CS1101 Introduction to Computer Studies

 

Course Duration: One Semester

Credit Units: 3

Level: B1

Medium of Instruction: English

Prerequisites: Nil

Precursors: Nil

Equivalent Courses: Nil

Exclusive Courses: Nil

Course Aims:
The aims of this course are to provide an introduction to computing concepts and the technologies behind the Internet, and to develop basic skills in using software tools for productivity gains and utilizing the Web.  No prior programming or computer science experience is required.

Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
(state what the student is expected to be able to do at the end of the course according to a given standard of performance)

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

No.

CILOs

Weighting (if applicable)

1.

demonstrate  knowledge of the basic operation and organization of a computer system;

2.

demonstrate knowledge of  the structure and operation of the Internet;

3.

efficiently use common end-user productivity software tools;

4.

effectively use common Internet applications;

5.

do basic web page mark-up and posting;

6.

identify security risks in computer systems


Teaching and learning Activities (TLAs):
(designed to facilitate students’ achievement of the CILOs)

Teaching pattern:
Suggested lecture/tutorial/laboratory mix: 2 hrs. lecture; 1 hr. tutorial.

ILO No

TLAs

Hours/week (if applicable)

CILO 1,
2, 3, 4,
5, 6




CILO 1,
2, 3, 4,
5, 6




CILO 3,
4, 5





CILO 1,
2, 3, 4,
6

·      Lectures/Demonstrations

All CILOs will be introduced, explained, discussed and demonstrated through lectures. Online resources will also be given for out-of-classroom reading and learning.

·      Tutorials

Tutorials are held in “terminal rooms”, in which concepts and operations presented in lectures are demonstrated and exercised. Additional tutorial tasks will also be given for self practice.

·      Individual web-page design project

This project gives students an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to apply their knowledge and techniques learned in creating and post web pages.

·      Group presentation project
This project gives students a hand-on experience to explore and comprehend a particular computer topic. It also gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities of using productivity software tools to create presentation slides and report.


Assessment Tasks/Activities
(designed to assess how well the students achieve the CILOs)

ILO No

Type of assessment tasks/activities

Weighting (if applicable)

Remarks

CILO 1,
2, 3, 5, 6







CILO 3,
4, 5





CILO 3,
4

·      Quizzes and Exam

One to two close-book quizzes and one final exam will be given. Students’ knowledge of the organization of a computer system, knowledge of the Internet and WWW, awareness of computer security risks will be assessed.

·      Individual web-page design project

Knowledge of the structure and operation of the Internet and ability to create simple web pages will be demonstrated by the student developing a personal web site and placing it on the WWW.

·      Group presentation project

Students’ fluency of using common end-user productivity software tools such as presentation and word-processing software will be assessed by the quality of their presentation slides and submitted report. Moreover, students’ ability to effectively use the Internet applications will be demonstrated by them locating additional useful resources from the Internet for the presentation.


Grading of Student Achievement: Refer to Grading of Courses in the Academic Regulations (Attachment) and to the Explanatory Notes.

Examination duration: 2 hours
Percentage of coursework, examination, etc.: 40% CW; 60% Exam
Grading pattern: Standard (A+AA-…F)
For a student to pass the course, at least 30% of the maximum mark for the examination must be obtained.

Keyword Syllabus:

Logical operations, binary arithmetic; Basic operations of Computer, Data, CPU, memory, bus, IO, peripherals; Programming concepts, Instructions, program, need for high-level language, compiler, interpreter.  Operating systems, Unix, Windows, file system; End-user computing, word processing, spread sheet and database, presentation tool; Data communication, switches, network, LAN, WAN, routers, internet, internet protocol; Internet applications, email, file transfer, web browser and web server; web searching, basic html, concepts of client side and server side scripting; Digital media, multimedia software tools; Basic computer security, virus, filtering and scanning tools.

Related Links
Department of Computer Science