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.