ITCS Student Guide

Introduction to Computer Science
Student Guide
Page 1 of 68 ITCS Student Guide

Modification History
Version Date Revision Description

V1.0 February 2017 Replaces Introduction to Computing
V1.1 September 2018 Update to TQT
V1.2 September 2019 Change from Campus to VLE
© NCC Education Limited 2018

All Rights Reserved
The copyright in this document is vested in NCC Education Limited. The document must not be
reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, or used for manufacturing purposes, except with the
prior written permission of NCC Education Limited and then only on condition that this notice is
included in any such reproduction.
Published by: NCC Education Limited, The Towers, Towers Business Park, Wilmslow Road,
Didsbury, Manchester M20 2EZ, UK.
Tel: +44 (0) 161 438 6200 Fax: +44 (0) 161 438 6240 Email: [email protected]
http://www.nccedu.com

CONTENTS
1 Unit Overview and Objectives.................................................................................. 6
2 Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria ........................................................ 6
3 Syllabus ..................................................................................................................... 7
4 Teaching and Learning........................................................................................... 12
4.1 Lectures.................................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Tutorials .................................................................................................................... 12
4.3 Seminars/Laboratory Sessions ................................................................................. 12
4.4 Private Study ............................................................................................................ 13
5 Assessment ............................................................................................................ 13
Topic 1: Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware..................................................... 14
1.1 Learning Objectives .................................................................................................. 14
1.2 Timings ..................................................................................................................... 14
1.3 Laboratory Sessions ................................................................................................. 15
1.4 Private Study ............................................................................................................ 18
1.5 Tutorial Notes ........................................................................................................... 19
1.5.1 Review of Private Study Exercises ........................................................................... 19
Topic 2: Introduction to Application Software and System ..................................................... 20
Software ...................................................................................................................................... 20
2.2 Timings ..................................................................................................................... 20
2.4 Private Study ............................................................................................................ 22
2.5 Tutorial Notes ........................................................................................................... 23
Topic 3: Internal Components of Computer Hardware............................................................. 24
3.2 Timings ..................................................................................................................... 24
3.4 Private Study ............................................................................................................ 26
3.5 Tutorial Notes ........................................................................................................... 28
Topic 4: Computer Processors .................................................................................................. 30

4.2 Timings ..................................................................................................................... 30
4.4 Private Study ............................................................................................................ 32
4.5 Tutorial Notes ........................................................................................................... 33
Topic 5: Storage Devices and Input and Output Devices ........................................................ 34
5.2 Timings ..................................................................................................................... 34
5.4 Private Study ............................................................................................................ 36
5.5 Tutorial Notes ........................................................................................................... 37
Topic 6: Data Representation..................................................................................................... 38
6.2 Timings ..................................................................................................................... 38
6.4 Private Study ............................................................................................................ 40
6.5 Tutorial Notes ........................................................................................................... 41
Topic 7: Number Representation ............................................................................................... 42
7.2 Timings ..................................................................................................................... 42
7.4 Private Study ............................................................................................................ 44
7.5 Tutorial Notes ........................................................................................................... 45
Topic 8: Image and Sound Representation ............................................................................... 46
8.2 Timings ..................................................................................................................... 46
8.4 Private Study ............................................................................................................ 48
8.5 Tutorial Notes ........................................................................................................... 49

Topic 9: Digital Logic .................................................................................................................. 50
9.2 Timings ..................................................................................................................... 50
9.4 Private Study ............................................................................................................ 52
9.5 Tutorial Notes ........................................................................................................... 53
Topic 10: Computer Networks ................................................................................................... 55
10.2 Timings ..................................................................................................................... 55
10.4 Private Study ............................................................................................................ 57
10.5 Tutorial Notes ........................................................................................................... 58
10.6 Review of Private Study Exercises ........................................................................... 58
Topic 11: Network Topologies and the Internet ........................................................................ 59
11.2 Timings ..................................................................................................................... 59
11.4 Private Study ............................................................................................................ 61
11.5 Tutorial Notes ........................................................................................................... 62
11.5.1 Review of Private Study Exercises ......................................................................... 62
Topic 12: Cultural, Ethical and Legal Issues Relating to.......................................................... 63
Computing ................................................................................................................................... 63
12.2 Timings ..................................................................................................................... 63
12.4 Private Study ............................................................................................................ 65
12.5 Tutorial Notes ........................................................................................................... 67
12.5.1 Review of Private Study Exercises ......................................................................... 67

Overview
1 Unit Overview and Objectives
This unit aims to provide a sound knowledge and understanding of fundamental computer science
topics. It covers the fundamental concepts relating to a wide range of computer hardware and
software, the characteristics of hardware components, how data, images and sound are
represented in a computer system, the fundamental concepts of computer networks, and cultural,
ethical and legal issues related to computing.
2 Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Learning Outcomes; Assessment Criteria;
The Student will: The Student can:
1. Understand fundamental 1.1 Describe the functions of a computer system
concepts relating to hardware 1.2 Describe a range of computer systems or justify the
and software use of a type of computer system for a particular
purpose
1.3 Define the term ‘hardware’
1.4 Describe the purpose or characteristics of computer
hardware
1.5 Define the term ‘software’
1.6 Identify categories of software
1.7 Describe types of application software or justify the
use of application software for a particular purpose
1.8 Describe types of system software or justify the use
of system software for a particular purpose
1.9 Describe types of utility software or justify the use of
utility software for a particular purpose
2. Understand the characteristics 2.1 Describe internal components of computer hardware
of hardware components 2.2 Describe the components of a central processing unit
(CPU)
2.3 Describe the functions of a CPU
2.4 Explain the function of the fetch-decode-execute
cycle
2.5 Describe how hardware components communicate
with each other
2.6 Identify units of measurements of computer storage
2.7 Describe a range of computer storage media or
justify the use of a type of storage media for a
particular purpose
2.8 Describe a range of input devices or justify the use
of a type of input device for a particular purpose
2.9 Describe a range of output devices or justify the use
of an output device for a particular purpose
ITCS Student Guide

Page 6 of 68
3. Understand how data is 3.1 Describe how data is represented by binary
represented in a computer 3.2 Describe how data is represented by ASCII
system 3.3 Describe how data is represented by Unicode
3.4 Explain how encryption can be used to represent
data
3.5 Explain how compression can facilitate the storage
and transmission of data
3.6 Explain the purpose of number systems
3.7 Explain the binary number system
3.8 Demonstrate addition or subtraction of binary
numbers
3.9 Demonstrate an understanding of two’s complement
3.10 Explain the hexadecimal number system
3.11 Demonstrate conversion between decimal, binary or
hexadecimal numbers
3.12 Describe how images are represented in a computer
system
3.13 Describe how sound is represented in a computer
system
3.14 Explain how compression can facilitate storage and
transmission of images or sound
3.15 Define the term ‘digital logic’
3.16 Explain the purpose and operation of logic gates
4. Understand the fundamental 4.1 Explain the purpose of a computer network
concepts of computer 4.2 Describe types of computer network or explain the
networks criteria for selecting a particular type of network
4.3 Describe the hardware used in a computer network
4.4 Describe the software used in a computer network
4.5 Describe the transmission media used in a computer
network
4.6 Describe types of network transmission protocols
4.7 Describe types of computer network topology or
justify the use of a topology for a particular purpose
4.8 Describe Internet and World Wide Web technologies
4.9 Discuss computer network issues
5. Understand cultural, ethical 5.1 Explain what a cultural issue is
and legal issues relating to 5.2 Describe a range of cultural issues
computing 5.3 Explain how cultural issues can be addressed
5.4 Explain what an ethical issue is
5.5 Describe a range of ethical issues
5.6 Explain how ethical issues can be addressed
5.7 Identify laws and guidelines that relate to computing
5.8 Describe situations where laws and guidelines have
been used to deal with people using computers to
commit crimes or cause offence
3

3. Syllabus
Syllabus
Topic No Title Breakdown of Content
learning hours
1 Introduction to 2 hours of lectures • Definition of computer system
Computer 1 hour of laboratory • Functions of a computer system
Systems and
2 hours of tutorials • Data and information
Hardware • An overview of a typical computer
3 hours 50 minutes of
system
private study
• Types of computer systems
• Big data
• The Internet of Things
• Definition of hardware
• The role of computer hardware
• Types of computer hardware
• Accessibility
Learning Outcome: 1
2 Introduction to 2 hours of lectures • Definition of software
Application 1 hour of laboratory • Categories of software
Software and
2 hours of tutorials • Software compatibility
System Software • Types and uses of application
software
private study
• How to obtain software
• Software licences
• Criteria to consider when selecting
application software
• System software
- operating system software
- utility software
- driver software
system software
Learning Outcome: 1

3 Internal 2 hours of lectures • Internal components:
Components of Motherboard, chips, central
1 hour of laboratory
Computer processing unit (CPU), clock,
Hardware 2 hours of tutorials
memory, chipset, expansion slots
and cards, power supply, fan,
private study
buses, connectors
• How components communicate
with each other
• How components communicate
with external devices
Learning Outcomes: 2
4 Computer 1 hour of lectures • The role of a computer
Processors 1 hour of laboratory processor
1 hour of tutorials • Types of processor
• Components of a CPU
1 hour 50 minutes of
• The functions of a CPU
private study
• How components of a CPU
communicate with each other
• The fetch-execute-decode
cycle
Learning Outcome: 2
5 Storage Devices 2 hours of lectures • Computer storage
and Input and 1 hour of laboratory • Units of measurement of computer
Output Devices storage
2 hours of tutorials
• Computer storage media
• Storage locations
private study
computer storage
• Input devices
input devices
• Output devices:
output devices
Learning Outcome: 2

6 Data 1 hour of lectures • Binary representation of data
Representation
1 hour of laboratory • ASCII representation of data
1 hour of tutorials • Unicode representation of data
1 hour 50 minutes of • Hexadecimal representation of
private study data
• Definitions of encryption and
decryption
• Examples of encryption
• Definition of compression
• Compression of data
Learning Outcome: 3
7 Number 2 hours of lectures • Number systems
Representation
1 hour of laboratory • Decimal number system
2 hours of tutorials • Binary number system
3 hours 50 minutes of • Why consider number systems?
private study
• Addition of binary numbers
• Subtraction of binary numbers
• Two’s complement
• Hexadecimal number system
• Converting decimal, binary and
hexadecimal numbers
Learning Outcome: 3
8 Image and 2 hours of lectures • Image representation
Sound
1 hour of laboratory • Image file formats
Representation
2 hours of tutorials • Compression of images
3 hours 50 minutes of • Sound representation
private study
• Sound file formats
• Compression of sound
Learning Outcome: 3

9 Digital Logic 1 hour of lectures • Digital logic
1 hour of laboratory • Truth Tables
1 hour of tutorials • Logic gates
1 hour 50 minutes of - AND
private study - OR
- NOT
- NAND
- NOR
Learning Outcome: 3
10 Computer 2 hours of lectures • Definition of a computer network
Networks
1 hour of laboratory • Types of network
2 hours of tutorials • Criteria for selecting a network
3 hours 50 minutes of • Network hardware
private study
• Network transmission media
• Network transmission protocols
• Network software
Learning Outcome: 4
11 Network 2 hours of lectures • Define a network topology

Topologies and
1 hour of laboratory • Types of topology
the Internet
2 hours of tutorials • Criteria for selecting a topology
3 hours 50 minutes of • Definition of the Internet
private study
• Definition of the World Wide Web
(WWW)
• World Wide Web technologies
• Computer network issues
Learning Outcome: 4

12 Cultural, Ethical 3 hours of lectures • Definition of cultural issues
and Legal Issues • Examples of cultural issues
1 hour of laboratory
Relating to • Addressing cultural issues
Computing 3 hours of tutorials
• Definition of ethical issues
• Examples of ethical issues
private study
• Addressing ethical issues
• UK laws and guidelines
- Data Protection Act (1998)
- Computer Misuse Act (1990)
- Copyright, Designs and Patents
Act (1988)
• Global laws and computers
• Examples of situations where the
law has been applied
Learning Outcome: 5
4 Teaching and Learning

Suggested Learning Hours
Lectures: Tutorial: Seminar: Laboratory: Private Study: Assessment: Total:
22 22 - 12 42 2-hour exam 100
The teacher-led time for this module is comprised of lectures and tutorials. The breakdown of the
hours is also given at the start of each topic.
4.1 Lectures
Lectures are designed to start each topic and PowerPoint slides are presented for use during these
sessions. Students should also be encouraged to be active during this time and to discuss and/or
practice the concepts covered. Lecturers should encourage active participation wherever possible.
4.2 Tutorials
These are designed to deal with the questions arising from the lectures and private study sessions
and will focus on the completion of a range of exercises to reinforce learning achieved through the
lecture and private study sessions.
4.3 Seminars/Laboratory Sessions

In these sessions, students are required to work through various exercises. The details of these
are provided in the Student Guide for this unit. Each student must have a copy of the ITCS Student
Guide and must be instructed to bring it to the lessons for the unit.

4.4 Private Study
The Student Guide also contains details of the Private Study exercises. Students are expected to
revise the content of lectures and complete these exercises to improve their understanding.
Teachers will need to set time frames for the completion of exercises and go over the suggested
answers with students. No answers are given in the student guide. Completion deadlines should
ideally be prior to the scheduled tutorial for each topic, as there is time allowed during this session
for the review of answers.
There are some references to websites throughout these materials and further online sources of
information can be found on NCC Education’s Virtual Learning Environment
(https://vle.nccedu.com/login/index.php). Teachers may also choose to substitute their own
examples wherever they feel it is appropriate.
5 Assessment
This module will be assessed by means of an examination, based on the assessment criteria given
above. Students will be expected to demonstrate that they have met the unit’s learning outcomes.

Topic 1
Topic 1: Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware
1.1 Learning Objectives

This topic provides an overview of computer systems and computer hardware.
On completion of the topic, students will be able to:
• Describe the functions of a computer system

• Describe a range of computer systems or justify the use of a type of computer system for a
particular purpose
• Define the term hardware
• Describe the purpose or characteristics of computer hardware
1.2 Timings
Lectures: 2 hours
Seminars: 0 hours
Laboratory Sessions: 1 hour
Private Study: 3 hours 50 minutes
Tutorials: 2 hours
ITCS Student Guide

Page 14 of 68
1.3 Laboratory Sessions
The laboratory time allocation for this topic is 1 hour.
Exercise 1: Using Computer Systems

a) Describe the type/s of computer systems you use regularly, e.g. stand-alone, network,
general purpose, embedded.
b) State where you use these systems.
c) Explain what sort of tasks you use them for.
d) Describe any data that is input and processed by the computer systems.
e) Describe the information that is output by the computer systems.
Exercise 2: Users and computer systems
Complete the table below by inserting the types of computers that each user working at an
organisation might access during their work. An example has been provided for you.
TYPE OF USER TYPE OF COMPUTERS
Someone working at a small Server, desktop, laptop, notebook, smartphone

business (less than ten
employees)
Someone working at a large

business (over one hundred
employees)
A scientist working at a
university undertaking scientific
research
A receptionist at a surgery
A person working at home
An employee at a
pharmaceutical company
undertaking drug research
An airline booking
representative
An administration assistant at a
cinema

A manager at an electricity
company
A researcher at a defence
institution
A journalist
An administrator at a hospital
A teacher at a school or college
A manager at a national
supermarket chain
A stockbroker
A weather forecaster of a
national weather forecasting
organisation
Exercise 3: The functions of computer systems

It is important to understand the functions of a computer system. Consider the following three
computer systems and their users. For each user, identify data that they might input to the
system, information that they may need output and information that will need to be stored.
Complete the table below with your answers:
a) Doctor at a surgery DATA INPUT
INFORMATION OUTPUT
INFORMATION STORED
b) Administrator at a college DATA INPUT
INFORMATION OUTPUT
INFORMATION STORED
c) Coffee shop manager DATA INPUT
INFORMATION OUTPUT

INFORMATION STORED
Exercise 4: Big data

The amount of data that is being used and stored globally is growing at a rapid rate. Research
and describe at least four benefits and at least four limitations of big data.

1.4 Private Study
The time allocation for private study in this topic is expected to be 3 hours 50 minutes.
Exercise 1: The Internet of Things
Read the following article: An engineer uses IoT to tackle illness, Patrick Thibodeau,
Computerworld, Aug 8, 2016
http://www.computerworld.com/article/3105585/internet-of-things/an-engineer-uses-iot-to-tackle-
illness.html
Research two other areas, other than health, that could benefit from the Internet of Things. During
your research, make a note of the computer systems and hardware that are used.
Exercise 2: Wearable hardware
Describe at least four advantages and at least four disadvantages of wearing computer hardware.
Exercise 3: Accessible computer hardware
Research two people whose lives have been improved by the use of assistive technology. Make
notes on the hardware that they use and how it helps them.
The following website will help you.
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/kim-lawther/how-technology-is-transforming-disabled-peoples-
lives_b_9479556.html

1.5 Tutorial Notes
The time allowance for tutorials in this topic is 2 hours.
1.5.1 Review of Private Study Exercises
Exercise 1: The Internet of Things
Read the following article: An engineer uses IoT to tackle illness, Patrick Thibodeau,
Computerworld, Aug 8, 2016
http://www.computerworld.com/article/3105585/internet-of-things/an-engineer-uses-iot-to-tackle-
illness.html
Research two other areas, other than health, that could benefit from the Internet of Things. During
your research, make a note of the computer systems and hardware that are used.
Exercise 2: Wearable hardware
Describe at least four advantages and at least four disadvantages of wearing computer hardware.
Exercise 3: Accessible computer hardware
Research two people whose lives have been improved by the use of assistive technology. Make
notes on the hardware that they use and how it helps them.
The following website will help you.
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/kim-lawther/how-technology-is-transforming-disabled-peoples-
lives_b_9479556.html

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Introduction to Computer Science

Page 1 of 68 ITCS Student Guide

Version Date Revision Description

© NCC Education Limited 2018

Page 2 of 68 ITCS Student Guide

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2 Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

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11 Network 2 hours of lectures • Define a network topology

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4 Teaching and Learning

4.3 Seminars/Laboratory Sessions

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Page 13 of 68 ITCS Student Guide

Topic 1: Introduction to Computer Systems and Hardware

1.1 Learning Objectives

On completion of the topic, students will be able to:

• Describe the functions of a computer system

Laboratory Sessions: 1 hour

Private Study: 3 hours 50 minutes

ITCS Student Guide

Exercise 1: Using Computer Systems

c) Explain what sort of tasks you use them for.

e) Describe the information that is output by the computer systems.

Exercise 2: Users and computer systems

TYPE OF USER TYPE OF COMPUTERS

Someone working at a small Server, desktop, laptop, notebook, smartphone

Someone working at a large

A person working at home

Page 15 of 68 ITCS Student Guide

A teacher at a school or college

Exercise 3: The functions of computer systems

a) Doctor at a surgery DATA INPUT

b) Administrator at a college DATA INPUT

c) Coffee shop manager DATA INPUT

Page 16 of 68 ITCS Student Guide

Exercise 4: Big data

Page 17 of 68 ITCS Student Guide

Exercise 1: The Internet of Things

Exercise 2: Wearable hardware

Exercise 3: Accessible computer hardware

The following website will help you.

Page 18 of 68 ITCS Student Guide

1.5.1 Review of Private Study Exercises

Exercise 1: The Internet of Things

Exercise 2: Wearable hardware

Exercise 3: Accessible computer hardware

The following website will help you.

Page 19 of 68 ITCS Student Guide

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