Data, computing and information
On this page
|
|
|
|
|
| 5 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | 1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA) |
| No examination | No residential school |
Register for the course
This course is available for study in the countries shown. Fees may vary by country.
Summary
We shop, bank, work, play, learn, and communicate using computers. But how they actually work remains a closed book to most of us. Yet computers are not something mysterious – they are simply tools that allow us to solve problems, express ourselves and increase our understanding of the world. They also enable us to change it – for better or worse – so it’s vital that we understand them. This course explains the mechanisms used by computers to accomplish different tasks, how they are embedded into hardware and software, and teaches you how to write simple programs.
Course content
Thirty years ago, it was almost unimaginable that many of us would use a personal computer. Instead, computers were associated with solving scientific and engineering problems and maintaining records for large organisations. Today, computers surround us, not only in the spaces on our desks and laps, but also in an increasingly diverse range of appliances including phones, games and cars. Furthermore, these computers can communicate with each other.
The major theme of M150 is the transformation of data into information using computers.
You will learn how:
- external stimuli are captured as data, then reproduced or transformed using a computer
- such a transformation is achieved by choosing a suitable code for representing each of these things and assigning meanings to that code
- data is organised so that it can be displayed in various ways, as text, sound or computer graphics
- one form of data can be transformed into another, so that a computer can process it and we can understand it
- data stored at one location can be accessed elsewhere, and the consequences of such freedom of information
- computer programs are designed and how they work.
You will also learn to write simple programs. This will provide you with the basic knowledge required for further study of computing if you wish to continue with the subject. If your interests lie elsewhere, you will find that what you learn will enable you to use a computer to produce better information (whether it be a website, a document, a piece of music, or a picture) and to combine different types of information successfully.
Some of the topics you will study include:
- the idea of representation
- how real-world data are related to the data that are stored in the computer
- how data are stored in a computer
- how the hardware and software of a computer system processes data
- what software is and how to program a modern computer
- the boundary between the computer and the user
- computers and non-visual information
- surveillance, privacy and security
- legal, political and ethical issues surrounding the use of computers.
The course is directly relevant to the user of a home computer. It’s not just for those who wish to gain more technical knowledge or study computing: you’ll able to make full use of the creative possibilities of your computer (and other equipment such as a digital camera). But it is also a course that we hope is interesting in its own right: a course that explains a modern technical revolution in terms of everyday concepts that you are already familiar with, such as language, drawings, and sound.
Entry
Level 1 courses provide core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you to progress to courses at Level 2. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the course, please contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
If you would like more information about this course please visit the M150 website which contains an overview of the course, a description of the course units and a sample study calendar. You can also check that you have the necessary pre-requisite skills for the course.
Preparatory work
You should be familiar with using a word processor, installing software from CD-ROM and accessing the internet.
Qualifications
M150 is a compulsory course in our
- BSc (Honours) Computing (B29)
- BSc (Honours) Computing and Systems Practice (B33)
- BA/BSc (Honours) Computing and Statistics (B34)
- BSc (Honours) Computing with Business (B35)
- BSc (Honours) Information and Communication Technologies (B38)
- Certificate in Information Technology and Computing (C47)
- Certificate in Computing and Mathematics (C50)
- Foundation Degree in Computing and its Practice (G06)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Computing and its Practice (E41)
- BSc (Honours) Computing and Design (B44)
- BSc (Honours) Computing with Psychological Studies (B49)
M150 is an optional course in our
- BA (Hons) Leadership and Management (B54)
- BSc (Honours) Information Technology and Computing (B13)
- BA/BSc (Honours) Computing and Mathematical Sciences (B14)
- Foundation Degree in Information and Communication Technologies (G04)
- Diploma of Higher Education in ICT (E39)
- Certificate in Business Studies (C63)
- BA (Honours) Business Studies (B04)
- Foundation Degree in Business (G07)
- Foundation Degree in Leadership and Management (G08)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Business (E42)
- Diploma of Higher Education in Leadership and Management (E43)
It can also count towards most of our other degrees at bachelors level, where it is equally appropriate to a BA or BSc. We advise you to refer to the relevant qualification descriptions for information on the circumstances in which this course can count towards these qualifications because from time to time the structure and requirements may change.
If you have a disability or additional requirement
Parts of this course are delivered online and through a CD-ROM so you will need to spend considerable amounts of time using a personal computer. If you use specialist hardware or software to assist you in operating a computer or accessing the internet and have any concerns about accessing the types of course materials outlined you are advised to talk to our Student Registration & Enquiry Service about support which can be given to meet your needs.
The course materials are available in comb-bound format and on audio in DAISY Digital Talking Book format. The course materials are available in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Some PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader and scientific, mathematical, foreign language, musical or graphic materials may be particularly difficult to read in this way. Our Services for disabled students website has the latest information about availability.
If you are a new student, or new to courses using a computer or the internet, you will need to inform us of your particular needs as soon as possible, as some of our support services may take several weeks to arrange. Details of how to do this and our range of support services are described in our booklet Meeting Your Needs which you can download or request from our Student Registration & Enquiry Service.
You can also find information about accessible course materials, financial support and the Disabled Students' Allowance, equipment and other services, on our Services for disabled students website. It also includes our contact details for advice and support both before you register and while you are studying.
Course materials
What's included
Printed materials, CD-ROMs, online forums, course website.
You will need
You require access to the internet at least once a week during the course to download course resources and assignments, submit assignments and to keep up to date with course news.
Computing requirements
This course includes online computer activities – you can access these using a web browser that can play Flash and Shockwave. Some of your course software will be provided on disk.
You will need internet access and a computer. If you have purchased a new Windows computer since 2002 it should meet your course computing requirements. Check our Technical Requirements section if your computer is older than this or is otherwise unusual. Please note that you can use an Apple Mac or Linux computer if you can run Windows using Boot Camp or similar.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the course material and mark and comment on your written work, and whom you can ask for advice and guidance. If you are new to The Open University, you will find that your tutor is particularly concerned to help you with your study methods. We may also be able to offer group tutorials or day schools that you are encouraged, but not obliged, to attend. Where your tutorials are held will depend on the distribution of students taking the course. Contact our Student Registration & Enquiry Service if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this course can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Assessment is an essential part of the teaching, so you are expected to complete it all. You will be given more detailed information when you begin the course.
Professional recognition
This course may help you to gain recognition from a professional body. You can download our Recognition leaflet 3.3 Professional Engineering Institutions or Recognition leaflet 3.7 Computing or ask our Student Registration & Enquiry Service for a copy.
Students also studied
Students who studied this course also studied at some time:
Future availability
The details given here are for the course that starts in October 2009 and February 2010. We expect it to be available twice a year.
How to register
To register a place on this course return to the top of the page and use the Click to register button. For more information and advice about registration see OU Study Explained.
About this page
An undergraduate course in Business and Management, Computing and ICT and Engineering and Technology.
Study explained
- Course
- - a module of study that can count towards a qualification.
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Level
- - indicates how difficult a course is. Undergraduate study starts at Level 1.
- Financial support
- - find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
- Study explained
- - all you need to know about studying with the OU.
Student Reviews
This is a very interesting course but it does require a lot of effort in order to pass the assignments ...
Read more
Quite elementary. However a great opportunity to learn javascript if you don't know it already and to write some technical ...
Read more
Course satisfaction survey
See the satisfaction survey results for this course.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
Browse the prospectus
Request a print prospectus
Share
This PageThe University wishes to emphasise that, while every effort is made to regularly update this site, the material on it is subject to alteration or amendment in the light of changes in regulations or in policy or of financial or other necessity.