Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives The student is expected to acquire a basic understanding of the use of computers, their capabilities and limitations, basic terminology, problem-solving methodology and operating systems as well as skills in Pascal programming, algorithm development, software fault analysis and correction and the use of spreadsheets. The student should appreciate the need for critical assessment of computer output and the impact of approximations made by digital computers.
Synopsis Problem-solving techniques with computers emphasising the use of the Pascal programming language and the Excel spreadsheet in a structured way to design simple applications to perform well-defined engineering-related tasks, taking into account memory, speed and complexity limitations when selecting an algorithm. No previous computing experience is assumed.
Assessment Examination (2 hours) and computer-based tests on Pascal: 92% + Excel assignment: 8%