Introduction to Information Technology (4478.7)

This unit provides a gentle introduction and overview to computer systems, information technology and software technology from a technological point of view. The unit covers the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computer science, an overview of computer architecture as well as the basic concepts of modern programming languages. Students will learn basic web programming and will develop small event-driven applications using a Graphical User Interface. Data structures include arrays and collections. Those parts of the software engineering process, in particular testing, which are applicable to an introductory subject are incorporated. The subject also includes an introduction to graphics, image processing and programmatically accessing a database. The unit finishes with an introduction to human-computer interaction. This unit is co-taught with 8936 Introduction to Information Technology G.

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the theoretical foundations of information and software technology;

2. Design and write simple webpages;
3. Write and test small applications using a graphical user interface, simple graphics functionality and a variety of controls for user interaction;
4. Programmatically access a database and the contents of a file;
5. Employ good programming principles and explain why these principles are important;
6. Demonstrate knowledge of and competency in using fundamental programming concepts and data structures;
7. Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse a problem and to provide a solution in the form of a software programme;
8. Test a software programme in a systematic and efficient way; and
9. Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental principles of human-computer interaction.