🧠 Introduction to Computer Science

YMT113 - Fall Semester 2025

📚 About the Course

This Introduction to Computer Science course provides a comprehensive foundation in fundamental computing concepts and programming principles. Students develop skills in algorithmic thinking, problem-solving, and programming using C language. The course covers basic data types, control structures, functions, data structures, algorithm design, and an introduction to Python and web programming. Emphasis is placed on computational thinking, writing clean and efficient code, debugging techniques, and understanding the role of computers in solving problems. The course connects theory to practical applications in various domains, preparing students for further study in computer science and developing valuable technical skills for diverse career paths.

Course Philosophy

We approach Computer Science as a practical discipline built on problem-solving and logical thinking. The course prioritizes hands-on learning over theoretical memorization, and cultivates habits of algorithmic thinking, careful programming, and efficient problem-solving. Students learn by doing: coding exercises, practical labs, and guided programming projects build technical skills steadily.

Our philosophy emphasizes:

• Understanding before implementation: develop conceptual knowledge with examples, then apply through coding
• Multiple programming approaches: procedural, functional, and object-oriented paradigms to solve different types of problems
• Practical application: use computing concepts to solve real-world problems in various domains
• Iterative development: debugging and refining code is normal; testing, collaboration, and documentation help improve solutions
• Ethical computing: responsibility in code development, data handling, and technology use

The goal is not just to pass an exam, but to think like a computer scientist—able to decompose complex problems, design effective algorithms, and communicate technical solutions clearly.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand computational thinking and apply problem-solving techniques using programming
• Develop proficiency in C programming including syntax, data types, control structures, and functions
• Work with data structures including arrays, linked lists, hash tables, tries, and binary search trees
• Implement and analyze algorithms for searching, sorting, and data manipulation