CPSC 210 Computer Systems Foundations
This course introduces students to computers, computer systems, and basic structures supporting computer programming and data communications. Throughout this course, fundamental concepts in Computer Science are covered. Topics include digital building blocks of computers, computer networks, operating systems, and large-scale computing.
Cross Listed Courses
None
Prerequisite
None
Corequisite
None
Washington Technology University
Syllabus
CPSC 210 : Computer Systems Foundations
5 Credits
Approved: 3/10/2021 9:33:36 PM
Course Description
This course introduces students to computers, computer systems, and basic structures supporting computer programming and data communications. Throughout this course, fundamental concepts in Computer Science are covered. Topics include digital building blocks of computers, computer networks, operating systems, and large-scale computing.
Course Required Resources
· Dale, N. & Lewis, J. (2016). Computer Science Illustrated Burlington: Jones and Bartlett
Course Outcomes
Describe the layers of a computer system
List the roles components in a computer system serves
Understand the difference between an operating system and an application program, and what each is used for in a computer
Describe how computer memory is organized and accessed
List the operations that a computer can perform
Explain the theory behind modular and object-oriented programming
Recognize several types of problems that humans do best and those that computers do best
Course Keywords
Computer Hardware, Byte, Resolution, Run-length Encoding, Gate, Transistor, Register, Assembly language, Machine language, Abstraction, Control Structure, Information hiding, Recursion, Data structure, Abstract Data Type, Reserved word, Class, Strong typing, File system, Directory, Database, Table, Turing Test, Artificial Intelligence
Assignment Summary
Midterm (25%)
Students should be prepared to answer a variety of types of questions pertinent to the concepts covered in or suggested by the course materials, assignments and activities. The instructor may provide additional information about the content, style, and grading criteria of this exam. The test will cover all concepts covered since the first day of class.
Final Examination (25%)
Students should be prepared to answer a variety of types of questions pertinent to the concepts covered in or suggested by the course materials, assignments and activities. The instructor may provide additional information about the content, style, and grading criteria of this exam. The exam will be limited to concepts covered since the mid-term.
Computer Technology Research Paper
In this project students identify a new computing technology to address a specific customer, business, organization, or a personal need. The students provide a summary of the need that is being addressed. They identify the documentation specifying the technology, the governing body or organization responsible for the development and maintenance of the technology. The student then summarizes key and unique features of the technology and give illustrations of how these allow the technology to address the specific needs for which the technology was devised. The students give examples demonstrating the use of the technology in at least two organizations. The students discuss shortfalls, issues, and potential upgrades of the technology. The paper will be at least 1500 words in length, excluding the title page, abstract, and citation appendix.
Instructor Determined Assignments, Collaboration and Participation (attendance and online activities)
The instructor will evaluate participation in the course and in online discussions. The instructor may also include other assignments. The instructor-determined assignments and discussions will be distributed and evaluated such that the total point value reflects the weighting given in the rubrics. The instructor will provide the grading criteria, rubrics, and directions for completing these assignments.