Tribhuvan University (TU) BCA Syllabus
Course Title: Computer Fundamentals and Applications
- Course Code: CACS101
- Year/Semester: I/I
- Credit Hours: 4 Cr.
- Class Load: 8 Hrs./Week (Theory: 4 Hrs., Practical: 4 Hrs.)
Course Description
This course provides fundamental knowledge of computers and computing, including:
- Introduction to computer systems
- Computer software and database management systems
- Operating systems
- Data communication and computer networks
- Contemporary computing technologies
Additionally, the course helps students develop practical skills in using application packages such as word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software, and photo editing tools.
Course Objectives
The objectives of this course are:
- To provide fundamental concepts of information and communication technology (ICT)
- To enable students to use different application packages in their personal and professional lives
Course Contents
Unit 1: Introduction to Computer System (16 Hrs.)
- Introduction to Computer
- Characteristics of Computer
- Applications of Computer
- Classification of Computer
- Mobile Computing
- Anatomy of a Digital Computer
- Computer Architecture
- Memory & Its Classification
- Input Devices
- Output Devices
- Interfaces
Unit 2: Computer Software (3 Hrs.)
- Introduction to Software
- Types of Software
- Program vs. Software
- Computer Virus and Antivirus
Unit 3: Operating System (4 Hrs.)
- Introduction to Operating System
- Functions of Operating System
- Types of Operating System
- Open-Source Operating System
Unit 4: Database Management System (4 Hrs.)
- Introduction to DBMS
- Database Models
- SQL Basics
- Database Design and Data Security
- Data Warehousing and Data Mining
- Role of a Database Administrator
Unit 5: Data Communication and Computer Network (10 Hrs.)
- Introduction to Communication Systems
- Modes of Communication
- Introduction to Computer Networks
- Types of Computer Networks
- LAN Topologies
- Transmission Media
- Network Devices
- OSI Reference Model
- Communication Protocols
- Centralized vs. Distributed Systems
Unit 6: Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) (6 Hrs.)
Internet
- Introduction and Applications
- Connecting to the Internet
- Client/Server Technology
- Email, Video Conferencing
- Internet Service Providers (ISP)
- Domain Name System (DNS)
- Internet Addressing & Protocols (IP, TCP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, POP, Telnet, Gopher, WAIS)
- Introduction to Intranet, Extranet, and their Advantages
World Wide Web (WWW)
- Evolution and Architecture of the Web
- Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
- Web Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Opera
- Search Engines
- Web Servers: Apache, Proxy Server
- HTTP and FTP Protocols
Unit 7: Contemporary Technologies (13 Hrs.)
- Multimedia
- e-Commerce, e-Learning, e-Governance, e-Banking
- Hypermedia
- Geographical Information System (GIS)
- Virtual Reality & Augmented Reality
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
- Ambient Intelligence
- Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin)
Laboratory Works
Practical sessions cover all theoretical topics, including a project work where students apply concepts and skills learned in this course.
Unit 1: Operating System (10 Hrs.)
GUI-Based OS (5 Hrs.)
- Windows Interface and Features
- Taskbar and Menu Navigation
- Using File Explorer for File Management
- Windows Accessories: Notepad, Paint, Calculator, etc.
- Windows Installation and Settings
CUI-Based OS (5 Hrs.)
- Introduction to DOS
- DOS Internal and External Commands
Unit 2: Word Processor (12 Hrs.)
- Creating, Formatting, and Editing Documents
- Working with Tables, Pictures, Clip Art, Hyperlinks
- Header, Footer, Page Numbering
- Page Layout, Columns, and Margins
- Mail Merge
- Spelling and Grammar Checking
- Macros and Advanced Document Editing
Unit 3: Spreadsheet Package (12 Hrs.)
- Creating and Managing Workbooks
- Cell Referencing (Relative, Absolute, Mixed)
- Data Formatting and Conditional Formatting
- Formulas and Essential Functions
- Pivot Tables and Charts
- Data Validation and Consolidation
- What-If Analysis (Data Table, Goal Seek, Scenario Manager)
- Macros in Spreadsheets
Unit 4: Presentation Package (6 Hrs.)
- Creating and Managing Presentations
- Slide Layout and Formatting
- Graphs and Charts
- Adding Multimedia (Images, Sounds, Videos)
- Slide Transitions and Animations
- Slide Show Timings and Printing Handouts
Unit 5: Photo Editing Package (20 Hrs.)
Fundamentals
- Bitmap vs. Vector Graphics
- Color Depth and Image Resolution
- Graphic File Formats
Photoshop Basics
- Interface, Tools, and Options
- Image Editing, Cropping, and Resizing
- Color Adjustments and Effects
- Working with Layers and Masks
Text Editing and Special Effects
- Text Formatting and Typography
- Applying Filters and Effects
- Creating Animations and GIFs
Teaching Methods
The teaching approach includes:
- Lectures
- Group Discussions
- Case Studies
- Guest Lectures
- Project Work and Assignments
- Practical Sessions
- Written and Verbal Examinations
Evaluation
The evaluation system includes:
- Theory Exam (60%)
- Practical Exam (20%)
- Assignments and Project Work (20%)
Textbooks
- Alexis Leon, Mathews Leon – Fundamentals of Information Technology, 2nd Edition, Vikas Publishing, 2009.
- E. Balagurusamy – Fundamentals of Computers, Tata McGraw Hill, 2009.
- Peter Norton – Introduction to Computers, 7th Edition, Tata McGraw-Hill, 2010.
Reference Books
- Brad Dayley & DaNae Dayley – Adobe Photoshop CS6 Bible, Wiley Publishing, 2012.
- Faith Wempen – Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 Bible, Wiley Publishing, 2007.
- Herb Tyson – Microsoft Office Word 2007 Bible, Wiley Publishing, 2007.
- Jim Boyce – Windows 7 Bible, Wiley Publishing, 2009.
- John Walkenbach – Microsoft Office Excel 2007 Bible, Wiley Publishing, 2007.
- Pradeep Sinha & Priti Sinha – Computer Fundamentals, 6th Edition, BPB Publications, 2003.
- Ramesh Rimal et al. – Computer Science-4 (Revised Edition), Buddha Academic Publishers, Nepal, 2013.