SIT101 - Fundamentals of Information Technology
Unit details
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You are seeing the 2009 view of this unit information. These details may
no longer be current.
| Enrolment modes: | (B, G, X) |
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| EFTSL value: | 0.125 |
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| Unit chair: | J Coldwell (trimester 1), E Lanham (trimester 3) |
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| Incompatible with: | MSC120, SIT171 |
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| Contact hours: | 2 x 1 hour lectures, 1 x 2 hour practical per week |
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Note: Online teaching methods require internet access. Please refer to the most current computer specifications. |
Content
This unit covers four major parts: computer hardware, software, computer networks and security. In the computer hardware part, students learn how the key elements of computer hardware work together: how memory, storage, input/output, computer monitors and graphics systems work and how these elements interact. In the software part of this unit, students study fundamentals of operating systems, in particular why operating systems are needed and the core functions of the operating system. Students learn about MS Windows and Unix/Linux operating systems. Programming, object oriented technology and software development concepts are also presented. The operating system study is followed by the study of databases, applications and software reliability. Common criteria for choice of operating systems, databases and programming languages and tools for eBusiness implementations are presented. The computer network study concentrates on fundamentals such as sending a file, the importance of packets, network protocol architecture, logical and physical communication, the Internet and its basic protocols.
Students will learn about the Internet and the role of XML within a Web environment, and acquire basic concept of information retrieval and search engines, which are a must to study and work in IT these days. The students learn about wide and local area networks. As a basis for the development of distributed applications, students study client/server concepts, distributed data versus distributed processing and web integration. The fourth part of the study addresses security aspects, in particular the role and placement of firewalls and the concept of an intranet. This is followed by the study of network security and authentication, in particular the role of encryption. Practicals cover the main packages that are currently in use.
Assessment
Practical assessment 25%, two assignments 25%, examination 50% (must obtain at least 50% on practicals, assignments and exam)
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