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Invitation to Computer Science, 8th Edition

G. Michael Schneider, Judith Gersting

  • Copyright 2019
  • {{checkPublicationMessage('Published', '2018-01-01T00:00:00+0000')}}
Starting At $79.95 See pricing and ISBN options
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Invitation to Computer Science 8th Edition by G. Michael Schneider/Judith Gersting
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Overview

Offer a contemporary overview of computer science with Schneider/Gersting's best-selling INVITATION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE, 8E. This flexible, non-language-specific text uses an algorithm-centered approach to provide a foundation in computing. Learning objectives and a clear hierarchy help introduce algorithms, hardware, virtual machines, software development, applications of computing, and social issues. Updated exercises and practice problems challenge students to analyze, evaluate, and approach problems creatively. Special interest boxes and timely content highlight topics such as privacy, drones, cloud computing, and net neutrality. Optional online modules for C++, Java, Python, C#, and Ada integrate seamlessly for the flexibility to teach a specific programming language. Optional MindTap provides study tools and a digital Lab Manual and lab software with 20 laboratory projects.

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Meet the Authors

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G. Michael Schneider

G. Michael Schneider is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics and Computer Science at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. He also served as a Visiting Professor of Computer Science at Columbia University in New York. His professional interests include parallel processing, computer networks, programming methodology, and computer science education. He has written many successful textbooks on software development, data structures, computer organization, and a breadth-first overview of computer science. Dr. Schneider was a member of the committee that authored the ACM/IEEE Computing Curriculum 2001. He has received Fulbright Grants to teach computer science and applied mathematics in Mauritius, Malaysia, Nepal, and Mongolia. He received his B.S. from Michigan University and his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Judith Gersting

Judith Gersting is a Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, where she now teaches part-time. An experienced educator and respected professional, Dr. Gersting has written a number of leading college textbooks. Her areas of specialization include theoretical computer science and computer science education. She earned her B.S. from Stetson University and her M.A. and Ph.D. in mathematics from Arizona State University.

What's New

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  • ACTIONABLE AND MEASURABLE LEARNING OBJECTIVES LEAD STUDENTS IN MASTERING IMPORTANT CONCEPTS. Newly added learning objectives guide students through the edition, calling attention to critical key points.
  • UPDATES ADDRESS TODAY'S MOST TIMELY COMPUTING AND BUSINESS ISSUES. Introduce students to some of the most current developments in computing today with the latest discussions of emerging topics, including privacy, drones and robotics, and autonomous vehicles.
  • THOROUGH COVERAGE OF CLOUD COMPUTING PREPARES FUTURE PROFESSIONALS. Students gain a strong understanding of cloud computing with more coverage in Chapter 7, as well as fresh discussions of net neutrality and mobile computing.
  • EXPANDED EMPHASIS ON DATA ANALYSIS INTRODUCES THIS TOPIC OF GREAT PERSONAL AND BUSINESS IMPORTANCE. This edition provides explorations for simple data analysis tasks using Excel and R.
  • DISCUSSIONS EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF CHECKING THE VALIDITY OF ONLINE SOURCES WHILE PROVIDING RESOURCES FOR CRITICAL ANALYSIS. Students learn guidelines for evaluating the torrent of online information from social media, websites, and newscasts. This emphasis adds real-life context to your students’ studies.

Features

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  • ACTIONABLE AND MEASURABLE LEARNING OBJECTIVES EMPHASIZE IMPORTANT CONCEPTS. Newly added learning objectives guide students through the edition, calling attention to critical key points.
  • SOLID OVERVIEW PRESENTS BREADTH OF COMPUTER SCIENCE WITHOUT PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE SPECIFICS. The authors expertly present a language-independent, breadth-first introduction to computer science that includes coverage of today's hardware, software, and applications as well as a modern view of ethics.
  • UNIQUE APPROACH INTEGRATES TOPICS USING THE CONCEPT OF ALGORITHMS. Rather than simply present a large collection of seemingly random and unrelated topics, the authors tie the discipline of computer science together using a six-layer hierarchy that clearly demonstrates how the subjects in the book relate to each other. Student gain a clear understanding of the entire discipline of computer science that prepares them for future study in this field.
  • EXTENSIVE EXERCISES AND PROBLEMS PROVIDE NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONCEPT APPLICATION. You can choose from a wealth of proven exercise sets and practice problems to give your students the applied, real-world experience they need.
  • SPECIAL INTEREST BOXES HIGHLIGHT THE LATEST AND TECHNOLOGY AS WELL AS HISTORIC BACKGROUND. Topics range from "Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khowarizmi" to "The Internet of Things" as students examine news items relating computing to everyday lives, updates on new advancements in technology, and bits of historical information.
  • OPTION TO INTEGRATE PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES OFFERS ULTIMATE FLEXIBILITY. With this adaptable text, you have the option to seamlessly incorporate one or more programming languages into your course. Corresponding online modules introduce Java, C++, Python, C# or Ada.
  • LAB SOFTWARE AND LAB EXERCISES WORK SEAMLESSLY WITH THE TEXT. This edition’s online Lab Manual and lab software package offer hands-on opportunities for your students to gain better understanding of the text’s concepts.

Table of Contents

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1. An Introduction to Computer Science.
Part I: THE ALGORITHMIC FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE.
2. Algorithm Discovery and Design.
3. The Efficiency of Algorithms.
Part II: THE HARDWARE WORLD.
4. The Building Blocks: Binary Numbers, Boolean Logic, and Gates.
5. Computer Systems Organization.
Part III: THE VIRTUAL MACHINE.
6. An Introduction to System Software and Virtual Machines.
7. Computer Networks and Cloud Computing.
8. Information Security.
Part IV: THE SOFTWARE WORLD.
9. Introduction to High-Level Language Programming.
10. The Tower of Babel: Programming Languages.
11. Compilers and Language Translation.
12. Models of Computation.
Part V: APPLICATIONS.
13. Simulation and Modeling.
14. Ecommerce, Databases, and Data Science.
15. Artificial Intelligence.
16. Computer Graphics and Entertainment: Movies, Games, and Virtual Communities.
Part VI: SOCIAL ISSUES IN COMPUTING.
17. Making Decisions about Computers, Information, and Society.

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Each MindTap product offers the full, mobile-ready textbook combined with superior and proven learning tools at one affordable price. Students who purchase digital access can add a print option at any time when a print option is available for their course.

This Cengage solution can be seamlessly integrated into most Learning Management Systems (Blackboard, Brightspace by D2L, Canvas, Moodle, and more) but does require a different ISBN for access codes. Please work with your Cengage Learning Consultant to ensure the proper course set up and ordering information. For additional information, please visit the LMS Integration site.

Standalone Digital Access — Ultimate Value

Recommended and most popular

  • ISBN-10: 1337561983
  • ISBN-13: 9781337561983
  • RETAIL $84.95
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Textbook Only Options

Traditional eBook and Print Options

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  • ISBN-10: 0357692373
  • ISBN-13: 9780357692370
  • RETAIL $79.95

  • ISBN-10: 1337561916
  • ISBN-13: 9781337561914
  • RETAIL $174.95

  • ISBN-10: 0170287742
  • ISBN-13: 9780170287746
  • RETAIL $184.95
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Supplements

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Cengage provides a range of supplements that are updated in coordination with the main title selection. For more information about these supplements, contact your Learning Consultant.

FOR INSTRUCTORS

MindTap Computer Science, 2 terms (12 months) Instant Access for Schneider/Gersting's Invitation to Computer Science

ISBN: 9781337561983
MindTap Computer Science for Schneider/Gersting's Invitation to Computer Science, 8th edition is the digital learning solution that powers students from memorization to mastery. It gives you complete control of your course—to provide engaging content, to challenge every individual, and to build their confidence. Empower students to accelerate their progress with MindTap. MindTap: Powered by You. MindTap gives you complete ownership of your content and learning experience. Customize the interactive syllabi, emphasize the most important topics, and add your own material or notes in the eBook.

FOR STUDENTS

MindTap Computer Science, 2 terms (12 months) Instant Access for Schneider/Gersting's Invitation to Computer Science

ISBN: 9781337561983
MindTap Computer Science for Schneider/Gersting's Invitation to Computer Science, 8th edition is the digital learning solution that powers students from memorization to mastery. It gives you complete control of your course—to provide engaging content, to challenge every individual, and to build their confidence. Empower students to accelerate their progress with MindTap. MindTap: Powered by You. MindTap gives you complete ownership of your content and learning experience. Customize the interactive syllabi, emphasize the most important topics, and add your own material or notes in the eBook.