Revised 08/2022

CSC 110 - Principles of Computer Science (3 CR.)

Course Description

Provides a broad introduction to the field of computer science. Introduces design techniques, development of algorithms, and applications of computer science. Includes the idea of abstraction as a problem-solving technique. Examines the functionality of computing innovations and computing systems. Discusses the potential impacts of these innovations from a social, legal, and ethical perspective. The assignments in this course require mathematical problem-solving skills, algebraic modeling and functions, and use of variables. This is a UCGS transfer course. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

CSC 110 is designed as an introductory computing course for general education. This course may meet the computing competency requirement for non-CS majors as determined by the institution. It is not meant as part of a sequence and is a terminal course.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

Civic Engagement

  • Identify and discuss ideas about the civic impact of computing.
  • Explore potential contributions to existing societal problems.

Critical Thinking

  • Retrieve relevant information from the perspective of other disciplines to develop solutions using computing principles.

Written Communication

  • Communicate technical information through the use of appropriate language and computing-specific design representations or diagrams.

Quantitative Literacy

  • Perform basic numerical conversion relevant to computing.
  • Develop solutions which require the use of arithmetic and logical operators and interpret quantitative results.

Scientific Literacy

  • Assess how current and emerging technologies contribute to technological development and dissemination.

Professional Readiness

  • Work well with others and display situationally and culturally appropriate demeanor and behavior.

Creative Development

  • Collaborate in the development of solutions to problems.
  • Identify the purpose of the program and develop potential inputs.
  • Design an appropriate method or approach to solve the problem.
  • Correct errors in the algorithm, including error discovery through desk checking.

Data

  • Explain how computers represent text, images, and sounds using digital data.
  • Explain the consequences of using bits to represent data.
  • Convert from decimal to binary and vice versa for positive integers to develop an understanding of how the computer represents data.

Algorithm and Programming

  • Develop algorithmic solutions using logical design tools such as flowchart or pseudocode.
  • Identify program inputs and outputs.
  • Use arithmetical and logical operators as part of expressions.
  • Apply conditional and iterative structures.
  • Describe basic concepts used in computing such as lists, binary search, modules, random values, and libraries.
  • Compare the efficiency of different algorithms for solving a problem.

Computer Systems and Networks

  • Explain how computing devices work together in a network.
  • Explain the basic structure and data transmission across the Internet.
  • Explain how the Internet is different from the World Wide Web.
  • Describe the concept and benefits of fault tolerance.
  • Recognize sequential, parallel, and distributed computing.
  • Define cybersecurity.
  • Explain why cybersecurity is important, on an individual level, when using computers and mobile devices.
  • Explain the relationship between the hardware, system software, and application software.

Social, Legal and Ethical Impact of Computing

  • Explain how an effect of a computing innovation can be both beneficial and harmful.
  • Describe issues that contribute to the digital divide.
  • Explain how bias exists in computing innovations.
  • Explain how people participate in problem-solving processes at scale.
  • Explain the concepts of intellectual property in computing.
  • Identify behaviors that support a secure cyber presence.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Creative Development
  • Data
  • Algorithm and Programming
  • Computer Systems and Networks
  • Social, Legal and Ethical Impact of Computing