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CS2172 Fundamentals of Computing
Part I
Course Duration: One Semester
Credit Units: 3
Level: B2
Medium of Instruction: English
Pre-requisites: Nil
Pre-cursors: Nil
Equivalent Courses: Nil
Exclusive Courses:
CS2161 Fundamentals of Web Technologies
Part II
Course Aims:
The aim of this course is to provide a foundation in computer systems and networks which support modern information technology. It also provides a base from which the student can assimilate future developments in computer systems, interpret their relevance and assess their potential impact on information system design.
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. | summarize the basic computer organization and operation of hardware and software relevant to computer systems used in information systems; | | | 2. | explain the basic concepts and jargons in hardware and software computer systems; | | | 3. | identify the issues to be considered in the evaluation and analysis of computer hardware, system software, network components and applications in information system design; | | | 4. | appreciate, select and apply the services offered by system software, hardware, communication and networking in the design of 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
This course will focus mainly on the technology and application software commonly used in office and commercial environment. The exact technology and application to be taught varies from year to year depending on the trend of new technology. Hands-on exercise will be given to students during tutorial to expose the students to various office applications and technologies.
Based on the Course ILOs, the teaching/learning activities of this course may include:
ILO No | TLAs | Hours/week(if applicable) | | CILO 1 to CILO 4 | Tutorial / Lab hands-on – Tutorial sessions will be used for Q&A and hands-on exercises. Practical office applications will be taught in order to equip the students with basic skills regarding web page building, word processing/publishing and office automation. This activity helps support course ILO #4. | | | CILO 1 to CILO 4 | Assignment – Assignments will be given out during the semester. Assignments may include short factual questions, mini project on software applications and research on new technologies. Students may be required to perform research on new hardware and applications, followed by short presentation in tutorials. Students may be asked to select appropriate hardware platform and applications for some realistic commercial/domestic scenario and explain their views in the form of group discussion or short presentation. This activity helps support course ILO #2, #3 and #4. Individual assignments will be graded according to correctness of questions and the ability to apply computer knowledge. Group assignments will be graded according to the contribution of each student as well as the degree of understanding on technologies. | |
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 | Summarize the basic computer organization and operation of hardware and software.Exam/Mid-term quiz: - Final exam and mid-term quiz will include questions assessing the students’ understanding on the building blocks of computer and application software.Coursework - Assignment may include short factual questions and case studies. Quality of assignment will be used to assess this ILO. | | | | CILO 2 | Explain the basic concepts and jargons in hardware and software computer systems.Exam/Mid-term quiz - Final exam and mid-term quiz will include questions assessing the students’ understanding on new state-of-the-art technologies, technical terms and the related background concepts. | | | | CILO 3 | Identify the issues to be considered in the evaluation and analysis of computer hardware and system software.Coursework - Assignment may include mini research projects. Students may be required to search for information related to new hardware/application software via internet or publications. Students may be required to compare different technologies and present their views and findings during tutorial. Quality of project and presentation will be used to assess this ILO. | | | | CILO 4 | Appreciate, select and apply the services offered by system software, hardware, communication and networking.Coursework – Assignment and hands-on exercises will be given out to students during tutorial. Students are required to solve some office-automation-related tasks such as web page building and desktop publishing with the help of application software. Quality of assignment and hands-on exercises will be used to assess this ILO. Among assignments and hands-on exercises, the former one (assignments) would contribute more to the final coursework grade (not less than 40% of coursework). Individual assignments will be graded according to correctness of questions and the ability to apply computer knowledge. Group assignments will be graded according to the contribution of each student as well as the degree of understanding on technologies. | | |
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.
Part III
Keyword Syllabus: Hardware fundamentals and basic computer organization: functional components of modern computers, case study based on PC with introduction to the architecture and hardware component. System Software: fundamentals of operating systems and system services and user interfaces. Software applications: office automation and application software, software tools and packages for development. Data communications and networking: network model, interface; Local Area Networks (LAN) characteristics and topologies, media protocols Internet and World Wide Web (WWW).
Related Links
Department of Computer Science
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