CPSC100: Practical Computer Fluency (W'05)
Course Outline

Instructor: Dave Rogers

Course Website: http://college.yukondude.com/cpsc100

Course Description

The goal of CPSC100 is to teach you to become an independent and effective computer user, in both your current studies and future career. It is not a training course in specific software packages or technologies; software, and the hardware upon which it runs, evolves far too quickly for such detailed learning to be of long-term value. Instead, the course explains the concepts that underlie computer hardware and software, which are then illustrated through hands-on interaction with common applications. You and your fellow students will also explore the ever-growing sociological impact of technology.

CPSC100 is not intended for students pursuing a career in computer science, and it cannot be counted for credit towards a computer science degree. If you wish to study computer science, you are advised to register for the CPSC114 course or its equivalent.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, you will:

• Understand the internal physical structure of a modern personal computer,
• Explore the fundamental nature of computing theory,
• Acquire techniques to maximize your efficient use of office productivity applications, and
• Appreciate the effect on our society of computers and related technologies.

Delivery Methods/Format

Lecture

Weekly lectures present a general overview of the course material. Periodic "mini-lectures" will discuss current issues regarding society's use of computers.

Lab

Lab sessions will be used to practise the material covered in the lectures in a hands-on fashion.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites, but students should be comfortable using a mouse, keyboard and have some exposure to Microsoft Windows, common computer applications, and Internet services such as e-mail and the web. Students without these skills may wish to first take the College's COMP050 Computer Fundamentals course. Admission to the course may also be granted at the instructor's discretion.

Requirements

Attendance and Participation

Attendance is mandatory. A student may be dismissed from the course if more than 10% of the scheduled contact hours are missed. Dismissal from a course may result in loss of full-time status and loss of sponsorship funding.

Dishonesty and Plagiarism

The assignments are individual assignments and group submissions are not permitted. All submissions should be original work prepared for that specific assignment. To copy another person's work or present it as your own will result in penalties. Note that plagiarism is defined not only as submitting someone else's work as yours, but also includes submitting the same assignment for more than one course without the explicit permission of the instructor. The penalties for plagiarism include receiving a mark of 0 for the assignment, a mark of F for the course and expulsion from the College.

Evaluation

Assignments

A variety of assignments will be given out during the term. The marks associated with each assignment will vary depending on the degree of difficulty. The content of assignments will serve to reinforce the exercises performed during the lab sessions. Late submissions will be penalized 20% per working day, and due dates may not be rescheduled, except in exceptional circumstances and only where prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.

Quizzes

Six quizzes will be held on specific dates throughout the term. The one quiz with the lowest mark will be discarded from the term evaluation. Quizzes may not be rescheduled, except in exceptional circumstances and only where prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.

Final Examination

The Final Exam will cover all aspects of the course. The exam will be divided into two sections: a take-home assignment to be completed on a computer, and a written examination paper to be completed during the scheduled exam session. The take-home portion is due no later than the beginning of the written exam session.

Evaluation

Letter grading will follow the College's standard, which can be found in the Letter Grading section of Academic Regulations in the College Calendar.

Required Textbooks/Materials

There is no textbook for this course. Regular readings will be assigned from various Internet sites to supplement the lecture material. All course notes, handouts, readings, and links to online resources will be posted on the course website.

Equivalency/Transferability

Credit for taking CPSC100 may be transferable to the universities listed below. Counselling Services will be able to help you with the details of transferring a course.

• Simon Fraser University: CMPT 001 (3 credits)
• University of Alaska Fairbanks: CS 101 (3 credits)
• University of Alaska Southeast: In Progress
• University of British Columbia: CPSC100
• University of Northern British Columbia: CPSC 150 (Anticipated)
• University of Regina: CS 100 (3 credits)
• University of Victoria: CS 100 (1.5 credits)

For more information about transferability contact the Arts & Science Division.