NVCC College-Wide Course Content Summary

Teaches fundamental skills of computer operation and tools for programming, such as editor, compiler and debugger. Examines hardware (processor, I/O, and memory), and operating systems. Corequisites are CSC 201 "Computer Science I" and a satisfactory score on the proficiency examination for MTH 173 "Calculus with Analytic Geometry I", or equivalent, or division approval. Lecture 1 hour per week. 

ENTRY-LEVEL COMPETENCIES
Corequsites: CSC 201, Computer Science I, and a satisfactory score on the proficiency examination for MTH 173, Calculus with Analytic Geometry I, or equivalent, or division approval. 

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE
This course consists of lecture and laboratory experience primarily intended for students of CSC 201 to learn how to edit, compile, and run the computer programs which are assigned as homework in CSC 201. Aspects of hardware (central processing unit, memory, and auxiliary devices) and software (high level and low level languages, interpreters and compilers) are introduced. The concept of an operating system is presented. Hands-on instruction in the proper use of hardware and software is paramount. The student practices using an operating system and using an editor. 

COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Distinguish among major components of computer hardware.
• Distinguish among typical system software and application software, high-level and low-level computer languages, as well as computer language compilers and interpreters.
• Log onto a computer network or multi-user system and execute simple operating system commands.
• Perform elementary file and directory-related activities, such as copy, rename, move, and delete files and subdirectories/folders.
• Use an editor, compiler and link/loader to create and execute a computer program (pre-)written in a high level computer language.
• Communicate to another person using a computer program, such as email or instant messaging.
• Use a graphical user interface as well as a command-line interface to accomplish much of the above.

MAJOR TOPICS TO BE INCLUDED

1. Computer System Concepts
1. Hardware
1. Components
1. Processor
2. Memory
3. I/O
2. Evolution
2. Software
1. Operating System versus Application Software
2. Programming Languages
1. High Level
2. Low Level
3. Translators
1. Compilers
2. Interpreters
2. Introduction to the Operating System
1. Accounts
2. Services
3. Simple Commands
3. Introduction to the File System
1. Copying, Moving, Transferring Files
2. Printing Files
3. Redirection and Pipes
4. File Security
4. Create and Execute a Program
1. Using an Editor
2. Using a Compiler
3. Libraries and Linking a Program
4. Running a Program
5. Other Operating System and LAN Features
1. Security: Accounts, Login Names, and Passwords
2. Communication
1. Email
2. Internet Access
3. Graphical User Interfaces
6. Other Topics (optional)
1. Integrated Development Environment
2. Other Editors
3. Libraries
4. Makefiles

Suggested Time Allocation per Topic

In order to standardize the core topics of CSC 100 so that a course taught at one campus is equivalent to the same course taught at another campus, the following student-contact-hours per topic are recommended. There are normally 16 student-contact-hours per semester for a one-unit course. The last category, Other/Enhance, leaves ample time for an instructor to tailor the course to special needs or resources.

Ref	Topic	Hours	Percent
I	Computer System Concepts	1	6
II	Introduction to the Operating System	3	19
III	Introduction to the File System	3	19
IV	Create and Execute a Program	3	19
V	Other Operating System and LAN Features	1	6
VI	Other optional content or enhance the above	3	19
	Exams and Quizzes	2	12
	Total	16	100