Computer Science, Prifysgol Cymru Aberystwyth University of Wales
CS20510 (1995-96 session)
Computing for Life Sciences
Brief Description
This module is intended primarily for students taking degrees
in Life Sciences. The function, value and effective use of
spreadsheets and simple databases will be covered. The
availability and use of network information resources will be
explored.
The benefits of simple interfacing for environmental
monitoring and for the control and monitoring of experiments
will be outlined and the basic technology and techniques of such
interfacing will be introduced.
Aims, Objectives, Syllabus, Booklist
Further Details
- Number of lectures
- 24
- Number of seminars/tutorials
- 0
- Number of practicals
- 10 x 2 hours
- Coordinator
- Mr. Nigel Hardy
- Other staff involved
- Not yet known
- Pre-requisites
-
CS20010
or equivalent experience
- Co-requisites
-
- Incompatibilities
-
CS10010
,
CS10510
,
CS10610
,
CS10810
,
CS21020
- Assessment
- Assessed coursework - 50%
Written exam -
50%
- Timing
- This module is offered only in Semester 2
Aims
This module aims to increase general familiarity with and
appreciation of the potential of computing techniques to Life
Scientists. The following four particularly relevant areas or
technology are considered:
-
spreadsheets for general purpose use and for model
building;
-
databases;
-
network information resources;
-
interfacing techniques for sampling and experimental
control.
Objectives
On successful completion of the module students will be able
to:
-
use most facilities of a modern spreadsheet, including
charting and macro recording;
-
recognise and analyse potential applications of database
technology;
-
perform data design for simple relational
databases;
-
recognise a number of potential problems in implementing
such a database;
-
set up tables, relationships, queries and reports using
Microsoft Access;
-
search for and retrieve information available on the
Internet;
-
recognise the potential for using microcomputer technology
to monitor and sample simple sensor data during observation,
trials or experiments both in the laboratory and in the
field;
-
recognise the potential for using computers to control
experimental systems.
Syllabus
-
Spreadsheets - 4 Lectures, 3 Practicals
-
Revision of basic operation;
complex expressions; conditionals; lookup tables; advanced
charting; macros. The exploration and guided extension of a
provided Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
-
Single table
databases - 3 Lectures
-
Uses; examples. Definitions - table,
record, field. Queries, forms and reports.
-
Use of
Microsoft Access - 1 Lecture, 3 Practicals
-
Practical explanation and guidance. Creation of a simple
single table database from a provided design; entry of data;
searching and report generation.
-
Multi-table
databases - 4 Lectures, 3 Practicals
-
The need for multiple tables. Entities, attributes,
relationships, E-R modelling. Domain key normal form. Examples.
Exploration and guided enhancement of a provided multi-table
database.
-
Free text and hypertext - 1 Lecture
-
Searching and browsing. The principles of
hypertext production. Example systems in Life Sciences.
-
On-line Information Resources - 4 Lectures, 1 Practical
-
CD-ROM access and use. The Internet; ftp, news, gopher and
WWW operation; obtaining information; searching for information.
Exploration of on-line resources as available.
-
Simple
computer communications - 3 Lectures
-
Serial and parallel communications; standards;
configuration parameters; data rates; applications. Local and
wide area networks; data rates; applications.
-
Interfacing - 4 Lectures
-
The analog/digital distinction; converters and their
characteristics; example applications.
Booklist
The following should be consulted for different approaches or for further information
-
Nancy B. Stern and Robert A. Stern.
Computing in the Information Age.
John Wiley and Sons Inc, New York, 1993.
-
David M Kroenke.
Database Processing - Fundamentals, Design, and Implementation.
Prentice Hall International Editions, 5th. edition, 1995.
ISBN 0-13-320128-7.
Version 4.2
Syllabus
John Hunt Departmental Advisor
jjh@aber.ac.uk
Dept of Computer Science, UW Aberystwyth (disclaimer)