Computer Science

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of computer science in order for them to develop an understanding of the background of the functioning of modern digital computers. It also aims to introduce them to structured programming using the Pascal language. Alongside the teaching of the course familiarisation with common wordprocessing, spreadsheet and internet software is targeted in order that students can survive the everyday demands of IT in preparing projects and other university assignments.

COURSE BOOKS

There is no recommended book for this course. Reading material mainly consists of teacher notes that aim to cover the various aspects of the course but reference to user guides for the various software applications is also made. Much of the material used for this course can be downloaded from internet sites free of charge.

COURSE OUTLINE:

Computing Science

• Binary Coding of Data
• Numerical Systems
• Decimal, Binary, Octal, Hexadecimal Numerical Systems
• Conversion from one System to another
• Binary arithmetic: Fundamental Binary addition and subtraction
• Representation of Data in Computer Systems: Binary Coding of Data
• Binary Coded Decimal
• Sign and Magnitude Code: Range, Place values, description
• One's Complement Code: Range, Place values, description
• Two's Complement Code: Range, Place values,, description

Overview of Computers

• Hardware and Software
• Information and Data
• Computer architecture (General concepts)
• Computer Layout
• Classification and usage of Computer Hardware Components (Input, Output, Main Memory, Secondary Memory Storage Devices, Central Processing Unit)
• Memory Types, Storage and Retrieval of Information in Memory
• Programs, Overview of Programming Languages
• Basic Entities and Concepts in Programming (Data, File, Record, Algorithms)
• Operating Systems ( Definition, Tasks)
• Windows 7/Windows8: User interface, maintenance, recovery, set-up, customization, architecture, Control panel, features and facilities
• General Concepts and Terminology used in Computer Applications
• Processing a High-Level Language Program (Source Program, Compilation, Linking, Executing)

Networks and Internet

• Network fundamentals
• Internet fundamentals (URL, Web Browsers, Search engines)
• How the Internet works (Protocols, IP address, DNS, Domains, Ports, Hosting)
• Security threats and protection (malware classification, Internet security applications, Firewalls, port blocking)
• Using e-mail (POP, SMTP, IMAP, spam)

Word-processing using Microsoft Word

• User interface, ribbons, shortcuts, selection
• Formatting, editing, printing
• Development of professional documents (styles, table of contents and figures, references, tables, columns, text boxes, objects and pictures, captions)

Spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel

• User interface, ribbons, shortcuts, selection
• Worksheet design and formatting
• Using Formulas and Functions
• Absolute, Relative, and Mixed References
• Creating and Using Names
• Formatting Data
• Previewing and Printing
• Worksheet Collaboration and Review
• Charts and Graphics
• Data Analysis

Producing Presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint

• Create and edit presentation
• Formatting, editing slides
• Insert text, pictures and charts
• Import data from other applications
• Use animations

Databases using Microsoft Access

• Data base concepts
• Data base design (Entities, tables,records,fields,keys,relationships, normalization, update rules)
• Data base implementation using MS Access
• Forms, Reports, Queries

Programming

• Overview of a Pascal Program (Structure, Reserved Words, Identifiers etc.)
• Data types and Declarations
• Executable Statements (Writing Assignment Statements)
• Input /Output Operations and Procedures
• Arithmetic Expressions, variable type compatibility
• Formatting Program Output
• Standard Pascal Functions : Description and Utilisation
• Decision making in programming (if, case, boolean)
• Loops, design and implementation in programming
• Introduction to Modular programming (functions, procedures)
• Matrices (one and two dimensional matrices)