Bryn Mawr College
CS 109: Introduction to Computing
Spring 2026
Course Materials

Last updated: Jan 19, 2026. Subject to change.

General Information

Course Description: Students will learn how to write algorithms, manipulate data, and design programs to make computers useful tools as well as mediums of creativity. Contemporary, diverse examples of computing in a modern context will be used, with particular focus on graphics and visual media. The Processing/Java programming language will be used in lectures, class examples and weekly programming projects, where students will learn and master fundamental computer programming principles. Students are required to register for the weekly lab.

You will exercise your creativity by desiging programs in a language called, Processing. Processing is a language/environment built upon the programming language Java. Processing was created by artists, designers, and computer scientists to explore ideas of creative coding using computer algorithms.

Text & Software

Syllabus and Schedule

Course Policies

Communication

Attendance and active participation are expected in every class. Participation includes asking questions, contributing answers, proposing ideas, and providing constructive comments. Feedback is welcome at any time.

Grading

There will be 7 programming assignments. Assignments must be submitted according to the CS 109 Assignment Submission Instructions and adhere to the Coding Standards.

At the end of the semester, final grades will be calculated as a weighted average of all grades according to the following weights:

Graded work will receive a percentage grade between 0% and 100% according to the following grading policy

Submission and Late Policy

All work must be turned in as electronically by the deadlines. Extensions are given only in case of verifiable medical conditions or other such extenuating circumstances. Time management related problems are not valid reasons for extensions.

Late submissions will receive a penalty of 20% for every 0-24 hours it is past the due date and time (e.g., assignments turned in 25 hrs late will receive a penalty of 40%), for a max of 48 hours. No late assignments are accepted more than 48 hours past the deadlines.

Exams

There will be two exams in this course.  The exams will be closed book, closed notes.  They will cover material from lectures, homeworks, and assigned readings. The final is a scheduled 3-hour exam.

Collaboration/AI

You are encouraged to discuss the material and work together.

• The readings and lecture topics are group work. Please discuss the readings and associated topics with each other and work together to understand the material. Reading groups to discuss the course material are highly recommended -- we will explore many new ideas and it helps to have multiple people working together to understand them.
• It is fine to discuss the topics covered in the assignments, to discuss approaches to problems, and to sketch out general solutions. However, you MUST write up the assignment answers, solutions, and programs individually without sharing specific details, mathematical results, program code, etc. 
• Under no circumstances should you share computer code with another student.  Similarly, you are not permitted to use code found on the internet for any of your assignments.
• AI tools may not be used to complete any programming assignments.
• Exams, of course, must be your own individual work.

If you have any questions as to what types of collaborations are allowed, please feel free to ask.

Links

• processing.org
• Assignment Submission Instructions
• Coding Standards
• Grading Policy