Course Catalogue

Module Code and Title:            CAP101          Fundamentals of Information Technology

Programme:                          BCA

Credit Value:                         12

Module Tutor:                        Libni Thomas

General Objective: This module will impart a fundamental understanding of the components of a computer system, how they work independently, and how they work together to achieve the basic goals of the system. It also enables students to identify different components in an open computer, and understand and use the internet for basic applications such as browsing and e-mail. The module will also familiarize students with the essential concepts of computer networks.

Learning Outcomes – On completion of the module, learners will be able to:

  1. Explain how data is read, processed and given out as information.
  2. Classify the hardware and software components of a computer system.
  3. Describe the basic functioning of the hardware and software components of a computer system.
  4. Differentiate between types of operating systems.
  5. Assemble different computer system components to enable them to work together.
  6. Explain the basic functioning of computer networks.
  7. Evaluate and manipulate a network using basic networking commands.
  8. Use the most common internet applications.

 

Learning and Teaching Approach:

Approach

Hours per week

Total credit hours

Lecture & discussions

3

45

Lab/Practical/Demonstrations

2

30

Tutorial

1

15

Independent study

2

30

Total

120


Assessment Approach:

A. Individual Assignment: Portion of Final Mark: 15%

Students should submit two assignments, each of 500 words, to achieve this 15%. The first one will be before the midterm and it constitutes 50% of the total 15% allocated. Students will be writing about one of the topics from data processing and storage devices (500 word essay). The next assignment, for the other 50%, will be done after the midterm on one of the topics from computer networking (500 word essay).

Activity: Students submit a detailed report about a hardware device and a networking concept for the first and second assignments respectively. Turned in assignments will be evaluated on:

30% - Explanation of the purpose of the device/network concept

50% - Working principles

20% - Depth of writing

B. Class Test: Portion of Final Mark: 15%

This is a written test conducted within the class for duration of 30-40 minutes. There will two such tests, one before midterm comprising of topics from the beginning to the quarter point of the subject matter and the other after the midterm comprising of topics from after the midterm to quarter pointer after midterm. Each of these tests will have 4 questions/problems for the students to solve/write.

C. Lab Practical Exams: Portion of Final Mark: 10%

These are practical exams conducted in computer labs for duration of 1 hour. There will be two such tests, first one will be a week or two before midterm and the next will be a week or two before the semester-end exam. Each will carry 50% of the total of 10% allocated. The first lab test will be based on the first half of the subject matter and the next test will be based on the second half.

Activity: Students should complete a task on assembling a computer/managing a network. Completed task will be evaluated on the aspects:

35% - Percentage of sub tasks completed

35% - Techniques used for each sub task

30% - Output

D. Class Participation: Portion of Final Mark: 5%

This component assesses the student’s overall performance in class throughout the semester. This portion is awarded for the active participation in class activities like discussion and question-answer sessions.

Activity: Questions based on previous class are asked to the whole class at the beginning of every lecture session. Students who give answers are marked (similarly discussion participation is also marked), and these are counted at the end of the semester to assign class participation marks for every student.

E. Midterm Exam: Portion of Final Marks: 15%

This a college wide examination conducted at the half-way into the semester. This examination is conducted for 1 hour and 30 Minutes and it includes all topics till the half-way point in the subject matter.

Areas of assignments

Quantity

Weighting

A. Individual Assignment

2

15%

B. Class Test

2

15%

C. Lab Practical Exam

2

10%

D. Class Participation

 

5%

E. Midterm Exam

1

15%

Total Continuous Assessment (CA)

 

60%

Semester-end Examination (SE)

 

40%

 

Prerequisites:

Subject Matter:

  1. Introduction to Computers
    • Parts of a computer system
      • Hardware
      • Software
      • Data
      • Users
    • Different types of computers
    • Characteristics of computers
    • Computer languages
      • Machine Language
      • Assembly Language
      • Higher level languages (3GL, 4GL and 5GL)
  1. Interacting with Computers
    • Input devices
      • Keyboard
      • Mouse
      • Variants of mouse
      • Touch screens
      • Optical input devices
    • Output devices
      • Flat panel monitors
      • Sound systems
      • Printers
      • Setting up a local printer
  1. Data Processing
    • Representation, processing of data
      • The CPU
      • Memory
      • Different types of RAMs and ROMs
      • Factors affecting speed
      • Cache memory
      • Virtual memory
  1. Storage Devices
    • Magnetic Storage Devices
      • Data storage and organization on a Magnetic Disk and Finding data on a disks
      • Hard disks
        • Working principles
        • MBR (Master Boot Record)
        • GPT (GUID Partition Table)
        • Partitioning and Defragmentation
        • Different types of partitions (Primary, Extended and Logical)
      • Optical Storage Devices
        • Working principles
        • DVD
        • Blue Ray discs (Working principles and benefits)
  1. Motherboards
    • Components of mother boards & its types
    • Ports, slots, connectors, Power supply units, cabinet types
  2. Operating systems and Computer Networks
    • Operating system definition
    • Different examples of operating systems
    • Computer networks
    • Categories of networks
      • LAN
      • MAN
      • WAN
    • Basics of network terminology
      • IP address
      • MAC address
      • Hosts
      • Client
      • Server
      • Command line tools for networking-ipconfig, ping, trace route, TELNET
  1. Internet and WWW
    • Working of Internet
    • Features of Internet
    • WWW
    • Domain Names
    • URL
    • Browsers
    • Email
  2. Practical components
    • Setting up a local printer
    • Hard Disk partitioning
    • Assembling a computer
    • Retrieving network information using command line tools
    • Demonstration of Motherboard components
    • Identification of different ports and their applications
    • Adjusting virtual memory of an operating system
    • Practice on hard disk partitioning
    • Disk Fragmentation
    • Practice for getting familiar with browser functionalities
    • Finding the local IP and Public IP of a computer
    • Practice using basic command line tools for networks
    • Install a printer
    • Browsing and e-mail

 

Reading List:

  1. Essential Reading
    • Norton, P. (2008). Peter Norton's introduction to computers (6th ed.): Tata McGraw Hill.
    • Andrews, J. (2000). Enhanced A Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC (3rd ed.). Course Technology.
    • Schaumont, P. (2010). Practical Introduction to Hardware/ Software (1st Ed.). Springer.
    • Data Communications and Networking (5th ed.). (2013). McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited.
  2. Additional Reading
    • Sinha, P. K. (2004). Computer Fundamentals: BNB Publications.
    • ITL Education Solutions (2009).Introduction to computer science: Pearson.
    • McMahon, R. (2008). Introduction to networking (1st ed.). McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited.
    • Lotia, M. (2007). Modern Computer Hardware: Printers Introduction, Servicing & Troubleshooting PB. BPB Publications-New Delhi.

 

Date: May 30, 2015
Royal Thimphu College