Mastering Cyberspace - An Introduction to Practical Computing: COMPSCI 111/111G Semester 2, City Campus

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, PowerPoint 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 (handed out at the first lecture) containing contact information for staff, staff office hours, assessment summary, how to catch up on a missed lecture or lab, how to seek assistance, and other course information is available here.

• 1pm on Monday (OGGB3), Wednesday (HSB1), and Friday (HSB1)

• Sample Solutions
• The final exam is worth 65% of your final mark.
• Time and Date: 2:15pm Thursday 5th November, 2009
  It is a 2 hour exam. Please check nDeva for a confirmation of the date and time.
• Examination room lists will be posted online and on Campus noticeboards by 5.00pm the day before your examination.
• The exam is closed book, and calculators are not permitted.
• Section A of the exam is Multi-Choice and you will be answering these questions on a teleform sheet. Please read the following instructions on filling out a Teleform sheet before you go to the exam:
• How to fill out a Teleform sheet
• Please ensure you bring a dark pencil and eraser to the exam for filling out the Teleform Sheet
• Exams from previous semesters can be found on the Tests and Exams page.

PeerWise is designed for revision. Please submit at least 2 questions and answer at least 2 questions before 2pm on Friday, 30th October, 2009. This contributes 50% towards your Lab 10 mark.

Please read the PeerWise Guide before logging in to the PeerWise system.

• Sample Answers

• Video clip showing how to get to the CompSci111 Lab (FTL)



• Please note that labs start in the second week of the semester, but please locate the tutorial lab room during the first week and obtain your login and password.
• Lab assignments are done each week in the First Floor Teaching Laboratory (FTL) - Room 175 of the Computer Science building (Building 303S).
• Lab assignments must be handed into the appropriate hand-in box (located outside the tutorial room) before the start of your next laboratory session.
• If you have any problems or queries regarding the labs, please see the lab supervisor, Ann Cameron.
  

• The Compsci111/111G coursebook contains all course information, lecture notes, and lab reference material. The lab manual contains all your lab assignments.
• You are expected to read the coursebook before attending your lab session each week, and to bring it along to all of your lab sessions together with your lab manual.
• This compulsory coursebook and lab manual can be purchased from the University Book Shop (UBS).
• It is essential that you have the current version of the lab manual. You cannot use previous versions.

• Marks can be checked via the Cecil system.
  Please check your marks each week and contact Ann Cameron if there are any problems.

A student who successfully completes this course should:

• have confidence with and a general knowledge of personal computers
• be able to write and debug 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

Detailed learning outcomes for this course are available. These are intended to be used as a study aid.

• Detailed Learning Outcomes