Description

CMPT 120.3 is intended for students interested in how to effectively use modern computer software, and in learning how computers work. It provides an overview of: computer and software components; networking; computer security; basic and advanced document preparation; spreadsheets; and data presentation.

Note: CMPT 120 is a course in modern computer skills, but does not lead directly into a computer science major. After CMPT 120, students can take any of CMPT 105 and 111. Students can receive credit for only one of CMPT 100, 102, 120, or 175. Students may not take CMPT 120 for credit after taking CMPT 105. Students may not take CMPT 120 for credit concurrent with or following CMPT 115 or CMPT 117. Students wishing to major in computer science are advised to take CMPT 111. In addition, students majoring in computer science may not use CMPT 120 as a course in the major, but may count it as a junior elective as long as CMPT 120 is taken before CMPT 115 or CMPT 117.

Lecture 

MWF, 12:30pm - 1:20pm. Arts 134

Instructor

Instructor: TBA

Contact: TBA

Office Hours: TBA

Textbook

Required Text

• Digital Document Processing, Book 1. (custom text)
• Digital Document Processing, Book 2. (custom text)
• Microsoft Office 2010 for Windows

Lecture Topics

• Computer basics
  • Jargon
  • Parts of a computer
  • Operating systems
    • Common components of software
    • Files and file types
  • Word processing
• Computer networking
  • Networking models
  • Personal networks
  • Enterprise networks
  • The internet
  • Computer security
• Databases
  • General overview of:
    • Types
    • Operations
    • Relational databases
  • The spreadsheet as a database
• Data processing with spreadsheets
  • Data referencing
  • Basic functions
  • Functions for averages, medians, quartiles, etc.
  • Conditional functions
  • Financial functions
  • Data filtering
• Data presentation
  • Charts and tables
  • Histograms
  • Data grouping
  • Plug-ins for statistical tests
• Collaborative document preparation
  • Tracking changes
  • Document difference detection and merging
• What-if analysis
  • How modifying assumptions affects outcomes
  • Finding the best solution given constraints
• Document automation
  • Templates
  • Macro programming
  • Citation management
  • Reference management
  • Automatically generating:
    • Table of contents
    • Index
    • List of figures
    • List of tables
• Effective presentation
  • Oral presentations
  • Written presentations

Student Evaluation

1)Grading Scheme

• Lab assignments (best 10 of 12) -- 35%
• Assignments (2) -- 15% (5% and 10%)
• Capstone project -- 15%
• Final exam -- 35%

2) Required coursework

You must obtain an average grade of at least 50% in each of the four grading categories listed above. Failure to do so will result in an automatic failure in the course.

3) Attendance expectations

You are expected to attend all lectures and labs.

Policies

Missed Examinations

1. "Students who have missed an exam or assignment must contact their instructor as soon as possible. Arrangements to make up the exam may be arranged with the instructor. Missed exams throughout the year are left up to the discretion of the instructor if a student may make up the exam or write at a different time. If a student knows prior to the exam that she/he will not be able to attend, they should let the instructor know before the exam."
2. "Final exams - a student who is absent from a final examination through no fault of his or her own, for medical or other valid reasons, may apply to the College of Arts and Science Dean's office. The application must be made within three days of the missed examination along with supporting documentary evidence. Deferred exams are written during the February mid-term break for Term 1 courses and in early June for Term 2 and full year courses."

(2007/08. http://www.arts.usask.ca/students/transition/tips.php)

"When a student has not completed the required course work, which includes any assignment or examination including the final examination, by the time of submission of the final grades, they may be granted an extension to permit completion of an assignment, or granted a deferred examination in the case of absence from a final examination. Extensions for the completion of assignments must be approved by the Department Head, or Dean in non-departmentalized Colleges, and may exceed thirty days only in unusual circumstances. The student must apply to the instructor for such an extension and furnish satisfactory reasons for the deficiency. Deferred final examinations are granted as per College policy.

In the interim, the instructor will submit a computed percentile grade for the course which factors in the incomplete course work as a zero, along with a grade comment of INF (Incomplete Failure) if a failing grade. In the case where the instructor has indicated in the course outline that failure to complete the required course work will result in failure in the course, and the student has a computed passing percentile grade, a final grade of 49% will be submitted along with a grade comment of INF (Incomplete Failure).

If an extension is granted and the required assignment is submitted within the allotted time, or if a deferred examination is granted and written in the case of absence from the final examination, the instructor will submit a revised computed final percentage grade. The grade change will replace the previous grade and any grade comment of INF (Incomplete Failure) will be removed.

For provisions governing examinations and grading, students are referred to the University Council Regulations on Examinations section of the Calendar.

(2007/08 University of Saskatchewan Calendar/Exams & Grades/Grading System)

Department Policy on Academic Honesty

Students are expected to be academically honest in all of their scholarly work, including course assignments and examinations. Academic honesty is defined and described in the Department of Computer Science Statement on Academic Honesty and the University of Saskatchewan Academic Honesty Website.

The Student Academic Affairs Committee treats all cases according to the University Policy and has the right to apply strict academic penalties (see http://www.usask.ca/university_secretary/honesty/academic_misconduct.php).

IMPORTANT! Please read:

1. All students must be properly registered in order to attend lectures and receive credit for this course.
2. Failure to write the final exam will result in failure of the course.
3. Failure to complete required course work will result in failure of the course.