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.