University of New York Tirana

Komuna e Parisit,Tirana, Albania

Tel.: 00355-(0)4-273056-8 – Fax: 00355-(0)4-273059

Web Site Address: http://www.unyt.edu.al

Computer Applications

Fall 2009

Course : Computer Applications (3 credit hours)

Instructor : Dr. Marenglen Biba

Office : Faculty building 1^st floor

Office Hours : Wednesday 15-17 or by appointment

Phone : 42273056 or ext. 112

E-mail : marenglenbiba@unyt.edu.al

Course page : http://www.marenglenbiba.net/compapp/

Course Location and Time

Laboratory Room 2B, Friday 13-16.

Catalogue Description

This course provides a basic understanding of the technical and management aspects of the basic Computer’s hardware and software with an emphasis on Microsoft Office 2003.

Course Objectives

The objective of this course is to provide a basic understanding and usage of common computer applications. You will learn basic concepts about computer’s hardware and software. Course material on document processing will be presented using Microsoft Office 2003. You will also be introduced to more advanced document processing techniques such as Latex. The course will offer basic understanding and use of computer-based communication means.

At the end of the course students will be able to:

Understand basic concepts of computer’s hardware and software

Understand and use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, Powerpoint)

Understand and use basic features of Latex

Understand and use electronic mail applications

Understand and use internet-based applications

Course Prerequisites

None.

Required Readings

Microsoft Office 2003: Introductory Concepts and Techniques by Gary B. Shelly, Thomas J. Cashman, Misty E. Vermaat.

Content of the Course

Introduction to Computers

Basic parts of computer hardware

Types of input/output devices

Operating Systems

Windows Operating Systems

Linux Operating Systems

Introduction to Microsoft Office

Introduction to Open Office

Document processing

Introduction to Microsoft Word

Basic word processing

Basic editing and formatting

Advanced editing and formatting

Advanced word processing

Advanced tools

Data processing

Introduction to Microsoft Excel

Spreadsheet basics

Formatting spreadsheets

Advanced spreadsheet commands

Charts

Data organization and processing

Introduction to Microsoft Access

Database basics

Creating a report using a wizard

Creating a form using a wizard

Creating queries

Presentation development

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint

Creating a presentation

View buttons

Format

Slide Show

Complex document processing

Introduction to Latex

Creating a simple document in Latex

Writing mathematical formulas in Latex

Writing complex documents in Latex

Computer and Communication

Electronic mail

Internet

World Wide Web

Web Applications

Searching over Internet.

Course Requirements

Students are required to attend lectures and labs. Lecture handouts and lab notes will be available before commencement of the class. Students are expected to participate in class discussions. In the event of illness or emergency, contact your instructor IN ADVANCE to determine whether special arrangements are possible.

Participation: Participation extends beyond mere attendance. You may miss up to two classes without penalty. Each absence beyond the first two will cost you points off of your participation grade. The only exceptions to this rule are severe illness (doctor’s note required) and UNYT approved trips/activities. Appropriate documentation for absences beyond the first two is necessary and is to be provided on the class day directly before or after the one you miss. Students are expected to collect materials from the online course page, their classmates or see the instructor during consultation hours.

Exams: Two examinations will be taken one midterm and one final. Test format may combine a mixture of Definitions, Blanks, and short answers, two or three Essay questions covering all readings, lecture, and hand-out and class discussion content. No Student may miss a scheduled exam without receiving permission before the administration of the exam. Make-up exams might be significantly different from the regular tests, and will be administered at a time of instructor own convenience.

Reading assignments: You will be required to read all the handouts, slides, and other relevant materials. Each week, I will notify you in class what specific materials to read and/or assignments to prepare for the week. The reading assignments are selected to give you adequate understanding of the course material.

Assignments: I will announce homework assignments, usually based on the chapters/materials covered in class. Due dates will be specified accordingly. Assignments must be submitted as specified to be considered on-time. Late assignments are accepted with the following penalties: -2 if submitted the next day it is due, and -1 for each day late after that. I will accept e-mail submissions.

Make-up policy Midterm/Final exam: Only students who miss an exam for university-approved and verifiable reasons will be allowed to take a make-up exam. Even then, except in the most extreme circumstances, no student may miss a scheduled exam without receiving permission before the administration of the exam. Make-up exams might be significantly different in format from the regular tests, and will be administered at a time of my own convenience.

Cheating policy: Exams, assignments, projects and quizzes are subject to the STUDENT HONOUR CODE. The University’s rules on academic dishonesty (e.g. cheating, plagiarism, submitting false information) will be strictly enforced. Please familiarize yourself with the STUDENT HONOUR CODE, or ask me instructor for clarification.

Grading Policy

Participation	10%
Assignments	30%
Midterm	30%
Final	30%

Grading Scale (Standard UNYT grading scale)

Letter Grade	Percent (%)	Generally Accepted Meaning
A	96-100	Outstanding work
A-	90-95	Outstanding work
B+	87-89	Good work, distinctly above average
B	83-86
B-	80-82
C+	77-79	Acceptable work
C	73-76
C-	70-72
D+	67-69	Work that is significantly below average
D	63-66
D-	60-62
F	0-59	Work that does not meet minimum standards for passing the course