UNSW FOUNDATION STUDIES COMPUTING STUDIES

The UNSW Foundation Year Computing Studies course was created to meet the theoretical and technical needs of students entering the broad spectrum of both science and commerce based undergraduate degrees. The course has a theory component and a practical component.

Computing Theory Course Objectives

The Computing Studies theory course aims to introduce students to a wide range of technological issues and create awareness about the importance and relevance of technology to society as a whole.

Computing Theory Course Outline

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Computer Systems and Ergonomics Computer Hardware and Storage Graphics and Graphic Design Designing for Print and Electronic Media Security The Internet The World Wide Web eCommerce Systems Analysis and Design Information Technology Social and Ethical Issues Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies Robotics and Virtual Reality Programming and Programming Structures Communications Networks and Networking Databases

Computing Theory Course Outcomes

At the end of the theory course students should be able to: use and understand common Information Technology terms and hardware specific vocabulary. use computers in an ergonomically sound way. identify appropriate graphics for a variety of publishing mediums. understand popular Web technologies and effective design techniques to enhance the visibility, interactivity and aesthetic of a Web page. identify Internet technologies and factors that have led to the rapid expansion of the Internet in the public domain. understand the security issues that organizations face and the impact on organizational resources and individual privacy if modifications to vulnerable data occur. use the System Development Life Cycle to analyse existing information systems and develop new information systems. consider the social, ethical, legal and environmental issues relating to information technology. understand the developing role of computing technology in industry and the wider community. understand the impact of contemporary technologies on traditional work and social practices. interpret flowcharts to explain the logic of a computer program. identify the appropriateness of common communication channels and protocols. understand the efficiencies of networking. appreciate the importance of database management systems for the storage, retrieval and presentation of information and understand how effective database design principals ensure information efficiency and security.

Computing Practical Course Objectives

The Computing Studies Practical course aims to equip students with a range of practical computing skills that can be used as a tool and aid for further study in their chosen field.

Computing Practical Course Outline

Technical skills and supporting software considered essential in practical labs include: 1. Word processing skills (Microsoft Word) 2. Presentation skills (Microsoft PowerPoint) 3. Spreadsheet and data analysis (Microsoft Excel) 4. Web publishing (xHTML, Dreamweaver and Flash) 5. Critical problem-solving skills (Visual Basic) 6. Design and Creativity (Photoshop and Flash) 7. Data queries and presentation (Microsoft Access)

Computing Practical Course Outcomes As a result of the practical sessions students should be able to: use a computer confidently. type correctly with a minimum of twenty five words per minute and 98% accuracy (Typequick). create, format, edit, find and replace information in a word-processing document using a professional word-processing package (MSWord). design and manipulate web and print quality graphics using professional techniques (Photoshop). create effective presentations for seminar and tutorial presentations using automated wizards, manual drawing and text tools (MSPowerPoint). develop and format a basic spreadsheet to present, analyse and chart statistical data, and integrate spreadsheet information with a word processing document (MSExcel). use basic XHTML, and popular XHTML editing software to develop interactive web pages (Dreamweaver). create executable and logical programs to solve problems using an industry recognised programming language (VB .net) or design web-based multimedia animations/presentations using an industry recognised animation tool (Flash) use a database package to store and edit data in both single and multiple tables, and query the database to extract information for the production of specific reports and statistical analysis. (MSAccess).