Department: Computer Science
Course Title: Introduction to Computer Science Course Code: CoSc1011
Instructor Name: Hailemariam W. Course ECTS: 5
Instructor’s Contact Information: Course Information:
Email:
[email protected] Academic Year: 2015
Office Hours: Thursday @11:00-12:30 Semester: II
1. Course Description:
An overview of Computer Science; historical development of computers; logical organization of
a computer system; software ,data representation inside computers; computer arithmetic;
computer system architecture(Boolean algebra and logic circuits); overview of computer
networks & Computer security, Lab Introducing the use of PC in an MS DOS, MS Windows
environment; Introduction to main MS application packages in that context – MS Excel, MS
Word, MS access, MS power point, Introduction to using Internet;
2. Course Goals or Learning Outcome:
Up on the completion of this course, students will be able to:
Find out what computer science is about and explore its applications and impact in other
disciplines
Explain how the computer understands words, numbers, and how data and instructions are
stored, retrieved and processed
Describe basic characteristics of components of a computer system, Illustrate and analyze basics
of Computer architecture
Demonstrate basics of networking. explain what the Internet is , browse and use the Internet for
information and communication purpose ,
Discuss and explain importance of securing computer-based resources (including hardware,
software, and information)
3. Perquisite: None
4. Required Texts:
Ref 1: Fikire Sitota and Belay Tedla: fundamentals of information technology; AA, mega publishing
enterprise, 2002
Ref 2: ITL ESL , Introduction to computer science , Pearson edition ,2004
Ref 3: Kenneth C Laudon, Carol Guercio Traver, Jane Price laudon : information technology and
society, second edition, 1996
Ref 4: Dida Midekso, information technology: Addis Ababa University Printing Press, revised press,
2006.
Ref 5 : William Stallings: Computer Organization and Architecture, 5/E, 6/E, Prentice Hall, 2003
Ref 6: Donald H. Sandar computer concepts and applications; USA; Von Hoffman press, 1987
Ref 7: http://newdata.box.sk/bx/c/
5. Expectations:
Students are expected to attend all lectures and laboratory sessions with serious discipline and
complete the required assessments. Thus, intensive reading of course texts and frequent practice
of laboratory activities are expected from students.
Students are strongly encouraged to collaborate with one another in studying the textbook and
the lecture material, while they are not permitted to collaborate on exams.
6. Summary of Assessment Methods:
Assessment methods:
Continuous Assessments (50%):
- Lab works
- Quizzes
- Assignment
- tests
Final exam-50%
7. Schedule
The following is an outline of the order in which syllabus contents will be covered. The exact
dates and due dates for assignments and exams can be found on the class calendar and are subject
to change with notice.
Date Topics to be discussed Reading
Week 1 Chapter 1 - Overview of Computer Science
1.1 Introduction to Information and Communication Technology
1.2 Definition of Computer and Computer Science
1.3 Characteristics of computers
- Speed, accuracy, capacity, versatility, durability and reliability
1.4 Types of computers
- Analog, digital, special purpose, general purpose
- Super computers, mainframe computers, minicomputers,
microcomputers (desktop,
laptop or notebook, PDA or palmtop, handheld)
1.5 Applications of computers (2 hours)
- Learning aid
- Entertainment
- Commercial and business applications
- Information utility
- Engineering and research applications
- Public service
Week 2-3 Chapter 2 - Development of computers
2.1. History of computing
- Abacus
- Pascal’s Calculator
- The difference engine and the analytical engine
- Herman Hollerith’s tabulating machine
- Mark I
- ENIAC - Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer
- The Von Neumann Machine
- Commercial computers
2.2. Generations of computers
- First, second, third, and fourth generations
- Current Trends
Week 4-6 Chapter 3 - Organization of a computer system
3.1. Introduction to Computer Systems
3.2. Computer hardware
- The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Purposes of the Central Processing Unit
- Control Unit
- Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
- RAM and ROM
- The bus system (address bus, data bus, and control bus)
- Input/Output units
- Input units (pointing devices, game controllers, keyboard, scanner,
camera,
microphone)
- Output units (monitor, printer, speaker)
- Storage units
- Sequential access media ( tape)
- Random access media (magnetic disk, optical storage media, flash
memory cards)
3.3. Computer software
- System software
- Operating systems
- What is an operating system?
- Functions of an operating system (controlling operations,
input/output
management, command processing)
- Types of operating systems (single/multi tasking, single/multi user,
real-time,
command driven vs GUI-based)
- Example operating systems (Windows, UNIX, Solaris, MacOS)
- Language software
- Translators (assemblers, compilers, interpreters), and editors
- Applications software
- Word processing
- Spreadsheet
- Database management systems
- Graphics
- Software suites
- Enterprise application software
Week 9-10 Chapter 4 - Data representation in computers
4.1. Units of data representation
- Bit, Byte, Word
4.2. Concept of number systems and binary arithmetic
- Binary, Octal, and Hexadecimal number systems
- Conversion from one number system to another
- Binary arithmetic
4.3 Coding method
- EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code)
- BCD 4 and 6 (Binary Coded Decimal)
- ASCII 7 and 8 (American Standard Code for Information
Interchange)
- UNICODE
4.4 Representation of negative numbers and arithmetic
- Signed magnitude, One’s complement, Two’s complement
4.5 Floating-point representation
Week 6-8 Chapter 5 - Computer System architecture
5.1 Hierarchical structure of computer system architecture
5.2 Logic elements and Boolean algebra
- Logic gates and Boolean algebra
5.3 Implementation of Boolean algebra
- Boolean functions and truth tables
- Construction of logic circuits
5.4 Types of circuits
- Combinational and sequential circuits
Week 9-11 Chapter 6 - Computer networks and communications
6.1 Introduction to computer networking and its applications
6.2 Types of networks
- LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks)
6.3 Introduction to the Internet
- Services of the Internet (e-mail, World Wide Web, file
transfer/access, remote login/
execution, video conferencing)
12-14 Chapter 7 - Computer security
- Introduction to computer security
- Encryption
- Backup
- Viruses and worms
Assessment Arrangements:
Test #1 20%
Quiz 1 & 2 10%
Final examination 50%
Assignments 20%
Total 100%
