Course Title: Introduction to Information Technology

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Introduction to Information Technology

Credit Points: 12

Course Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. James Harland

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2045

Course Coordinator Email:james.harland@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 14.08.13

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

If this is your first semester/course in the School of Computer Science and IT, you should attend the Unix Survival Skills induction sessions (held during Weeks 0, 1 and 2 of each semester; see http://www.rmit.edu.au/compsci).

Course Description

This course aims to provide you with the introductory theory required to understand the components and operations of computer systems, and to expose you to some widely-used business application software. A major component of the course is the practical application of the knowledge gained from the theoretical content. The material covers a broad range of introductory Information Technology concepts.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Capability Development
This course contributes to the development of the following capabilities:
- Enabling knowledge: basic concepts of computers and data communication; principles of collaborative work and effective oral presentations

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course you should be able to:
- Demonstrate competence in the use of the Unix operating system
- Demonstrate competence in the use of the World Wide Web as a research tool
- Create a home page to present a portfolio and curriculum vitae
- Prepare a professional and comprehensive written report
- Demonstrate competence in the use of some widely-used business application software packages
- Demonstrate competence in the use of project management software.

Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities included in this course are:

• key concepts will be explained in lectures, classes or online, where syllabus material will be presented and the subject matter will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples;
• tutorials and/or labs and/or group discussions (including online forums) focussed on projects and problem solving will provide practice in the application of theory and procedures, allow exploration of concepts with teaching staff and other students, and give feedback on your progress and understanding;
• assignments, as described in Overview of Assessment (below) and Assessment Tasks (part B course guide for this Teaching Period), requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter; and
• private study, working through the course as presented in classes and learning materials, and gaining practice at solving conceptual and technical problems.

Overview of Learning Resources

You will make extensive use of computer laboratories and relevant software provided by the School. You will be able to access course information and learning materials through the Learning Hub (also known as online@RMIT) and may be provided with copies of additional materials in class or via email. Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided.

Use the RMIT Bookshop’s textbook list search page to find any recommended textbook(s).

Overview of Assessment

The assessment for this course comprises practical work involving the development of Web pages, a written report and a final exam.

For standard assessment details, including deadlines, weightings, and hurdle requirements relating to Computer Science and IT courses see: http://www.rmit.edu.au/compsci/cgi