COMP101 Foundations of Information Systems

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

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): Dr. Grant Dick
Co-ordinator (Semester Two): TBA

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

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

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