CS1316 can be considered a helpful course for CS1331, but it is not a necessary prerequisite. It is possible to move directly to CS1331 without having taken CS1316 at all. If you feel that you would do better in a faster paced Java class please speak with an academic adviser.
In general, the class is composed mainly of ISYE (Industrial and Systems Engineering) and CM (Computational Media) majors. Occasionally, we do get some STAC (Science, Technology, and Culture) and INTA (International Affairs) majors and students who wished to take another CS class.
The programming environment, or interactive development environment (IDE), you chose for doing your homeworks is entirely your decision. It is important to note, however, that the TAs and the instructor are only required to provided support in Dr. Java.
In general practice, we usually provide practice questions based on topics from the exam, quiz or final exam. Previous practice items from past semesters are also available on the coweb. Students are encouraged to post answers and questions on the coweb so that the TAs and the instructor can make suggestions or give hints. Review sessions are typically held for exams but are subject to the availability of the TAs and demand from the students. If solutions are released, they are usually done so while going over it during review sessions.
The quizzes and exams are actually very similar and only really vary in length. Possible question types include but are not limited to: multiple choice, true/false, short answer, coding, and code tracing. Topics tend to be cumulative. Coding questions are usually prefaced with example code whose parts may be used with your answer.
You can go the office hours of any of the TAs or the instructors. If you feel that you may benefit more on a one-on-one setting, you could set up an appointment with the instructor or a TA. Free one-on-one tutoring for CS1316 is also offered through the College of Computing. Sometimes comprehensive review sessions are held based on demand from students and the availabilities of the TAs.
You should not be afraid to argue your grades. We realize that we are human too and quite capable of making mistakes. Your grade should not suffer for our mistakes.
For an individually graded (homeworks and most quizzes) assignment, you should speak with your grading TA first and look over his/her grading notes on the assignment. The grading TA has to the power to change your grade if he/she believes that it should be changed. If you are unsatisfied with your grading TA's response, you may take your argument with the head TA. If you are still unsatisfied with the head TA's response, you may take your argument with the instructor.
For a group graded assignment, you should speak with the head TA first. If you are unsatisfied with the head TA's response, you may take your argument with the instructor.
Usually there is about a one week turnover for all assignments. We ask you give TAs at least a week's time from the assignment submission date before you start inquiring about the progress of the grading. It is important to realize that your TAs are students as well.
