SYLLABUS

CGS 2470 -- Introduction to Computers for Architecture Majors
Computer & Information Sciences & Engineering Department
University of Florida, Fall 2008

INSTRUCTOR: Mark Schmalz
E-MAIL: mssz@cise.ufl.edu
CLASS WEB PAGE: http://www.cise.ufl.edu/~mssz/Arch-CGS3470/Top-Level.html
OFFICE HOURS: Tue 4-5pm, Thu 4-5pm, with possible changes posted at http://www.cise.ufl.edu/~mssz/
CLASS PERIODS AND CLASSROOMS:
PREREQUISITES: ARC 1302 or drafting/design course
TEACHING ASST: TBA

TA OFFICE HOURS: (before class, for students convenience) 
               M         T          W          R         F
           ----------------------------------------------------
    1-2p               
    2-3p               
    3-4p        
    4-5p

DESCRIPTION: This course emphasizes essential computer concepts and software used for basic architectural drafting and rendering processrs. This is not a course in Architecture, nor a vocational course in computer-aided drafting.

The course will begin with AutoCAD drawing exercises, and feature a concurrent introduction to computer hardware (PC) and operating systems (Windows). The majority of the course will concentrate on the use of computer aided design/drafting (CAD) tools (AutoCAD, 4D Viz, etc.)

TEXTBOOKS:

OTHER MATERIAL: You will need 1-2 CD-ROMs or a memory plug-in (USB interface) to store your drawings.

EVALUATION: Quizzes: 5% -- Projects: 80% -- Final Project: 15%

QUIZZES will be given in class and are closed book and closed notes format. However, ONE 8.5'' X 11'' double-sided page of paper containing your ORIGINAL notes may be used during any quiz. The quizzes will be short (approximately 20 minutes in length) and will be announced at least one week in advance. Absolutely No Make-Up Quizzes will be Given For Any Reason. The quizzes are equally weighted EXCEPT for the first quiz, which has half the weight of subsequent quizzes.

PROJECTS are assignments done outside of class in one of the CIRCA labs. These are INDIVIDUAL projects. Any collaboration, beyond initial working together to get the technique right, will be considered cheating. Please understand that there is a not-so-subtle difference between discussing your project with a colleague or friend and copying it wholly or in part.

PROJECTS ARE DUE AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS. LATE PROJECTS ARE PENALIZED BY 10% FOR EACH CALENDAR DAY LATE. PROJECTS MORE THAN 4 CALENDAR DAYS LATE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! Project extensions may be allowed only for documented, un- avoidable conflicts REPORTED IN ADVANCE AND ALLOWED BY THE INSTRUCTOR. Only DOCUMENTED emergency medical excuses can be accepted after a project is due.

The projects will all be equally weighted, EXCEPT that the first project has half the weight of subsequent projects (50 points) and the final project is weighted more than ordinary projects (150 points).

FINAL PROJECT is like a take-home final exam. It is a drawing project that will be assigned during dead-week, and will be due during finals week at a pre-announced time.

RETURN POLICY: Every attempt will be made to return projects and quizzes as soon as possible. When they are graded and recorded, they will be turned back during class. After that, any work not picked up in class will be available from the instructor during his office hours, as designated on the instructor's Web page.

SCHEDULE:

    Weeks 1-3   - Intro to computers, AutoCAD          Lab: 2-D, 3-D drawing
    Week  4     - Review of Windows/AutoCAD basics     Lab: House & Site Plans
    Weeks 5-8   - Basic AutoCAD commands & editing     Lab: Construction plans
    Weeks 8-13  - 4D Studio Viz and 3D AutoCAD         Lab: 3-D rooms,Furniture
    Weeks 13-16 - Presentation Software and Skills     Lab: Home interior,ext.

GRADING: Standard with NO CURVING OF ANY SCORES, as follows: 

		90 - 100 : A    85 - 89 : B+	  80 - 84 : B
		75 -  79 : C+	70 - 74 : C	  65 - 69 : D+	
		60 -  64 : D	 0 - 59 : E

DISHONESTY: Under no circumstances will acts of academic dishonesty be tolerated. Any suspected incidents of dishonesty will be promptly referred to the Director for Student Judicial Affairs and the Student Honor Court. Refer to the pamphlet entitled Academic Honesty, Student Judicial Process, Guide for Students, from the Office for Student Services.

ACCOMODATIONS: Students with disabilities requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office will provide documentation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the Instructor when requesting accommodation.