Faculty

COSC-1301 Introduction to Computing

Sara Ghadami

Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

COSC-1301-032 (50200)
LEC TuTh 9:45am - 11:05am DIL DLS DIL

LAB TuTh 11:05am - 11:30am DIL DLS DIL

Readings

Textbook & Course Materials

MindTap for Cable, Freund, Monk, Sebok, Starks, & Vermaat, The Shelly Cashman Series Collection: Microsoft® Office 365 & Office 2021

ISBN-13: 9780357676677
Includes: E-book, MindTap access, and SAM (Skills Assessment Manager) access

Course Subjects

Office 365 Support

All students in this course have access to Office 365 (A3 Desktop version) through their ACC account. This provides full desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office applications at no additional cost. Students no longer need to request special access, it is automatically included.

If you experience issues setting up or using Office 365, you may contact the ACC Student Help Desk. Please note that Office 365 student accounts are considered self-service, so support options may be limited. In many cases, you may be directed to Microsoft’s official support resources.

For additional help, visit:
https://support.microsoft.com

Course Requirements

Each student’s grade in this course is based on non-comprehensive concept exams, Microsoft Office 2021 lab exams, and chapter homework assignments.

Lab Assignment Policy

Each Microsoft Office 2021 lab assignment is due no later than 11:59 PM on the posted due date.

Late assignments will be accepted up to 24 hours after the due date with a 20% late penalty.
No credit will be given for assignments submitted more than 24 hours after the due date.
Scheduling computer time outside of regular lab hours is the student’s responsibility.
Limited computer availability is NOT an acceptable excuse for late work.

Assignment Point Distribution

Assignment Type	Quantity	Points
Orientation Quiz	1	50
Concept Exams	2	200
Lab Exams	4	400
Chapter Homework Assignments	13	650
Total Possible Points		1300

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Course Objectives / Student Learning Outcomes

Students will learn to use computer-based technology for communication, problem solving, and information acquisition. They will develop an understanding of the limitations, challenges, and possibilities associated with the use of technology, and gain the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they emerge.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Define and describe the hardware used in information technology (IT).
Define and describe the various types of software used in IT.
Identify and discuss societal issues related to the use of IT and networks.
Demonstrate the ability to create and use documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and databases to communicate information, store data, and support problem solving.
Use IT to acquire, differentiate, and evaluate information and technology effectively.

Office Hours

M T W 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Online via Zoom

NOTE Office hours are held virtually via Zoom and are available by appointment only. If you would like to meet, please email me to schedule a time. Include your course name and a brief description of what you need help with so I can prepare for our meeting. Meetings will be on Zoom unless you specifically request a face-to-face meeting. I’m here to support you, don’t hesitate to reach out!