Computer Science (COMP) 210

Overview

COMP 210: Introduction to Information Systems and Computer Applications is designed as a three-credit course to cover fundamentals of information systems for students who are not planning to major in information systems. The course will cover basic hardware concepts; the structure, or architecture, of computers; the software hierarchy from systems software to application programs; and information systems concepts and development at a somewhat less intense level than COMP 200.

Learning Objectives

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• describe the evolution, history, and development of electronic computers, microprocessors, and microcomputers.
• identify and describe the roles of computers in manufacturing processes, business-information systems, and information systems.
• describe the transition from an industrial society towards a more information-based society.
• describe the types of careers available in information technology.
• describe and explain information processing.
• describe and explain basic computer components and functions, operating systems, database management systems and traditional applications, networks, and the Internet.
• list and discuss societal trends and new developments resulting from computing innovation.
• identify and describe legal, social, educational, and communication issues related to increased Internet use in the home, workplace, and society.
• describe e-commerce, mass customization, and the effect of online business communications in today's business world.
• perform basic operations with, and use key functions and features of MS Office.
• create a web page.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, students should be able to more effectively use their computers as tools for business, entertainment or study, and should have a more complete and detailed understanding of the role computers play in our daily lives. Students should also be better able to use the Internet and WWW as a research and information-sharing resource.

Outline

COMP 210 is composed of the following eight units.

• Unit 1: Overview and Introduction to Computers
• Unit 2: Hardware and Software
• Unit 3: The Internet and World Wide Web
• Unit 4: Network and Internet Security
• Unit 5: Computer Security and Privacy
• Unit 6: Intellectual Property and Computer Ethics
• Unit 7: Health, Access, and Environmental Issues
• Unit 8: Emerging Technologies

Evaluation

To receive credit for COMP 210, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent), including an average grade of 50 percent on all coursework, and at least 50 percent on the final examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

The final examination for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbook

Registration in this course includes an electronic textbook. For more information on electronic textbooks, please refer to our eText Initiative site.

The Study Guide and some supplemental materials for COMP 210 are in electronic format. The course materials also include the electronic text Understanding Computers in a Changing Society, from which the majority of the course readings are drawn.

A print version of the eText may be available for purchase from the publisher through a direct-to-student link provided on the course website; you can also acquire the textbook on your own if you wish.

Special Course Features

Delivery of COMP 210 is based on electronic materials formatted for online delivery and on computer mediated communications. The student must have an ISP connection supporting a graphical user interface, a working email account, and must be able to use email to register. Students are required to have their own copy of Microsoft Office.

Challenge for Credit Course Overview

The Challenge for Credit process allows students to demonstrate that they have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university level course.

Full information for the Challenge for Credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.

• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Policy
• Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Procedures

Challenge Evaluation

To receive credit for the COMP 210 challenge registration, you must achieve a grade of at least "D" (50 per cent) on the examination and "D" (50 per cent) on the project.

Undergraduate Challenge for Credit Course Registration Form

• Challenge for Credit Form