COS 101 Introduction to Computing Sciences

Course Information

• Course Title: COS 101 Introduction to Computing Sciences
• Instructor: Hamisu Ismail AHMAD
• Institution: Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja
• Department: Faculty of Computing, Department of Cyber Security

Course Overview

• Introductory survey of computer science
• Course aims to expand current knowledge of computing
• Covers a comprehensive introduction to future computer science courses
• Establishes foundational relevance and interrelationships between future courses
• Investigates a wide range of topics
• Provides an understanding of the status of computer science research
• Supports students interested in pursuing specialized studies

Course Content

• Course goals
• Administrative matters
• Introduction to computing

Course Goals

• Expand existing computer knowledge
• Offer a comprehensive introduction to future computer science courses
• Ground future courses in the field
• Explore interrelationships between courses
• Investigate various topics
• Clarify ongoing research in computer science
• Aid students interested in specialization
• Provide a functional understanding of computer science

Administrative Matters

• Course Meeting Times: Tuesdays, 9am-12pm
• Lectures: Lecture materials are accessible through teams; additional reading may be required
• Recitations: Opportunity to ask questions and interact with staff, class attendance is obligatory, students responsible for material presented
• Participation: Participation is part of the grade
• Problem Sets: Two problem sets; submissions are uploaded to the designated online classroom; late submissions are generally not accepted (except in extenuating circumstances); submissions are in PDF format by the due date of 11:59 PM.
• Exams: One quiz, one midterm, one final exam

Grading Policy

• Quiz: 10 points
• Midterm: 20 points
• Assignments: 10 points
• Final Exam: 60 points
• Make-up exams are not available for quizzes or problem sets

Contact Information

• Office: Limpopo Bay (Block D), Room 212
• Office Hours: By appointment
• Email: [email protected]
• Online Class Room Teams Code: 828tdj8-
• Contact Number: 08143759179

Computer vs Computer Science

• Computers: Data storage and manipulation; used by almost everyone
• Examples of Computers: Desktop, Laptop, Smartphone, Car
• Computer Science: Computer design, algorithm solution, information processing, computer programming, and algorithms

Areas of Computing

• Underpinning for today's computer applications
• Foundations for tomorrow's applications

The Role of Algorithms

• A set of steps to perform a task; further details in lecture 5
• Examples illustrated are a washing machine and food

The Role of Algorithms (Continued)

• Machine-like computer task execution requires algorithms
• A representation of algorithms is a program
• Computer programs work with the technology compatible with the machine
• Program + Encoding + Loading into a machine = Programming
• Program + Algorithm = Software
• Contrasts with computer machinery components in its approach to task performance

The Origins of Algorithm

• An object of study in mathematics
• Earliest examples include Long Division, and Euclidean algorithms by ancient Greek mathematicians

The Euclidean Algorithm

• Assumes two positive integers as input
• A procedure for finding the greatest common divisor
• Details regarding the procedure: Step 1. Assign M and N Step 2. Divide M by N Step 3. If the remainder R is 0, then N is the greatest common divisor otherwise continue

Machine Capability

• Diagram illustrating a decision tree for machine requirement and algorithm definition and implementation determination

Computer Science Redefined

• Definition of computer science
• Computer science is more than just the computer and is also a study of problem-solving, and solutions
• Computer science is concerned with the study of problem-solving and algorithms, as well as the study of problems which may not have solutions

Computer Science Redefined (Continued)

• Computer science is a science of algorithms, with applications ranging from mathematics to engineering, psychology, biology and business administration

Key Questions for Computer Science

• Problems solvable using algorithms
• Easier discovery of algorithms
• Enhanced algorithms representation and communication techniques
• Better machine development and application of algorithm and technology

An Outline of Our Study

• Data storage
• Data manipulation
• Operating system
• Networking and the internet
• Algorithms
• Programming Languages
• Software engineering
• Data structure
• Database systems

History of Earlier Computing

• Abacus
• Babbage's Difference Engine (1832) and Analytical Engine (1833)

Summary

• Aims of the course and its execution
• Computer science
• Role and origins of algorithms
• Importance of algorithms in computer science
• Examples of algorithms
• Future directions

Additional Reading

• The Origins of Digital Computers by Randell, B.
• The Computer from Pascal to von Neumann by Goldstein, J. J.
• Computer science an overview by J. Glenn Brookshear