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WebTychoUniversity of Maryland University College
INSS 510 Computer Concepts
Location:
SHAPE Education Center, Belgium
Weekends: 2 & 3 June, 16 & 17 June, 7 & 8 July, 21 & 22 July
Time
: 9:00
- 16:00
Course Description:
Prerequisites: All undergraduate prerequisite courses or permission of the instructor. Provides an overview of basic computer concepts as they apply to MIS professionals. Emphasis is on basic machine architecture including data storage, manipulation, the human-machine interface including the basics of operating systems, algorithms and programming languages. In addition, the basic concepts of data organization including data and file structures are examined. Emerging trends in computer technology and their impact on organizational information systems are also discussed. Students will be required to complete programming projects.
Course Introduction
The development of ISs requires technical knowledge of computer hardware and systems software. IS managers also require technical knowledge. Particular attention must be given to computer resource compatibility and future trends. Technical knowledge must be consistently updated to incorporate changes in the hardware and software technology. IS professionals must engage in continuing education and study to keep pace with these changes.
Course Objectives:
The primary objective of this course is to provide you with a detailed understanding of computer system architecture. This course discusses the essential technical information that the twenty-first century managers must develop. It also provides the managers with the major issues necessary for systems analysis and design, systems development and systems configuration.
When you have completed this course, you should be able to:
- Describe the technical knowledge of computer hardware and systems software needed to develop and manage information systems
- Summarize the functions and capabilities of automated computing devices and the means by which to implement them.
- Describe the ways in which computer system power is measured and compared.
- Define the roles and functions of application and system software.
- Discuss the functions and components of an operating system. in relation to computer architecture
- Describe the economic role of system software.
- Describe basic methods by which data may be represented and transmitted within a computer.
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of data representation and transmission methods.
- Develop an understanding for the principles and limitations of semiconductor-based microprocessors.
- Describe the characteristics of data storage technology and how it influences the performance of computer systems.
- Describe the use of buffers, caches, and data compression to improve computer system performance.
- Describe methods for detecting and correcting data transmission errors to increase the efficiency of communication channels.
- Summarize the costs and benefits of distributing computer resources.
- Describe the characteristics and implementation technology of input and output devices.
- Describe common methods of application system development and software support for those methods.
- Describe the mechanisms by which an operating system manages programs and processes.
- Describe the mechanisms by which an operating system manages the CPU and the memory.
- Describe the components and operation of a file-management system.
- Describe the mechanisms used to share and protect files
- Describe methods of interactive command and control, including command line, form-based, window-based, and object-oriented interfaces.
- Discuss system administration responsibilities and tasks.
- Describe tools and processes for evaluating application-resource requirements and computer system performance.
- Summarize security measures
to protect a system model.
Course Materials
Textbook: Systems Architecture: Hardware and Software in Business Information Systems, by Stephen D. Burd. Second edition, 1998. Course Technology, Cambridge, MA.
Grading Information
The final course grade comprises the midterm and final examinations, classroom participation, homework assignments, and a project. The grades will be weighted as follows:
|
Assignments (2 Papers - 10% each) |
= |
20% |
|
Class participation |
= |
10% |
|
Application Programming
Project |
=
|
30% |
|
Midterm examination |
= |
20% |
|
Final examination |
= |
20% |
|
Total |
= |
100% |
Completion of both the midterm and final examinations is required to pass the course.
Letter grades for the course will be as follows:
|
A |
= |
90-100% |
|
B |
= |
80-89% |
|
C |
= |
70-79% |
|
D |
= |
60-69% |
|
F |
= |
0-60% |
Integrity
To foster a solid learning environment, you are encouraged to use each other and the instructor as resources. It is expected, however, that each student will do his or her own final work. The unauthorized and unacknowledged use of someone else's work, either in the original or a derived form, merits severe penalties.
Examinations
The midterm examination will be on Chapters 1-8 & 15.
The final examination will be on Chapters 1-15.
Both
the midterm and the final exam will be on technical terminology(vocabulary-30%)
and short answer essay questions related to the objectives of each chapter in
the textbook(70%), A make-up exam is given only for emergencies or illnesses.
The student must verify the reason by a credible source.
Scheduling your time for
INSS 510:
Here are the list
of items or activities for this
course:
1. Class Participation: Students are expected to contribute to class discussions with their experience and knowledge on the discussed topics.
2. Assignments:: There will be two assignments for this course. The topics will be given during the class. Students are expected to write a paper on the given topics and make a presentation of their work.
3.
Reading
Assignments: Students
are expected to read the chapters from the textbooks that are listed in the course schedule.
4. Application Programming Project: Each week you must spend a substantial amount of time to work on your research topic. . Each student is expected to develop a Request For Proposal (RFP) that will be on student's choice. Once the RFP is reviewed and approved by the instructor , the student is required to implement an agreed part of the proposed solution.
It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor to make appropriate arrangements to schedule makeup examinations or to hand in late assignments.
INSS 510 Course Schedule: 2 & 3 June, 16 & 17 June, 7 & 8 July, 21 & 22 July
|
Dates |
Reading Assignments-Chapters |
Assignments & Exams |
Due Date |
| June 2 Morning | Chapter 1 - Systems Architecture: Introduction & Chapter 15 - System Administration | ||
| June 2 Afternoon | Chapter 2 - Computer Hardware Chapter 3 - Computer Software | Announcement of Project Topic | RFP- June 17, 2001 Programming July 21,2001 |
| June 3 Morning | Chapter 4 - Data Representation | ||
| June 3 Afternoon | Chapter 5 - Processor Technology & Architecture | Announcement of Assignment 1 | June 17, 2001 |
| June 16 Morning | Chapter 6 - Data Storage Technology | ||
| June 16 Afternoon | Chapter 7 - System Integration & Performance | ||
| June 17 Morning | Chapter 8 - Data & Network Communication Technology | RFP must be completed | |
| June 17 Afternoon | Chapter 9 - Networks & Distributed Systems | Announcement of Assignment 2 | July 8, 2001 |
| July 7 Morning | MIDTERM Chapters 1-8 & 15 | ||
| July 7 Afternoon | Chapter 10 - Input/Output Technology | ||
| July 8 Morning | Chapter 11 - Applications Development | ||
| July 8 Afternoon | Chapter 12 - Operating Systems | ||
| July 21 Morning | Chapter 13 - Mass Storage Access & Management | Application Programming Project Completed | |
| July 21 Afternoon | Chapter 14 - Operating System Input/Output | ||
| July 22 Morning | Presentation of Projects | ||
| July 22 Afternoon | FINAL EXAM Chapters 1-15 |