Syllabus: 547:201 Computer Concepts Fall 2020

Instructor
Course Meetings Section 7: Monday 9:50 to 11:10am
Section 8: Monday 2:50 to 4:10pm
We will meet in a Zoom classroom.
Both sections have an additional self-paced lesson each week.
Course Website canvas.rutgers.edu (Zoom link In available in Canvas)
Contact Information

Course Materials Required: Fox, R. (2013). Information technology: An introduction for

and Estimated Fees today's digital world (First Edition). Chapman & Hall/CRC.
• Approx. $100 new, $30 used from bn.com. For Fall 2020, the first
edition will suffice. There are a lot of used copies around.
Additional required or recommended materials may be posted to the
course website for no additional fee.

Course Description
As the introductory course to the technological concentration/area in the ITI program, Introduction to Computer
Concepts explains the basic principles of computer systems and applications. It covers the basic mathematical-
theoretical principles that govern the functioning of computers, the architecture and organization of computer
systems, the role of hardware and software, and the role of creative thinking and problem solving in building software
applications.

Prerequisite: 04:189:103: Introduction to IT and Informatics

Learning Objectives
LO1. Understand the difference between hardware and software, the architecture of the computer and the
functioning of software.
LO2. Use a variety of applications to organize, process, store and retrieve data.
LO3. Understand the principles of computer programming and write simple applications such as macros and Web
scripts.
LO4. Use the computer in a networked environment and access remote resources and services.
LO5. Create and publish simple webpages.
LO6. Demonstrate competency with technical terminology and ability to communicate with IT professionals.
LO7. Develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
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Assignments
The following assignments will be completed during the course of the semester. Additional details will be posted to
the course website.
Assignment Points

Course Assignments, Labs, and Worksheets 500

Many of the weeks in this course will include some kind of assignment, often in the format of
a lab or worksheet. The total number will vary by section, and they will have varying weights.

Self-Assessment Quizzes 200

Instead of traditional mid-terms, tests, and exams, we will do a series of smaller self-
assessment quizzes. These will pop up throughout the semester. Most will be planned, but
some will be “pop-quizzes.” The purpose of all of these is for you to assess your knowledge
and for me to help fill in the areas where you are having trouble.

Mid-Term Project and Final Project 100 each

As a class we will decide what our mid-term and final projects will be. I’ll have some rules and
scope, and I hope to help you find a relevant, challenging, and interesting piece of work that
you (with or without a group) find valuable.

Course- and Self-Evaluations 100

Total 1000 Points

Grading
I am committed to reducing grade inflation in my courses. To that end, I adopt the following grading standards to
ensure that an "A" is reserved for outstanding performance.
Letter % of Total Points Description
work whose superior quality indicates a full mastery of the subject. An A represents
A 90 – 100
work of extraordinary distinction.
B+ 87 – 89.99
Work of good to very good quality but that does not merit special distinction.
B 80 – 86.99
C+ 77 – 79.99 Designates an adequate command of the course material. Satisfactory for
C 70 – 76.99 undergraduate students, but unsatisfactory for graduate students.
Work that shows a deficiency in knowledge of the material. Unsatisfactory for
D 60 – 69.99
undergraduate and graduate students.
F 0 – 59.99 Work that deserves no credit.

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Estimated Schedule
W Topic(s) Session 1: Live Session 2: Self-paced Required Reading and Resources

1 Introductions and History Course Introduction IT Skills Self-Assessment Fox chapt. 1: Introduction to Information
Technology (pp. 1-8)
I.T. vs. I.T. and Informatics
ACM: Why an Informatics Degree

2 IT Basics and Elements of Computers Worksheet: LinkedIn Fox chapt. 1: Introduction to Information
Sociotechnical Systems Learning for Mac or Technology
Technology vs. Socio-
Windows
technology What are Socio-Technical Systems?
Lab: Getting Started w. Linux
Using SSH software for labs

3 Operating Systems and Operating Systems Lab: Processes Fox chapt. 4: Introduction to Operating
Basics of the Linux OS System Concepts
Files and directory structure Lab: File Management
Fox chapt. 5: Files, Directories, and the File
Resources, Memory, and
System
Process Management

4 Basic Linux Access Control Linux File Permissions Lab: File and System Fox chapt. 6: Users, Groups, and Permissions
Permissions
The sudo command

5 Scripting at the Command Bash basics, vim, and shell Lab: Bash CLI and scripting Fox chapt. 9: Bash Shell and Editing
Line scripts

6 Scripting vs. Programming What to expect in 202 Mid-Term Project Fox chapt. 14: Programming

7 Networking and Internet History of the Internet Lab: Using Common Fox chapt. 12: Networks, Network Software,
Fundamentals Network Tools and the Internet
All People Seem to Need Data
Processing (the TCP/IP stack) DARPA and the Internet Revolution

8 Web Technologies Web services and APIs Lab: cURL for Data and Web How the Internet Works
pages
Retrieving data through Web How the Web works
APIs
What is the difference between webpage,
Markup Language Basics website, web server, and search engine?
JSON: What It Is & How to Use It

9 Information Management Information as an asset Lab: Building Data Models Fox chapt. 15: Information (up to Info.
(Part 1) Assurance and Security)
The DIKW hierarchy
Database basics

10 Databases “NoSQL” database types Lab: Building Data Models Microsoft: Non-relational and NoSQL
(Part 2)
Data modeling
Query languages

11 Information Security The CIA Triad Lab: Using Common Fox chapt. 15: Information (starting at Info.
Network Security Tools Assurance and Security)
Threat Types
IANA Port Number Registry
Port Checker

12 Information Privacy Information Security vs. Final Project Why Do We Care So Much About Privacy?
Information Privacy

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FW Planning your future Aligning IT skills, social issues, Worksheet: Course- and Fox chapt. 16: Careers in Information
and professional communities self-evaluations Technology

Class Policies
Assignment due dates All assignments are due according to the times posted on the course website.

Late assignments Late assignments (except when stated otherwise) will lose one full letter grade for every 12
hours past the posted due date. All assignments close at 24 hours after their posted due date,
at which time no more submissions are allowed.
Assignments graded as “Complete/Incomplete” cannot be submitted late.

Canvas, Zoom Problems with technology related to remote or on-campus learning must to communicated as
soon as you experience them. Issues that are reported and verified will be considered for all
subsequent work.

Assignment file corruption Students are responsible for the file integrity of their assignment submissions. Files that are not
gradable due to content or file corruption will receive no credit.

Class session attendance Students are expected to attend all required class sessions. Excused absences are only
considered if evidence is submitted by email or Canvas Inbox within 12 hours of the missed
class session. After two absences your course grade is lowered by one half letter grade (e.g., A
to B+) for subsequent each absence.

Hybrid class attendance In hybrid classes, completion of the assigned weekly class exercise constitutes attendance in
the hybrid component of the course. Skipping an exercise is the same as skipping a class and
therefore constitutes an absence.

Extended absence If you must miss classes for longer than one week, you must contact the Dean of Students to
verify your circumstances.

Religious observance It is University policy (University Regulation on Attendance, Book 2, 2.47B, formerly 60.14f) to
accommodations excuse without penalty students who are absent from class because of religious observance,
and to allow the make-up of work missed because of such absence.
Students are required to provide timely notification to instructors about necessary absences
for religious observances and are responsible for making up the work or exams according to an
agreed-upon schedule.
Examinations and special required out-of-class activities shall ordinarily not be scheduled on
those days when religiously observant students refrain from participating in secular activities.
Absences for reasons of religious obligation shall not be counted for purposes of reporting.

Exceptions No exceptions to this policy are made except where required by School or University policy.

Additional policies Additional rules may be posted to specific assignments on the course website.

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Department and University Policies

Academic Integrity
The consequences of scholastic dishonesty are very serious. Please review Rutgers’ academic integrity policy. Multimedia
presentations about academic integrity are also available here.
Academic integrity means, among other things:
• Develop and write all of your own assignments.
• Show in detail where the materials you use in your papers come from. Create citations whether you are paraphrasing
authors or quoting them directly. Be sure always to show source and page number within the assignment and include
a bibliography in the back.
• Do not look over at the exams of others or use electronic equipment such as cell phones during exams.
• Do not fabricate information or citations in your work.
• Do not facilitate academic dishonesty for another student by allowing your own work to be submitted by others.
If you are doubtful about any issue related to plagiarism or scholastic dishonesty, please discuss it with the instructor.

Academic Support

Rutgers Learning Centers

Rutgers has Learning Centers on each campus where any student can obtain tutoring and other help. Rutgers also has a
Writing Program where students can obtain help with writing skills and assignments.

Students with Disabilities

Students with documented disabilities who need accommodations in this class must do so through the Rutgers Disabilities
Services Office. You can also speak with a SC&I adviser about your disability by visiting the Office of Student Services in the
SC&I Building, Room 214 or calling them at 848-932-7500 (dial 2 as your menu choice).

Student-Wellness Services
The Rutgers University Student Assembly (RUSA) has assembled the following information on student mental health and
wellness services at Rutgers and asked that it be included on all course syllabi.
Counseling, ADAP & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
• http://rhscaps.rutgers.edu
• (848) 932-7884
• 17 Senior Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901
CAPS is a University mental health support service that includes counseling, alcohol and other drug assistance, and psychiatric
services staffed by a team of professional within Rutgers Health services to support students’ efforts to succeed at Rutgers
University. CAPS offers a variety of services that include: individual therapy, group therapy and workshops, crisis intervention,
referral to specialists in the community and consultation and collaboration with campus partners.
Violence Prevention & Victim Assistance (VPVA)
• http://vpva.rutgers.edu
• (848) 932-1181
• 3 Bartlett Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

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The Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance provides confidential crisis intervention, counseling and advocacy for
victims of sexual and relationship violence and stalking to students, staff and faculty. To reach staff during office hours when
the university is open or to reach an advocate after hours, call 848-932-1181.

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Disability Services (ODS)
• https://ods.rutgers.edu
• (848) 445-6800
• Lucy Stone Hall, Suite A145, Livingston Campus
• 54 Joyce Kilmer Avenue, Piscataway, NJ 08854
The Office of Disability Services works with students with a documented disability to determine the eligibility of reasonable
accommodations, facilitates and coordinates those accommodations when applicable, and lastly engages with the Rutgers
community at large to provide and connect students to appropriate resources.
Scarlet Listeners
• http://www.scarletlisteners.com
• (732) 247-5555
Free and confidential peer counseling and referral hotline, providing a comforting and supportive safe space.
Just In Case Web App
• http://codu.co/cee05e
Access helpful mental health information and resources for yourself or a friend in a mental health crisis on your smartphone
or tablet and easily contact CAPS or RUPD.

Weather and Other Emergencies

The university rarely cancels classes for inclement weather. To check if classes are cancelled, visit the Campus Status website.
You can also try to call 732-932-7799. During severe weather conditions, announcements are made over the following radio
stations: WCTC (1450AM), WMGQ (98.3FM), WRSU (88.7FM), WMCA (570AM), WOR (710AM), WCBS (880AM), WABC
(770AM), WBGO (83.3FM), WHWH (1350AM), WPST (97.5FM), WJLK (131OFM), WMTR (1250AM).

(End of syllabus)

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