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IT S101

More information: Course Guide

Introduction to Information and Communications Technology

Course Start Date	Course Level	Duration	Credits	Language	Fees ($) (including lab fees)	Future Semesters
01-Oct-2013	Foundation	2 semesters	10	English	N/A	Oct 2014

Course Coordinator: Dr Vanessa Ng, BSc (Hons), PhD (CityU of HK); CEng; MIET; SMIEEE

Course Developer: The Open University, UK, Course Team

IT S101 is one of the compulsory courses for the Bachelor of Computing programmes. It is an optional course in the BSc and BSc (Hons) in Computer Engineering degrees. This course is also universally relevant to all OUHK programmes and is suitable as a free-choice selection.

The course provides basic knowledge in computing fields. In particular, it explores the convergence of computing, microelectronics and communication technologies, which has brought such an explosion in our capacity for data processing and transmission. It shows how simple the underlying physical and logical mechanisms are, and how complex the process of transforming a real-life problem into a computer-based solution can be.

More information about this course can be found at http://learn.ouhk.edu. hk/~u101/guest.

Aims
This course aims to:

• Introduce a number of concepts related to computing and information technology;

• Help students recognize, analyse, and differentiate the diverse ways in which data can be acquired, transformed and presented;

• Examine some of the social, political and legal dimensions of data and information;

• Teach the fundamentals of programming using JavaScript;

• Relate data, information and computing systems to wider personal, cultural, social, scientific, technological and organizational contexts;

• Provide a foundation for future study in the field of computing;

• Foster a sense that computers can be used creatively as well as mechanically.
  

Contents
The course covers the following topics:

• The nature of data, basic encoding systems, integration of multimedia data

• Transmission, storage and access of data

• The basic composition of a simple computing system

• Programming using JavaScript

• Basic concepts of databases and software development

• Human–computer interaction

• Confidentiality and security issues in information

• The methods for encrypting data, and cryptography standards

Learning support
There will be 12 two-hour tutorials and 16 two-hour surgeries spread throughout the course. Students are also encouraged to make extensive use of the online discussion board in the OLE for questions and answers.

Assessment
There will be four tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and a final examination. Each of the two parts contributes 50% of the final grade.

Online requirement
This course is supported by the Online Learning Environment (OLE). You can find the latest course information from the OLE. Through the OLE, you can communicate electronically with your tutor and Course Coordinator, as well as other students. To access the OLE, students will need to have access to the Internet. The use of the OLE is required for the study of this course.

Equipment
Students will need access to a PC-compatible computer suitable for connecting to the Internet. The recommended minimum configuration of the computer is:

• Pentium processor with 512 MB RAM

• CD-ROM drive

• Hard disk

• Video display resolution at 800 x 600 or higher

• Sound card with speakers

• Internet connection

Software
Students will need access to a computer with Microsoft Windows XP and an Internet browser.

Set book(s)
There are no set books for this course.

Students with disabilities
The audio and visual components of this course may cause difficulties for students with hearing or vision impairment. You are encouraged to seek advice from the Course Coordinator before enrolling on the course.