Computer Information Systems

Course Description
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the basic features and uses of computer and information systems. The course starts with an introduction to the origins of computing, move into the technical foundations of computing, continue with a discussion of hardware, software, and operating systems. The bulk of the class, however, relates to the introduction to and use of popular software applications which will be useful to the students in their academic and professional careers.

Course Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Comprehend and have a clear understanding of the way how various types of data are represented in computers.
• Understand the function of basic hardware components of personal computers.
• Understand the role of various types of software.
• Understand the strategies of how to select or configure the most appropriate new computer (desktop and laptop) according to the student’s needs.
• Compare technical characteristics of personal computers in commercial advertisements.
• Understand various types of networks and their basic technical characteristics.
• Understand the basic issues related to computer technology.
• Analyze a problem in the spreadsheet table.
• Create and present a short presentation on a given topic.
• Understand the concepts of writing a longer document (thesis, research paper etc.) and exploiting styles and templates.