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City Tech OpenLab > CET1111: Logic and Problem Solving > Syllabus

Syllabus

CET1111: Logic and Problem-Solving

Course Overview

A practical introduction to the foundations of problem-solving and design thinking applied in computer engineering technology. Students are brought into the process of building physical computer systems that interact with the user or the environment through sensors and actuators. Students learn fundamental computational techniques, logic, creative problem-solving, and iterative development through project-based learning.

Students will learn Python to understand basic programming concepts and use the Micro:Bit to explore the world of Physical Computing. The course encourages students to cooperate with others and use their imagination, creativity, and problem-solving.

Course Designation: Required for the Associate and Bachelors in Computer Engineering Technology and Software Engineering Technology.

Course Credits: 3 | 2 Hours Lecture and 2 Hours Lab.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the students will be able to:

  1. Describe the fundamental components of computer systems, including hardware and software, and explain how they interact to solve real-world problems.
  2. Use problem decomposition, abstraction, pattern recognition, and algorithmic thinking to design efficient solutions for technical challenges.
  3. Develop and iteratively refine software and hardware solutions using control structures, functions, and modular design principles.
  4. Employ user-centered design thinking principles to empathize with users, define problems, ideate solutions, prototype, and test functional systems.
  5. Identify and resolve errors in algorithms and systems through systematic testing, debugging, and validation techniques.
  6. Analyze and manipulate data using logical structures, Boolean expressions, and fundamental data structures (e.g., lists, dictionaries).
  7. Apply problem-solving and design principles to real-world scenarios, such as IoT systems, sensor-based devices, or energy efficiency projects.
  8. Work collaboratively in diverse teams to plan, develop, and evaluate engineering projects, demonstrating effective communication and teamwork.

General Education Outcomes

  • SKILLS/Inquiry/Analysis: Employ scientific reasoning and logical thinking.
  • SKILLS/Inquiry/Analysis: Use creativity to solve problems
  • KNOWLEDGE/Lifelong learning: Acquire tools for lifelong learning—how to learn, how they learn, knowledge of resources.
  • VALUES, ETHICS, AND RELATIONSHIPS/Professional/Personal Development: Demonstrate Intellectual honesty and personal responsibility.
  • VALUES, ETHICS, AND RELATIONSHIPS/Professional/Personal Development: Work with teams, including those of diverse composition. Build consensus.

Textbook

Reference Textbooks

  1. The Invent to Learn Guide to the micro:bit (Invent to Learn Guides). Pauline Maas, Peter Heldens, Gary S. Stager. Constructing Modern Knowledge Press (January 5, 2023)
  2. BBC Micro:bit in Practice: A hands-on guide to building creative real-life projects with MicroPython and the BBC Micro:bit. Ashwin Pajankar, Sandeep Saini, Abhishek Sharma. Editorial Packt. Dec 2022 1st Edition
  3. The Official BBC micro: bit User Guide (1st. ed.). Gareth Halfacree. 2017. Wiley Publishing.
  4. How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: Interactive Edition. Brad Miller and David Ranum. Runestone Interactive Project at Luther College. 2014.
  5. Digital Logic Primer.
  6. Video lectures

Grading Policy

Quizzes20%
Homework20%
Weekly Labs10%
Project 110%
Project 210%
Project 310%
Final Project20%
Total (Final Grade)100%
Grade Weights
Score %< 6060-69.970-76.977-79.980-82.983-86.987- 89.990- 92.993-100
GradeFDCC+B-BB+A-A
Letter Grades

Weekly Quizzes

There will be a short quiz every week. These quizzes will be taken online using Brightsopace after class time as homework.

Labs

There will be different labs assigned where you will apply the lessons learned in class. Most of the time, you must show the results of your program running to your professor to receive full credit. Late labs will not be accepted and labs will be graded individually, even if you worked in a team.

Final Exam

There will be one final examination at the end of the semester. This is a comprehensive exam covering material from the entire semester, from the five modules.

Homework, Module Exams, Labs, and Final Examination Appointment

There will be no make-up of missed homework, quizzes, and final exam unless you have a valid reason according to City Tech’s policy.

Brigthspace

Brightspace will be used extensively to provide course material, collect assignments and reports, and provide detailed grading information. Students must ensure their Brightspace login works at the beginning of the course.

Class and Course Expected Behavior

This syllabus contains the policies and expectations that have been established for this course. These policies and expectations are intended to create a productive learning atmosphere for all students. Please bring any concerns you may have to my attention.

To create and preserve a course atmosphere that optimizes teaching and learning, all students share the responsibility of creating a positive learning environment. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not disrupt teaching or learning, and they are expected to follow these standards.

  • I will begin online live sessions promptly at the designated time and students are expected to be on time for these sessions. In addition, the class will end at the designated time. Please refrain from engaging in other tasks during the online session as it is disruptive to me and to others around you
  • Students should show respect to each other and to the professor.
  • The use of phones for talking and texting during class is prohibited, except when you are programming or testing a program directly into your phone. Please make sure you put your phone in silent mode or turn it off.
  • Course discussions should be civilized and respectful to everyone and relevant to the topic we are discussing. Make sure you follow the netiquette rules. Discussion forums are meant to allow for a variety of viewpoints. This can only happen if we respect one another and our differences.
  • Any activity that threatens the college’s academic integrity will result in disciplinary action.
  • Please refer to the Student Handbook and the Catalog of New York City College of Technology for a full listing of the Student Code of Conduct, Classroom Behavior Guidelines, and Academic Integrity Rules.

Netiquette

  1. Make sure identification is clear in all communications. Begin with a salutation (“Hi, Prof. Mendoza!”) and end with your signature (“Robert Smith, CET1111/HD24”).
  2. Be inclusive. It is important to be intentional about making sure we “see” each other in an online community. You can do this by making sure that everyone has at least one response.
  3. Be concise. Lengthy paragraphs are difficult for readers to digest. Keep your paragraphs short and your writing concise.
  4. Stay on topic. Off-topic comments can derail our conversation. You can post off-topic comments in our open discussion forum or one of the other communication modes we are using in the course.
  5. Review what you wrote and try to interpret it objectively. When we speak face to face and are misunderstood, we have an on-the-spot opportunity to rephrase our words. In writing, we must strive twice as hard to be understood, as we do not have the benefit of modifying or elaborating in real-time.
  6. NO YELLING. When you write in uppercase letters in online communication, it is usually interpreted as yelling. All caps (“I’M SHOUTING”) and exclamation points (“Give me a break!!!”) can be misinterpreted as intense anger or humor without the appropriate context.
  7. If you wouldn’t say it face to face, don’t say it online. When you’re working online, you’re safe behind a screen, but that’s no excuse to be ill-mannered or say things you would never say in public.
  8. Don’t assume everyone understands where you’re coming from. Sarcasm and wit are often the spice of in-person conversation, but in an online discussion, it can not only lose its edge, it can bite! In your high school classroom, all students were the same age, came from similar backgrounds, and lived in the same area. In contrast, your online classroom is made up of people of all ages and cultures who have varied backgrounds, lifestyles, and geographic locations. With this in mind, review what you wrote before contributing to the conversation and ask yourself, “Will everyone get the joke?”
  9. Add some emotion. 🙂 Sometimes, adding an emoticon helps communicate the tone of your message. However, only do so as necessary, for it can also annoy readers if you use too many (which is probably the opposite of your intention).
  10. Remember, if it’s on the internet, it’s everywhere. Don’t share personal information about yourself in a public online forum, especially something that could put your safety or security at risk.
  11. Respect others’ privacy. Don’t give out another student’s personal email address without permission.
  12. Don’t spam. Please don’t take advantage of your connection with the other students in your online classroom to forward emails and links regarding your political/spiritual beliefs or to sell your services.
  13. Follow the rules. Just as your online college posts guidelines related to academic integrity and student expectations, online forums also have rules of conduct. Make a point to read them every time, as they can vary from class to class.
  14. Forgive and forget. If you’re offended by something another student says online, keep in mind that you may have misunderstood their intentions. Give them the benefit of the doubt.

Attendance

The course abides by the current CUNY Attendance policy. If for any reason you miss a class, it is your responsibility to review all the material covered in the class and to complete the corresponding reading and programming assignments.

Academic Integrity Policy

Students and all others who work with information, ideas, texts, images, music, inventions, and other intellectual property owe their audience and sources accuracy and honesty in using, crediting, and citing sources. As a community of intellectual and professional workers, the College recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and responding vigilantly and appropriately to infractions of academic integrity. Accordingly, academic dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York and at New York City College of Technology and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension, and expulsion.

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