Summer 2015
Computing and the Web
An introductory view of computing hardware, number systems,
operating systems, algorithms, programming,
networks, the World Wide Web, Security, and
the limitations of computers
Instructor
Timothy E. Ay
timothy.ay@villanova.edu
Course Description
Information representation and manipulation; file systems and directories; compatibility
and data exchange; security and privacy; elements of computer architectures and
operating systems; computer networks, the Internet, and the World Wide Web; web site
design principles and creation; PC-based examples and illustrations.
In Other Words:
Computers are around us everywhere. We interact with them both directly and indirectly;
and yet the average person has a fairly limited understanding of the many disciplines that
come together to enable these devices to enrich our lives on such a routine basis.
This course takes a look at the components and disciplines that are brought together as
part of “Computing and the Web”; and in the process expose students to the various
sciences and career paths that are available to them if they are interested in Computer
Science, Management Information Systems, or Computer Engineering.
This course will look at a variety of topics, including:
 The history / evolution of computing devices,
 The binary number system that facilitates electronic circuitry
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Data representation: our world to the computer’s world
Gates, Circuits, and Logic
Components of computers
Low level programming
Problem solving & algorithms
Abstract data concepts & application to programming
High level programming & object oriented design
Operating systems
Information storage; file & directory systems
Information systems
Artificial Intelligence
Simulation, Graphics, & other applications
Networks & networking concepts
The World Wide Web
Computer Security
Limitations of computing
Course Structure
This course is structured as a sequence of lectures, readings, and lab exercises designed
to illustrate the concepts discussed in lecture and the text book. Students are expected
to attend and participate in the class lectures/discussions; read the related textbook
material in preparation/support of the class discussions; and complete the assigned lab
exercises.
Course Objectives
When we’re done, hopefully everyone will have a working understanding of:
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The binary number system and how it is used to represent all forms of
real world data within the domain of the computer.
The components of a computer and how they interact to execute
programs, applications, and algorithms.
Basic networking concepts, including network structure, protocols,
and network based applications.
Operating systems and the services they perform; including
information storage via file systems and directories.
The development of algorithms to solve problems and the
programming methodologies used to implement them.
Sophisticated computer applications such as Graphics, Simulation,
and Artificial Intelligence.
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Computer Security and protecting information
The limitations of computers and computing
The ultimate takeaway of the course is an understanding of the many different disciplines that are
involved in the development of computers, programs, and networks; so that if a student is
interested in particular aspects of “Computing and the Web”, they will understand the appropriate
career path to follow. For those students that are no interested in a computer related career, they
will have a much better understanding of how these devices work and how they interpret our world
for us.
Course Requirements
The requirements for this course fall into three categories:
 In-class participation (10% measured by preparation, the quality of class contributions and ability to integrate discussions into the reading materials)
 Lab Exercises to illustrate course concepts (5 assignments if schedule permits) (20%)
 Four Quizzes, each roughly covering four chapters from the book (15% each)
 A brief paper that highlights a particular aspect of computing that they are interested in and
want to learn more about (10%)
Required Materials
Computer Science Illuminated, Sixth Edition Includes Navigate 2 Advantage Access
Nell Dale, PhD, University of Texas, Austin
John Lewis, PhD, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
ISBN-13: 9781284055917
Grades
Points will be earned and mapped to letter grades as follows:
100-97%
96-93%
92-89%
88-85%
84-81%
80-77%
A
AB+
B
BC+
76-73%
72-69%
68-66%
65-63%
62-60%
59-->
C
CD+
D
DF
When you have a question about an assigned
grade, in either lecture or lab, please resolve
the issue within one week of the return of the
assignment or test.
Late Policy
If you must miss a test or exam, notify the professor before the scheduled time of the test. If at all
possible, make arrangements to take the test early! Any test that is missed and not made up will
count as zero points toward the final grade.
Ethics
Each computer professional lives under a code of ethics such as that of the Association for Computing Machinery. Likewise, students in this class are expected to conduct themselves in an ethical,
professional manner. Plagiarism is plainly unethical and dishonest. Questions relating to graded
assignments should be directed to the professor or lab instructor. You should not discuss any
details of a solution with other students. When in doubt, see the professor.
Incomplete Work
The lab exercises for this class contribute substantially to the overall grade of the class. Students
that do not turn in all of the lab projects will receive an incomplete for the course, unless they have
made prior arrangements with me in advance of the final. All incompletes will automatically become
an “F” if the material has not been turned in within 30 days of the final exam.
Course Schedule
The schedule is organized around the contents of the textbooks by date:
Week 1
Syllabus, Requirements & the Big Picture
Computer Science Illuminated, Chapter 1
Week 2
Binary values & number systems
Data Representation
Computer Science Illuminated, Chapter 2 & 3
Week 3
Gates & Circuits
Computing Components
Computer Science Illuminated, Chapter 4 & 5
Week 4
Low-Level Programming Languages & Pseudo Code
Problem Solving & Algorithms
Computer Science Illuminated, Chapters 6 & 7
Week 5
Abstract Data Types & SubPrograms
Object Oriented Design & High Level Programming
Topic Review Begins for Paper
Computer Science Illuminated, Chapters 8 & 9
Week 6
Operating Systems
File Systems & Directories
Computer Science Illuminated, Chapters 10 & 11
Week 7
Information Systems
Simulation, Graphics, & Other Applications
Computer Science Illuminated, Chapters 12 & 14
Week 8
Artificial Intelligence
Networks
Computer Science Illuminated, Chapters 13 & 15
Week 9
The World Wide Web
Computer Security
All Lab Exercises are due as well as the “Brief Paper”
Computer Science Illuminated, Chapters 16 & 17
Week 10
Limitations of Computers