1. Introduction
The Information Technology and Computing (ITC) program and ITC with Business track are offered by the Faculty of Computer Studies at the Arab Open University. Each student of the faculty of computer studies should read this section at the beginning of his learning process at the university. Students can use this reference to be checked every time they have particular enquiries about the information technology and computing program and IT with Business track. The student is invited to review the Faculty of Computer Studies Student Handbook.
The degree conferred upon the student is a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and Computing or B.Sc. in ITC.
2. Objectives of the Information Technology Department
(1) Information Technology and Computing Program:
The Faculty of Computer Studies is one of the major faculties of the Arab Open University. One of its aims is to make significant contributions to the ways of utilizing various technical and technological resources in support of educational and learning methodologies, and contributing as well to a wider spread in the use of IT platforms in the public and private sectors of the Arab society. It hopes to achieve this, not only by offering a robust formal program of undergraduate study, but through the contributions of its faculty and staff to research and entrepreneurial activities.
The information technology and computing program has, a primary aim of enabling the students to develop their capacity to learn and to meet national, international and regional market needs in the field and to prepare them for further studies in the same.
In order to achieve and fulfill its mission, the aims and goals of the ITC program are to:
1. Provide the society with qualified and well-trained graduates who are lifelong learners in a continually developing technical field.
2. Develop and foster modern and innovative methods of learning delivery techniques suited for open education platforms.
3. Engage in research and scholarly activities in the various theoretical and applied aspects of Information Technology and Computing.
4. Develop personal capability for students and motivate different skills and maturity.
5. Allow a large community of higher education seekers to enroll in this program regardless of gender, color, ethnic or national origin, age, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, family circumstances or other personal handicaps.
6. Maintain the highest standards of academic requirements and quality assurance.
Information Technology and Computing 
PROGRAM PLAN
(2) ITC with Business Program:
Computing and Business are disciplines that have become closely intertwined through the world of work. The aim of the Computing with Business program is to equip you with the knowledge and skills you will need to take part in the management and execution of computer-related projects in a business setting. In particular, our aim is to give you:
1. a grasp of the key concepts of computing and of modern computer systems;
2. an acquaintance with all facets of the world of business: markets, organizations, processes, strategies, policies and decision making;
3. an understanding of the types of software systems that are now being constructed and used in business, such as internet systems, large-scale databases and human interfaces;
4. skills in the main tasks that are carried out as software is built and maintained, such as analysis, design, programming and evaluation;
5. key business skills of communication, presentation and team working;
6. The qualities that come with being a graduate in any discipline: specialist knowledge, intellectual self-confidence and independence, analytical ability and the lifelong learning skills needed to keep up with fast-changing technologies.
Information Technology and Computing with Business PROGRAM PLAN
3. Course Descriptions
A- General Courses
GR101- Independent Study Skills - 3 credit hours - Compulsary
This course aims at helping students develop a wide range of effective study techniques and strategies necessary to help them succeed in their university studies. It focuses on note-taking and making use of different study media, writing reports, using study resource materials and references and preparing for examinations.
TU170 - Learning On-line: Computing with Confidence - 3 credit hours - Compulsary
This is a 12-week course that provides an introduction to computing and the on-line world. Students learn about software applications such as word processing, databases and electronic mail. They take part in on-line discussions, search the web and author simple web pages using HTML. This course is taught entirely on-line. The total teaching and assessment material is published on the course web site, to which only registered students have access. Students work both individually and in groups with fellow students on collaborative projects, supported by a personal tutor.
AR111 - Arabic Communication Skills I - 3 credit hours - Compulsary
This course aims at consolidating the students' skills and competence in listening comprehension, reading comprehension and writing Arabic. It also aims at introducing the students to the basics of Arabic syntax and literary appreciation.
AR112 - Arabic Communication Skills II - 3 credit hours - Compulsary
This course builds on and extends the knowledge and skills developed in AR111 and introduces the students to different aspects of Arab culture as reflected in the writings of leading figures, both old and new. It also trains the students in research methodology and report writing.
EL111 - English Communication Skills I - 3 credit hours - Compulsary
This is a theme-based integrated skills course which aims to upgrade the student's proficiency level to the extent that he/she can communicate with ease and confidence and utilize English in pursuing his/her university education.
EL112 - English Communication Skills II - 3 credit hours - Compulsary
This course complements and builds upon English 111. It particularly seeks to develop the reading, writing, listening, and study skills which students need in order to meet the demands of distance learning university education.
DD121 - An Introduction to the Social Sciences (Part I) - 8 credit hours - Elective
This course is about people and how they act individually and collectively. It deals with three major topics: questioning identity, interaction between the worlds of the natural and the social, and the ordering of lives.
GR111 - Arab Islamic Civilization- 3 credit hours - Elective
This course introduces the Islamic culture, civilization and its history. It deals with the beginning of Islamic civilization and its development. How did the Islamic civilization grow with the time? What is importance of education in Islam? How does Islam stress on thinking and research? How does Islam encourage learning from nature and wandering on the land of Allah and looking into the nature. How does Islam encourage and support academic research and development in all fields of life? What is political system of Islam? What are the fundamental principles to run and manage a state in Islam? How is the concept of religion and religious life in Islam different from other thoughts? What are outstanding features of social life in an Islamic country and Muslim society? What are the economic philosophy and guidelines of Islam? How was Islamic art considered as the best in medieval period?
MU120 - Open Mathematics - 8 credit hours - Elective
This course helps students to incorporate mathematical thinking into their everyday life. It looks mathematically at matters of general interest including prices, earnings, health, music, art, maps, motion and rainbows. It develops the key skills of communication as well as students' own learning and performance. Students will cover statistical, graphical, algebraic and numerical concepts and techniques. In addition, they will be introduced to iteration and mathematical modeling, as well as being able to interpret slopes of graphs. Students will also learn how to use a graphing calculator. Formal calculus is not included.
Learning Outcomes for MU120A
Learning Outcomes for MU120B
T172 - Working with Our Environment: Technology for a Sustainable Future - 8 credit hours - Elective
This course is an introduction to environmental issues and the role of technology in today's fast paced computer world. It will suit the needs of students whether they intend to study technology or if they have a general interest in learning how to shape a sustainable future. It takes students progressively from environmental impacts of their lifestyle to the global issues of technological and economic development. They will also learn general skills such as basic numeracy, critical reading, report and essay writing. This course introduces more specific skills and knowledge required for higher-level environment or technology courses. The themes are: You and the Environment, Traveling Light, Food Chains, and Thinking Globally; supported by files on Energy, Resources, and Human and Ecosystem Health. The course also includes computer-based activities.
T173 - Engineering the Future - 8 credit hours - Elective
From design concepts to the manufacturing of products, this course examines the range of human activity that is 'engineering'. It introduces the context of how engineers operate, including issues such as risk assessment and patent law. It looks at current engineering practice and at some of the developments in engineering methods and applications that will shape the future. It offers a general introduction both for those who simply have an interest in what engineering is and how it is practiced in modern society, and for those who are considering engineering at higher level of study.
GR131 - General Branch Requirement - 3 credit hours - Elective
This course consists of major two parts. The first part deals with the brief history of establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Then it elaborates its legislative, administrative and judicial systems. Establishment of various governmental organizations along with their goals and functioning systems also has been included.
The Second part of the course deals with the educational systems of the Kingdom starting from the previous educational history. It focuses on the main features and goals of primary, secondary and higher educations in the Kingdom. Different educational methods have been included. The role of private sector and private organizations has been discussed. It also includes all related important features and characteristics of modern education.
DD122 - An Introduction to the Social Sciences - Understanding Social Change Part II - 8 credit hours - Elective
This course is about understanding more key debates, ideas and arguments about the contemporary social sciences, race and ethnicity, the city and globalization, the city and knowledge and communication. It also deals with the relationship between structure and
agency and focuses on uncertainty and diversity in the post-war and analyses the consequences of globalizing world on culture, economics and politics.
MST121 - Using Mathematics - 8 Credit Hours - Elective
It covers a broad introduction to the nature of mathematics and its uses in the modern world. This course shows how mathematics can be used to investigate and answer questions from science, technology and everyday life using a range of fundamental techniques, in particular, discrete mathematics (including matrices), calculus and statistics. Use of computer software (MathCAD) is an essential part of the course. The skills of communicating results and defining problems are also developed. This course will give students a complete foundation for higher-level mathematics and physics.
Learning Outcomes for MST121A
Learning Outcomes for MST121B
B - Major, Core Programme Courses
M150 - Data, computing and information - 8 credit hours
This course is administered at AOU over two semesters as two 4 credit hour courses: M150 Part A and M150 Part B with a cumulative grade at the end of M150 Part B.
The major theme of M150 is the transformation of data into information using computers. You will also learn to write simple programs. This will provide you with the basic knowledge required for further study of computing if you wish to continue with the subject. If your interests lie elsewhere, you will find that what you learn will enable you to use a computer to produce better information (whether it will be a website, a document, a piece of music, or a picture) and to combine different types of information successfully.
Learning Outcomes for M150A
Learning Outcomes for M150B
T175 - Networked living: exploring information and communication technologies – 8 credits hours
This course is administered at AOU over two semesters as two 4 credit hour courses: T175 Part A and T175 Part B with a cumulative grade at the end of T175 Part B.
This course will take you on a journey towards understanding information and communication technologies. You will study examples of ICT systems, learn about the concepts they are based on, and consider the contexts in which they are used. You will also develop the skills needed to learn effectively about ICT systems, both in this course and in your further studies. As you study the course, you will gain hands-on experience of ICT systems.
Learning Outcomes for T175A
Learning Outcomes for T175B
T209 - Information and Communication Technologies: People and Interactions - 16 credit hours
This course is administered at AOU over two semesters as two 8 credit hour courses: T209 Part A and T209 Part B with a cumulative grade at the end of T209 Part B.
This course develops and enhances key skills while providing students with the knowledge to understand current and future developments in information and communications technologies. The course comprises five independent modules. In Touch and Informed uses mobile telephony, personal digital assistants and the Internet to introduce the basic technology of computers and communications and the means to describe and model such systems. Talking with Computers identifies the central ideas of human technology interaction and, through a combination of software and design tools, enables students to construct speech recognition applications. Network Management provides an overview of how computer networks meet the needs of organizations, both through the deployment of networking components and through the associated management products such as SNMP. A simulation package enables students to design and model network configurations based on the CSMA/CD protocol. Cyborg explores some of the social dimensions and interpretations of our changing relationship with technology. A rich learning resource supports a group project in which students explore their own technologically mediated interactions. Security tackles the concerns posed by the explosive growth of communication systems and the associated issues of authentication, authorization, and repudiation. Simulation software enables students to explore various encryption algorithms, while the latest version of PGP supports experimentation with public/private key systems. The course includes three computer-marked assignments, four single-weighted tutor-marked assignments and one double-weighted group project tutor-marked assignment. An individual project undertaken during the final stages of the course provides the examinable component.
Learning Outcomes for T209A
Learning Outcomes for T209B
MT262 - Putting Computer Systems to Work - 8 credit hours
This course is administered at AOU over two semesters as two 4 credit hour courses: MT262 Part A and MT262 Part B with a cumulative grade at the end of MT262 Part B.
This course tackles the problem of how to get a computer to do something useful It sets out to analyze problems and design solutions in such a way that a computer can be used to carry out the solution. The course develops skills in analysis and design, in addition to practical programming in a widely used C++ language, using non-object and object-oriented approaches. It includes elementary work with Windows™ programming.
Learning Outcomes for MT262A
Learning Outcomes for MT262B
M255 - Object Oriented Programming with Java - 8 credit hours
This course teaches the fundamental ideas behind the object-oriented approach to programming; through the widely-used Java programming language. The course concentrates on those aspects of the Java language that best demonstrate object-oriented principles and good practice. M255 will give you a solid basis for further study of the Java language and object-oriented software development.
Before studying this course, you should be confident of your ability to use a Windows-based PC and have some experience of writing small programs, such as that gained through study of Block 2 of M150. You should also be able to write short explanations of technical ideas in your own words, and be able to communicate with others electronically.
Learning Outcomes for M255
M257 - Putting Java to work - 6 credit hours
This course teaches the industrial programming language Java. It provides a good grounding in many of the advanced facilities of this object-oriented language including inheritance, polymorphism, class libraries and the Java human-computer interface. The course concludes with two case studies which use the full power of the language. By completing this course you will be well-equipped to work on small-scale industrial software projects. All development will be carried out using the NetBeans development environment supplied by the OU. The course assumes basic programming skills, for example you must be familiar with the main control constructs of a modern programming language.
M253 - Team work in distributed environment - 3 credit hours
M253 gives you an understanding of the issues and processes involved in planning and carrying out a team-based, problem-solving project where team members are not co-located: a situation that is becoming more common in the electronic age. You will gain practical experience in team working on a case study, which will be developed through several phases. You will be able to develop: your skills in analysis, design and evaluation; your ability to reflect critically on the processes and outcomes involved; and your team-working skills. You will work remotely, communicating with your tutor and collaborating with other team members electronically.
Learning Outcomes for M253
M256 - Software development with Java - 8 credit hours
Discover the fundamentals of an object-oriented approach to software development. Starting from an analysis of requirements, you’ll be introduced to up-to-date analytical techniques and processes essential for specifying, designing and implementing a software system, including a graphical user interface. The small systems developed in the course are chosen to facilitate learning though the underlying concepts are widely used by professional software developers. Software models are created with UML and implemented with Java 5, using NetBeans. You need Java experience, preferably by prior study of M255 and M257, though it is possible to study M257 alongside M256.
M363 - Software engineering with objects - 8 credit hours
This course covers the design and construction of software systems. Constructing software systems to meet a set of sometimes diverse and even conflicting user requirements can be a daunting prospect! This course will provide you with the intellectual tools to make such tasks easier. Building on M257 Putting Java to work and M256 Software development with Java, you will examine the disciplined approach needed to satisfy all user requirements and expectations. Using CASE tools (such as a Java IDE and a modeling tool), you’ll study topics including analysis and design in UML and managing the OO software development process. You will also explore how software.
M359 - Relational data base theory and practice - 8 credit hours
This advanced computing course offers perspectives on relational databases. It introduces database management systems and the facilities required to store and access large collections of data in a shared user environment. This is followed by a theory of relations, underpinning topics such as data modeling and database architecture; the database language SQL; and the development of a practical database system. Also considered are issues surrounding the on-going development and application of relational database technologies, including the role of JAVA and XML. You should be familiar with computers, particularly program construction and using files and operating systems, as taught in our Level 2 computing courses.
T324 - Keeping Ahead in ICT - 8 credit hours
Keeping ahead in information and communication technologies (ICT) not only means keeping up to date with rapidly changing technologies. It also means successfully using these new technologies in complex systems in which people play a major part. Therefore this course addresses the two important questions: How do you keep up to date and how can you analyse ICT systems and take account of social factors? This course will equip you with the skills to tackle these questions, in the context of studying several contemporary ICT systems. By the end, you should be well-placed as an independent learner to 'keep ahead in ICT'.
T490 - Selected Topics in Computer Science - 3 credit hours
This advanced computing course offers perspectives on relational databases, based on the storage of data as tables. This course begins with an introduction to the use of the databases in information systems, with examples. This is followed by a theory of relations that are applied to the representation of models of data, and practical implementation in the database language SQL. The development of a database system is covered and finally, issues to do with a broader view of relational databases.
T471 – Telematics (Project) - 8 credit hours
This course is administered at AOU over two semesters as two 4 credit hour courses: T471 Part A and T471 Part B with a cumulative grade at the end of T471 Part B.
T471 is a project course that will give you skills and experience in completing an individual project. You will develop the project topic, carry it out and then write it up. A tutor will advise and guide you, but you will be expected to produce your work independently, without close supervision. You must also keep a project log and use it for an assessed critical review of your work. The emphasis is on you being a reflective practitioner, developing not only the technical aspects of your project but also reviewing and thinking about what you have learnt from doing the work to further improve your skills. There are guidance notes and a resources CD-ROM but no teaching material associated with the course.
Project work at this level is a challenge, but one which you should now be ready to tackle and enjoy. Doing a project offers you an opportunity to bring together knowledge and understanding you have gained from your study, and apply it to a related area.
The project is not a conventional Arab Open University course in that there is very little specific teaching material. Instead, there are resources that offer you an opportunity to develop and enhance your skills and experience in completing an individual project. Your tutor will act more as a mentor to whom you will be expected to bring ideas and suggestions. He or she may suggest possible avenues for exploration or approaches to think about, but you will have to make and be able to justify your own decisions about how you manage and develop your project. You must also keep a project log and make use of it to critically review your work.
Your first task will be to develop a proposal for an interesting project to work on and to set goals that are realistic within the constraints of your available time and resources. You will then plan and carry out the project, and write it up. You will need to monitor your own progress and adapt your plans accordingly as the project unfolds. Finally, you will be asked to look back over your work, evaluate how you tackled the project as a whole and identify what you have learned from your approach.
About 60 per cent of your study time should be spent on developing your project, and about 40 per cent on understanding how to plan, monitor and critically evaluate your work. Learning about how projects develop and being able to explain why your project has developed in the way it has are skills that are central to this course and its learning outcomes. The emphasis is on you becoming a reflective practitioner. That is, someone who is technically proficient but who is also able to step back from the details to think about how their project is progressing, what they have learned, and how their knowledge and skills might be further improved.
C - Business Track Courses
B120-An introduction to Business Studies - 8 Credit Hours
This course will introduce you to the different internal and external elements of a business and help you to understand the context in which a business operates. You will explore the common aims and characteristics of business and what makes them different. Business structures, cultures and functions are identified and the political, social, economic, technological and ethical considerations affecting business are introduced. The course consists of five study books: What is a business?; An introduction to human resources in business; An introduction to marketing in business; An introduction to accounting and finance in business; Other ways of looking at business, plus a Study Companion to guide you through the course.
B202 - Understanding Business Functions - 16 Credit Hours
This course is administered at AOU over two semesters as two 8 credit hour courses: B202 Part A and B202 Part B with a cumulative grade at the end of B202 Part B.
This course develops an understanding of how organizations work through the contributions of five key business functions - human resources, information, marketing, operations, accounting and finance - and how those are integrated. Working with a selection of textbooks, you will look at the key practices of the 'traditional' business functions and the contributions they make to organizations, individually and collectively. Case studies and specially written texts enable you to see the origins, rationale, limitations and strengths of business functions from the perspectives of various stakeholders. You will develop skills in finding and organizing information, preparing simple presentations, and using basic software packages and computer conferencing. The student will need a personal computer and access to the Internet.
Learning Outcomes for B202
B300 - Business Behavior in a Changing World - 16 credit hours
This course is administered at AOU over two semesters as two 8 credit hour courses: B300 Part A and B300 Part B with a cumulative grade at the end of B300 Part B.
This course develops an understanding & knowledge of strategic organizational issues & how organizations respond to change in their environments. In this course students learn how organizations make strategic decisions & develop their strategies. A range of policy & environmental concepts & cases that demonstrate the impact of the macro environment on organizations are studied. The boundary of the strategy is being explored in terms of relationships between strategy at the level of the firm , the industry, the nation ,the region & globally. The student acquires several skills: study, presentation, IT and numeracy.
Learning Outcomes for B300