Faculty of Science

Objectives

To initiate students into the use of computers and to related computing concepts as well as expose students to basic computing skills and concepts.

Contents

Introduction to computers; historical background; types of computers; application areas; capabilities and limits; Computer organisation: block structure of computers; parts of a computer; operation of computer; sample storage media; networks (WAN, LAN) and internetworking; Explanatory definition and examples of basic software concepts; e.g., Operating Systems; files; programming and programming languages, compilers/interpreters; algorithms; databases; networking; Explanatory definitions and examples of computer systems; illustrative procedures in a specific application area (e.g., business processing); The use of essential IT tools; concepts and features of package; conceptual view of package input and results (and tasks), outline execution model of package; access to on-line/off-line documentation/assistance, start/stop resumption of package execution, saving/protection of current task; practical issues (e.g., privacy, courtesies, conventions); Internetworking and Office Automation; Advanced Word-processing; Desk Top Publishing/Document Preparation; Advanced Spreadsheets; Graphics (drawing, painting, clipart packages, etc.); Multimedia Applications; A specified Information Systems, (IS): e.g., Management IS, Decision Support System, Executive IS, Geographic IS, Health IS, Statistical Package(s); A Database Management System; Project Planning; (e.g., use of Pert/Gantt Charts); Accountancy or Management Package; The basics of a specific programming language; A course or programme-specific package(s).