Computer Science 110 is a broad introduction to computers, the internet, and to the art of computer programming. The course begins with an introduction to World Wide Web and to the HyperText Markup Language (HTML). Students will also learn JavaScript, a scripting language that allows students to create more dynamic web pages. Students have hands-on practice writing JavaScript and experience with many different JavaScript applications. Concurrently, students will learn to use a variety of tools for designing and implementing web pages, including Fireworks, Graphic Converter, and Dreamweaver.

Computer Science 110 assumes no previous computer experience. The course is typically taught using the Macintosh computers in room E101 of the Science Center. However, PC users need not be concerned. While the software applications will be necessarily oriented toward the machines we will be using during lecture and discussion sections, similar applications exist for the PC world. Moreover, the programming and markup languages HTML and JavaScript are virtually identical in both worlds.

Students with significant computer experience, or students who believe they may wish to take additional courses in computer science should consider enrolling in Computer Science 111, Computer Programmming & Problem Solving, instead of Computer Science 110, Computers and the Internet. Students who are interested in majoring in the Sciences may want to explore Computation for the Sciences. If you are not sure which course is right for you, you may want to consult the document Choosing an introductory CS course or contact one of the course instructors.

Throughout the semester topics in computer science will be introduced as they arise during discussions of the internet. These include network protocols, network routing algorithms, file formats and file compression algorithms, object oriented programming, and cryptography. The course also discusses social and legal aspects of the internet. Topics include critical evaluation of web sources, copyright laws, authorization, privacy, and security. Please see the CS110 course syllabus for more details.

In collaboration with faculty advisors, students will design, implement, test, and present their own web sites. Web projects provide students with the opportunity to contribute to courses in disciplines outside of computer science. Applications from past semesters are used throughout Wellesley's curriculum.

Introduction | Syllabus | Assignments | Documentation | Project

Computer Science 110
Date Created: June 8, 1998
Last Modified: Spring 2008