Introduction to Computer Programming Using C++ (CS115)
This is an introduction to algorithmic thinking and structured programming using the C++ language. Students are introduced to the basic elements of computing hardware, information technology and computer programming fundamentals such as variables, operators, conditionals, loops, functions, arrays and record data structures. The course also covers the use of libraries, data streams and access to operating system resources (file I/O). All topics covered are presented, demonstrated and practiced using C++, inviting students to consider algorithmic solutions to a variety of computing problems. This course advances beyond basic computing skills towards Computer Science, instructing students to develop autonomy as sophisticated computer users, algorithmic thinkers and programmers.
Prereq: Basic computing, numerical and analytical skills.
This fast-paced course is taught in English over a period of one month (June 17 - July 17, 2024) and involves lectures, laboratory sessions and design challenges. It is instructed by a member of the ACT Computer Science faculty with a PhD in Electronics Engineering and Artificial Intelligence.
Who can sign up for this course?
The course is open to College students as well as to selected, top performing high school juniors and seniors who can gain valuable early experience with a US College curriculum taught in English (attendance certificate supplied). CS115 is a 1st year university level course. Strong performing Lyceum & IDBP students with a solid background in high school Physics and English may be accepted after a brief interview with the course instructor. No prior knowledge of programming is required.
Course Schedule
During the 2024 summer term, the CS115 course will be meeting from June 17th to July 17th 2024 every M-Tu-W-Th morning 11:30-14:00, with a 15’ break half-way.
Indicative Content Covered
- Analog and binary signals.
- Machine code and higher-level languages.
- Compilers
- Algorithms
- Problem decomposition, stepwise refinement, iterative code design
- Pseudocode, flowcharts
- Compiling and running a simple C++ program
- C++ primitive data types
- Storing and changing values in variables
- Control flow and structured programming in C++
- Arrays, structures, composite structures
- File I/O
- Records (structs), the precursors of objects
- Object-oriented features of C++
- Pointers and variable addresses
- Exception handling
- Debugging and solution verification
More about the professor:
Dr. Alexander Astaras is Assistant Professor in Computer Science at the American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) and a Research Associate in the Lab of Medical Physics, Dept. of Medicine (AUTH), Greece. He obtained his BA in Physics from Oberlin College, Ohio, USA and his PhD in Electronics and Artificial Intelligence from the Electrical Engineering Dept. of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. He is an Electronics and Biomedical Engineer, the author of more than 35 peer-reviewed publications in these fields. He has designed and tested several prototype electronic chips & supervised numerous undergraduate and MSc theses in biomedical engineering and electronics. He is an active member of the IEEE and the Hellenic Biomedical Engineering Society (ELEVIT). He works in analogue and mixed-signal integrated circuits, system-on-chip and lab-on-chip integration as well as mapping artificial neural networks on silicon. His research interests include biomedical micro-electro-mechanical data acquisition sensors, low power mixed-signal VLSI electronics design, machine learning and medical robotics. He is also interested in using robotics to promote science and engineering in secondary and university level education.
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Enrollment for Summer 2024 has started.
For more information, contact the Admissions Office at +30 2310 398 398 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
