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An introduction to computers, how they work, and what they can and cannot do. Software packages for word processing, spreadsheets, databases are taught. This is a non-advancing course.
This course assumes that you already have a basic idea of how to use computers for everyday applications, but would like to find out more about what’s really going on in this digital world that we live in, and how to improve your efficiency and effectiveness using digital tools. We’ll look at things like what makes a good and bad interface, what can cause computers to run slowly, and what sort of cyber threats you should worry about (and not worry about). It is recommended whether or not you’re majoring in Computer Science, as it provides a general background that all computer users will benefit from, and will give insights about the users’ experience to those who are likely to be designing new computer systems.COSC110 is intended to help both digital natives (people who grew up with a computer in the home) and digital immigrants (new users) make sense of the digital world we live in. Natives, who have grown up with computer technologies, are probably used to accepting them too uncritically, while immigrants may be wary of adopting new software or gadgets because they feel that the anticipated cost of learning their use will outweigh any benefits. In this course we will help you to better understand the digital devices you use every day and show you how to work more efficiently and effectively with computers and computer-based devices. We will also examine the effect digital technologies have on society and individuals, including new risks and new ethical issues.In lectures we will look at the world of computing in general: how to assess “usability”, how digital devices can make people more or less productive, what aspects of devices make one a better product than another, and some of the problems that computers have caused. Laboratory exercises will be used to give concrete examples of the general principles we discuss during lectures. There you will learn how to use personal computers efficiently and effectively.
The goal of the course is that students will be able to work efficiently and effectively in our digital world. The emphasis is not so much on how to use existing technologies, but to evaluate whatever new technology they may encounter, and be discerning when using digital technology in their work so that their use of technology is both efficient and effective; this may include choosing not to use a technology if it has a negative impact, whether on efficiency, effectiveness, or in terms of ethical or societal implications.
Tim Bell and Dong Seong Kim
The recommended main text for this course is Tomorrow’s Technology and You, by Beekman/Quinn (eighth or ninth edition). The ninth edition is available from the University Bookshop. Previous editions of this book were called Computer Confluence.The Cosc110 Laboratory book will be available online (no cost).We will also make use of Internet sites with relevant material, such as howstuffworks.com and wikipedia.org. References to these sites will be given throughout the course, but you should also use them when you need more detailed explanations of terms used in the course.Additional notes and documentation will be handed out during lectures. Electronic copies will be available on the COSC110 Learn site. Note that this material is not all available from the library, since using the Learn system will be part of your COSC110 learning experience! The main textbook will of course be available in both the Main (Hight) Library and the Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS) Library, for short term loan.
Course Information on Learn
There are several important documents available online about departmental regulations, policies and guidelines at the following site. We expect all students to be familiar with these. http://www.cosc.canterbury.ac.nz/regulations/Notices about this class will be posted to the class forum in the Learn system (learn.canterbury.ac.nz).COSC students will also be made members of a class called “CSSE Notices”, where general notices will be posted that apply to all classes (such as information about building access or job opportunities).
Domestic fee $719.00
International fee $3,325.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Computer Science and Software Engineering .