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Introduction to Computer Science
72 topics across 7 chapters
Chapter 1
Course Introduction: objectives and how to succeed
1
Objectives of the course (what you should be able to do by the end)
1 subtopics
2
Activity: rewrite the course objectives in your own words (5–8 bullet points)
3
What Computer Science is (and how it differs from IT/IS)
1 subtopics
4
Activity: compare CS vs IT vs IS using 3 real job examples
5
How to study CS: practice, problem-solving, and resources
1 subtopics
6
Activity: create a 4-week study plan and a short resource list (books/sites/videos)
Chapter 2
Major sub-fields of Computer Science and where they appear in daily life
7
Algorithms and programming (the “recipe” view of computing)
1 subtopics
8
Activity: trace a simple algorithm in pseudocode for a daily task (e.g., making tea)
9
Data and databases (how apps store and query information)
1 subtopics
10
Activity: design a simple database table for contacts (fields, data types, example rows)
11
Computer systems: operating systems and computer architecture (big picture)
1 subtopics
12
Activity: draw a diagram showing how OS, CPU, RAM, and storage work together
13
Networks and the Internet (how devices communicate)
1 subtopics
14
Activity: describe (high-level) what happens when you type a URL and a page loads
15
AI and data science (patterns, predictions, recommendations)
1 subtopics
16
Activity: list 5 AI uses you encounter and identify inputs and outputs for each
17
Cybersecurity and privacy (protecting systems and data)
1 subtopics
18
Activity: create a personal security checklist (MFA, updates, backups, permissions)
19
Human-computer interaction (HCI) and user experience (UX)
1 subtopics
20
Activity: evaluate one app screen using 3 usability heuristics (clarity, feedback, consistency)
Chapter 3
Introduction to Computers: what a computer is, applications, and the basic model
21
What is a computer? (hardware + software + programmability)
1 subtopics
22
Activity: define computer, hardware, and software; give 2 examples of each
23
Applications of computers in common life (home, school, business, society)
1 subtopics
24
Activity: map 10 everyday computer applications to the CS field behind them
25
Types of computers (desktop, laptop, server, mobile, embedded, etc.)
1 subtopics
26
Activity: classify 12 devices into desktop/laptop/server/mobile/embedded categories
27
The basic computer model: Input → Process → Output (+ Storage)
1 subtopics
28
Activity: draw an Input-Process-Output-Storage diagram for an ATM or camera app
Chapter 4
Computer hardware essentials: inside the machine
29
CPU and processing (what executes instructions)
1 subtopics
30
Activity: interpret CPU specs (cores/threads/clock) for a simple buying scenario
31
Motherboard and buses (how components connect and communicate)
1 subtopics
32
Activity: label main motherboard parts on a diagram (CPU socket, RAM slots, storage, ports)
33
Power and cooling (keeping the system stable and safe)
1 subtopics
34
Activity: explain why cooling is needed and list common cooling methods
35
Expansion and interfaces (adding capabilities to a computer)
1 subtopics
36
Activity: identify what PCIe, SATA, and M.2 are used for (one example each)
Chapter 5
Memory and storage: RAM and beyond
37
RAM basics (working memory and volatility)
1 subtopics
38
Activity: observe RAM usage in a system monitor during multitasking and summarize what you see
39
Cache vs RAM vs storage (why speed differences matter)
1 subtopics
40
Activity: rank cache/RAM/SSD/HDD by speed and cost (qualitative ranking + 2 sentences why)
41
Secondary storage (HDD, SSD, flash) and what they’re used for
1 subtopics
42
Activity: compare HDD vs SSD and choose the best option for 3 scenarios
43
Memory/storage measurement (bits/bytes) and performance (bandwidth/latency)
1 subtopics
44
Activity: convert between KB/MB/GB/TB and explain bandwidth vs latency with one example
45
Virtual memory (when RAM is not enough)
1 subtopics
46
Activity: explain swapping/paging and list 3 symptoms of low RAM on a computer
Chapter 6
Input/Output devices: how computers interact with the world
47
Input devices (keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, sensors, etc.)
1 subtopics
48
Activity: categorize input devices and sensors (keyboard, mic, GPS, camera, accelerometer, etc.)
49
Output devices (display, speakers, printer, etc.)
1 subtopics
50
Activity: categorize output devices (display, printer, speakers) and what kind of output they produce
51
Ports and connectors (USB, HDMI, audio, network ports, etc.)
1 subtopics
52
Activity: match common ports (USB, HDMI, audio, Ethernet) to typical uses and cables
53
Drivers and device communication (how the OS controls hardware)
1 subtopics
54
Activity: explain what a device driver does and why driver/OS updates can matter
Chapter 7
Software basics and next steps (OS, apps, programming preview)
55
Operating system basics (managing processes, memory, files, devices)
1 subtopics
56
Activity: list core OS responsibilities (processes, memory, files, devices, security) in 5 bullets
57
Application software (programs you use every day)
1 subtopics
58
Activity: sort 12 examples into system software vs application software
59
Files and folders (basic digital organization)
1 subtopics
60
Activity: design a folder structure + naming scheme for a school project and apply it
61
Programming preview (variables, decisions, loops, and debugging mindset)
1 subtopics
62
Activity: write a tiny program (any language) using a variable and a loop (plus one test case)
63
Responsible computing (ethics, privacy, safety, and digital well-being)
1 subtopics
64
Activity: write 5 rules you’ll follow for privacy/ethics (passwords, sharing, consent, citations)

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