Introduction to Computers

Justification
Computer engineering professionals must use computers intensively, whatever their specialization area is. It is of paramount importance for them to know how to represent, store, process and transfer information using computers to maximize their capacities.

The main contribution of the subject Introduction to Computers to the degree in Computer Engineering and the degree in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is the capacity to conceive and develop computer systems or architectures, centralized or distributed, integrating hardware, software and networking. In particular, during this subject basic computing concepts will be introduced, along with hardware and software basics, to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge about how the different elements get together in a coherent way.

This subject contributes to the development of the following competence of the degree in Computer Engineering:

CE-FB-04 – Basic knowledge about the use and programming of computers, operating systems, databases and software oriented to engineering activities.

This subject contributes to the development of the following competence of the degree in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence:

CE-FB-06 - Apply the basic principles of computer science, the representation of information and the elements involved in its processing to design IT solutions for data science and artificial intelligence.

Subject competencies
CE1: Ability to represent information through various coding schemes and appropriate technologies.

CE2: Ability to identify, install, configure and describe the working mechanisms of the typical hardware components that form a computer.

CE3: Ability to select, install, configure and understand the working mechanisms of the typical software components that form a computer.

Course content
UNIT 1. History of computers

Dawn of computing. Computer science as a knowledge area. Evolution of hardware. First steps and evolution of computer networking.

UNIT 2. Introduction to computers

Functional structure of computers. Characteristic parameters in a computer.

UNIT 3. Information representation

Information representation and arithmetic of a computer. Data compression. Communication errors.

UNIT 4. Software fundamentals

Types of programming languages, the process of translating and executing computer programs. Operating system.

UNIT 5. Hardware fundamentals

Hardware components in a computer. The processor. Storage. Peripherals

UNIT 6. Advanced software components

Files and databases. Security.

UNIT 7. Computer networking and the Internet.

Types of networks. Networking. TCP/IP architecture. Internet.

EVALUATION SYSTEM

The generic and specific competences will be evaluated through the continuous assessment system proposed as a methodology. This evaluation will be reflected in the following three blocks:

1. Exam (40% of the grade)

2. Continuous assessment activities (45% of the grade)

3. Team project (15% ​​of the grade).

In order to pass the subject it is necessary to obtain at least 15% of the grade in the Exam part, additionally to 50% in total for the subject.

The assessment and grading system is presented below with more detail referencing the competences and the type of evaluation (EC-Continuous Evaluation or EF-Final Evaluation):

SPECIFIC COMPETENCES

CE1: 5% of the rating
Exam: 5% (EF)
CE2: 30% of the grade
Exam: 20% (EF)
Deliverables: 10% (EC)
CE3: 65% of the grade
Exam: 15% (EF)
Continuous assessment activities: 35% (EC)
Team project: 15% ​​(EC)
During the final exam of the ordinary call, students will have the opportunity to recover 30% corresponding to the continuous assessment activities of CE3, as well as re-submit failed deliverables (CE2) and the team project (CE3).

In the extraordinary call, the evaluation and qualification system will be the following:

CE1: 5% of the rating
Exam: 5%
CE2: 30% of the grade
Exam: 20%
Deliverables: 10%
CE3: 65% of the grade
Exam: 50%
Team project: 15%