James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2002

SS1103:03

Computing Skills for the Social and Behavioural Sciences

Townsville, Cairns

HECS Band 1

13 hours lectures, 36 hours practicals. Semester 2.

Staff: Ms J Lukins, Ms M Brown (Townsville campus); Ms B Guy, Mr C Lemmon (Cairns campus).

This subject is designed to provide students in the social and behavioural sciences with the basic skills to use computers effectively at home, at work and in their studies and provide an introduction to organising, analysing, describing and presenting the kinds of data encountered in the social and behavioural sciences. No prior knowledge of computers is assumed and technical jargon will be avoided or clearly explained. This subject will assist students to effectively use computers as an everyday tool to enhance their productivity. It is not intended to train computer professionals. Students will be introduced to elementary descriptive statistics.

Learning Objectives:

  1. develop core competencies in the practical, everyday use of computers to communicate; store, organise and access information; prepare documents; make illustrated presentations; perform calculations and analyse data;
  2. become familiar with the use and calculation of descriptive statistics;
  3. gain experience in preparing research reports.

Assessment by on-course assessment (30%); statistics quiz (30%); computer competency test (20%); literature search (20%).