Units
Foundations of Computer Science
Unit code: INN250
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
Contemporary computer-based systems are built from a wide range of technologies working at different levels of abstraction, from microprocessor hardware, to operating system and application software, to entire communications networks. At each abstraction level different techniques are needed to understand emergent properties of the system. This unit introduces some of the foundational principles commonly used to reason about the behaviour of computer-dependent systems at different levels of abstraction. Most of the techniques are derived from the field of Discrete Mathematics and are the foundation of the discipline called Computer Science.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Contemporary computer-based systems are built from a wide range of technologies working at different levels of abstraction, from microprocessor hardware, to operating system and application software, to entire communications networks. At each abstraction level different mathematical formalisms are needed to model and reason about emergent properties of the system. This unit introduces some of the foundational principles used to reason about the behaviour of computer-based systems at different levels of abstraction. Most of the techniques are derived from the field of Discrete Mathematics and are the foundation of the discipline called Computer Science.
Aims
This unit introduces fundamental reasoning principles and analysis techniques for proving properties of computer-based systems. The generic skills you learn in this unit will be applicable to a wide variety of situations. Inevitably, the techniques used are mathematically-based, however the focus is on their practical application, rather than theory for its own sake.
The unit introduces the techniques needed to understand the behaviour of computer-based systems at a range of abstraction levels. For instance, the arithmetic principles governing the way calculations are performed within a single computer processor are quite different from the topological characteristics of a collection of devices exchanging messages to form a communications network. In this unit we consider computer-based systems' properties at a variety of different levels.
Objectives
On successful completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the limitations of machine-specific arithmetic and be familiar with arithmetic operations important for computer-based calculations (GC1, GC4)
- Have experience at manipulating Boolean expressions using the rules of propositional logic (GC1, GC2, GC4) and have a familiarity with the way the semantics of computer program code and algorithms can be represented using relations and predicates (GC1, GC4)
- Have experience with applying the rules of predicate logic and mathematical induction as a basis for the way critical computer program code can be proven correct and with the calculations needed to predict the capabilities of computer networks (GC1, GC2, GC4)
- Have experience at applying discrete mathematics at a variety of abstraction levels and communicating your findings in written form (GC3)
- Understand the basic concepts of Computer Architecture (GC1, GC4)
Key: Graduate Capabilities:
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
GC4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change
Content
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Although this unit is primarily about Computer Science theory, emphasis is placed on how the theory can be applied in practice. For this reason, formal contact hours each week consist of a single two-hour lecture in which new technical concepts are explained. This would be accompanied by a one-hour tutorial session where you are expected to do relevant exercises.
As well as these formal sessions, you are expected to spend nine hours each week completing further exercises at your own speed, studying technical material, and working on assessment items.
Concurrent Teaching
This unit is being taught concurrently with an undergraduate offering of the same subject. University policy permits that postgraduate and undergraduate students attend the same lectures. Separate tutorial/discussion groups will be provided for postgraduate students where student numbers allow. As a postgraduate student you will be required to complete separate or additional assessment tasks. For this unit, this means the assessment items will vary. The examination questions will test for a deeper understanding of the subject material.
Assessment
There will be two written assignments in which you will demonstrate your ability to produce correct results. This is followed by a final exam for the unit as a whole in which you will demonstrate your understanding of the processes used to produce such answers.
Assessment name:
Written Assignment
Description:
Short-answer questions each relating to one of the topics in the unit.
Submission: Deliverable One (Week 7) and Deliverable Two (Week 13)
Relates to objectives:
1, 2 and 5
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Weeks 7 & 13
Assessment name:
Final Exam
Description:
Written exam
Relates to objectives:
3, 4 and 5
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Exam Period
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Teaching materials and instructions for assessment items will be made available via the INN250 Blackboard site.
The foundational techniques covered in this unit are well-established and well-documented in the field of Computer Science.
The following textbooks contain material used in this unit and are recommended for students wanting a deep understanding of the topic.
Risk assessment statement
There is minimal health and safety risk in this unit. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety policies and procedures applicable within campus areas and laboratories.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 06-Feb-2013
