Arab Open University Faculty of Computer Studies. B.Sc. Degree Programme In Information Technology and Computing (Updated) FCS-Student Handbook

Transcription

1 Arab Open University Faculty of Computer Studies B.Sc. Degree Programme In Information Technology and Computing (Updated) FCS-Student Handbook 2008/2009 1

2 Bachelor's degree in Information Technology & Computing (AOU) Introduction Information Technology and Computing (ITC) program offered by the Faculty of Computer Studies at the Arab Open University. Each student of the faculty of computer studies should read this booklet at the beginning of his learning process at the university. Students can use this reference to be checked every time they have particular enquiries about the information technology and computing program. You can refer as well to check the program details on the university website ( The Objectives of the Program Information Technology and Computing Program: The Faculty of Computer Studies is one of the major faculties of the Arab Open University. One of its aims is to make significant contributions to the ways of utilizing various technical and technological resources in support of educational and learning methodologies, and contributing as well to a wider spread in the use of IT platforms in the public and private sectors of the Arab society. It hopes to achieve this, not only by offering a robust formal program of undergraduate study, but through the contributions of its faculty and staff to research and entrepreneurial activities. The information technology and computing program has, a primary aim of enabling the students to develop their capacity to learn and to meet national, international and regional market needs in the field and to prepare them for further studies in the same. In order to achieve and fulfill its mission, the aims and goals of the ITC program are to: 1. Provide the society with qualified and well-trained graduates who are lifelong learners in a continually developing technical field. 2. Develop and foster modern and innovative methods of learning delivery techniques suited for open education platforms. 3. Engage in research and scholarly activities in the various theoretical and applied aspects of Information Technology and Computing. 4. Develop personal capability for students and motivate different skills and maturity. 5. Allow a large community of higher education seekers to enroll in this program regardless of gender, color, ethnic or national origin, age, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, family circumstances or other personal handicaps. 6. Maintain the highest standards of academic requirements and quality assurance. 1

3 Key / Transferable Skills A. Knowledge and understanding of: ITC Program learning outcomes Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods An understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques associated with software development, including an understanding of the analysis, design and programming processes involved; An understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques associated with the use of information technology for Web Applications Development; An awareness of the broad range of contexts in which information technology systems are used, and of the various ways in which users interact with them; An awareness of major trends and issues in information technology and computing with focus on applications for the web. Tutor-marked homework assignments. Tutorial sessions. Midterm assessment (Quizzes) and examinations. B. Cognitive skills-be able to: Apply key concepts relevant to information technology and computing; Use techniques and tools for abstracting, modeling, problem-solving, designing and testing in the fields of information technology and computing, and be aware of the limitations involved; Compare, contrast and/or critically analyze and refine specifications and implementations of software systems in general and web applications in particular; Devise and carry out a project in information technology for web applications development that applies and extends your knowledge and understanding, and critically reflect on the processes involved and the outcomes of your work. Tutor-marked homework assignments. Tutorial sessions. Working in groups on projects. Midterm assessment (Quizzes) and examinations. 2

4 C. Key skills-be able to: Effective communication, bearing in mind the audience for and the purpose of your communication. Effective work in a group in a distance setting where the collaboration is undertaken via computer-mediated communication; Application of problem-solving techniques; effective use of information-technology-based tools to support your work; Retrieval, critical assessment and effective use of information; Effective use of Web Applications Development techniques. Tutor-marked homework assignments. Tutorial sessions. Laboratory practice in the Computing Lab. Group work and electronic conferencing. Midterm assessment (Quizzes) and examinations. D. Practical and/or professional skills-be able to: Plan and organize yourself and your work appropriately, including keeping systematic records of work in progress and outcomes; Undertake ongoing learning in order to keep up to date in the fields of information technology and computing; Use appropriate professional tools to support your work; Specify, design and construct software for small web applications. Tutor-marked homework assignments. Self learning and undertaking of studies. Thematic and technical project assignments. Possible industrial residencies fostering IT environments activities. Assessment of practical project work. 3

5 Arab Open University Bahrain Branch BA. IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY & COMPUTING COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Requirement Courses GR101- Independent Study Skills - 3 credit hours This course aims at helping students develop a wide range of effective study techniques and strategies necessary to help them succeed in their university studies. It focuses on notetaking and making use of different study media, writing reports, using study resource materials and references and preparing for examinations. TU170 - Learning On-line: Computing with Confidence - 3 credit hours This is a 12-week course that provides an introduction to computing and the on-line world. Students learn about software applications such as word processing, databases and electronic mail. They take part in on-line discussions, search the web and author simple web pages using HTML. This course is taught entirely on-line. The total teaching and assessment material is published on the course web site, to which only registered students have access. Students work both individually and in groups with fellow students on collaborative projects, supported by a personal tutor. AR111 - Arabic Communication Skills I - 3 credit hours This course aims at consolidating the students' skills and competence in listening comprehension, reading comprehension and writing Arabic. It also aims at introducing the students to the basics of Arabic syntax and literary appreciation. AR112 - Arabic Communication Skills II - 3 credit hours This course builds on and extends the knowledge and skills developed in AR111 and introduces the students to different aspects of Arab culture as reflected in the writings of leading figures, both old and new. It also trains the students in research methodology and report writing. EL111 - English Communication Skills I - 3 credit hours This is a theme-based integrated skills course which aims to upgrade the student's proficiency level to the extent that he/she can communicate with ease and confidence and utilize English in pursuing his/her university education. 4

6 EL112 - English Communication Skills II - 3 credit hours This course complements and builds upon English 111. It particularly seeks to develop the reading, writing, listening, and study skills which students need in order to meet the demands of distance learning university education. Elective Courses GR111 - Arab Islamic Civilization- 3 credit hours This course introduces the Islamic culture, civilization and its history. It deals with the beginning of Islamic civilization and its development. How did the Islamic civilization grow with the time? What is importance of education in Islam? How does Islam stress on thinking and research? How does Islam encourage learning from nature and wandering on the land of Allah and looking into the nature. How does Islam encourage and support academic research and development in all fields of life? What is political system of Islam? What are the fundamental principles to run and manage a state in Islam? How is the concept of religion and religious life in Islam different from other thoughts? What are outstanding features of social life in an Islamic country and Muslim society? What are the economic philosophy and guidelines of Islam? How was Islamic art considered as the best in medieval period? GR131 - General Branch Requirement - 3 credit hours Highlight the role of the Kingdom of Bahrain in its local, regional and international levels, through various historical eras, beginning with the Old Ages, through the Islamic era, to the modern era. Also, light the activity of a tribe Alatob, Al-Khalifa and the participation of actor in the events in the history of the Arabian Gulf, which led to a political entity in Bahrain, and to highlight the wise in peace and war, administration and trade, the centre of the midst of international and regional conflicts. B120 An introduction to Business Studies- 8 Credit Hours - Compulsory Course This course will introduce you to the different internal and external elements of a business and help you to understand the context in which a business operates. You will explore the common aims and characteristics of business and what makes them different. Business structures, cultures and functions are identified and the political, social, economic, technological and ethical considerations affecting business are introduced. The course consists of five study books: What is a business?; An introduction to human resources in business; An introduction to marketing in business; An introduction to accounting and finance in business; Other ways of looking at business, plus a Study Companion to guide you through the course. 5

7 LB160 Communication skills for Business - 8 Credit Hours - Compulsory Course This course is for students of business studies who want to develop specialized reading and writing skills for business study purposes. On the course, students will study a range of business related material that has been especially designed to develop their knowledge and their reading and writing skills. Topics include areas of human resource management; finance and accounting; marketing and a number of business analysis methods. Some of the course materials are authentic texts from the business world, others have been adapted or designed for the course. Different styles of writing from business studies and business are introduced. Through examining successful examples of student writing and work-related documents, and reflecting on what makes these texts successful, students will learn to write case studies, essays and reports. MST121- A- Using Mathematics - 4 Credit Hours MST121- B - Using Mathematics - 4 Credit Hours It covers a broad introduction to the nature of mathematics and its uses in the modern world. This course shows how mathematics can be used to investigate and answer questions from science, technology and everyday life using a range of fundamental techniques, in particular, discrete mathematics (including matrices), calculus and statistics. Use of computer software (MathCAD) is an essential part of the course. The skills of communicating results and defining problems are also developed. This course will give students a complete foundation for higher-level mathematics and physics. Compulsory Courses M150 A - Data, computing and information - 4 credit hours M150 B - Data, computing and information - 4 credit hours The major theme of M150 is the transformation of data into information using computers. You will also learn to write simple programs. This will provide you with the basic knowledge required for further study of computing if you wish to continue with the subject. If your interests lie elsewhere, you will find that what you learn will enable you to use a computer to produce better information (whether it will be a website, a document, a piece of music, or a picture) and to combine different types of information successfully T175 A- Networked living: exploring ICT 4 credits hours T175 B- Networked living: exploring ICT 4 credits hours This course will take you on a journey towards understanding information and communication technologies. You will study examples of ICT systems, learn about the concepts they are based on, and consider the contexts in which they are used. You will also develop the skills needed to learn effectively about ICT systems, both in this course and in 6

8 your further studies. As you study the course, you will gain hands-on experience of ICT systems. T209 A - ICT: People and Interactions - 8 credit hours T209 B - ICT: People and Interactions - 8 credit hours This course develops and enhances key skills while providing students with the knowledge to understand current and future developments in information and communications technologies. The course comprises five independent modules. In Touch and Informed uses mobile telephony, personal digital assistants and the Internet to introduce the basic technology of computers and communications and the means to describe and model such systems. Talking with Computers identifies the central ideas of human technology interaction and, through a combination of software and design tools, enables students to construct speech recognition applications. Network Management provides an overview of how computer networks meet the needs of organizations, both through the deployment of networking components and through the associated management products such as SNMP. A simulation package enables students to design and model network configurations based on the CSMA/CD protocol. Cyborg explores some of the social dimensions and interpretations of our changing relationship with technology. A rich learning resource supports a group project in which students explore their own technologically mediated interactions. Security tackles the concerns posed by the explosive growth of communication systems and the associated issues of authentication, authorization, and repudiation. Simulation software enables students to explore various encryption algorithms, while the latest version of PGP supports experimentation with public/private key systems. The course includes three computer-marked assignments, four single-weighted tutor-marked assignments and one double-weighted group project tutor-marked assignment. An individual project undertaken during the final stages of the course provides the examinable component. M255 - Object Oriented Programming with Java - 8 credit hours This course teaches the fundamental ideas behind the object-oriented approach to programming; through the widely-used Java programming language. The course concentrates on those aspects of the Java language that best demonstrate object-oriented principles and good practice. M255 will give you a solid basis for further study of the Java language and object-oriented software development. Before studying this course, you should be confident of your ability to use a Windowsbased PC and have some experience of writing small programs, such as that gained through study of Block 2 of M150. You should also be able to write short explanations of technical ideas in your own words, and be able to communicate with others electronically. M256 - Software development with Java - 8 credit hours Discover the fundamentals of an object-oriented approach to software development. Starting from an analysis of requirements, you will be introduced to up-to-date analytical 7

9 techniques and processes essential for specifying, designing and implementing a software system, including a graphical user interface. The small systems developed in the course are chosen to facilitate learning though the underlying concepts are widely used by professional software developers. Software models are created with UML and implemented with Java 5, using Net Beans. You need Java experience, preferably by prior study of M255 and M257, though it is possible to study M257 alongside M256. M257 - Putting Java to work - 6 credit hours This course teaches the industrial programming language Java. It provides a good grounding in many of the advanced facilities of this object-oriented language including inheritance, polymorphism, class libraries and the Java human-computer interface. The course concludes with two case studies, which use the full power of the language. By completing this course you will be well-equipped to work on small-scale industrial software projects. All development will be carried out using the Net Beans development environment supplied by the OU. The course assumes basic programming skills, for example, you must be familiar with the main control constructs of a modern programming language. M253 - Team work in distributed environment - 3 credit hours M253 gives you an understanding of the issues and processes involved in planning and carrying out a team-based, problem-solving project where team members are not colocated: a situation that is becoming more common in the electronic age. You will gain practical experience in team working on a case study, which will be developed through several phases. You will be able to develop: your skills in analysis, design and evaluation; your ability to reflect critically on the processes and outcomes involved; and your teamworking skills. You will work remotely, communicating with your tutor and collaborating with other team members electronically M359 - Relational data base theory and practice - 8 credit hours This advanced computing course offers perspectives on relational databases. It introduces database management systems and the facilities required to store and access large collections of data in a shared user environment. This is followed by a theory of relations, underpinning topics such as data modeling and database architecture; the database language SQL; and the development of a practical database system. Also considered are issues surrounding the on-going development and application of relational database technologies, including the role of JAVA and XML. You should be familiar with computers, particularly program construction and using files and operating systems, as taught in our Level 2 computing courses. M363 - Software engineering with objects - 8 credit hours This course covers the design and construction of software systems. Constructing software systems to meet a set of sometimes diverse and even conflicting user requirements can be a 8

10 daunting prospect! This course will provide you with the intellectual tools to make such tasks easier. Building on M257 Putting Java to work and M256 Software development with Java, you will examine the disciplined approach needed to satisfy all user requirements and expectations. Using CASE tools (such as a Java IDE and a modeling tool), you ll study topics including analysis and design in UML and managing the OO software development process. You will also explore how software. MT262 A - Putting Computer Systems to Work - 4 credit hours MT262 B - Putting Computer Systems to Work - 4 credit hours This course tackles the problem of how to get a computer to do something useful It sets out to analyze problems and design solutions in such a way that a computer can be used to carry out the solution. The course develops skills in analysis and design, in addition to practical programming in a widely used C++ language, using non-object and object-oriented approaches. It includes elementary work with Windows programming. T490 - Selected Topics in Computer Science - 3 credit hours This advanced computing course offers perspectives on relational databases, based on the storage of data as tables. This course begins with an introduction to the use of the databases in information systems, with examples. This is followed by a theory of relations that are applied to the representation of models of data, and practical implementation in the database language SQL. The development of a database system is covered and finally, issues to do with a broader view of relational databases. T471 A - Telematics (Project) - 4 credit hours T471 B - Telematics (Project) - 4 credit hours T471 is a project course that will give you skills and experience in completing an individual project. You will develop the project topic, carry it out and then write it up. A tutor will advise and guide you, but you will be expected to produce your work independently, without close supervision. You must also keep a project log and use it for an assessed critical review of your work. The emphasis is on you being a reflective practitioner, developing not only the technical aspects of your project but also reviewing and thinking about what you have learnt from doing the work to further improve your skills. There are guidance notes and a resources CD-ROM but no teaching material associated with the course. Project work at this level is a challenge, but one which you should now be ready to tackle and enjoy. Doing a project offers you an opportunity to bring together knowledge and understanding you have gained from your study, and apply it to a related area. The project is not a conventional Arab Open University course in that there is very little specific teaching material. Instead, there are resources that offer you an opportunity to develop and enhance your skills and experience in completing an individual project. Your 9

11 tutor will act more as a mentor to whom you will be expected to bring ideas and suggestions. He or she may suggest possible avenues for exploration or approaches to think about, but you will have to make and be able to justify your own decisions about how you manage and develop your project. You must also keep a project log and make use of it to critically review your work. Your first task will be to develop a proposal for an interesting project to work on and to set goals that are realistic within the constraints of your available time and resources. You will then plan and carry out the project, and write it up. You will need to monitor your own progress and adapt your plans accordingly as the project unfolds. Finally, you will be asked to look back over your work, evaluate how you tackled the project as a whole and identify what you have learned from your approach. About 60 per cent of your study time should be spent on developing your project, and about 40 per cent on understanding how to plan, monitor and critically evaluate your work. Learning about how projects develop and being able to explain why your project has developed in the way it has are skills that are central to this course and its learning outcomes. The emphasis is on you becoming a reflective practitioner. That is, someone who is technically proficient but who is also able to step back from the details to think about how their project is progressing, what they have learned, and how their knowledge and skills might be further improved. M131 Discrete Mathematics -3 Credit Hours This course emphasizes simplifying expressions, solving equations, and graphing functions, including linear, quadric, polynomial, rational, radical, exponential and logarithmic. Problem solving and mathematical modeling are integrated throughout. Appropriate technology to include a graphing calculator. T324 Keeping ahead in ICT -8 Credit Hours Keeping ahead in information and communication technologies (ICT) not only means keeping up to date with rapidly changing technologies. It also means successfully using these new technologies in complex systems in which people play a major part. Therefore this course addresses the two important questions: How do you keep up to date and how can you analyze ICT systems and take account of social factors? This course will equip you with the skills to tackle these questions, in the context of studying several contemporary ICT systems. By the end, you should be well-placed as an independent learner to keep ahead in ICT. Back to Stu. HandBook 10