Faculty Syllabus
COSC-1301 Introduction to Computing
Robin Wells
Credit Spring 2026
Section(s)
COSC-1301-024 (15935)
LEC AKN ONL DIL
LAB AKN ONL DIL
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
Each student’s grade for this course consists of non-comprehensive exams on concepts, Lab exams, and software project assignments on Microsoft office 2021 applications.
Each Microsoft Office 2021 project assignment is due no later than 11:59pm on the posted due date. Late assignments will be accepted for 24 hours, after assignment date, with a late penalty of 20%. No credit will be given for exercises received after 24 hours from assignment date.
Scheduling of computer time outside of regular lab time is the student’s responsibility. The availability of computers is NOT an excuse for being late with any assignment.
|
Assignment |
Points |
|
1 - Orientation Quiz |
40%
|
|
13 - Software Projects |
|
|
2 - Major Concept Exams (Ch1-3) (Ch4-6) |
20% |
|
4 - Capstone Software Skills Projects |
40% |
|
Total |
100% |
The concepts exams are based on the lectures for chapters 1-6. The capstone software skills projects are SAM based and cover Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access.
Course/Class Policies:
Attendance/Class Participation
This online course does not require attendance, however, you are encouraged to attend scheduled office hours routinely. This is a good place to ask questions and learn from instructor interactions.
Readings
Approved Course Texts/Readings:
First Day Access - Book cost included in tuition – You do not need to purchase again MindTap for Cable/Freund/Monk/Sebok/Starks/Vermaat's The Shelly Cashman Series Collection, Microsoft® Office 365 & Office 2021.
ISBN-13: 9780357676677: (E-book, MindTap and SAM Access)
Approved Devices
The course is best completed using a Windows PC. Mac computers may be used with the understanding that Office for Mac is different than Office for Windows and the Mac user will need to make the necessary adjustments to completing the work assigned, for example making arrangements to complete portions of the assignments on a Windows machine. Chromebooks may NOT be used as they are not compatible with MS Office.
Course Subjects
Overview of computer systems—hardware, operating systems, and microcomputer application software, including the Internet, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, and databases. Current issues such as the effect of computers on society, and the history and use of computers in business, educational, and other modern settings are also studied. This course provides the required computer literacy core competencies that all students need to attain by graduation.
Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives
Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes:
The students will learn to “use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information”. Students will have an “understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology, and acquire the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available”. After successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Define and describe the hardware used in information technology (IT).
- Define and describe the types of software used in IT.
- Delineate and discuss societal issues involving the use of IT and networks.
- Demonstrate the ability to create and use documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases in order to communicate and store information as well as to support problem solving.
- Use IT to acquire, differentiate and evaluate information and technology.
SCANS (Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills):
Refer to http://www.austincc.edu/cit/courses/scans.pdf for a complete definition and explanation of SCANS. The following list summarizes the SCANS competencies addressed in this particular course:
|
RESOURCES 1.1 Manages Time |
INTERPERSONAL |
INFORMATION 3.1 Acquires and Evaluates Information 3.2 Organizes and Maintains Information 3.3 Uses Computers to Process Information |
SYSTEMS 4.1 Understands Systems 4.2 Monitors and Corrects Performance |
|
TECHNOLOGY 5.1 Selects Technology 5.2 Applies Technology to Task |
BASIC SKILLS 6.1 Reading 6.5 Listening |
THINKING SKILLS 7.2 Decision Making 7.3 Problem Solving 7.4 Mental Visualization 7.5 Knowing How to Learn 7.6 Reasoning |
PERSONAL SKILLS 8.1 Responsibility 8.2 Self-Esteem 8.3 Sociability 8.4 Self-Management 8.5 Integrity/Honesty |
Office Hours
T Th 4:00 PM - 5:40 PM online
NOTE ITSW 1307 Office Hours TUE 4p-5pm COCS 1301 Office Hours THU 4p-5pm BCIS 2390 Office Hours TUE and THU 5PM - 5:40PMPublished: 01/20/2026 11:38:58