Module Outline
UU-COM-1010 - Introduction to Information Technology
Awarding body Unicaf University
School School of Business & Management
Programme BA in Business Administration
Module title Introduction to Information Technology
Module code UU-COM 1010
Duration 7 weeks
Total module credits 24
Delivery methods Online
Teaching methods The principal teaching and learning strategies of this module
may include but are not limited to: VLE Support; Prescribed
and Recommended Texts; Dedicated Notes; Discussion
Boards; Videos; PowerPoint Presentations; Exercises; Case
Studies; Supervision; Individual and Group work; Individual
Feedback; Individual Responses to Student Questions;
Student Presentations; Student Project / Assignment.
Continuous assessment
Assessment (Assignments 1 and 2) 60%
End-of-module examination 40%
Module Description
This introductory module in Information Technology is designed to introduce students to
the world of digital technology and expose them to systems and applications that will be of
great use for their engagement in this academic programme, in their workplace and career
in general.
Module Aim
This module aims to enhance the student’s knowledge of the digital world; file
management;, data storage; data security; basic operating system features; e-mail;
newsgroups; and multimedia; and to give students hands-on experience of popular
application software packages.
Module Learning Outcomes
After completing the module students should be able to:
1. Describe computer hardware fundamentals.
2. Use computer terminology.
3. Practice file management principles.
4. Describe the differences between applications software and system software.
5. Use the windows environment.
6. Create word processing documents and understand word processing fundamentals.
7. Use an electronic spreadsheet to solve relevant problems. Prepare graphs to present
important facts.
8. Create simple databases and apply queries to search for a range of data.
9. Use presentations graphics software to prepare attractive presentations.
10. Access the World Wide Web using browser software to navigate, search, and explore
the Web. Some exposure to e-mail, newsgroups, multimedia, and other Internet
services and resources.
11. Create simple web pages.
12. Access on-line material available from the university’s Virtual Learning Environment.
Module Content
1. Brief introduction to computers
An overview
Components (hardware, software, peopleware, data, procedures) and
characteristics
2. Systems vs. applications software and categories
3. Operating systems
4. Disk and file management.
5. Other operations. (Using WINDOWS)
6. Word processing
Document manipulation including: formatting, editing, printing, referencing,
reviewing, etc. (Using Microsoft Word for Windows or other software package)
7. Electronic spreadsheet
Electronic spreadsheet manipulation including:
o using formulas and functions
o block operations
o formatting
o creating graphs, etc. (Using Microsoft Excel for Windows or other software
package)
8. Database Management
Novice skills on database creation
o data update
o queries, etc. (Using Microsoft Access or other software package)
9. Presentation Graphics
Prepare an attractive presentation
o content and audience concerns
o presentation layout
o templates, objects, sound and animation, etc. (Using Microsoft PowerPoint or
other software package)
10. The World Wide Web
Use a browser to explore
o search, and navigate the Internet
o search engines
o databases, university libraries, useful resources
11. Internet services and resources such as e-mail, newsgroups, multimedia, and other
12. Simple Web page development using an appropriate software tool
13. Computer-assisted and distance learning; the university’s Virtual Learning
Environment
Mode of Assessment
• Assessment 1 - This assignment is worth 30% of the module marks and is due at the
end of Week 2; Sunday 11.59 pm (23:59 hours) UTC time on the due date at the
latest.
• Assessment 2 - This assignment is worth 30% of the module marks and is due at the
end of Week 4; Sunday 11.59 pm (23:59 hours) UTC time on the due date at the
latest.
• Final Assignment-The Final Assignment is worth 40% of the module marks and is
due at the end of Week 7, Sunday 11.59 pm (23:59 hours) UTC time on the due date
at the latest i.e. the end of the course.
Course Requirements
You will be evaluated based on the average grade of your three assignments. In order
to pass the course, you need to achieve an overall minimum grade of 60%. The
discussion forums included in this course are formative; this means that they are not
graded but you are encouraged to participate in each one as they are designed to help
you and provide you with a good understanding of the main concepts that are
included in each of your assignments.
Recommended Readings
Grauer, R. T., Poatsy, M. A., Hulett, M., Krebs C. & Mulbery, K. (2013) Exploring
nd
Microsoft Office 2010, vol. 1, (2 ed.), Pearson Education Limited
Note: This represents the indicative reading list. Online textbooks and/or other material will
be provided to students by the instructor in due course with regular up-dates. UNICAF will
provide appropriate electronic resources to support the module. Each UNICAF student shall
have access to the e-library that includes among others digital databases of books, journals,
magazines, and government publications (including much in the way of full-text materials).
Each instructor is also responsible for providing throughout the module relevant material
that can be accessed by students and lectures notes where necessary.
