Overview
COMP 210: Introduction to Information Systems and Computer Applications covers the fundamentals of information systems for students who are not planning to major in information systems. You will learn basic hardware concepts, computer architecture, software hierarchy (from systems software to application programs), and information systems concepts and development at a more basic level than COMP 200.
After completing the course, you should be able to use computers more effectively as tools for business, entertainment, or study, and have a more complete and detailed understanding of the role computers play in your daily life. You will also be better equipped to use online resources and platforms for research and information sharing.
Outline
COMP 210 is composed of six units:
- Unit 1 – Orientation to Our Online World
- Unit 2 – Hardware and Software
- Unit 3 – Using Computers Safely and Effectively
- Unit 4 – Inside the Box: Computer Systems and Functions
- Unit 5 – Outside the Box: Creating Applications and Online Content
- Unit 6 – Beyond the Text: Special Topics and Projects
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of 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 other 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.
- list and discuss societal trends and new developments resulting from computing innovation.
- identify and describe legal, social, and ethical issues related to increased computer and 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 commonly used Microsoft Office applications.
- use, evaluate, and create webpages.
- understand the impact of artificial intelligence and locate, apply, and evaluate AI resources and tools.
Evaluation
To receive credit for COMP 210, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent) on the course activities.
The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Project 1 | 17% |
| Project 2 | 23% |
| Project 3 | 15% |
| Project 4 | 10% |
| Project 5 | 15% |
| Project 6 | 10% |
| Learning Resources Conference Project | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Campbell, J. T., Ciampa, M., Freund, S. M., Frydenberg, M., Sebok, S., Vermaat, M., & Clemens, B. (2023). Discovering computers: Digital technology, data and devices (17th ed.). Cengage.