Course Number: CSC110

Introduction to Computing

Course format: Lecture 3 hours per week.

Course Description

Introduces problem solving through computer applications and via a programming language. Examines development of computers, social and ethical implications of computers, and properties of programming languages. Covers input, storage, data manipulation, software and hardware.

General Course Purpose

The general purpose of this course is togive students a hands-on introduction to an operating system, commonly used application software, and elementary high-level programming language concepts, and also to examine some of the social and ethical implications of computers in our society. this course fulfills competency requirements for students pursuing the A.S. in Science and the Virginia Math Teaching endorsement course.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Identify, explain the purpose of, and use the basic hardware components of a personal desktop computer system.
• Identify several tasks for which an operating system is responsible.
• Use a file utility program to copy, move, and delete files and make and delete subdirectories.
• Understand the basic difference between system software and application software.
• Application Software - use application programs at the basic/introductory level for the following applications: Word processing, Spreadsheets, Database manipulation, Email, Network browsing.
• Send and receive email.
• Use an Internet brwoser program to connect to web sites and retrieve information
• Use elementary control structures and/or elementary event-handling constructs of a programming language to write an elementary computer program
• Solve an elementary problem by use of a computer and a programming language.
• Cite several ways that computers are chaning the way we do things in our society.
• State at least two malicious activities against which a user must protect him/herself when using a computer with the Internet.

Structure Of Course

The course will consist of lectures, readings, homework assignments and examinations. The bulk of the concepts in the course will be presented, explained and illustrated by way of extended examples in the lectures. The readings serve to provide more details and depth on selected concepts. Homework is designed to develop student's abilities to apply concepts and synthesize solutions to new problems on those concepts.

Textbooks & Resources

Mandatory textbook: Not required

Recommended readings:

• Connecting with Computer Science, 2nd Edition, Greg Anderson, David Ferro, Robert Hilton, ISBN 9781439080351, 2011
• Discovering Computers and Microsoft Office 2010: A Fundamental Combined Approach, 1st Edition, Gary Shelly Misty Vermaat, ISBN: 9780538473934, 2012
• Microsoft Office 2010: Introductory, 1st Edition, Gary Shelly, Misty Vermaat, ISBN: 9781439078389, 2011
• New Perspectives on HTML and CSS: Introductory, 6th Edition, Patrick M. Casey, ISBN 9781111526481, 2012
• Just Enough Programming Logic and Design, 1st Edition, Joyce Farrell, ISBN 9781439039571, 2009
• Just Enough Java(TM) Programs for Ferrell's Just Enough Programming Logic and Design, Joyce Farrell, ISBN 978-1111822866

Grading

Evaluation:

• Exams 40%
• Assignments 45%
• Class Exercises & Participation 15%

• A 90-100
• B 80-89
• C 70-79
• D 60-69
• F 0-59

Course Expectations

• Plagiarism and cheating is unacceptable and will be sanctioned accordingly and might result in failing the class
• Students will be expected to come to class and have an active participation, to respond to all class requirements, and to take midterm and final exams
• All students are expected to adhere to the academic rules of conduct described in the Northern Virginia Community College Catalog

Major Topics of teh Course

1. Introduction to Computers
   1. History
   2. Hardware
   3. Software
   4. Internal representation
   5. Role in society
   6. Ethical use of computers
2. Operating System
   1. Environment
   2. Files
      1. Creation
      2. Management
   3. Graphical User Interfaces
3. Word Processing
   1. Document creation
   2. Editing
   3. Formatting
4. Spreadsheet
   1. Creation
   2. Modification
   3. Graphs
5. Database
   1. Creation
   2. Querying
   3. Simple Forms and Reports
6. Computer Communication
   1. E-mail
   2. Internet
7. Programming
   1. Problem Solving
   2. Programming Methodologies
   3. Algorithms
   4. Programming Constructs
      1. Simple data types
      2. Input/Output
      3. Sequence
      4. Iteration
      5. Selection
   5. Coding and Syntax
   6. Testing and Debugging
8. Other optional content
   1. Integration of software applications
   2. Presentation graphics
   3. Creation of a simple web page