Overview
Computer Science 601: Survey of Computing and Information Systems is a first course in information systems for graduate students in the Master of Science (Information Systems) program. The course provides an overview of topics relevant to graduate students, including research, presentation of academic material, ethics, project management, and learning objects, as well as a background in information systems and related topics required by courses in the graduate program.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to
- explore the Athabasca University library, ACM, and IEEE catalogues to source information needed for other graduate courses and graduate research.
- assess information sources for probable reliability, timeliness, and other key factors; and support your assessments with sound analytical discussion.
- select and use appropriate electronic communications systems for discussion, reflection, and collaborative work.
- present information in a variety of forms, including summaries, full technical reports, and multimedia presentations.
- write academic essays following standard academic-essay-design criteria, including an abstract, references, and attribution of the work of others used in creating the essay.
- discuss current topics in information and computer technology, based on personal research and the research of colleagues.
- articulate design decisions and create a personal notebook describing learning experiences, which forms a portfolio of competence.
Evaluation
To receive credit for COMP 601, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least B– (70 percent), an average grade of at least 60 percent on the assignments, and a grade of at least 60 percent on the take-home test. The weighting of the course composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 10% |
| Assignment 2 | 10% |
| Assignment 3 (Project) | 30% |
| Assignment 4 | 10% |
| Collaboration | 10% |
| Take-Home Test | 30% |
| Total | 100% |