Year No. Offer Mode Description Cred. Pts 96 75001 S3 X INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING 1.00
There have been immense changes in the fields of computing, information technology and communications since the early 1970's. The range and effectiveness of software support has increased significantly. Additionally there has been an increasing convergence of computing and communication technologies. These changes have led to the application of computer-based information technologies in a number of new fields and by an ever-widening range of users. The increasing range of change makes it imperative that all students be provided with a sound base of knowledge and skills to enable them to use computer hardware, operating system software and specialist applications in problem solving and as a support tool within the professional environments they will enter upon graduation. Because these students will be practising professionals in the twenty-first century they will need a knowledge of current and likely developments in technology, and an understanding of the implications of these developments for their profession and for society as a whole.
The aim of this unit is to review the technical aspects of computer systems and their role within the wider ambit of information systems to enable students to effectively apply the computer as a support tool within their study programme and profession. The unit will explore fundamental concepts including hardware and software; data and information input, storage and retrieval; programming languages, application packages and communications; the applications of computer support within a variety of workplace and social situations; the social and employment implications of information technology; and a systems approach to the practical development of computer-based solutions to selected tasks.
On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:
Description Weighting(%)
- Hardware concepts 20.00 - input; output; processors; storage
- Software concepts 10.00 - spreadsheets; word processors; graphics
- Database theory 10.00 - designing personal databases; using personal databases
- Spreadsheet theory 10.00 - using spreadsheet functions; using macros; techniques for designing robust spreadsheet models
- Windows 5.00 - basic concepts; using windows
- DOS 5.00 - basic commands; directories; configuring the system
- Data communications 5.00 - basic theory; computer networks
- Social and professional issues privacy; ethical issues 5.00
- Using the computer as a tool 30.00 - practical use of word processors; operating systems; spreadsheets; databases and graphics
Please Note: Disks that may be provided with this textbook are
optional.
Halvorson, M 1995, Microsoft Works 3.0 for Windows, Course
Technology Inc., Cambridge (for external students using MS Works
only).
Smith, B., Summers, J., Wear, R. & Rooney, T. 1995, Faculty of
Business Communication Skills Handbook, USQ Bookshop.
Blissmer, R H, Introducing Computers, Concepts, Systems and
Applications, 1989-90 Edition, John Wiley & Sons, USQ, 1989.
Fuori, W & Aufiero, L J, Computers and Information Processing,
Prentice Hall, USA, 1989.
Koronios, A P, Introduction to Computing, WCB International
Publishing Co., 1992.
Long, L, Introduction to Computers and Information Processing,
Prentice Hall, 1989.
Shore, B, Introduction to Computer Systems, Holt, Rinehart and
Winston Inc, NY, 1988.
Szymanski, R et al, Introduction to Computers and Information
Systems, Merrill Publishing Company, USA.
The Complete PC Tutorial, In Touch Tutorials.
Trainor, T N & Krasnewich, D, Computers, Mitchell Publishing
Company, USA, 1989.
ACTIVITY HOURS Directed Study 65 Private Study 100
No *F/S Marks Due Description Wtg(%) LBL 1 S 100.00 13/12/96 ASSIGNMENT 1 20.00 Y 2 S 100.00 17/01/97 ASSIGNMENT 2 20.00 Y 3 S 60.00 END S3 FINAL EXAM - PART A 20.00 Y 4 S 40.00 END S3 FINAL EXAM - PART B 40.00 Y
1 To obtain a pass in a unit, students must:
- obtain a passing mark in aggregate for the unit's assessment
items; and
- obtain a passing mark in the examination; and
- submit genuine attempts for the items of assessment.
Further regulations governing the assessment of the unit may be
found in the Introductory Booklet for the unit.
2 The due date of an assignment is the date by which a student must
dispatch the assignment to the University, and is normally that
defined in the relevant unit specification. The onus is on the
student to provide, if requested, proof of date of dispatch.
3 Students should organise their affairs to ensure that they meet
due dates for all assignments. Extensions will be granted only
under exceptional extenuating circumstances, normally involving a
significant medical condition. Work commitments would not
normally constitute exceptional extenuating circumstances.
4 Students may apply for an assignment extension either by
application through DEC before the due date or by including
application with the submitted assignment after the due date.
Such applications should be in writing and include supporting
documentary evidence. The authority for granting extensions rests
with the relevant Unit Leader.
5 All assignments dispatched after due dates without appropriate
extension approvals or after approved extension dates may be
penalised up to a maximum of 20% of the assigned mark per work
day.
6 Students must retain a copy of all assignments which must be
produced if/when required by the Unit Leader.
7 Unit weightings of topics should not be interpreted as applying
to the number of marks allocated to questions testing those
topics in an examination paper.
8 Unless otherwise directed by the Unit Leader, all written and
oral assignments submitted by students must conform to the
guidelines laid out in the Faculty of Business Communication
Skills Handbook. Any work not prepared in accordance with these
guidelines may be subject to penalty or requirement for
resubmission.
9 Grades will be assigned using the following standard cut-offs:
- HD: 90%
- A: 80%
- B: 65%
- C: 50%.
Assignments and examination marks are scaled at the end of the
semester in determining these cut-off percentages.
10 Any appeal against the award of a grade in the unit will be
conducted in accordance with University Regulations. These
Regulations are published in the University Handbook.