Computer Science, Prifysgol Cymru Aberystwyth University of Wales

CS20010 (1995-96 session)
Basic Computer Equipment

Brief Description

This is a basic introduction to the use of computers for any student in the faculty of science who has no significant previous experience of such equipment. It is particularly suitable for students in the School of Life Sciences. Students who complete the course successfully will be able to use personal computers and the campus mainframe for general purpose applications and have an appreciation of the range and capabilities of computer equipment. Intermediate level wordprocessing will be covered.

Aims, Objectives, Syllabus, Booklist

Further Details

Number of lectures: 12
Number of seminars/tutorials: 0
Number of practicals: 20 x 2 hours
Coordinator: Mr. Nigel Hardy
Other staff involved: Not yet known
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Incompatibilities: Not available to students who have significant experience of using computers. CS10010
Assessment: Assessed coursework - 100%
Timing: This module is offered only in Semester 1

Aims

This module will:

introduce students to potential benefits of information technology in their academic lives;
introduce them to the campus computing facilities and their use;
allow them to develop skills and confidence in general computer usage;
begin the development of an understanding of when and how computers can and cannot assist effectively.

Objectives

On successfull completion of this module, students will have an understanding of:

the hardware components found in typical computer systems and broadly what their functions are;
the typical cost and performance characteristics of a range of technologies and products;
the major benefits of using computer technology to assist with document product;
the basic functionality of spreadsheets and databases.

On successful completion of the module students should be able to:

use Microsoft Windows to launch applications and handle multiple applications at once;
access a command string interpreter interface to a Computer Unit UNIX machine and perform a small range of simple tasks;
create and maintain a personal directory structure;
produce effective and well designed documents of significant complexity using Microsoft Word;
create graphics (using bit-mapped and object based packages) and charts and include them in wordprocessed documents;
create and use simple spreadsheets;
create and use simple, single table databases at a `cardfile' level;
use electronic mail;
use on-line facilities such as the CD-ROMS and Internet services;
evaluate and select appropriate equipment for a range of non-technical applications; this to include software and display, printing and storage devices.

Syllabus

Introduction - 1 Lecture: Course organisation. Aims and Objectives.
Survey of Software - 2 Lectures: Operatings systems; user interfaces, utilities; applications programs; user written programs.
Survey of Hardware - 2 Lectures: Processors; primary store; secondary store; displays; printers; pointing devices; digitisers.
Networking and communications - 1 Lecture: Range of technology and bandwidth; campus network; Janet, Super Janet and the Internet.
Graphics Applications - 1 Lecture: "Draw", "Paint", charting and image packages; the bit-mapped and object based storage techniques and their implications.
Databases - 2 Lectures: Tables, records and fields; validation; the need for and complexities of multiple table databases.
Spreadsheets - 1 Lecture: Practical examples of more powerfull facilities; macros; available functions.
Data Protection Legislation - 1 Lecture: The Data Protect Act and its implications.
Advanced Applications - 1 Lecture: The concept of artificial intelligence; its historical development; the application of expert systems.
Microsoft Windows - 1 Practical: General use and manipulaton of Windows; launching applications.
e-mail; Files I. - 1 Practical: Creation, manipulation and maintenance of a directory structure.
Word processor - 4 Practicals: General use of Microsoft Word.
Files II - 1 Practical: Revision of the use of directory structures following practical experience of them.
Graphics - 2 Practicals: Bit mapped and object orientated graphics applications (Mircrosoft Paint and Draw).
Spreadsheets - 2 Practicals: A brief introduction to the potential of spreadsheets (using Microsoft Excel).
Mainframe Use - 3 Practicals: Logging on to campus mainfarmes; simple use of a UNIX shell; the UNIX filestore; I/O redirection; simple editing.
Databases - 2 Practicals: Experience of setting up a simple database; search and report generation.
Assignments - 4 Practicals: Time is allocated for the work on assignments.