COSC4107 Human Computer Interaction
Instructor: Dr. Haibin Zhu
Office: A124A
Ext: 4434
Email: haibinz@nipissingu.ca
Web: http://www.nipissingu.ca/faculty/haibinz
Office Hours: Mon., Tue., Thu., and Fri.: 2:30pm-4:30pm, and by appointment
Course Description
Human Computer Interaction is the study of how users interact with computing
technology. Advances in the development of software and hardware have transformed
our culture in the way we work, study, and play. For this reason HCI has become one of
the most important areas of study and endeavor in Information Science, Library Science
and Technology Management. There is a growing awareness among developers and
users that technology often does not live up to its expectations. Consumers often find
that it is frustrating, confusing and difficult to work with. The discipline of HCI, through
its methods, techniques, and practices attempts to understand the reason for this failure
and to find user-centered solutions. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to
HCI/Usability presenting a corpus of knowledge, and a practical set of well known, tested
and necessary skills. We will consider the impact of technology on society and culture.
Students will also learn how to gauge the usability of digital environments, tools and
interfaces. The student will be exposed to the most recent research behind the
development process. Students will learn how to conduct user and task analysis through
a hands-on project and class discussion of the most relevant literature.
Prerequisite: COSC2656, COSC 3657
Textbook:
Preece, H. Rogers, J. and Sharp, Y. Beyond Human-Computer Interaction, Wiley, Inc.,
2002
References:
Shneiderman, B., Designing the User Interface, Addison-Wesley, 3rd ed, 2003
Grading:
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Projects: 40%
Tests: 30%
Final Exam: 30%
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A: 100-80
B: 79-70
C: 69-60
D: 59-50
F: 49-0
Major tests are in-class, and closed book. Test dates will be announced at least one week in advance.
There are no makeup tests and quizzes.
Schedule for COSC4107: Human Computer Interaction
(Meeting at Wed 12:30-15:30)
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Date
9/15
9/22
9/29
10/6
10/13
10/20
10/27
11/03
11/10
11/17
11/24
12/01
Lecture
Lect1
Lect2
Lect3
Lect4
Midterm Test
Lect6
Lect7
Lect8
Lect9
Lect10
Lect11
Review
Final
Notes
Chap1
Chap2
Chap3-4, Prj1
Chap5-6,
Chap7, Prj1 Due
Chap8, Prj2
Chap9-10,
Chap11-12
Chap13, Prj2 Due
Chap14-15
Note: Everything may be subject to change, please pay attention to the class
declarations.