ITD102 Introduction to Computer Systems


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Unit Outline: College 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:ITD102
Credit points:12
Equivalent:INB102
Anti-requisite:IFB102
Coordinator:Geoff Polzin | g.polzin@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

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 students can appreciate, understand and utilise computer systems in their subsequent learning, and effectively participate in the IT industry. Students will study computers, networks, operating systems and the Web. Raspberry Pi computers will be used throughout the unit and at the end students 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
  2. Use computer systems to control and understand how they work.
  3. Use information literacy skills to conduct computer systems research and troubleshoot IT problems.
  4. Design and build basic computer systems using a variety of technology tools, techniques and resources.

Content

In this unit you will learn about computers, networking and the web from different perspectives, including:

  1. Evolutionary: how has technology evolved? What are computer systems today? What are the trends and how might we understand and predict future developments.
  2. Practical:How do computer systems work and how can we interact with them to understand and use them?
  3. Conceptual:What are the fundamental aspects of computers, networks and the web?

Learning Approaches

This unit takes a blended approach to learning and teaching. You will be provided with both eContent and timetabled activities such as tutorials, workshops and practicals. eContent will be clearly identified on your Canvas site for you to engage with on a weekly basis before your classes. eContent could include videos, readings, self-reflection and/or peer activities designed to enhance your learning experience. During the timetabled activities, the unit coordinator and/or your tutor will further explain content and you will be provided with opportunities to explore this content in a collaborative learning environment. After your weekly classes, you should continue to engage with unit resources to ensure you consolidate your understanding of unit content. Teaching team members will also be available for one-on-one consultations to assist you with your learning journey.

This unit engages you in learning through an active, artefact-driven set of practical exercises. eContent will motivate, introduce and roadmap computer technologies and associated concepts. A variety of learning activities will create a participatory environment for all learners. Practical sessions will use workbooks to guide your learning through exercises involving research and practical problem solving using different computer technologies. There are two workbooks in which you will record your task completions and the steps that you took to address the gaps in your knowledge and other self-assessment tasks. Projects will allow you to undertake a deeper study into a mix of computer technologies. Educational technologies, such as the Raspberry Pi computer, must be used to support your understanding of computer technologies, system architecture and applications.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
• Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
• Formal: in writing, such as checklists, rubrics, written commentary
• Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
• Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment

Overview

Assessment will comprise structured workbooks comprising: practical exercises and investigation questions. These will form the basis for assessment for the first half of the unit. Projects will form the second part of the assessment. These will be open ended and 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. These projects will be assessed by a presentation and a report.

 

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Low Level Technologies Workbook

This is a weekly structured workbook comprising sets of exercises for you to undertake during practical classes and in your own time. It includes further investigation questions and set practical tasks relating to your understanding of the component technologies introduced during the unit. It will be individual work.

Only the investigation questions is an assignment for the purposes of an extension. 

Weight: 35
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 6
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

Assessment: High Level Architecture Workbook

This is a weekly structured workbook comprising sets of exercises for you to undertake during practical classes and in your own time. It includes further investigation questions and set practical tasks relating to the way computer systems are designed and operate. It will be individual work.

Only the investigation questions is an assignment for the purposes of an extension. 

Weight: 35
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 10
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

Assessment: Project (applied)

A project comprising the design / construction / configuration of a small novel computer system using a mixture of computer technologies.

Only the report is an assignment for the purposes of an extension. 

 

 

Weight: 30
Length: 4-5 minute video plus 12 page report
Individual/Group: Either group or individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 3, 4

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

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.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Library and web-based information will be used. There is no prescribed text book for this unit. Raspberry Pi computers must be used for some practical work. (These will be available to borrow (for on-campus students) or they can be purchased for approximately one hundred dollars.)

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 lectures. In the event of a fire alarm sounding, or on a lecturer'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.

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

ES21 Diploma in Esports

  1. Demonstrate foundational interdisciplinary knowledge relating to esports.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, Low Level Technologies Workbook, Project (applied)