Computer Science, Prifysgol Cymru Aberystwyth University of Wales

CS10010 (1995-96 session)
Introduction to Computing

Brief Description

This is a basic introduction to the use of computers, intended for students with no previous experience of computers. It is available to students in any faculty. Students who complete the course successfully will be able to use personal computers for word processing and will be familiar with files, directories, discs and printers. They will also be able to use the more common utility programs (e.g. the file manager) and have some familiarity with the ideas of spreadsheets and databases.

Aims, Objectives, Syllabus, Booklist

Further Details

Number of lectures: 12
Number of seminars/tutorials: -
Number of practicals: 20 x 2 hours
Coordinator: Dr. John Hunt
Other staff involved: Not yet known
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Incompatibilities: Not available to students who have significant experience of using computers
Assessment: Assessed coursework - 100%
Timing: This module is offered in both Semester 1 and Semester 2

Aims

This module provides an introduction to the use of computers by:

introducing the range of computer equipment, its availability and capability and thereby encouraging an understanding of the principles and
by developing skills which will both be of value outside the course and will give experience and insight to strengthen the broader understanding.

Consideration of the applicability of the technology to students' main disciplines will be encouraged. This module is not designed to develop an understanding of technical aspects of computing.

Objectives

On successful completion of the module, students should have an understanding of:

what hardware components are found in typical computer systems and broadly what their functions are
typical cost and performance characteristics of the range of technologies and products such as: processors, primary store, secondary store, displays, printers, pointing devices, and digitisers
the range of software (from operation systems, file systems and display managers, through utility programs, language systems and general packages to highly specialised packages) and an outline of its value to the user
the potential benefits of computer technology to academics, in particular in the areas of document production and of data storage and retrieval
the costs and possible disadvantages of using the technology
legal and ethical problems in using the technology.

On successful completion of the module students should be able to:

create and manage disc file systems under Microsoft Windows
produce effective and well designed documents of significant complexity using a word-processor of reasonable sophistication
create graphics (using bit-mapped and object based packages) and charts and include them in wordprocessed documents
create and use simple spreadsheets
create and use simple, single table databases
use electronic mail
use on-line services such as the CD-ROMS and OPACs
evaluate and select appropriate equipment for a range of non-technical applications; this to include software and display, printing and storage devices

Syllabus

Introduction - 1 Lecture: Course organisation. Aims and Objectives.
Survey of Software - 2 Lectures: Operatings systems; user interfaces, utilities; applications programs; user written programs.
Survey of Hardware - 2 Lectures
Graphics Applications - 1 Lecture
Databases - 2 Lectures
Spreadsheets - 1 Lecture
Data Protection Legislation - 1 Lecture
Document Preparation - 1 Lecture
Advanced Applications - 1 Lecture
Microsoft Windows - 1 Practical: General use and manipulaton of Windows.
e-mail; Files I. - 1 Practical: Creation, manipulation and maintenance of a directory structure.
Word processor - 5 Practicals: General use of Microsoft WORD.
Files II - 2 Practicals: Revision of the use of directory structures following practical experience of them.
Graphics - 2 Practicals: Bit mapped and object orientated graphics applications (Mircrosoft Paint and Draw).
Spreadsheets - 2 Practicals: A brief introduction to the potential of spreadsheets (using Microsoft Excel).
Databases - 2 Practicals: Experience of setting up a simple database; search and report generation.
Assignments - 4 Practicals: Time is allocated for the work on assignments.