Introduction to Computer Science I

Introduction

The Introduction to Computer Science courses are designed for students in non-technical programs seeking foundational knowledge in computer science and programming. They offer an accessible introduction to key computing concepts, focusing on practical programming skills, data analysis (in Introduction to Computer Science I), relational databases, and web technologies and development (in Introduction to Computer Science II), enabling students to apply computational tools to real-world business challenges and decision-making.

Course content

1.  Introduction to Computer Science
   • Understanding the foundational concepts of computer science, including computational thinking and problem-solving.
   • Exploration of computer architecture, focusing on the central processing unit (CPU) and memory.
   • Introduction to algorithms and computational complexity, including space and time complexity.
   • Data representation and data structures, with an emphasis on how computers process and store information.
2. Introduction to Programming
   • A beginner-friendly introduction to programming through Scratch, a visual programming language developed by MIT for educational purposes.
   • Basic programming concepts, such as functions, conditionals, loops, and event handling, will be covered using Scratch.
3.  Python Programming Fundamentals
   • Introduction to the Python programming language, covering its syntax, variables, and basic data types (integers, floats, strings).
   • Control flow mechanisms, including if statements, for and while loops, and functions enabling students to write more complex and dynamic programs.
   • Understanding and using Python data structures, such as lists, dictionaries, tuples, and sets, to efficiently manage and manipulate data.
   • File handling in Python, teaching students how to read from and write to files.
4.  Programming Tools
   • Introduction to essential programming tools that are commonly used in software development.
   • Terminal and shell commands will be taught to enhance students’ ability to interact with the operating system.
   • Students will work with Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) for coding, debugging, and testing.
   • Introduction to Git and GitHub for version control, enabling students to collaborate on projects and track changes efficiently.