Introduction to Computer Characteristics

Introduction to Computer Science

• Course Title: Fundamentals of Computer Science
• Course Code: CS111
• Academic Year: 2025/2026
• Level: 1
• Semester: First
• Coordinator: Dr. Osama Ghoneim
• Instructor(s): Dr. Osama Ghoneim
• Credit: 3 Hours
• Pre-Requisite: None specified
• Course Delivery: 2 hours of lectures per week and 1 hour of exercises per week
• Parent Department: Computer Science
• Date of Approval: Not specified

Course Aims

• The primary objective of the course is to introduce students to computer systems and their operation.
• The course aims to develop skilled computer users technically proficient in designing and implementing computer-based solutions.
• The course will cover fundamental computer science concepts.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

• Knowledge and understanding: Students will gain a strong understanding of various computer science branches, programming fundamentals, programming concepts, data structures, algorithms, hardware and software integration in computer systems and operating system architecture.
• Intellectual skills: Students will develop the ability to apply programming techniques, develop algorithms, and design software solutions to real world problems.
• Professional and practical skills: Students will learn to choose appropriate programming languages, work effectively in teams, design and develop computer-based systems using logical inference.
• General and transferable skills: Students will improve their communication, management, and independent learning skills, following analytical and creative thinking approaches.

Course Content (Part 1: Lectures)

• Week 1: Overview of a computer system: hardware, software, and people; Computer system diagram, Input devices, Output devices, and secondary storage.
• Week 2: The Central Processing Unit (CPU): Inside Computer, Control Unit, CPU, Memory (RAM-ROM), and input/output.
• Week 3-4: Input and output; Communication: computer networks.
• Week 5-6: Introduction to operating systems.
• Week 7: Introduction to programming languages.
• Week 8-14: System analysis and design.

Course Content (Part 2: Applied Exercises)

• The applied exercises take place across 14 weeks.

Teaching and Learning Methods

• Lectures
• Discussions (Brainstorming)
• Self-learning
• Exercises
• Web searching

Student Assessment

• Written Final Examination: 60% / (16th week)
• Oral Assessment: 10% / (Term Final)
• Mid-Term Exam: 20% / (7th week)

List of References

• KONGRESİ, P. FULL TEXT BOOK 2024 TAM METİN KİTABI 2024. (Books)

Facilities Required

• Projectors: Video, Overhead, and Slide.
• Computer Presentations and Writing Boards
• Library

Program Coordinator

• Dr. Osama Ghoneim

Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer and Information Systems

• Definition of computer: An electronic device for performing calculations and controlling operations.
• Characteristics of Computers: Speed, Storage, Accuracy, Versatility, Automation, Diligence, and Reliability.
• History of Computers: Abacus, Napier's Logs and Bones, Slide Rule, Pascal's Calculator, Babbage's Difference Engine and Analytical Engine, Lady Ada Lovelace, Herman Hollerith's Machine, and ABC, ENIAC, EDSAC, and UNIVAC computers.

Chapter 2: Types of Computers

• Classification of Computers: Personal computers, workstations, minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers.
• Characteristics of different types, like speed, size, and intended use.

Chapter 3: Computer Hardware and Software Components

• Hardware: Physical components. Including the keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, storage devices (hard drive, optical disks, flash drives), motherboard, and central processing unit (CPU). Explaining how input/output (I/O) devices work, and explaining the role of the motherboard and ports in connecting external hardware.
• Software: Instructions for the computer. Including systems software (like the operating system) and application software (e.g., word processors, games). Explaining the importance of different types of software.
• Memory: (RAM, ROM, etc.) describing their function in computer architecture
• Computer Components:
  • CPU (Central Processing Unit)
  • Memory (RAM, ROM)
  • Input devices (Keyboard, Mouse, Microphone)
  • Output devices (Monitor, Printer, Speakers)
  • Storage devices (Hard drive, SSD, USB drives)
• Explains the importance of these components to the computer system.

Chapter 4: Data Representation and Number Systems

• Digital representation of information: How computers use binary (0 and 1) to encode data, numbers systems (binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal).
• Number System Conversion

Chapter 5: Introduction to the Internet

• The internet: global system of interconnected networks.
• Uses of the internet: email, communication, research, and entertainment, and commerce.
• Advantages: email, information access, cost-saving, and connectivity.
• Disadvantages: security risks, negative effects on family communication, risk of addiction among other issues with internet usage; virus threats, like email or attachments, SPAM, also other computer virus spread from the internet; and privacy issues.

Chapter 6: Algorithm and Flowchart

• Algorithm: A sequence of predefined steps for solving a problem, in order to produce the desired output from the given input(s). Emphasize characteristics of algorithms (finiteness, definiteness, input, output).
• Flowchart: A graphical representation of an algorithm, using standard symbols to show steps, decisions, loops, and flow direction. Explains the construction of different flowchart symbols for different operations.

Chapter 7: Stepwise Refinement

• Top-down design approach that breaks down a large problem into smaller, more manageable tasks. This process of breaking apart (decomposition) and planning is important when attempting to create any structured and complex software, systems or process.

Chapter 8: Introduction to Networking

• Types of networks (LAN, MAN, WAN).
• Client-server model: Describes the client-server model and its advantages and disadvantages
• Peer-to-peer networks: Peer-to-peer network architecture, advantages.and disadvantages
• Collaborative computing:
• Networking models: Explaining the different networking models and their applicability and use cases.
• Network Services: These are the utilities and programs that run on a network (file servers, print servers, application servers). Explaining their functionality and use.
• Transmission media and protocols: The media used for communication in networks, like cabling, and wireless technologies, along with rules and conventions to allow communication between network devices, called protocols. The role of layers in protocols.