This course, an overview of computer science, is an intensive program which provides students with the opportunity to study computer science from its historical roots, tracing the contributions of those individuals who first began the journey which currently is known as the computer revolution.
This course is not about obtaining a knowledge of general computer literacy, nor is it a course where one learns about using office applications such as Word, Excel or PowerPoint. However, it does introduce the student to a massive amount of new terminology necessary to understand the basic fundamental functions of the computer and how to communicate with it. This will include both an overview of the INTERNET, its definition, history, growth as well as the some of the basic details of its functions such as routing and message transmission.
This is accomplished by introducing the student to the language of computers and how information is represented, that is, the binary number system, which is the foundation language necessary to interact with the machine. Language translation with the computer will be studied on three levels: in machine language - the binary level using ASCII format; the HTML markup language used to create Web pages; and A HIGH LEVEL PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE,used to simplify problem solving and communications between the computer and its users.Operating systemsandfile structureswill be introduced to show how the computer organizes program execution and information. Throughout the course, logical thinking, problem solving and the concept of the algorithm as a method to accomplish these tasks will be stressed.
In addition, computer hardware will be discussed not only from the perspective of devices such as disk drives,but also from the understanding of the physical architecture within the computer: the CPU or central processing unit and its memory. Also investigated will be how the basic fundamental building blocks of AND, OR, and NOT gates are used at the lowest level of detailed computer logic. Students will trace circuit diagrams determining the results of these diagrams and learn how they are used to add and compare variable inputs.
An underlying theme throughout the course is the impact that computers are having on Society. The computer has affected how we live our daily lives, as well as, the economic, business, legal and educational environments. Class discussions will include recent newspaper articles on the influence of this technology and selected film shorts will be discussed in this context.
Finally, there will be lectures on the topic Artificial Intelligence and how scientists are making computers use natural language, mimic human memory, process knowledge and learn on their own. The Turing Machine and the Turing Test will be discussed as a method of determining machine intelligence and students will meet both ELIZA and ALICE examples of an artificial intelligence programs.
The will be 5 homeworks, 5 quizzes, a biographical research paper and comprehensive midterm and final examinations. In addition, there will be an HTML project and other lab exercises to reinforce lectures. Lab time will be assigned for in class exercises which are to be completed in and/or out of class. Extra credit will be assigned sparingly throughout the semester. See specific assignments for details. It is understood that that students will put in both the required time and the necessary effort to successfully master the course material. Late assignments will be graded accordingly.
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