Students who are concerned about not meeting the prerequisites for this course are encouraged to contact the course coordinator before registering.
Overview
COMP 210: Introduction to Information Systems and Computer Applications is designed as a three-credit course on fundamentals of information systems for students who are not planning to major in information systems. The course will cover basic hardware concepts; the structure, or architecture, of computers; the software hierarchy from systems software to application programs; and information systems concepts and development at a more basic level than COMP 200.
Outline
COMP 210 is composed of the following eight units:
Unit 1 – Overview and Introduction to Computers
Unit 2 – Hardware and Software
Unit 3 – The Internet and World Wide Web
Unit 4 – Network and Internet Security
Unit 5 – Computer Security and Privacy
Unit 6 – Intellectual Property and Computer Ethics
Unit 7 – Health, Access, and Environmental Issues
Unit 8 – Emerging Technologies
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to
more effectively use computers as tools for business, entertainment, or study.
have a more complete and detailed understanding of the role computers play in your daily life.
better use the Internet as a research and information-sharing resource.
More specifically, after successfully completing this course, you should be able to
describe the evolution, history and development of electronic computers, microprocessors, and microcomputers.
identify and describe the roles of computers in manufacturing processes, business-information systems, and information systems.
describe the transition from an industrial society toward a more information-based society.
describe the types of careers available in information technology.
describe and explain information processing.
describe and explain basic computer components and functions, operating systems, database management systems and traditional applications, networks, and the Internet.
identify and describe legal, social, educational, and communication issues related to increased Internet use in the home, workplace and society.
describe e-commerce, mass customization, and the effect of online business communications in today's business world.
perform basic operations with and use key functions and features of Microsoft Office.
create a web page.
Evaluation
To receive credit for COMP 210, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent) on the course Portfolio which combines Projects 1-8 and the Learning Resources Conference activity. The course has no examinations.
Activity
Weight
Project 1
10%
Project 2
10%
Project 3
10%
Project 4
10%
Project 5
10%
Project 6
10%
Project 7
10%
Project 8
10%
Learning Resources Conference Participation
20%
Total
100%
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Understanding Computers in a Changing Society (6th edition) by Deborah Morley (eText)
The Study Guide and some supplemental materials for COMP 210 are in electronic format. The course materials also include the etext Understanding Computers in a Changing Society (6th edition) by Deborah Morley, from which the majority of the required readings are drawn.
Special Course Features
Delivery of COMP 210 is based on electronic materials formatted for online delivery and on computer-mediated communications. The student must have an ISP connection supporting a graphical user interface, a working email account, and must be able to use email to register. Students are required to have their own copy of Microsoft Office.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.