Computer Science (COMP) 200
Introduction to Computing and Information Systems (Revision 4)
Revision 4 closed, replaced by current version.
Delivery Mode:Individualized study online.
Credits:3
Area of Study:Science
Skills Required: Basic computer literacy and competence are required. Note: Students who are concerned about not meeting the knowledge requirements for this course are encouraged to contact the course coordinator before registering.
Prerequisite:None. Complete the steps to Are You Ready to Start an SCIS Program or Course?
Precluded Course:None.
Students in this course are required to contact their tutor using email.
Please see the Tutor and Coordinator Support page for more information.
Centre:School of Computing and Information Systems
SCIS Orientation
COMP 200 has a Challenge for Credit option.
COMP 200 sample
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Overview
COMP 200 is designed as a three-credit course to cover fundamentals of information systems, and to serve as an introduction to, and prerequisite for, a program in Computing and Information Systems. The course will cover basic hardware concepts; the structure (or architecture) of computers; the software hierarchy from systems software to application programs; and information systems concepts and development.
In Comp 200 students will be expected to use a combination of locally-installed and external electronic materials to develop skills needed for further study in the field. This will include downloading, installing and using specialized software tools and setting pathing parameters to allow programs to access their components and files. Because this is a preparatory course for further study in CS, the level of technical content and difficulty in Comp 200 is fairly high.
COMP 210 is recommended as more appropriate for students not majoring in CIS (check your program regulations and transfer credit agreements where appropriate).
Learning Objectives
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- discuss the importance of information systems in organizations
- list and discuss key steps in microcomputer development and evolution
- correctly use terms and methods of data representation and measurement
- define and discuss system software components
- describe the role and functions of the central processing unit , primary memory and storage
- describe and discuss the types and functions of peripheral or auxiliary devices
- list and describe single and multi-user business applications
- describe the components of relational database and perform a simple data normalization
- describe the principles of integrated and shared information systems
- describe the key elements of data- and telecommunications technology
- define and describe client/server systems and Internet Applications
- describe the methods and tools for developing application software, including programming languages
- describe the principles and methods of systems analysis, design, and implementation
- write simple scripting programs using Python
- install and use the basic features of a Java Development Toolkit
- identify and discuss computer technology trends and emerging technologies
Learning Outcomes
After completing COMP 200 students should be well prepared for further study in Computer Science topics such as system or network administration, programming, and database design or administration. Students will have gained some basic programming experience and will be familiar with the installation and basic use of programming tools required in more advanced CS courses.
Outline
COMP 200 consists of the following six units:
Unit 1: Computer Basics
Unit 2: System Components: Hardware and System Software
Unit 3: Single-user Applications
Unit 4: Multi-user Applications
Unit 5: Introduction to Systems Development
Unit 6: New Challenges and Techniques in System Development
Evaluation
To receive credit for COMP 200, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least “D” (50 percent), including an average grade of 50 percent on the assignments/quizzes, an average grade of 50 percent on the course projects, and at least 50 percent on the final examination. The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Quiz 1 | 2% |
| TME 1 | 3% |
| Quiz 2 | 2% |
| TME 2 | 3% |
| Quiz 3 | 2% |
| TME 3 | 3% |
| Course Project Part 1 | 15% |
| Course Project Part 2 | 15% |
| Course Project Part 3 | 15% |
| CMC Participation | 10% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
Course Materials
The course materials for COMP 200 are all in electronic format. These materials are the equivalent to the standard Athabasca University study guide, textbook, student manual, and tutor-marked exercises.
Special Course Features
Information Systems courses at Athabasca University require students to use computer mediated communications.
A word-processing program capable of producing MS-Word compatible documents is required for COMP 200. Students must supply their own software.
MS-Access may also be used in Comp 200, but is not required. A free option to download MS-Access is included in the online course materials, or the database design project may be done without using a database management program.
Minimum hardware standards depend on the requirements of the software used in the course (where applicable). We expect students to have access to computer equipment with the minimum configuration:
- A connection to the internet
- See the SCIS Computer Software and Hardware Information for these most up-to-date configuration requirements.
Special Instructional Features
COMP 200 is offered through Moodle, a Learning Management System that can be accessed through the Web. COMP 200 can be completed at the student's workplace or home. COMP 200 is an core course in all undergraduate programs offered by the School of Computing and Information Systems.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 4, September 29, 2009.
View previous syllabus
Last updated by SAS 02/04/2016 08:34:06
