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    Overview

    Introduction to information systems for the management and exploitation of data and information, and to relational databases.

    Information and communications technology (ICT) impacts almost every facet of our day-to-day lives. Virtually all aspects of business, health, entertainment, and society rely upon some form of ICT to manage and coordinate vast resources of data and information. This paper provides an entry into the world of ICT and explores topics including: computability, data analysis, information storage and processing, and database management techniques (with emphasis on relational databases). Upon completion of this paper, students will have developed simple information systems to manage the information processing requirements of a small-business exemplar. These skills can be further developed through continued study of an ICT-related discipline (e.g., Information Science or Computer Science).  

    About this paper

    Paper title Foundations of Information Systems
    Subject Computer and Information Science
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period(s) Summer School (On campus)
    Semester 2 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    COMP 161 or (COMP 151 passed with a grade of at least B)
    Restriction
    BSNS 106
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Commerce, Science
    Notes
    Students with other programming experience (e.g., appropriate NCEA Level 3 standards) may sit an Advanced Placement Test for direct entry to COMP 101. Enquiries about this option should be directed to infoscience@otago.ac.nz in advance of the start of semester.
    Contact

    Co-ordinator: grant.dick@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Co-ordinator (Summer School): Mark George
    Co-ordinator (Semester Two): Grant Dick

    Teaching Staff Chris Edwards, Gary Burrows

    Teaching Arrangements

    Second Semester:
    Two 1-hour lectures per week
    One 2-hour lab per week

    Summer School:
    Four 1-hour lectures per week
    Two 2-hour labs per week

    Textbooks
    Textbooks are not required for this paper.
    Course outline
    View the most recent Course Outline
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Information literacy, scholarship, ethics, self-motivation.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes
    Students who successfully complete the paper will be able to:
    1. explain the distinctions between data, information and knowledge
    2. understand basic concepts of computational approaches to information processing (e.g. binary encodings, algorithms and complexity, tool chains to develop computer programs)
    3. perform elementary processes of data collection, and identify issues relating to data quality, including ethics, privacy and security
    4. understand basic concepts of modelling, implementing and using relational databases, and be able to read and write basic SQL statements to manipulate relational databases
    5. explain the basic components of information systems, and the role of information systems in supporting an organisation’s strategic and operational needs
    6. explain contemporary trends such as big data, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and their implications for individuals and organisations

    Timetable

    Summer School

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Computer Lab

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 15:00-16:50 2-5, 7
    Wednesday 15:00-16:50 6
    Thursday 15:00-16:50 2-7
    Friday 14:00-15:50 5, 7

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 14:00-14:50 2-7
    Tuesday 14:00-14:50 2-5, 7
    Wednesday 14:00-14:50 2-7
    Thursday 14:00-14:50 2-7

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Computer Lab

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Wednesday 13:00-14:50 29-35, 37-42
    A2 Wednesday 15:00-16:50 29-35, 37-42
    A3 Thursday 09:00-10:50 29-35, 37-42
    A4 Thursday 11:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42
    A5 Thursday 15:00-16:50 29-35, 37-42

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    L1 Monday 16:00-16:50 29-35, 37-42
    Tuesday 16:00-16:50 29-35, 37-42
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