103-100 Computer Applications

Formerly available as 103-001/101 and 121-230. Students who have completed 103-001, 103-101 or 121-230 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. This subject is suitable for students who would like a systematic exposure to current-version computer applications and methods. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Information Systems or the Bachelor of Computer Science, and students who have passed an introductory level computing subject at tertiary level are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This subject provides students with the opportunity to develop practical skills in the use of a broad range of contemporary software, and in addition, introduces students to social issues relating to contemporary computer use. The subject's main goal is to provide a systematic and comprehensive education in the use of contemporary application software, including document processing, publishing and referencing software, image processing software, spreadsheet software, relational database software, presentation software, and use of file-serving, networking, and web-based systems. The subject rounds out this practical work with an introduction to controversies and issues related to computing and computer use in contemporary society. The subject is well suited to first year students seeking skills to assist in their university work, and to final year students seeking skills many employers expect of graduates.

• have developed skills in written and oral communication;

• be able to conduct independent research;

• be able to make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument;

• be able to form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.

A practical assignment on each of the software applications covered in class completed as homework, each assignment of equal value with a total equivalent of 3200 words 70% (due throughout semester) and an essay based on lecture material of 800 words 30% (due at the end of semester).