Section 1: Introduction to Computer Science

In this section, the historical context of modern computing is introduced, and the key stages and developments identified. Significant individuals are briefly profiled, along with their most important contributions to modern computer science.

Section Objectives

After completing this section, you will be able to

1. Define “computer science.”
2. Define “algorithm.”
3. Describe the role of algorithms in computing and problem solving.
4. Describe the contributions of key figures in the history of computing.
5. Describe the key stages and milestones in the development of modern computers.

Required Reading

Chapter 1 in the textbook

Discussion Forum

Most sections of the COMP 200 Study Guide give an exercise or discussion question from the text as the topic for its Discussion Forum. The forum is an online conference, which you can join from the link on your course homepage. A percentage of your course grade for COMP 200 is based upon your participation (10%). To obtain participation marks, you must respond to EACH Discussion Forum for the related topics in the units of the course (there are 9 discussion forums). You may wish to look at all the topics in every section of a unit before choosing a topic for that unit’s post.

The Discussion Forum topic for Unit One, Section 1 is Challenge Work 2, on page 41 of the text.