Course Title: Introduction to Computer Systems

Course Code: GS 103
Credit Value: 3 Credits

Contact Hours

• Lectures: 2 hours/week

• Practical Labs / Tutorials: 2 hours/week

Duration: 15 Weeks (One Semester)
Prerequisite: Basic computer literacy

1. COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides a structured introduction to computer systems, covering fundamental concepts in hardware, software, data, and system operations.

Students develop a conceptual and practical understanding of how computer systems function, how system components interact, and how computing systems are applied to solve real-world problems.

The course serves as a foundational entry point into computing disciplines, supporting progression into programming, computer organization, operating systems, networks, and software engineering.

2. COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the core components of computer systems and their functions

2. Explain how hardware, software, and data interact within a system

3. Describe basic principles of data representation and processing

4. Identify major categories of computer systems and applications

5. Use fundamental operating system tools for file and system management

6. Develop basic computational thinking and problem decomposition skills

3. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe key computer hardware components and their roles

• Explain the functions of operating systems and application software

• Perform basic system operations including file management and navigation

• Understand how data is represented in digital form

• Apply foundational computational thinking to simple problem scenarios

• Relate basic system concepts to advanced computing disciplines