Computer Literacy 1 (CS0001)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 7 ? Acronym : INF-1-CL1

This course examines computer-based tools for solving, or gaining insight into, problems across all disciplines, and for presenting the resulting information. The different tools are covered in an integrated way, to demonstrate how the computer literate person can approach and implement problem-solving. Topics include: The World-Wide Web, selected applications (e.g. spreadsheets); The components of a PC; networks and communications; visualisation; social and legal issues, trends and research in Computing, e-business. [this version updates the copy in the DRPS]

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Informatics, (School of Informatics, Schedule O)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 1st year

? Delivery Period : Semester 1 (Blocks 1-2)

? Contact Teaching Time : 3 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
18/09/2007	17:10	18:00	Faculty Room South, David Hume Tower	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Monday	17:10	18:00	Central
Lecture	Tuesday	17:10	18:00	Central
Lecture	Thursday	17:10	18:00	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

A student completing CL1h will understand:

-history, challenges and trends in IT and networking.
-the hardware and software components of a modern computer
and their effect on computer performance
-file storage, formatting, defragmentation, compression and the persistance of data.
-the functions of selected common applications.

Be able to:
-assess typical computer peripherals and understand 'total cost of ownership'.
-recognise a good computer application.

Have used MS Word, MS Excel and Web browsers.

Understand:
-the different major categories of computer system.
-computer-mediated communication compared to real-world dialogue.
-health and safety requirements of computer use
-how to tackle an IT-based problem in a real situation.
-software faults and failures and 'fault tolerance'.

Critically assess Web pages and construct a simple Web page

Discuss selected news items.

Appreciate data protection, privacy, RIP, human rights and auditability,
i.e. the role, threats and opportunities of IT in society.

Appreciate how IT supports and drives business.

Understand:
-the implications of the world as a 'global village'
-'identity theft' and the necessary precautions and remedies when using
computers and the Internet.
-the basics of reliable communication.

Recognise the components of a computer network and understand their function.

Describe the technology and application of various kinds of network.

Appreciate how computer activity can be compromised or abused and preventative measures.

Understand:
-the basics of single and dual key passwords.
-something of the binary system, quantities used in IT and the sizes of representative items of data.
-the concept of an algorithm and how different algorithms behave when applied to large problems.

Appreciate backup and disaster recovery plans.

Consider the relevance of algorithms to real life.