COMPSCI 111/111G Semester 2, 2020
An Introduction to Practical Computing

A practical introduction to computing that will build confidence and familiarity with computers. Topics include: web site design, an overview of computer hardware and operating systems, effective use of common applications, using the Internet as a communication medium, applying programming concepts, and social implications of technology.

As part of their practical work, students will create web pages, and use a variety of home and office applications including word processing, spreadsheets, LaTeX and databases.

This course is designed for students who want a general introduction to computing. Experience with a wide range of practical applications will provide transferable skills that will be equally useful in academic and industry environments. No prior experience with computers is required, and help is always readily available from the teaching staff.

There are three lectures per week, and students will be required to attend one three-hour laboratory per week.

A copy of the course information sheet containing contact information for staff, staff office hours, assessment summary, how to catch up on a missed lecture or lab, how to seek assistance, lecture/lab schedule and other course information is available here.

• Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9am in LibB15 (Room 109-B15 in the Library Basement)

• The Compsci111/111G online reference manual contains notes to supplement the lectures and labs and will be useful as a reference in the labs.

• Each week you will have an assessed laboratory.
• Please note that labs start in the second week of the semester.
• Lab Location: First Floor Teaching Laboratory - Room 303S-175 on the first floor of the the Computer Science Extension to the Maths & Physics Building (Building 303S).
• Video clip showing how to get to the CompSci111 Lab (FTL)
• Please bring your Student Id card, a pen, and a USB flash drive with you each week
• Lab assignments can be found on Canvas and are all due at 10am on the Monday following the weeek of the lab.
• If you have any problems or queries regarding the labs, please see the lab supervisor, Ann Cameron.

• Marks can be checked in Canvas.
  Please check your marks each week and contact Ann Cameron if there are any problems.

All marks, lecture recordings and announcements can be found on Canvas.

• The test is worth 20% of your final mark.
• Date and Time: Wednesday, 2^nd September 6:30pm - 7:45pm
• The test wil not be held on campus this year..
• You will be sitting the test online in your own environment using your own computer.
• The test will cover the material taught in Lectures 1 - 12 (inclusive) and Labs 1 - 4 (inclusive).
• The test will be short answers.
• You will download the test from Canvas and answer the questions in a Word document similar to what you do with your lab assignments.
• Tests from previous semesters can be found on the Tests and Exams page.

• Exam information can be found on the Tests and Exams page.

A student who successfully completes this course should:

• have confidence with and a general knowledge of personal computers
• be able to write simple computer programs
• be able to use some common applications, e.g. spreadsheets, word processing, databases
• have knowledge of the Internet and its social issues, as well as other types of networks
• be able to design and write a simple web page
• have a basic understanding of the origins and design of computing hardware and software
• have a basic understanding of selected current research topics in Computer Science (e.g. AI and Game Design)