Department of Information Systems & Computing

Academic Year 2012/13; 2nd Trimester

COSC070: Introduction to Computers 2 Credits
by: Koima Joan
Contacts: koimaj@ueab.ac.ke
Office Hours: MTW(10-12pm, 4-5pm)
Class Days: Th (10-11am)
Course Description
Introduces computer concepts including a discussion of computer history, computer hardware and
problem solving algorithms. It covers computer terminologies, computer hardware and software, care
and selection of a personal computer, the role of computers in application areas and ethical
considerations, email and the internet. It includes hands-on usage of the computer in using Word
processor, Spread sheet and PowerPoint presentations.
Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Differentiate the components of a computer and their functions

Demonstrate their understanding on the classification of computers and simple
knowledge on networking
Able to employ the use of computers in various fields in society.
Be able to discuss ways of preventing health-related disorders and injuries due to
computer use
Demonstrate through hands on usage of computers to perform a number of activities
with various computer applications.

Recommended Reference Materials:

Parker Charles S. Deborah Morley, Understanding Computers today and tomorrow, 2010 edition,
Shelly, Garry & Vermaat, Misty Discovering Computers 2010: living in a digital world, 2010
edition
Online Resources
Grading:
Final Exam
Mid semester Exam
Practical exam/Term Paper
Class Assignments
1|Page

50%
15%
15%
10%

Attendance and class participation

10%

Method of Instruction: Class Lectures, Tutorials

Assessment Rationale: Purpose of assessment is to evaluate the learning outcomes.
Topics
Week
Week 1

Topic
Topic 1: Introduction and definition of terms
Topic 2: Historical development of computers

Week 2

Topic 3: Functions of the computer

Input
Processing
Output
Storage

Week 3

Topic 3: Data and Information

Types of data
Qualities of good information
Topic 4: Classification of computers
Supercomputers
Mainframe
Minicomputers
Workstation
Personal computers
Topic 5: Advantages and Disadvantages of
computers
Topic 6: Parts of a computer
Hardware and Software
Components of hardware
Types Computer software
MID SEMESTER EXAM
Topic 7:The system unit and its components
Processor, memory, expansion slots
and cards, disk drives, bay,
motherboard, power supply unit, ports
and connectors
Topic 8:Computer Networks, Internet and
introduction to websites
Topic 9: Impact of computers in society,
ethics and security
Topic 10: Introduction to word processing,
spreadsheets and presentation
REVISION
FINAL EXAMINATION

Week 4

Week 5
Week 6

4th October 2012

Week 7

Week 8
Week 9
Week 10 -12
Week 13

2|Page

Student Expectations
Appreciate the evolution of
computers
Understand each function
and relate to the devices
involved

Differentiate the different

hardware components, types
of software and their
applications

Relate the use of computers

Apply learnt concepts

3|Page