCI 141 and 142. Problem solving skills and the choice and application of appropriate algorithms and data structures are at the core of the course. Assignments (both in class and for homework) requiring a design and an implementation are an integral part of the course. Larger programming projects are also required.