Unit rationale, description and aim
Modern computers have revolutionised nearly every facet of modern life, from healthcare to education, manufacturing to transport, and entertainment to agriculture. Computer science is about understanding how computers work and leveraging that knowledge to solve complex problems efficiently. In this unit students will learn about the building blocks of computing systems and the tools used by computer scientists and information technology professionals. This includes theoretical and algorithmic foundations, hardware, software and their uses for processing information. The role of a computer scientist as a problem-solver is explored throughout the curriculum.
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Explain the components of modern technology system...
Learning Outcome 01
Discuss the impact of components of technology sys...
Learning Outcome 02
Summarise the role of mitigation strategies in man...
Learning Outcome 03
Design a computer solution for a small real-world ...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Topics will include:
· Introduction to Computer Science
· Components of computers and processors
· Representing data and instructions – number systems
· Data structures and algorithms
· Operating systems
· Computer networks
· Connecting and communicating online
· Digital security, ethics and privacy
· Building solutions: hardware, software and infrastructure requirements
· Future of computing
Assessment strategy and rationale
Assessments are designed to ensure students gain a strong foundation of topics in computer science to support their ongoing studies in the discipline. Assessment 1 has been designed to ensure that students learn the language of computer science, including the prolific jargon and acronyms, and can explain the role and impact of the various components in plain language. Assessment 2 focuses on data structures, algorithms and data representation, providing a good foundation for future studies in data science. Assessment 3 provides students an opportunity of exploring modern challenges of using computer systems, focusing on privacy and security. Assessment 4 challenges students, working in small teams, to critically apply their knowledge to design a basic computer solution for a real-world scenario that requires an understanding of the interconnectedness and complexity of computer systems. This series of assessments scaffolds students' learning by progressively increasing the complexity of tasks and requiring progressive integration of unit learning outcomes.
To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome and obtain a minimum mark of 50% for the unit.
Overview of assessments
Type – Report Purpose – Enables students to com...
Type – Report
Purpose – Enables students to compare and contrast the key features of technical specifications of different generations of a chosen technology
This is an individual assignment
25%
Type – Quiz Purpose – Enables students to demon...
Type – Quiz
Purpose – Enables students to demonstrate understanding of key elements of data structures, algorithms and number systems with a focus on their application in computer systems through responding to a series of short answer questions
This is an individual assignment
25%
Type – Report Purpose – Requires students to cr...
Type – Report
Purpose – Requires students to critically evaluate the impact of privacy and security issues and mitigation strategies
This is an individual assignment
30%
Type – Design Report and Presentation Purpose – ...
Type – Design Report and Presentation
Purpose – Requires students to work collaboratively in small groups (maximum of 3 student) to design a bespoke technology-based solution to meet the needs of a small business.
20%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
The teaching approach within this unit puts the student at the centre of their learning. This is achieved by using a blended learning approach that integrates asynchronous interactive online elements with face-to-face learning experiences. Access to foundational knowledge is provided through online resources that enable students to build their understandings in a flexible manner. Students are given the opportunity to build upon this knowledge through social learning experiences conducted in face to face classes such as tutorials and workshops. These opportunities enable students to build more complex understandings through peer interactions and structured learning experiences. This blended learning approach allows students to develop problem solving skills which align to vocational practices in computer science.