07276 - Computer Science

Learning outcomes

The ouput skills include:

• Understanding the architecture of a computer and of its components.
• Understanding the basics of computer programming
• Writing simple algorithms, with special interest for statistic and numeric processing
• Translating algorithms in C programs
• Understanding the relational model of data and the basics of the SQL language

Description
The course introduces the topics of computer science both from the point of view of a computer user and of a junior programmer.
The first part deals with modules 1, 2 and 7 of ECDL Core Level. Most of the topics are introduced during the lessons, but the student should know all of the topics specified in Modules 1, 2 and 7 of Syllabus 5.
The second part aims to develop an "algorithmic thinking" in problem solving, and then to translate algorithms into simple programs. The reference programming language is C.
The last parts introduces the concept of database and the relational model of data, with the notions of relation, attribute, value domain, key and foreign key. Then the basics of the SQL language are analysed, with particular reference to the SELECT statement, also for join and grouping operations.

Course contents

Hardware, software, description of different computer types. Architecture of a personal computer; central processing unit, input and output devices, mass
memories, main memories, memory sizes, performances of a computer.
Types of software. Operating system and application programs. Principles of operating systems from the user point of view. Programming environments. Local
and wide area networks. Networking. E-mail, internet and web access. Data security.
Basics of programming: definition and design of an algorithm, data types.
Structured programming, sequence, iteration, choice; procedures and functions.
Design and implementation of programs and software systems.
Laboratory activity: programming with the C language.
Principles and usage of relational database management systems.

Readings/Bibliography

Computer Science: An Overview J. Glenn Brookshear, ISBN: 0-321-24726-4, Publisher: Addison-Wesley Copyright: 2005
ECDL 4 The Complete Coursebook for Office 97 Brendan Munnelly, Paul Holden 0131248421, Dec 2004, Modules 1, 2, 7.

Teaching methods

The teacher introduces the base concepts, emphasizes a programming method and provide a large amount of examples, with frequent references to statistic
problems. Laboratory activity is designed to stimulate the implementation of the programming method.

Assessment methods

The assessment is done in three phases. A multiple choice test covers theory and lectures. A programming test is done in the laboratory, requiring the development of a simple C program, using the Eclipse for MS Windows programming environment.
An oral discussion concludes the assessment.

Teaching tools

The laboratory activity is assisted by tutors who help the students in the development of the tasks assigned by the teacher.
The laboratories are equipped with programming environments, such as Eclipse/C.

Links to further information

http://www-db.deis.unibo.it/~csartori/didattica

Office hours

See the website of Claudio Sartori