CSC1402 Foundation Computing

Staffing

Examiner: Zhongwei Zhang
Moderator: Ron Addie

Rationale

The development and use of computers and related technologies continue to grow at a rapid pace. There are few areas of society and/or academic study where the impact of computer technology is not readily apparent. In view of this extensive growth in the use of computers, it is necessary for students to gain some basic understanding of computer use across a range of applications in both the educational and broader social context. Students require a sound base of knowledge to realise the potential of computers as a general support tool and to apply computers effectively to their university studies and future careers.

Synopsis

This course will provide students with effective practical skills in using a range of computing applications. Students will learn to choose the most effective applications for specific tasks. In particular, students will gain experience in the use of applications to benefit both their course of study at university and their subsequent careers. Students will be expected to produce high quality documents. In addition to practical skills, students will learn about fundamental computer concepts and the role of computers in our society. Issues involving awareness of how computers impact upon society, such as ethics and privacy, will also be covered. Students must have access to the Internet.

Objectives

Topics

Text and materials required to be purchased or accessed

Reference materials

Student workload requirements

Assessment details

Important assessment information

1. Attendance requirements:
   There are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
   
   
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   Students do not have to satisfactorily complete each assessment item to be awarded a passing grade in this course. Refer to Statement 4 below for the requirements to receive a passing grade in this course.
   
   
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without (prior) approval of the examiner then a penalty of 5% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment may apply for each working day late up to ten working days at which time a mark of zero may be recorded. No assignments will be accepted after model answers have been posted.
   
   
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must achieve at least 50% of the total weighted marks available for the course.
   
   
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the aggregate of the weighted marks obtained for each of the summative assessment items in the course.
   
   
6. Examination information:
   Candidates are allowed to bring only writing and drawing instruments into the Closed examination.
   
   
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
   
   
8. University Student Policies:
   Students should read the USQ policies: Definitions, Assessment and Student Academic Misconduct to avoid actions which might contravene University policies and practices. These policies can be found at http://policy.usq.edu.au/portal/custom/search/category/usq_document_policy_type/Student.1.html.
   
   

Assessment notes

1. All assignments must be submitted electronically through the course web site. Assignment submissions will not be accepted in any other form or by any other means without prior approval.
   
   
2. The due date for an assignment is the date by which a student's submission must be received electronically at USQ.
   
   
3. In accordance with University Policy, the Examiner may grant an extension of the due date of an assignment in extenuating circumstances.
   
   
4. The Faculty will NOT accept submission of assignments by facsimile.
   
   
5. Students who, for medical, family/personal, or employment-related reasons, are unable to complete an assignment or to sit for an examination at the scheduled time may apply to defer an assessment in a course. Such a request must be accompanied by appropriate supporting documentation. One of the following temporary grades may be awarded IDS (Incomplete - Deferred Examination; IDM (Incomplete Deferred Make-up); IDB (Incomplete - Both Deferred Examination and Deferred Make-up).
   
   
6. Students may be required to provide a copy of assignments submitted for assessment purposes. Such copies should be dispatched to the USQ within 24 hours of receipt to do so.
   
   
7. In this course you should reference using one of the following systems: Harvard (AGPS), APA or that supported by the Department. Information on the Department’s referencing system and advice on how to use it can be found in the course materials.
   
   

Other requirements

1. Students will require access to an appropriate computer either via the student's own arrangements or a USQ centre.
   
   
2. Students will require access to e-mail and have Internet access for this course.