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UNIVERSITY OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES, ACCRA

COURSE STRUCTURE AND OUTLINE (SYLABUS)

DEPARTMENT:
A. COURSE DETAILS

COURSE CODE BGEC 107 CREDIT HOURS 3 LEVEL 100

COURSE TITLE Introduction to Information Technology

ACADEMIC YEAR 2024/2025 SEMESTER FIRST

PROGRAMME[S] All undergraduate programmes

COURSE URL: http//:

B. COURSE INSTRUCTORS’ DETAILS

NAMES 1. Dr Isaac Asampana (Lead),
2. Dr. Selasie Ocansey
3. Dr. Augustina D. Agor
4. Dr. Ben Ocra
5. Mrs. Dorcas Boateng
6. Dr. Joshua Ofoeda
7. Emmanuel Atebawone
8. Dorcas Boateng
9. Daniel Kwame Acquah
10. David Aboagye-Darko
11. Achaempong Dwamena
12. Asare Justice William
OFFICE LOCATION REV. J.J. MARTEY BLOCK, FIRST FLOOR, ROOM 6, TAXATION
(Lead) WING
TELEPHONES 1. 0244133893-Asampana,
2. 0209286540- Okronipa
3. 0208296863-Emmanuel
4. 0544164544 – David
EMAILS 1. [email protected],
2. [email protected]
3. [email protected]
4. [email protected]
 CONTACT HOURS

A. COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces students to fundamental concepts in information technology, the Internet, and
basic programming using Python. Students will gain hands-on experience with Microsoft Word,
Excel, and Access before transitioning to programming concepts. The course covers introductory
Python programming, control structures, data structures, functions, and file handling. By the end of
the course, students will be able to use IT tools efficiently and write basic Python programs to solve
real-world problems.

B. COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

• Understand the basics of information technology and its applications.

• Navigate the Internet and utilize web-based resources effectively.
• Use Microsoft Word and Excel to create and manage documents and spreadsheets.
• Develop fundamental programming skills using Python.
• Implement control structures and loops in Python programs.
• Utilize data structures such as lists, tuples, and dictionaries in Python.
• Write and debug Python functions and handle errors effectively.
• Perform file operations in Python for data storage and retrieval.

C. COURSE OUTLINE IN A WEEKLY FORMAT

The course outline shall be prepared in weekly format describing the modules to be thought in each week.

Week/Class Topics/Lectures Homework/Programs

-Date /Exercises

WEEK 1 Introduction to Information Technology & The Internet

• Definition and scope of IT

• Hardware and software components

• Introduction to the Internet and the Web
• Web browsers, search engines, and online security
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WEEK 2 Microsoft Word

• Creating and formatting documents

• Using styles, themes, and templates

• Inserting tables, images, and charts
• Reviewing and collaborating on documents

WEEK 3 - 4 MS Excel
• Creating and managing worksheets and workbooks

• Formatting cells and applying formulas

• Using functions for calculations (SUM, AVERAGE, IF,
VLOOKUP, etc.)
• Data visualization with charts and graphs
• Introduction to pivot tables and basic data analysis
WEEK 5 MS Access
• Learn basic database concepts and terms
• Explore the Microsoft Access window and Backstage view
• Create a blank database
• Create and save a table in Datasheet view
• Enter field names and records in a table datasheet

WEEK 6 Introduction to Python Programming

• Overview of Programming & Python

• What is programming?
• Why Python?
• Installing Python and setting up an IDE (Sublime Text, VS
Code, PyCharm, or Jupyter Notebook)
• Variables and data types (integers, floats, strings, booleans)
• Basic input/output (print(), input())
• Comments and code readability
• Hands-on Exercise: Writing a simple Python program
WEEK 7 Control Flow – Conditions

• Conditional Statements: if, elif, and else

• Comparison operators
• Logical operators
• Hands-on Exercise: Create a number guessing game
WEEK 8 Control Flow – Loops
• For loops
• While loops
• Nested loops
• Loop control statements:
o break, o continue,
o pass
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WEEK 9 Mid-Semester Examinations

WEEK 10 Data Structures – Lists, Tuples, and Dictionaries

• Lists
• Tuples
• Dictionaries
• Hands-on Exercise: Build a simple contact book using
dictionaries

WEEK 11 Functions & Error Handling

• Functions
• Defining and calling functions
• Function arguments and return values
• Scope and lifetime of variables
• Error Handling
• Understanding exceptions: o try-except blocks
• Hands-on Exercise: Write a calculator function with error
handling

WEEK 12 File Handling

• Working with Files
• Reading files
• writing files
• Handling exceptions in file operations
• Final Project: Students work on a mini-project, such as: o
A simple to-do list app o A quiz game o A basic expense
tracker
• Career Pathways in Python: o Data Science/Analytics,
Web Development, Automation, etc.

Week 13
Revision
•

Although substantially complete, this schedule is tentative and will be modified as necessary through
the course of the semester.
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Class Preparation:
Each student is responsible for carefully and thoroughly reading all assigned material before the next
class in preparation for thoughtful participation in each class. The majority of the readings will be
from the assigned textbook. Additional readings may be assigned and class handouts may be
distributed to supplement textbook assignments. Readings are noted in the schedule. Students are
encouraged to answer the review questions at the end of each chapter as preparation for discussion
and for examination.

Attendance and Class Participation:

Attendance in a class such as this is requisite for success. Students should have assignments and
readings completed prior to class. If classes must be missed, students should inform the
instructor, arrange with classmates for notes, and take responsibility for assignments missed.
Active involvement in discussion is an integral part of this course. The time in class is available for
interaction with the instructor, guest speakers, and other students to explore the fundamental
concepts and issues raised by the readings and the student’s knowledge and experience.

D. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

At end of the course students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of core IT concepts and the Internet.

2. Effectively use Microsoft Word and Excel for document and spreadsheet management.
3. Write, execute, and debug basic Python programs.
4. Implement decision-making and control flow structures in Python.
5. Utilize Python data structures to store and manipulate data efficiently.
6. Apply functions and exception handling to enhance program reliability.
7. Perform file operations to read and write data using Python.

E. COURSE ASSIGNMENT
1. students will do two presentations on topics to be given in the third week
2. Assessment Exams will be conducted randomly (5)
3. Students will submit three (3) take home assignments during the semester

F. COURSE ASSESSMENT
1. Interim Assessment Exams will constitute 30% of course work
2. Take home assignment will constitute 5% of course work
3. Attendance will be 5%
4. End of Semester Exams will be 60% and Course Work (Interim Assessment) will be 40%

G. READING LISTS/REFERENCES
✓ Williams B. K. & Sawyer S. C. (2015). Using Information Technology: A Practical
th
Introduction to Computers & Communications. (11 Edition). McGraw-Hill Education, 2
Penn Plaza, New York.
✓ Microsoft Office 365 Guide
✓ Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes
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H. SUPPLEMENTARY READING LIST

1. Shelly, C. (2012) Discovering Computers: Introductory edition, Course Technology.
2. Bucki, L. A., Walkenbach, J., Wempen, F., Alexander, M., & Kusleika, D. (2013) Microsoft
Office 2013 Bible: A comprehensive tutorial resource. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
th
3. Cashman, S., Freund, S. M., & Vermaat, M. E. (2011) Introduction to Computers. (8 edition).
Cengage Learning.
4. Stair, R. M. & Baldauf, K. (2011) Succeeding with Technology (4rd edition). Cengage Learning.
st
5. McFedries, P. (2015) Windows 10 Simplified: Step-by-step instructions for easy learning (1
edition). Visual.
st
6. Cox, J., & Lambert, J. (2013) Microsoft Word 2013. (1 edition). Microsoft Press.

I. COURSE INSTRUCTIONS
Course is intended to be as practical as possible, and will foster team work.

J. GENERAL INFORMATION
The class is designed to encourage the student to learn how to think, work well as a team, and get as
much practice as possible