IFB102 Introduction to Computer Systems

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

Overview

This is an introductory computer science unit concerning computer systems, in particular how modern computer systems work, how they are structured, and how they operate. Computer systems are ubiquitous and yet they are unlike any other man-made product or system; they appear magical and are notoriously difficult to work with and manage in projects. This unit’s goal is to demystify computer systems so you can appreciate, understand and utilise computer systems in their subsequent learning, and effectively participate in the IT industry. You will study computers, networks, operating systems and the Web. Raspberry Pi computers will be used throughout the unit and at the end you will build their own small computer system using a Raspberry Pi.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Explain different aspects of computer systems (hardware, software and networks), including their structure and operation, and security.
   Relates to: ACS CBOK: 3, 3.1, 3.3, 5, 5.4
2. Configure and manage computer systems, to perform specific tasks and troubleshoot IT problems.
   Relates to: ACS CBOK: 3, 3.1
3. Use information literacy skills to conduct and explain computer systems research.
4. Design and build basic computer systems using a variety of technology tools, techniques and resources.
   Relates to: ACS CBOK: 3, 3.1

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit is available for you to study in either on-campus or online mode. The unit is designed to engage you in learning through an active, artefact-driven set of practical exercises. Each week includes a pre-recorded lecture videos, Q&A session and a practical class. Pre-recorded lectures will motivate, introduce, demonstrate and roadmap computer technologies and associated concepts. Practical classes provide an interactive and participatory forum where you will undertake practical problem solving using different computer technologies, and can interact with peers and a tutor. The Further Investigation Question (FIQ) and Project will allow you to undertake a deeper study into a mix of computer technologies. Educational technologies, including the Raspberry Pi computer, will be used to support your progressive conceptual and practical understanding of computer technologies, system architecture and applications.

This unit introduces threshold discipline concepts related to hardware, operating systems, networking, programming languages, the web and web services, security, mobile, cloud computing and Internet of Things. It aims to foster the development of key academic skills, including:

• Self management through weekly assessment in practical classes;
• The study skill of desk research, through the FIQ research assessment;
• The study skill of oral presentation, through the FIQ research assessment, and the end of semester project demo;
• Interaction with peers through weekly practical classes, the FIQ research assessment, and the end of semester project demo;
• Familiarisation with QUT resources by introducing you to the QUT Library as a research resource through the FIQ research assessment.

This unit has embedded support for learning from the Faculty of Science Student Success and Teaching Advancement team to introduce:

• information literacy skills to enable you to effectively research, identify, and evaluate appropriate and credible sources to conduct computer systems research.
• language and learning skills and capabilities to enable you to communicate your research findings and respond to questions in an oral presentations.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

You will receive progressive feedback through the semester on both your workbook exercises and your projects. Workbooks will be regularly marked providing formative feedback. You will be asked to address knowledge and competency gaps during practical classes and show how you addressed these gaps, so that you master the essential knowledge components. Further Investigation Question and Project Demo will be moderated across all tutors before summative assessment is finalised. Your Prac results will provide you formative feedback of how you are achieving the unit's knowledge outcomes. You can also receive informal feedback during practical classes from your tutors and peers.

Assessment

Overview

Assessment will comprise:

1. Demonstrations of practical exercises throughout the semester;
2. an investigation question that will require you to research a topic of relevance and report on both the topic and your learning journey; and 
3. An open-ended project that will allow you to undertake a project of interest which comprises the design of a set of different computer technologies configured for a novel purpose.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Practical Demonstrations

This is a weekly structured demonstration comprising sets of exercises that will be assessed during practical classes. You will have incremental deadlines throughout the semester, to provide feedback as to your learning progress.

Assessment: Further Investigation Question

For this assessment item, you will select a topic from the unit to research. You will research the topic, and give a presentation to:

• Explain what you learned,
• Tell the story of your learning journey, and
• Answer questions from your assessor and fellow students.

Assessment: Project (applied)

A project comprising the design/construction/configuration of a small novel computer system using a mixture of computer technologies. These projects will be assessed by a demonstration and Q&A in Week 13.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Requirements to Study

Costs

You are required to purchase a Raspberry Pi kit.

If you are attending online classes, you are required to have:

• a device capable of running Zoom video conferencing software
• a microphone
• a webcam

Resources

Resource Materials

Other

Raspberry Pi kit

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. You will be made aware of evacuation procedures and assembly areas in the first few classes. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on your teacher's instruction, you should leave the room and assemble in the designated area which will be indicated to you. You should be conscious of your health and safety at all times whilst on campus or in the field.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

Australian Computer Society Core Body of Knowledge

3: Technology Resources

1. Hardware and software fundamentals
   Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4
2. Networking
   Relates to: ULO1

5: ICT Management

1. Cyber security
   Relates to: ULO1

Course Learning Outcomes

DS01 Bachelor of Data Science

1. Demonstrate a broad and coherent knowledge of the principles, concepts and techniques of the data science discipline, with depth of knowledge in at least one area developed through a major.
   Relates to: Practical Demonstrations, Further Investigation Question, Project (applied)
2. Use appropriate statistical, computational, modelling, data management, programming and generative artificial intelligence techniques to develop solutions for deriving insights from data.
   Relates to: Practical Demonstrations, Project (applied)
3. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as adaptivity in applying learned techniques in new and unfamiliar contexts.
   Relates to: Practical Demonstrations, Project (applied)

IN01 Bachelor of Information Technology

1. Demonstrate a broad theoretical and technical knowledge of well-established and emerging IT disciplines, with in-depth knowledge in at least one specialist area aligned to multiple ICT professional roles.
   Relates to: ULO1, Practical Demonstrations, Further Investigation Question, Project (applied)
2. Critically analyse and conceptualise complex IT challenges and opportunities using modelling, abstraction, ideation and problem-solving to generate, evaluate and justify recommended solutions.
   Relates to: ULO2, Practical Demonstrations, Project (applied)
3. Integrate and apply technical knowledge and skills to analyse, design, build, operate and maintain sustainable, secure IT systems using industry-standard tools, technologies, platforms, and processes.
   Relates to: ULO4, Project (applied)
4. Demonstrate initiative, autonomy and personal responsibility for continuous learning, working both independently and collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams, employing state-of-the-art IT project management methodologies to plan and manage time, resources, and risk.
   Relates to: ULO3, Practical Demonstrations, Further Investigation Question, Project (applied)
5. Communicate professionally and effectively in written, verbal and visual formats to a diverse range of stakeholders, considering the audience and explaining complex ideas in a simple and understandable manner in a range of IT-related contexts.
   Relates to: ULO3, Further Investigation Question, Project (applied)

IZ02 Bachelor of Information Technology

1. Demonstrate a broad theoretical and technical knowledge of well-established and emerging IT disciplines, with in-depth knowledge in at least one specialist area aligned to multiple ICT professional roles.
   Relates to: Practical Demonstrations, Further Investigation Question, Project (applied)
2. Critically analyse and conceptualise complex IT challenges and opportunities using modelling, abstraction, ideation and problem-solving to generate, evaluate and justify recommended solutions.
   Relates to: Practical Demonstrations, Project (applied)
3. Integrate and apply technical knowledge and skills to analyse, design, build, operate and maintain sustainable, secure IT systems using industry-standard tools, technologies, platforms, and processes.
   Relates to: Project (applied)
4. Demonstrate initiative, autonomy and personal responsibility for continuous learning, working both independently and collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams, employing state-of-the-art IT project management methodologies to plan and manage time, resources, and risk.
   Relates to: Practical Demonstrations, Further Investigation Question, Project (applied)
5. Communicate professionally and effectively in written, verbal and visual formats to a diverse range of stakeholders, considering the audience and explaining complex ideas in a simple and understandable manner in a range of IT-related contexts.
   Relates to: Further Investigation Question, Project (applied)