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CIT104Sciences2 Unitsbeginner

Introduction To Computers

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of computers and their applications. It covers the historical evolution of computers, basic hardware and software components, and programming principles. Students will explore various application areas, including education, business, and government. The course also addresses potential threats to computer systems, such as viruses, and provides an overview of computer programming using Visual Basic.

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150h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
computerhardwaresoftwareprogrammingapplications

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Beginner Level
Perfect for newcomers to the field
35%
beginner
Math Level
Basic Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Computer history

2

Hardware components

3

Software types

4

Programming languages

5

Visual Basic programming

6

Computer applications

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

IT Support Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Data Entry Clerk

Apply your skills in this growing field

Computer Technician

Apply your skills in this growing field

Help Desk Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Software Tester

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationBusinessGovernmentHealthcareFinance

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Understanding the Computer

7h

Unit 1: Basic Concepts

4 study hours
  • Define computer, data, and information.
  • Explain manual, mechanical, and computer methods of data processing.
  • Identify characteristics of a computer system.

Unit 2: Historical Overview of the Computer

3 study hours
  • Describe the evolution of computers from early devices to modern systems.
  • Outline the key features of each computer generation.
Week
2

Module 1: Understanding the Computer

4h

Unit 3: Classification of Computers

4 study hours
  • Classify computers based on size, signal type, and purpose.
  • Differentiate between digital, analog, and hybrid computers.
  • Identify different types of microcomputers.
Week
3

Module 2: Computer Hardware

4h

Unit 1: Hardware Components (1)

4 study hours
  • Identify components of the system unit.
  • Explain the functions of front and back panel components.
  • Describe the role of motherboard, CPU, and memory.
Week
4

Module 2: Computer Hardware

4h

Unit 2: Hardware Components (2) – Peripheral Devices

4 study hours
  • Identify input and output devices.
  • Explain the functions of keyboard, mouse, printer, and monitor.
  • Describe different types of printers and scanners.
Week
5

Module 2: Computer Hardware

3h

Unit 3: Auxiliary Equipment

3 study hours
  • Identify auxiliary equipment such as air conditioners, voltage stabilizers, and UPS.
  • Explain the importance of each auxiliary equipment in a computing environment.
Week
6

Module 3: Computer Software

4h

Unit 1: Computer Software (1)

4 study hours
  • Define computer software and its classification.
  • Explain the role of operating systems.
  • Describe different types of operating systems.
Week
7

Module 3: Computer Software

4h

Unit 2: Computer Software (2)

4 study hours
  • Explain the functions of language translators.
  • Describe different categories of utility programs and application programs.
Week
8

Module 4: Programming the Computer

4h

Unit 1: Computer Languages

4 study hours
  • Provide an overview of computer programming languages.
  • Explain the evolutionary trends of computer programming languages.
  • Differentiate between machine, assembly, and high-level languages.
Week
9

Module 4: Programming the Computer

4h

Unit 2: Basic Principles of Computer Programming

4 study hours
  • State the principles of good programming.
  • Explain the stages involved in writing computer programs.
  • Describe problem-solving methodologies.
Week
10

Module 4: Programming the Computer

4h

Unit 3: Flowcharts and Algorithms

4 study hours
  • Explain the principles of good programming ethics through flowcharting and algorithms.
  • Use flowchart symbols to represent program logic.
  • Develop algorithms for solving simple problems.
Week
11

Module 5: Computer Application Programming

4h

Unit 1: Programming in Visual Basic (1)

4 study hours
  • Work with graphical objects and general Visual Basic programming concepts.
  • Design a project from the application wizard.
  • Use the toolbox to add controls to a form.
Week
12

Module 5: Computer Application Programming

8h

Unit 2: Visual Basic Project Window

4 study hours
  • Demonstrate mastery of the Visual Basic programming environment.
  • Use the Project window to manage application components.
  • Use the Properties window to modify control properties.

Unit 3: Creating Menu Applications

4 study hours
  • Identify the steps involved in creating Visual Basic applications with menus.
  • Use the Menu Editor to create menu bars and pull-down menus.
Week
13

Module 5: Computer Application Programming

4h

Unit 4: Analysing Visual Basic Data

4 study hours
  • Operate in the code window.
  • Declare data and use variables of different data types.
  • Use operators to perform calculations and logical operations.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review historical timeline of computer development (Unit 2)

2

Create diagrams of hardware components and their functions (Module 2)

3

Practice classifying different types of software (Module 3)

4

Write pseudocode for basic programming problems (Unit 3, Module 4)

5

Build sample GUI applications in Visual Basic (Module 5)

6

Study virus transmission and prevention methods (Module 7)

7

Focus on key Visual Basic syntax and coding examples (Module 5)

8

Practice past exam questions to identify knowledge gaps

9

Create flashcards for key terms and definitions

10

Allocate specific study time for each module based on its weightage

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