Revised May 13, 2016

CS 200: Concepts for Advanced Computer Usage

General description

This course examines important concepts underlying major personal computer application categories and the application of those concepts to problem solving. Students discover how to efficiently use word processing, graphics, and database applications and they develop some basic intra/inter-application scripting skills. The course also covers some basic system administration.

Logistics

Audience

• Non-CS majors with significant computer experience who wish to deepen their understanding of computers and how to use them effectively and efficiently.

Normally available

• Fall and Spring

Related courses

• Pre-requisites: Not open to Computer Science students

For official details, see the UW calendar.

Software/hardware used

• Macintosh computers are used in the labs
• Students are encouraged to use their own computer for assignments
• *Most of the software used in the course runs on both Macintosh and Windows computers

Typical reference(s)

• R. Williams, The Non-Designers Design Book, 4th ed., Peachpit Press, 2015
• R. Williams, The Mac is not a Typewriter, 2nd ed., Peachpit Press, 2003
• Recommended: J. Niederst, Learning Web Design, 3rd ed., O'Reilly & Associates, 2003
• Recommended: Eric Meyer, CSS Pocket Reference 4th ed., O'Reilly Media Inc., 2011

Required preparation

At the start of the course, students should be able to

• Use standard application software

Learning objectives

At the end of the course, students should be able to

• Use effective strategies for exploring an application's interface to better understand how to use new applications
• Properly format and design visually appealing and professional documents
• Write simple scripts to automate repeated tasks
• Use database management software to manage and interpret large amounts of data
• Effectively manage personal files through strategic back ups
• Explain the difference between pixel and vector graphics and design simple images
• Write HTML and CSS code to create functional and visually appealing web pages
• Use named styles in a variety of applications to more efficiently create visual consistency

Typical syllabus

Methodology (3 hours)

• Techniques for efficiently learning and using applications and for diagnosing problems

System administration (3 hours)

• Booting
• System extensions
• File systems and file system maintenance
• File system organization
• Security and access control
• Backup disciplines

Structured word processing (3 hours)

• Character versus paragraph styles
• Conditional text
• Good graphical design

Vector and pixel graphics (6 hours)

• Colour models
• Half-toning and dithering
• Image manipulation, layers and masks
• Vector object properties and named graphical styles
• Bezier curves

Networking and the internet (3 hours)

• Web site structure, design, and security
• HTML
• CGIs
• Cascading style sheets
• Good graphical design

Scripting (6 hours)

• Intra-application scripting
• System-level inter-application scripting
• Programming in the small
• Debugging

Relational databases (9 hours)

• Table and form design
• Data validation
• Referential integrity
• Indices
• Client/server databases
• Serving the web from a database
• SQL

Social media (3 hours)

• Usage
• Ethics
• Privacy
• Usefulness