Course Outline description with subjects, title, dates

Algoma university course outline

1. COSC1701-F02/F04-2025 Course Outline Page 1 of 8
Department of Computer Science
Computer Applications (COSC 1701, Sections F02/F04)
Course Outline - Fall 2025

Section Instructor Mode
COSC1701-F02
COSC1701-F04
Dr. Khalil Abuosba Asynchronous/Online

Instructor Contact Information

e-Mail Address:
[email protected]
Your email messages must include your section ID either
“COSC1701-F02”, or “COSC1701-F04” placed in the
subject line of your message.
Microsoft Teams (Optional): https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/teams
WhatsApp Channel
(Optional):


Subscribe using the QR code shown below, or use the
channel link:



https://chat.whatsapp.com/G0mB1S1yWC0KHUn9Ig6C3H

Cellphone No.:

647-962-7942


Zoom Office Hours/Weekly: TBA on Brightspace.

Course Information

Calendar Description: This is a general introductory course in personal computing with special
emphasis on the applications of microcomputers. The general concepts of computing will be
reviewed. Students will gain practical experience in the use of software including word processors,
spreadsheets and database systems. (3 cr).

COSC 1701 is an online course; modules will be delivered asynchronously. Only exams are
delivered synchronously and require the students to be available for writing the exams online.
This is a general introductory course in personal computing with special emphasis on the
applications of microcomputers. The general concepts of computing will be reviewed.

All material and activities to complete the course will be completed through Algoma University's
Course Management System (Moodle). The online lessons and material are augmented by

2. COSC1701-F02/F04-2025 Course Outline Page 2 of 8
optional web conferences with the course instructor. Frequent use of these web conferences is
encouraged. Students should be prepared to invest an average of 8 to 10 hours per week into
this course. The course will introduce the student to popular computer applications in the personal
computer world with the emphasis on Windows 10 (a multi-user, multitasking operating system),
wordprocessing (Word 2021 for Windows), spreadsheets (Excel 2021), databases (Access 2021),
and a presentation package (PowerPoint 2021).

Course Prerequisites: None.

Methods of Instruction: Online, Asynchronous Modules/Synchronous Online Exams.

Web Conferences and Chat Sessions: Weekly web conferences (Office Hours) will be
scheduled for students in this course. There will be two Zoom clarification sessions delivered on
a weekly basis. These conferences are for obtaining help on your practice assignments and
projects as well as demonstration of specific topics requested by the students; they are optional,
but strongly encouraged.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will:
• Describe the main functions of computer systems.
• understand how computers process and store data.
• summarize the technologies used for personal communications over the web
• describe how cloud technologies are used to create, store, and share files.
• explain what web browsers are and describe their common features.
• describe tools used to navigate the web.
• describe the different types of application software.
• explain the most popular operating systems for personal use.
• explain how the operating system interacts with application software.
• Identify common multimedia file formats.
• gain practical experience in the use of software including word processors, spreadsheets
and database systems.
• be able to interact with the operating system utilities at highly productive capacity.
• Identify the basic components of computer systems.
• understand the elements and principles of graphic Design.
• understand the color theory schemes.
• demonstrate how to create basic online surveys.
• understand the basic concepts of cloud computing.
• use cloud-native productivity services.
• preform document layout and document formatting.
• perform paragraph formatting.
• create a slideshow.
• create relational databases. database.
• Manipulate data in relational databases.
• create Excel sheets.

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• format Excel sheets.
• apply formulas and functions to spreadsheets.
• format and align text using tables.
• create a bibliography in conformance to specific citation styles.
• create websites using design templates.
• Visualize Data Using Spreadsheet.

Empirical Learning Objectives

This course aims to provide the students the skills needed for their academic journey as well as
their future careers in the areas of operating system, text and document formatting, data
manipulation and visualization, records management, and presentation design.
o Windows 11: Features and Tools.
o Word: Document Manipulation, Standard & Advanced Features.
o Excel: Data Manipulation, Data Visualization, Data Analysis, and Large Datasets
Handling Techniques.
o Access: Database, Design & Decision Making.
o PowerPoint: Presentation Design & Multimedia Integration.
o Google Forms: survey design, data collection, and data aggregation.

Course Assessment Grade Weights

Deliverable % Weight
Assignments
40%
Assignment-1
6%
Assignment-2a
5%
Assignment-2b
5%
Assignment-3a
4%
Assignment-3b
4%
Assignment-4a
4%
Assignment-4b
4%
Assignment-5a
4%
Assignment-5b
4%
Online Quizzes (multiple trials/minimal knowledge) 9%
Test 1 (Problem Solving) 11%
Test 2 (Problem Solving) 10%
Final Exam/Online 30%

Required Textbook:
Exploring Microsoft 365: Introductory 2025, 1st edition, Mary Ann Poatsy, Keith Mulbery, Lynn
Hogan, Jason Davidson, Jerri Williams Montgomery, Amy M. Rutledge, Diane Kosharek,
Pearson 2026.

4. COSC1701-F02/F04-2025 Course Outline Page 4 of 8
Recommended Reading:
Technology in Action, 18th edition, Pearson (January 11, 2023) © 2024.
Required Software
Fulfillment of the assignments requires the following software/web services:
- Google Workspace.
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Microsoft Access Platform Dependency Issues**.
o ** IF your platform is Windows, you should be able download and install access
without any issues.
o ** If your platform Mac/OS X, you can install Parallels virtualization which shall
allow you install and run Windows applications:
https://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/
▪ You may also use any Windows Computer Lab on campus.
o **If you are having issues with your computer and cannot run Office or Access,
you may use any of the Windows computer labs located on campus.
Course Deliverables Schedule
Deliverable Due Date
Assignments*
Assignment-1 (Google Services, and Data Collection & Analysis). September 17
Assignment-2a (Text Manipulation and Document Design). September 28
Assignment-2b (Table Design and Research Paper Concepts). October 7
Assignment-3a (Presentation Design) October 14
Assignment-3b (Animation and Transitions)./ October 26
Assignment-4a (Spreadsheets Formulas and Functions). November 7
Assignment-4b (Data Visualization and Analysis). November 16
Assignment-5a (Database Design). November 25
Assignment 5b (Database I/O Tools). December 2
Online Quizzes (available until the end of the term) n/a
Test 1 October 5
Test 2 November 9
Final Exam TBA

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* The dropboxes will remain open three days after the due date to accept late submissions.

Course Schedule and University Policies

Week Topic Readings/Deliverables

W1
SEP 3
Components of Computer Information System
- Computer Hardware
- Operating System
- Application Software
- User
- Application Software:
o Application Programs.
▪ Device Native.
▪ Cloud-Native.
Cloud Computing Basic Concepts
- Definition.
- Service Models.
- Deployment Models
The Internet and Web Technologies
- The Internet.
- Internet Exchange Point.
- Client/Server Model.
- Web Server.
- Domain Name System.
- HTTP.
- HTML.
- Hyperlink.
- Internet Protocol.
Cloud-Native Productivity Software (Google Workspace
Services).
o Docs.
o Slides.
o Sites.
o Meet.
o Translate.
o Forms.
Creating and Analyzing Online Surveys Using Forms
o Creating Survey Questionnaire Using Google Form.
o Questionnaire Distribution.
o Data Collection.
o Data Analysis.
Quiz 1
W2
SEP 10

Chatbots and Generative AI
Productivity and Business Software
- Google Workspace.
- Google Gemini.
Quiz 2
Assignment 2a

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- Microsoft Office 365.
- Apple iWork.
Introduction to Word Processing: Word Processor
Workshop 1.
- Document Organization and Setting.
- Formatting, Alignment, and page setup.
- Special Characters.
- Graphics.
- Document Presentation and Styling.
- Graphic Objects.
W3
SEP 17
Document Productivity: Word Workshop 2.
- Table Design.
- Managing Data with Tables
Quiz 3
Quiz 4
Assignment 1
W4
SEP 24
Research Paper Typesetting Requirements and
Concepts: Word Workshop 2..
- Table of Contents.
- Indices.
- Citations and References.
- Implementing Bibliographic Styles (IEEE, MLA, APA,
Chicago, and Harvard styles).
- Footnotes and Endnotes.
- Indices.
- Table of Contents.
- Cover Page.
- Document Tracking.
- Online Document Collaboration
Quiz 5
Assignment 2a

W5
OCT 1
Principles of Design and Elements of Presentation
Design: PowerPoint Workshop 1
- The Color Theory.
- Principles of Design.
- Elements of Design.
- Creating Presentations.
- Create a Basic Presentation.
- Presentation Design.
- Audio and Video Basics.
Quiz 6
Quiz 7
Assignment 2b

Test 1 (OCT 5, 7:00 PM)
W6
OCT 8
Animations and Transitions: PowerPoint Workshop 2
- Compression Standards and File Formats.
o Audio/Video/Image.
- Animation and Transitions. - Smart Arts.
- Charts and Data Visualization.
- Object Transformation.
- Picture Transformation.
Quiz 8
Quiz 9
Assignment 3a

7. COSC1701-F02/F04-2025 Course Outline Page 7 of 8
- Animation and Transitions Enhancement.
OCT 15 Reading Week
W7
OCT 22
Worksheets Basics: Excel Workshop 1
- Creating and Formatting Worksheets.
- Mathematical Operations and Formulas.
- Formatting, Alignment, and page setup.
- Relative and Absolute References.
Quiz 10

Assignment 3b
W8
OCT 29
Worksheets: Excel Workshop 2
- Performing Quantitative Analysis.
Logical, Lookup, and Financial Functions.
Quiz 11

W9
NOV 5
Performing Quantitative Analysis and Data
Visualization: Excel Workshop 3
Quiz 12
Quiz 13
Assignment 4a
Test 1 (NOV 9, 7:00 PM)
W10
NOV 12
Relational Database Design: Database Workshop 1:
- Tables.
- Referential Integrity.
- Relations and ERDs.
Assignment 4b
Quiz 14
W11
NOV 19
Data Manipulation/Queries: Database Workshop 2:
- Calculated Fields and Expressions.
- Aggregate Functions.
- Select Query.
- Delete Query.
- Make Table Query.
- Update Query.
- Append Query,
Quiz 15
Quiz 16
Assignment 5a
W12
NOV 26
Database Workshop 3:
- Data Entry and Presentation.
- Forms.
- Reports.
Quiz 17
Assignment 5b
FINAL EXAM (TBA)
Assignments
Assignment 1 includes drafting an online survey questionnaire using Google Forms; the survey
collects, manipulate data, and analyze data.

The remaining assignments will be empirical exercises that cover word processing, numbers
crunching, data management, presentation design.

Late Assignments
There will be 10% deduction for each late submission days. The dropboxes will remain
available three days after the due date. Students that have missed the due date will be
considered as late submissions. All solutions must be submitted through the dropboxes. If a
dropbox is closed, the assignment will not be accepted unless the student is granted permission
due to unforeseen reasons.

8. COSC1701-F02/F04-2025 Course Outline Page 8 of 8
Practical Exams Components
All solution files required for the exam must be submitted through the Moodle Exam Dropbox. No
other methods will be accepted. Make sure that you submit your files through Moodle.
Communication Methods:
If you require clarifications throughout the term, you may use Teams, Whatsapp channel, and/or
Electronic Mail.
Missed Tests and Exams:
It is expected that quizzes would be attempted within the one-week allowable period. Exams are
offered online within a specific date. Missing an exam for unforeseen reasons shall be
rescheduled for a later date.
The Final Examination Policy can be found at:
http://algomau.ca/media/styleassets/pdf/final_examination_policy.pdf
Academic Dishonesty:
The University takes a very serious view of such offences as plagiarism, cheating, and
impersonation. Penalties for dealing with such offences will be strictly enforced.

The following web site contains a complete policy statement on academic dishonesty and
attendance. Students are encouraged to read this policy for further clarification of these issues:
http://algomau.ca/media/styleassets/pdf/disciplinary_regulations_on_academic_dishonesty.pdf
Participation Policy:
The general regulations of the University require punctual and regular attendance at the various
academic exercises; however, this course is being delivered online; hence, attendance is
observed by fulfilling the required deliverables. Participation shall be accomplished by reading the
modules and attempting the weekly quizzes as well as the group work. If there are extenuating
circumstances that prevents the student to attempt a quiz or submitting a deliverable, the
instructor should be notified.
Disability Accommodation:
If you are a student with a physical, learning, and/or psychological disability and plan to request
any academic accommodations for this class, you are required to bring in an authorization letter
from Disability Services listing the permitted accommodations. I will work with you to arrange your
accommodations from the point in time that you deliver and discuss such an authorization letter
with me. The Coordinator of Disability Services will keep your disability documentation
confidential. Contact information is as follows: Coordinator of Disability Services 705-949-2301
ext. 4221; [email protected]