INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SCIENCE (COSC 101)

AIM

This course aims to give students a foundation in information technology systems and applications that are commonly used in business settings and have broad application in business. The professional roles of bachelor of accounting and finance graduates will require the use of information technology to optimize business processes, monitor business processes and output, and conduct analysis for decision making. This course aims not to teach specific applications, but to introduce students to the elements of information technology and information technology management that are common to most businesses. These elements are management information systems, security awareness, BI (Business Intelligence), programming for non-tech (using Python).

  • COURSE DESCRIPTION
  • ROLE IN CURRICULUM
  • LEARNING OUTCOMES
  • STUDY PLAN
  • TEACHING METHODS
  • ASSESSMENT AND GRADING
  • TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCES

COURSE DESCRIPTION

First, students study the Fundamentals of Computer Science and Information Technology including computer components and security awareness. Second, students will study a new technology called BI (Business Intelligence) applications which are used for developing top management reports. Students will then build a strong foundation in Python Programming Language which is rapidly becoming a de-facto programming language for various analytics applications

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 45

  • Reading: 10      
  • Review: 20
  • Assignment: 40

Total Study Hours: 70

ROLE IN CURRICULUM

Prerequisites

Students should have attended and passed the pre-foundation year orientation exam. Students should have a good understanding of Excel, and basic knowledge of windows and computer functions. Students must bring a laptop to each class. Student laptops must have Microsoft Office 2013, or later versions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The learning outcomes for this course cover four main areas: quantitative problem solving with spreadsheets, management information systems, and enabling technologies. On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1.  Knowledge

Level of Learning PLO CLO Learning Outcome
Understand PK1 CK3 Explain​ computer components, technologies related to computer, computer functions and security
Understand PK1 CK5 Explain programming constructs of Python Programming Language

2.  Cognitive Skills

Level of Learning PLO CLO Learning Outcome
Evaluate PC5 CC1 Evaluate general business problems to identify assumptions and decision making constraints.
Create PK2 CK1 Outline Computer Architecture, IT and IS role in organizations.
Create PK1 CK3 Outline the current trends in technology and emerging technologies.

3.  Communication, Information Technology, and Numerical Skills

Level of Learning PLO CLO Learning Outcome
Apply PCIT2 CCIT1 Explain the fundamentals of Computer Science and Information Technology including computer components and security awareness.
Create PCIT3 CCIT2 Develop top management reports and Dashboard using Power BI.
Apply PCIT2 CCIT3 Use Power BI to dynamically and interactively visualize the business content.
Create PCIT2 CCIT3 Develop a functional computer program using python programming language.

4.   Interpersonal Skills and Responsibilities None.

STUDY PLAN

The course targets the 30 lessons in the study plan below. Each lesson is 1.5 class hours each; there are a total of 45 class hours. The study plan below describes the learning outcome for each lesson, described in terms of what the student should be able to do at the end of the lesson. Readings should be done by students as preparation before the start of each class. Implementation of this study plan may vary somewhat depending on the progress and needs of students.

No Lesson Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Activities, Assessment
 1

Computer Architecture

  1. Highlight the components of computer system
    (CK1)
Lecture
Reading: Selected Reading
2

Computer Architecture

  1. Outline the computer hardware, software and the concepts of computer safety
    (CK1, CCIT1)

Lecture

Reading: Selected Reading

3

Computer Architecture

Outline the computer functionality (Input, Processor, Output)
(CK1, CCIT1)

Lecture

Reading: Selected Reading

4

Cambodia towards the Industry 4.0

  • Industry revolution
  • The 4th Industry revolution (Industry 4.0)
  • Cambodia towards the  Industry 4.0
Lecture
Practice
Reading: Microsoft Excel 2013 Step by Step, pp 125-131
5

Digital Technology and The Internet of Everything

  • Digital technology
  • The Internet of Everything (IoE)
Lecture
Reading: Selected Reading
6

Digital Technology and The Internet of Everything

  • Digital technology
  • The Internet of Everything (IoE)
Lecture
Reading: Selected Reading
7

Computer Security

  • Network Security
  • Basic Components Of Computer Security
  • Online Security Vs Online Safety
  • Risks & Threats
  • Steps to protect information
  • Steps to protect computer
Lecture
Reading: Selected Reading
8 BI: Introduction and BI Architecture
Understand the structure of Power BI and its concept.
(CK4, CC1, CCIT7)

Lecture
Practice Reading: Selected Reading
(https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/guided-learning/)

 

9 BI: Introduction and BI Architecture
Understand the structure of Power BI and its concept.
(CK4, CC1, CCIT7)
Lecture
Practice Reading: Selected Reading
(https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/guided-learning/)
10 BI: Data Analysis with pivot table
Building pivot table using Power BI.
(CK4, CCIT7)

Lecture

Practice Reading: Selected Reading
(https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/guided-learning/)

11

BI: Power View and Creating Dashboard

  • Generate report and manage the content using Power BI
  • (CK4, CCIT7)

Practice

Reading: Selected Reading
(https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/guided-learning/)

12

BI: Online Power BI Report

  • Generate online report and manage the content using Power BI Web
  • (CK4, CCIT7)

Practice

Reading: Selected Reading
(https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/guided-learning/)

13

BI: Online Power BI Report

  • Generate online report and manage the content using Power BI Web
  • (CK4, CCIT7)

Practice

Reading: Selected Reading
(https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/guided-learning/)

14

BI: Tips & Tricks with Power BI Q&A

  • Using Power Q&A features of Power BI 
  • (CK4, CCIT7)

Practice

Reading: Selected Reading
(https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/guided-learning/)

15

BI: Tips & Tricks with Power BI Q&A

  • Using Power Q&A features of Power BI 
  • (CK4, CCIT7)

Practice

Reading: Selected Reading
(https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/guided-learning/)

16

Introduction to programming:

  •  What is programming?
  •  Why we program?
  • What is Python
Lecture
Discussion Textbook: Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3
17

Download & Install Python:

  • Downloading & Installing Python’s IDLE (Integrated Development & Learning Environment)
  •   Using IDLE

Lecture / Practice / Hands-on

Textbook: Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3

18 Build your first app in Python:
Introduction to Python Scripts
Build the first app in Python

Lecture / Practice / Hands-on

Textbook: Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3

19

Building Blocks of Python

  • Data Types (int, float, string, bool)
  • Operators (arithmetic, assignment, comparison, logical)

Lecture / Practice / Hands-on

Textbook: Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3

20

Building Blocks of Python

  •  Data Types (int, float, string, bool)
  • Operators (arithmetic, assignment, comparison, logical)

Lecture / Practice / Hands-on

Textbook: Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3

21

Building Blocks of Python

  •  Data Types (int, float, string, bool)
  • Operators (arithmetic, assignment, comparison, logical)

Lecture / Practice / Hands-on

Textbook: Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3

22

Data Structures

  • Types (Lists, Tuples, Sets, Dictionaries, Compound Data Structures)
  • Operators (membership, identity)

Lecture / Practice / Hands-on

Textbook: Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3

23

Data Structures

  • Types (Lists, Tuples, Sets, Dictionaries, Compound Data Structures)
  • Operators (membership, identity)

Lecture / Practice / Hands-on

Textbook: Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3

24

Control Flow

  • Conditional Statements
  •  For & While Loops
  • Break & Continue
  •   Built-in functions (zip & enumerate)
  • List Comprehensions

Lecture / Practice / Hands-on

Textbook: Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3

25

Control Flow

  • Conditional Statements
  •  For & While Loops
  • Break & Continue
  •   Built-in functions (zip & enumerate)
  • List Comprehensions

Lecture / Practice / Hands-on

Textbook: Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3

26

Control Flow

  • Conditional Statements
  •  For & While Loops
  • Break & Continue
  •   Built-in functions (zip & enumerate)
  • List Comprehensions

Lecture / Practice / Hands-on

Textbook: Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3

27

Encapsulation & Code Organization using Functions

  •  Modular Programming
  • Defining Functions
  •  Variable Scope
  •  Lambda Expressions
  • Iterators and Generators

Lecture / Practice / Hands-on

Textbook: Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3

28

Encapsulation & Code Organization using Functions

  •  Modular Programming
  •  Defining Functions
  •  Variable Scope
  •  Lambda Expressions
  • Iterators and Generators

Lecture / Practice / Hands-on

Textbook: Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3

29

Working with Files in Python

  •  Opening & reading from external file
  • Writing to and closing an external file

Lecture / Practice / Hands-on

Textbook: Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3

30

Introduction to another IDE and Summary

  •  Introduction to PyCharm
  •  Download & Install PyCharm
  •  Running Code in PyCharm
  • Summary

Lecture / Practice / Hands-on

Textbook: Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3

Total Hours: 45 hours

 

Time for the midterm and final examination is not included in the lecture hours above

TEACHING METHODS

This course is primarily lecture and assignment based; assigned readings will support learning and serve as a reference to material covered in class. During class, approximately half of the class will be devoted to lecture with another half of the class working on case studies and problem sets and reviewing the solutions.

Hands-on use of information technology occurs at three points: use of spreadsheets for problem solving, design of a simple database, and creation of a website.

ASSESSMENT AND GRADING

Grades will be determined based on a grading score, calculated using the following assessments and score allocations:

Assessment Weight of each assessment Learning Outcome Assessed
CLO PLO
Participation 20% CCIT3, CCIT4, CCIT5, CCIT6, CCIT7 PPCIT2, PPCIT3
In-class tests 30% CCIT3, CCIT4, CCIT5, CCIT6, CCIT7 PPCIT2, PPCIT3
Midterm exam 20% CCIT3, CCIT4, CCIT5, PPCIT2, PPCIT3
Final exam 30% All CCIT PPCIT2, PPCIT3, PC5
Total grading score 100%  

 

TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCES

Textbooks

  1. Laurie Ulrich Fuller , Ken Cook , Access 2016 for Dummies, 2015
  2. Frye, Curtis, Microsoft Excel 2013 Step by Step, Microsoft Press, 2014
  3. Dan Clark, Beginning Power BI with Excel 2013, 2014
  4. Charles Russell Severance, Python for Everybody: Exploring Data In Python 3

References

  1. June Jamrich Parsons,‎ David W. Beskeen ,‎ Carol M. Cram,‎ Jennifer Duffy,‎ Lisa Friedrichsen, illustrated Computer Concepts and Microsoft Office 365 & Office 2016,2016
  2. Alberto Ferrari, Analyzing Data with Power BI and Power Pivot for Excel (Business Skills), 2017