Fall 2026 · Session 1

Welcome to Computational Expression

Let us find out what this field actually is.

What Is Computing, Really?

  • "Computing is any goal-oriented activity requiring, benefiting from, or creating computers."Source: Computing Curricula 2005, a joint report from ACM, the Association for Information Systems, and the IEEE Computer Society

What Is Computing, Really?

  • Not just "typing code"
  • Problem-solving with precise, step-by-step thinking
  • A language for expressing ideas a machine can act on
  • As creative as it is logical

Where It Shows Up

  • The apps and games you use every day
  • Data that predicts, recommends, diagnoses
  • Robots, sensors, the physical world (hi, Pico!)
  • Every field now touches code: biology, art, journalism, medicine

CIS Department

You Are Not Just Taking a Class

  • Part of Allegheny's Department of Computer & Information Science
  • Four majors & minors: Computer Science, Data Science, Informatics, Software Engineering
  • CMPSC 100 & 101 run every semester: this is where everyone starts

Four Programs, Four Angles

  • Computer Science: computational theory, hardware ↔ software
  • Software Engineering: building & maintaining large-scale systems
  • Data Science: analyzing complex data, modeling & prediction
  • Informatics: technology's cultural & social impact

Beyond the Major

Two more ways to go further. Details coming to the department site soon:

  • Microcredentials: stack focused skills alongside your major
  • 3+2, 4+1 programs: accelerated paths to a master's degree

This Semester

  • Python, from zero
  • A Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W: LEDs, buttons, sensors
  • 8 labs building toward a project you design
  • You will leave able to build real things

Time to Mingle

Human Bingo

  • Write your name at the top right of your sheet
  • Find a classmate who matches each square and write their name in the box
  • First to complete a row, column, or diagonal, call Bingo
  • Hand in your sheet at the end of the activity

Before You Go

Quick Coding Background Quiz

Ungraded, about 10 minutes. It helps me make sure you are in the course that fits you best.

  • forms.gle/BM46psbp48bWT2wm9QR code linking to the quiz
  • Most of you have not written code before; choose "I do not know yet" whenever that is true
  • You will see your score as soon as you submit

See You Friday

Syllabus, department values, and Q&A.

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