Class information

CS160 Exploring Computer Science

Back to class listing

  • CRN: 11517
  • Credits: 4
  • Locations, days, times, and instructors:
    • Online (no scheduled meetings), Available 24/7
      From January 5 through March 21, 2026, Robert J Martin

Class materials

Textbooks

No textbooks required

Details about this class

This class introduces several computer science topics and concepts of computer programming. The concepts include: the importance and impact of computing and technology, computability, computational complexity, algorithm analysis and design, abstraction, data and information, the Internet, programming concepts, application development, computational thinking, and the global impact of computing.

We will explore programming concepts using the Python Programming Language. Python is designed to be easy to understand and fun to use. We'll start from the beginning, so no prior programming knowledge is required.

Technology

The course requires you to use the internet to access course materials and internet based tools to learn from the course.
Therefore, your computer should have installed or be able to access the following tools via the Internet:

  • D2L Learning Management System for the class content.
  • Zoom for office hours (provided by PCC and built-in to the LMS)
  • PyCharm or some other Python IDE. No prior knowledge required.

Further information about your computer requirement can be found in the following link:

https://www.pcc.edu/online/students/preview/your-computer/

No show policy

Your instructor can mark you as a "no show" if you do not participate in your class during the first week. This will remove you from the class. It is important to log in as soon as the class starts to see what the participation requirements are.

Online technical requirements

Please be sure to read the quick guide to Online Learning technical requirements.

Students with disabilities

Students with disabilities should notify their instructor if accommodations are needed to take this class. For information about technologies that help people with disabilities taking Online based classes please visit the Disability Services website.

Prerequisite for online classes

Before you take your first online class at PCC, you must complete the start guide. The start guide will help you decide if these classes are right for you. Once you complete the start guide, you will be able to register for these classes.