Syllabus

COMP1112-71: Introduction to Computers with Applications

Spring 2024

Catalog Description:
• Credit Hours: 3
• Hours/Week: 3
• Prerequisites: None
• Other Requirements: Keyboarding skills, Windows experience is helpful but not required
• MnTC Goals: NA

Instructor: Dr. Charles Brust ([email protected])

Office Hours: Tuesdays 3-4p Central (via Zoom – link in each week’s info in the course D2L),
or by appointment, arranged at least 24 hours in advance. Also, e-mail to [email protected]
is encouraged. Emails will be answered in 24-48 hours.

Course Hours: Course is completely asynchronous and online

Text: Required resources: Cengage Unlimited Access – included automatically in course

content and auto-billed to your RCTC account.
Textbook (hardcopy or e-version included in Cengage membership): Technology for
Success and Illustrated Series Microsoft Office 365 and Office 2019 (ISBN 9780357025680)

Course Description: This course is an introduction to basic computer concepts including

hardware, software, and social impact. An introduction to and hands-on experience with
applications including word processing, spreadsheet, and database is covered as well as an
introduction to Internet use. This is a course for students who wish to develop basic computer
literacy and acquire the background to be able to use computer applications in school or on the
job. Keyboarding skills, Windows experience is helpful but not required.

Learning Outcomes: The student will be able to:

1. Define and use basic computer terminology.
2. Identify ethical issues related to the use of computers.
3. Create, edit, and print a word processing document, using techniques including font
selection, paragraph alignment, page setup (margins, headers/footers, and etc.), text
manipulation by cut and paste, and inclusion of graphics.
4. Create, add data to, and print a spreadsheet incorporating absolute and relative cell
referencing, formulas, built-in functions, and cell formatting.
5. Create a database with multiple tables, retrieve information using the three basic query
types, and create data entry forms and data reports.

1
 6. Send and read email, use a search engine.
7. Be prepared to effectively use PC applications in future course work.
8. Save and copy files, create and organize files and folders.

Major Content Areas:

1. Basic computer software concepts
a. Operating systems
b. Graphical user interface vs. command interface
c. Files, file types, folders
2. Basic computer hardware concepts
a. CPU
b. RAM, ROM
c. Mass storage media
d. Input/Output devices
e. Modems
3. Data Representation
a. Binary numbers and codes
b. Sizes and speeds: megabytes, microseconds, and etc.
4. Ethical issues related to the use of computers
5. Word processing
6. Spreadsheets
7. Databases
8. Networks
a. Why networks?
b. Terminology: LAN, WAN, Ethernet, TCP/IP, servers, routers, and etc.
c. Network topology comparison
9. Internet use
a. WWW
b. UseNet groups
c. Email

RCTC Core Outcomes

This class contributes to meeting the following Core Outcomes: Critical Thinking

Format and Procedures:

This course is presented as a self-paced learning opportunity, supplemented by discussion led by
the instructor. Students are encouraged to participate by sharing their knowledge and
experiences, asking questions, and presenting solutions to the problems presented. Students
should come to class prepared to discuss the topics of the day.

Weekly work will consist of the students reading the relevant textbook topic(s) as assigned by
the instructor, listening to the posted lecture, and then completing the associated activities (as
assigned) in Cengage. During week 17, there will be no work in Cengage, but rather there will
be testing (final) which will be done via D2L. Students are allowed, and encouraged, to work
ahead since the course is self-paced.

2
Weekly office hours (via Zoom) will allow students an opportunity to pose questions and have
examples shown for various techniques within Office 2019.

The final examination will cover material assigned to that point, including textbook readings,
lecture, and other materials. The final will be comprehensive.

Course Requirements:
1. Class attendance and participation policy:
Office hours attendance is encouraged, but not required. Those who attend will be expected to
participate. Class will be taught remotely via streaming technologies.

2. Course readings:
(a) Required resources:
i. Cengage Unlimited Access (ISBN 9780357700037)
(b) Textbook (hardcopy or e-version)
i. Technology for Success and Illustrated Series Microsoft Office 365 and
Office 2019 (ISBN 9780357025680)
(c) Supplementary material as assigned

3. Assignments:
Weekly assignments, class participation, and exams will be required for this course. All
assignments are to be completed individually. All assignments will be due by 11:59pm Central
Time on their due date unless otherwise specified. No late assignments will be accepted.

3
Course Schedule: 1/8/2024 - 5/5/2024
Week of: Lecture/assignment
January 8 Introductions/Bios, Syllabus, Course Logistics, Cengage / Mindtap
intro; Syllabus Quiz
January 15 Computer Concepts part 1
January 22 Computer Concepts part 2
January 29 Computer Concepts part 3
February 5 Operating Systems part 1
February 12 Operating Systems part 2
February 19 Word 2019 part 1
February 26 Word 2019 part 2
March 4 SPRING BREAK
March 11 Excel 2019 part 1
March 18 Excel 2019 part 2
March 25 Access 2019 part 1
April 1 Access 2019 part 2
April 8 PowerPoint 2019 part 1
April 15 PowerPoint 2019 part 2 and Office Integration
April 22 Outlook 2019
April 29 Final Exam

Note: schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor

Last day to Withdraw: Friday, January 12, 2024

Grading Scale:

90 – 100% = A
80 – 89% = B
70 – 79% = C
60 – 69% = D
0 – 59% = F

Course Policies
Students are encouraged to be present for all class meetings. At a minimum, we are all (you, your
fellow students, and your instructors) expected to treat each other politely and with respect. This
includes turning off all cell phones (or muting them), participating in class, and arriving in a
timely manner. Please remember that personal conversations during lecture and lab time are
distracting to your fellow students.

All coursework in COMP1112 is available from day 1 of the class. Students are encouraged to
work at their own pace, with the understanding that deadlines exist each week which constitute
the minimum progress to be made. Working ahead of deadline will benefit the student and is
highly encouraged.

4
All assignments and exams in COMP1112 are open book/open notes. It is considered cheating to
communicate with or copy from a classmate during any individual assignment. All assignments
are individual assignments unless specified otherwise. All assignments are due at 11:59pm
Central on the due date as listed in D2L. No late assignments will be accepted, nor will credit be
given for late work.

Academic Integrity Statement

The primary academic mission of Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) is to
provide quality learning opportunities for students. Acts of academic dishonesty undermine the
educational process and the learning experience for the student and our college community. It is
the responsibility of the student to complete their academic requirements with integrity and not
engage in acts of cheating, plagiarism, or collusion. The College expects that students are
submitting work and materials that reflects their individual learning and efforts within their
course, program, and college academic requirements.
It is expected that RCTC students will understand and adhere to the concept of academic
integrity and to the standards of conduct outlined within this policy. Students who are found to
have engaged in an act of academic dishonesty may face academic sanctions through the
Academic Integrity Procedure and non-academic misconduct sanctions through the Code of
Student Conduct.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Rochester Community and Technical College is committed to ensuring its programs, services
and activities are accessible to individuals with disabilities, through its compliance with state and
federal laws, and System Policy. Appropriate accommodations are provided to those qualified
students with disabilities. If you believe you qualify for an academic accommodation, please
contact the Director of Disability Support Services, Travis Kromminga at 507-280-2968 or
through the Minnesota relay TTY 1-800-627-3529. The office can also be reached via e-mail at
[email protected].

Military Friendly Statement

Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) is a military friendly campus, pledging to
do all we can to help military veterans transition into college to complete their educational goals.
RCTC is proud to be a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon campus, serving and honoring our veterans,
military service members and their families. Through the Veterans Resource Center, RCTC
offers student veterans an on‐campus point of contact with other veterans, and program
information to assist them in making a successful transition into college. For assistance, students
are encouraged to contact the Veterans Assistant Coordinator, Mark Larsen, at 507‐779-9375 or
e‐mail at [email protected], or Othelmo da Silva, RCTC’s VA certifying official at 507-
285-7566 or email at [email protected].

Title IX Statement
Sexual violence and other forms of sexual misconduct is prohibited at Minnesota State colleges and
universities (Minnesota State). Any individual who has been, or is being, subjected to conduct prohibited
by the Sexual Violence Policy is encouraged to report the incident. Individuals may choose to file a
complaint anonymously using the online reporting tool (https://www.rctc.edu/services/student-

5
affairs/sexual-violence/). Individuals who choose to file anonymous reports are advised that it may be
difficult for the college to follow up or take specific action, where information is limited. For additional
information please see the RCTC Sexual Violence Policy, http://www.rctc.edu/policies/system/sexual-
violence or contact Rebecca Peine, Title IX Coordinator, at 507-285- 7195 or email at [email protected].