COS 101: Introduction to Computing Sciences

 

 

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. explain basic components of computers and other computing devices;
2. describe the various applications of computers;
3. explain information processing and its roles in the society;
4. describe the Internet, its various applications and its impact;
5. explain the different areas of the computing discipline and its specializations; and
6. demonstrate practical skills on using computers and the internet.

Course Contents
Brief history of computing. Description of the basic components of a computer/computing device.
Input/Output devices and peripherals. Hardware, software and human ware. Diverse and growing
computer/digital applications. Information processing and its roles in society. The Internet, its
applications and its impact on the world today. The different areas/programs of the computing
discipline. The job specializations for computing professionals. The future of computing.

Lab Work: Practical demonstration of the basic parts of a computer. Illustration of different
operating systems of different computing devices including desktops, laptops, tablets, smart
boards and smart phones. Demonstration of commonly used applications such as word
processors, spreadsheets, presentation software and graphics. Illustration of input and output
devices including printers, scanners, projectors and smartboards. Practical demonstration of the
Internet and its various applications. Illustration of browsers and search engines. How to access
online resources.