Note(s): This course is available as General Education and can therefore not be taken by students enrolled in an Engineering program.

World wide web (WWW) dependent activities have become an essential part of our existence and yet many of us do not know much about how they work. In the first part of this course, we introduce the abstract features of the internet and the software that makes it so powerful. Knowledge about the architecture of the internet, world wide web, browsers, search engines, e-commerce, security, etc. will be helpful in using the internet more effectively as well as becoming aware of the several pitfalls associated with this modern technology.

Spreadsheets and databases are two of the most commonly used and powerful computer tools yet they are often poorly utilised and the reasons for using one rather than the other are poorly understood. Many people purchase Microsoft Office which comes bundled with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access - a spreadsheet and a database application - yet while many people have some familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access is rarely utilised. This course aims to explain in straightforward terms the concepts underlying both of these powerful pieces of software so that students can exploit them effectively for both their studies and future careers. We will investigate how to design and implement effective spreadsheet and database applications. Students should also be able to transfer these skills to other similar spreadsheet and database packages.

Lab access will be provided, however students will be expected to have personal copies of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access on their own computers.