| COMPUTER SCIENCE 105: An Introduction to Computers and their Applications (3) | |
| Why: | At the end of this course, students should have gained a beginning skill level with the application software and should understand general interest articles in news media concerning computers. They should have an ability to explain the principles of operation of a simple computer and to understand the functions of individual computer components. They should also feel comfortable in exploring new hardware and software by applying the principles and knowledge from this class. |
| Content: | This is a computer literacy course that introduces students to the internet and other networks, multimedia, CD ROM, the historical development of the computer; uses of the computer in business, industry, government, education, and the home; hardware components of a computer system; data representation; system analysis and design (the formal problem-solving system for defining a need and implementing computing power); issues of ethics posed by technology and future trends for computers. The laboratory section includes hands-on experience with the internet, Windows, and microcomputer applications packages such as word processors and spreadsheets. No credit granted toward the BS degree in Computer Science, but the course is required for the BA degree. |
| Format: | Lecture and lab. |
| Evaluation: | Objective exams, essay questions, comprehensive final exam, and lab assignments. |
| Prerequisites: | Some familiarity with typewriter keyboard and minimal typing skills. |
| What Next? | Many students do go on to Computer Science 210 Introduction to Computer Science. Students interested in skills courses may want to enroll in Computer Science 150W Internet Tools, 151I Internet Research, or 151J Multimedia Literacy, 151W PowerPoint, 151Z Outlook, 152A Front Page, 152B Publisher, 152C Dreamweaver, 203 Visual BASIC, 350K Networking Essentials, 350N E-Commerce, 350P Web Design with Dynamic HTML. |
| Related Courses: | Philosophy 125 Introductory Logic and Philosophy 354 Ethics and Computers. |
| Note: | 1) This course is not designed to develop expertise in particular applications packages, but to give students a broad general overview of how the computer works, and how it is used in business, industry, government, society, and the home. |
| 2)
Homework assignments and the exams may require students
to write short essays in English. The lab book assumes
students are fluent in the English language. Students who
have difficulties in speaking or writing English will
find the material challenging.
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| COMPUTER SCIENCE 210: Introduction to Computer Science (4) | |
| Why? | Enable the Computer Science major to learn the basic concepts of the discipline of computer science and provide a solid foundation for further study in computer science. Provide the non-major student a comprehensive overview of the discipline of computer science. |
| Content: | This course provides a breadth-first look at the discipline of Computer Science. It assumes no prior background or experience with computers. The course is required by students who wish to major in computer science, but non-majors will also enjoy this overview of the discipline. The material covered in this course will include such important topics as algorithms (the logical step-by-step method for solving a problem), hardware design, models for computer science languages, programming, artificial intelligence, and social issues of computing. Specific material may include the binary number system, databases, networks, time sharing, operating system software, parallel processing, and ethical issues in Computer Science. The laboratory component provides the students with hands-on experience with computers with software that reinforces the concepts covered in the lecture portion of the course. |
| Format: | Lecture/discussion and labs. |
| Evaluation: | Objective and subjective exams, homework assignments, programming assignments, and a comprehensive final exam. |
| Prerequisites: | English 100 or 101 AND Math 111 or equivalent with a grade of C or better in each course. |
| What Next? | C S 211 Problem Solving
and Programming in C language can be taken concurrently. C S 300 Data Structures and Algorithms I. C S 312 Assembly Language & Systems Programming. C S 320 Discrete Structures in Computer Science. |
| Related Courses: | Phil 125 Introductory Logic, Phil 354 Ethics and Computers. |