Computer Applications 1
MODULE TITLE
CAPS101
MODULE CODE
Subject Status
Credit Rating
Credit Level
Pre-Requisite Subjects
Co-requisite Subjects
Mandatory
10
1
None
None
Lecture
1 hour per week for 15 weeks
Tutorial
Computer Lab
Other
3 hours per week
TOTAL CONTACT HOURS
Subject Aims:
This subject aims to enable the student to use common office computer applications and also to have a
basic knowledge of how computer systems work and the benefits they can bring to business
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module the student will be able to:
1. Manage electronic files
2. Perform basic word processing tasks
3. Use the internet to search for information and be able to discriminate between good and poor
information sources
4. Use e-mail as a business communication tool
5. Use presentation software
6. Use spreadsheet software
7. Solve 'how to" problems by referencing an applications' help facility
8. Describe the basic hardware requirements of a computer system, describe basic requirements of a
network and will be able to differentiate between different types of software and their functions
Syllabus Content:
1.
File Management
 Create folders, copy, move and rename files and folders (1)
 Use and identify different path names and disk drives (1)
 Be able to use secondary storage devices (1,7)
 Practice good file management techniques (1,7)
15%
2.
Word Processing
20%
 Create, save, edit and format electronic documents (2,7)
 Apply good pagination techniques using long document examples (2,7)
 Place headers, footers and page numbers in documents (2)
 Carry out spell and grammar checks on documents (2)



Arrange text and figures in tabular, list and simple table formats (2,7)
Create a business letter using proper business format, language and
tone (2)
Prepare a document for print (2,7)
3.
Internet and E-mail
15%
 Be able to operate an e-mail application to send and receive e-mail messages
with attachments (4,7)
 Be able to identify the component parts of an e-mail message (4)
 Apply good e-mail etiquette (4)
 Use a web browser (3,7)
 Use advanced search techniques (3,7)
 Discriminate between good and bad web sites as information sources (3,7)
 Download, edit and reference information from the internet (2,3,7)
 Protect the computer against viruses (3,7)
4.
Presentation Software
 Use software to produce presentation material (5,7)
 Be able to deliver a presentation using a data projector (5,7)
5.
Spreadsheets
25%
 List the advantages of electronic spreadsheets (6)
 Enter and format data in electronic spreadsheets (6,7)
 Use simple formulae and functions: (6,7)
 IF statement
 SUM, MAX, MIN, AVERAGE functions
 COUNT, AND, OR functions
 Devise one’s own simple formulae using addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division
 Range naming
 Replicate and copy formulae using absolute and relative cell addressing (6,7)
 Be able to sort and filter data in a spreadsheet (6,7)
 Prepare a worksheet for printing (6,7)
 Display spreadsheet data graphically (6,7)
6.
Components of a Computer System
15%
 Describe what is required when buying a personal computer (7)
 Identify and describe various input and output devices (7)
 Distinguish between main storage and secondary storage in a computer system
(7)
 List and describe the components required for the setting up of: (7)
 A local area network
 An intranet
 A private/home/business internet connection
 List issues you should consider when purchasing application software
(2,3,4,5,6,7)
 Explain the role of systems software in a computer system (7)
10%
Achieving and Assessing the Attainment of Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcome
1.
Teaching Methodology
Assessment Method
Manage electronic files
Discussion, practical
application in computer
laboratory
2. Perform basic word processing Discussion, practical
tasks
application in computer
laboratory
3. Use internet to search for
Discussion, practical
information and be able to
application in computer
discriminate between good and
laboratory
poor information sources
Practical assessment, multiplechoice assessment and questions
in final examination
Practical assessment, multiplechoice questions and questions
in final examination
Project-based assessment and
questions in final examination
4. Use e-mail as a business
communication tool
Students will email assignments
to lecturer and questions in final
examination
Students will give a presentation
using presentation hardware and
software in front of peer group
and lecturer
Practical assessment and
questions in final examination
5.
Use presentation software
6.
Use spreadsheet software
7. Describe the basic hardware
requirements of a computer system,
describe basic requirements of a
network and will be able to
differentiate between different
types of software and their
functions
Discussion, practical
application in computer
laboratory
Use of software and hardware
in computer laboratory
Discussion, practical
exercises in computer
laboratory
Discussion, demonstration of
hardware components and
practical use of software in
laboratory
Multiple-choice assessment and
practical assignments. Theory
questions in final examination
Method of Assessment:
Mark Allocation:
Continuous Assessment
File management and Presentation software
Internet and Email
Word processing
Spreadsheets
Final Examination
Written examination of 2 hours duration
60%
15%
10%
15%
20%
40%
The student must achieve a Pass grade in continuous assessment and in the final examination
Examples of Assessments
Section 1
practical test during laboratory session examining ability to manage files
Section 2
practical test during laboratory session examining ability to produce electronic documents
Section 3
assignment testing student’s ability to research using the internet
Section 4
practical test during laboratory session requiring composition and sending of email with
attachment
Section 5
assignment and presentation - student will research and present a topic using presentation
software and hardware
Section 6
practical test involving the preparation of an electronic worksheet, with formulae and functions
and charting of data
Section 7
written examination - this can include questions on the various application areas as well as the
theoretical aspects of same
Recommended Reading
Core Text
Title
Computing Essentials 2005
Supplementary Reading
Title
Computers – Tools for an
Information Age
Step by Step Computer
Applications
Authors
O’Leary, Timothy J and Linda
Publisher
McGraw Hill
International
Year
2005
Authors
Capron, H L
Publisher
Prentice Hall
Year
2004
Roche, John
Gill and Macmillan
Ltd
2004
Teaching Methodology:
This course is designed to be taught and examined mainly from a practical perspective with the
necessary theoretical concepts delivered in class discussion. Practical assignments will be given to
students to research and report on.