ACCRA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

COURSE OUTLINE FOR FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Academic Year 2023/2024

Semester I
Course Name Fundamentals of Computer Science
Course Code BCP 207
Lecturer Mr. Quashie Duodu
Credit Hours 3
Phone 0247 – 411912/0269 – 524855
Email dquashie@atu.edu.gh

Course description
This course introduces students to the basic concepts in computer technology. This course mainly
deals with basic working technology and concepts of Computer Systems which includes
hardware, software, basics of problem solving, information security and communication networks.
It helps students to understand the basic parts and operations of the computer system and the role
of such systems in their field of study.

Course learning objectives

By the end of the course students should be able to:
1. To identify and describe the computer system components and peripheral devices;
2. To understand the organization and operation of a computer processor, primary and
secondary memory, peripheral devices and to give computer specifications
3. To explain the representation of data and information in computer system
4. Understanding of basic concepts of computer science.
5. To understand the fundamentals of hardware, software, programming, computer networks
and the internet.

Modes of assessment
1. Continuous assessment
A. Attendance 10 marks
B. Assignment/quiz 10 marks
C. Mid semester examination 20 marks
2. End of semester examination 60 marks

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 ACCRA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
COURSE OUTLINE FOR FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

TOTAL 100

PLAGIARISM
All assignments, test, term paper, quiz, projects and any other form of assessment shall be
submitted by soft copy unless otherwise directed by the teacher.
All assessment submitted shall be subjected to a plagiarism test and a similarity index from 0-20
shall be the limit. Above 21%, the marks will be reduced to 50% of the allocated marks if grace
period for submitting expires. Of this, a first breach shall be given an advice. At a second time, it
will be a warning letter. The third breach shall lead to the student retaking the course or a more
punitive action.

Mode of course delivery

Delivery is a blend of face to face lecture and online lecture using Google meet. Moodle will also
be used as LMS to access the learning materials and submission of assignment etc.

Order of presentation
WEEKS TOPIC

Week 1 Course introduction, course outline discussion, students grouping and

familiarization.
Week 2 & 3 Introduction of computer
 Classification of computer (Type, Capacity/size, Purpose)
 Input technology – Scanners
 Output technology – Characteristics of monitor/ Printer
 Storage technology – Features that determines the efficiency of
storage medium, arithmetic’s of storage
 Processing technology – CPU, buses, and registers
 Data processing cycle
 Classification of software (System and Application software,
open and Proprietary software, Customized and Off-the-shelve
software)
 Users (end-user and computer science user)

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 ACCRA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
COURSE OUTLINE FOR FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

 Booting
 Window
Data representation
Week 4  Hex
 BCD code
 Unicode
 ASCII
Network
Week 5  Types of network
 Server and specialized servers
 Transmission medium
 Topology
 Protocol
Internet
Week 6  World Wide Web and webpage
 Hyperlink and hypertext
 Download and upload
 IP address and URL
 ISP
 Browsers
 Search engine
 Internet search techniques
 Evaluating search result
Basic concepts of programming
Week 7 & 8  Meaning of programming language
 Machine language
 Assembly language
 Higher level languages
 Compilers
 Interpreters
 Syntax of a language
 Source code
 Types of errors in program codes
 Procedure for problem solving
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 ACCRA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
COURSE OUTLINE FOR FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Programming tools
Week 9  Pseudocode
 Algorithm
 Flowchart
Week 10 Mid semester examination
Week 11 Introduction of computer security
 Factors that make computer vulnerable
 Threats to computer security
 Hackers
Week 12 Basic security
 Password
 Backup
 Encryption
Week 13 Revision
Week 14 Examination
Week 15 Examination

Textbook, references and learning material

1. Barnbrook, G. (2022). Language and computers. In Language and Computers. Edinburgh
University Press.
2. Humphries, S. (2020). Field solutions on computers. CRC press.
3. Lambert, J., & Frye, C. (2018). Microsoft Office 2019 Step by Step. Microsoft Press.
4. Rajaraman, V., & Adabala, N. (2014). Fundamentals of computers. PHI Learning Pvt.
Ltd..
5. Arkoudas, K., & Musser, D. (2017). Fundamental Proof Methods in Computer Science: A
Computer-Based Approach. MIT Press.

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