CS1005 Computer Science in Everyday Life
This module introduces key ideas of Computer Science through examination of the working of devices and services which are part of modern everyday life, such as search engines, personal music players, mobile telephones and social networking sites. Students are led to develop an understanding of some fundamentals of Computer Science, as well as gaining transferable skills in critical reading, research in the technical literature and essay writing.
Links
- Timetable
- CS Library Guide
- CS1005 Course Catalogue Entry: information on credits, prerequisites, load and assessment.
- CS1005 Reading Lists
- CS1005 Resources: lecture notes, practical specifications, etc.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, the student should:
- Have gained understanding of selected key principles of Computer Science and their application in everyday devices and services.
- Have gained research/reading skills, including technical matters such as correct citation procedure.
Syllabus
Topics such as:- How Google works - sorting, indexing, massively parallel computing.
- How mobile phones work - GSM, base stations, tracking, audio encoding.
- MP3 players - data compression, audio compression, information theory.
- Online banking - security, cryptography.
- How the School computing services work.
- Wireless networking - difference from wired networking, constraints, security.
- Operating systems - what they do for us and why.
- E-commerce - databases, how they work and why we need them.
- Peer-to-peer concepts.
Compulsory Elements
See the School of Computer Science Handbook for general information about compulsory elements.
This module has the following compulsory elements in addition to those common to all modules (tutorials and class tests).
- Two essays.
Teaching Arrangements
| Delivery | The module will be delivered by:
|
Follow us: