CS 101 - Introduction to Computers

Credits: 3

Course Description

An introduction to computing and its impact on society from a user’s perspective. Topics include computation using spreadsheets, beautification using text formatters and word processors, information management with database managers, and problem solving through program design and implementation using a simple, hypothetical programming language. Not open to students who have received credit for higher level computer science courses

NOTE: this course is a service course and does not necessarily meet the goals of the Computer Science major.

Needed Skills

No specific skills - there are no prerequisites other than UK admission to take this class.

Learning Outcomes

This course assumes no background in computers at all. The desired course outcomes for this class are:

1. That the student will be able to use applications software competently to solve problems. This software includes Windows, Notepad, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access and an email system.

2. That the student will be aware of the capabilities and limitations of hardware and software computing technologies, how software is developed, and the Internet’s abilities and weaknesses.

3. That the student will be aware of issues in society related to computers.

Additional Comments

The two primary components for accomplishing this are lecture/demonstration sessions coupled with small structured labs. The lectures will present the conceptual material and the labs will emphasize the use of application software.

CAC Categories:

Topic	Core	Advanced
Math Fundamentals	0	0
Data Structures	0	0
Algorithms & Software Design	0	0
Computer Organization and Architecture	0	0
Concepts of Programming Languages	0	0
Social and ethical issues	15	0
Total	0	0

Math Fundamentals: none

Data structures: none

Algorithms and Software: none

Social and ethical issues (15): Core: History of Computing (2), Social context of computing (5), Professional and ethical responsibilities (2), Risks and liabilities of computer-based systems (1), Intellectual property (0.5), Privacy and civil liberties (0.5), Economic issues in computing (4).

Oral Communication (presentations)

none

Written communication

5 assignments 1-2 pages (one of which is graded for grammar)

Content

Theoretical content: 0%

Problem analysis: 0%

Solution design: 0%

Other: 100% (social and ethical issues)

Student evaluation and feedback

The homeworks for this course are designed

· To teach the student how to set up the student’s university e-mail account

· To encourage the student to learn more about the computer science department by using the department’s web page

· To teach the student how to use the engineering library’s online resources

· To teach the student how to write a resume

· To encourage the students to learn more about the speakers

The resume assignment is turned in and checked by the Engineering-Cooperative Education Program office for conformance to accepted industry standards.

Course Evaluation Questions

37. I have a better understanding of the computer science academic discipline.

38. I have a better understanding of what is expected of me as a computer science student.

39. I have a better understanding of what careers are available to computer science students.

40. I have a better understanding of what professional skills are required of me by employers in the information technology discipline.

Possible Textbook

Typically, no required textbook is used in this class.