Course Description
This course gives students a brief introduction to information technology concepts before concentrating on essential Excel topics used in the business world. Information technology concepts covered include searching the Internet efficiently, managing files/folders, and computer security and backup. Excel topics include the basic fundamentals to advanced functionality, such as what-if analysis and macros. Word processing, database, and presentation software will be used as tools for presenting finished projects and assignments.
Note: Students who have received credit for CSIS 1110 or CSIS 1140 cannot receive additional credit for CSIS 1190.
Course Content
- Operating system concepts – finding files and organizing folders, using utilities such as backup and firewall
- Browser and search-engine concepts – efficient and advanced searching techniques
- Word processing and Presentation software concepts – basic features and functions to produce quality business reports, memos and presentations
- Excel concepts
- basic: worksheet environment, navigation, formatting, entering data/formulas, editing
- intermediate: cell references, recalculating formulas, designing templates, "what if" analysis, charts and graphs
- advanced: financial functions, specialized functions, table lookup, pivot tables and pivot charts, multisheet workbooks, importing from other sources, data forms, dashboards and templates, macros
- application: creating a complete, working project that could be deployed and implemented in a business environment
Learning Activities
Lecture, seminar, demonstration, and hands-on exercises.
Means of Assessment
Evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.
| Assignments/Labs (min 3) |
10-30% |
| Term Tests (min 3) |
30-45% |
| Final Examination* |
30-40% |
| Total |
100% |
* Practical hands-on computer exam
In order to pass the course, students must, in addition to receiving an overall course grade of 50%, also achieve a grade of at least 50% on the combined weighted examination components (including quizzes, tests, exams).
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, the successful student will be able to:
- Use operating system software to manage files/folders, perform computer backups and ensure the computer environment is secure;
- Use client browser software and search engines to efficiently search for resources on the Internet;
- Use Word Processing software to produce business standard reports that include a Title Page, Table of Content, various body options and Work Citations;
- Use Presentation software to produce business standard presentations;
- Describe the main features and functions of Excel;
- Use computers as a tool to solve Excel business problems, i.e. analyze a problem, develop the appropriate Excel application, and test the Excel solution;
- Use built-in functions in Excel;
- Produce charts and graphs in Excel;
- Demonstrate the correct usage of forecasting and what-if analysis in Excel;
- Use advanced Excel features such as Pivot tables and charts; multiple spreadsheet development and macros.
Textbook Materials
Poatsy, Mulbery, Davidson & Grauer, Exploring Microsoft Excel 2016 Comprehensive, latest edition, Pearson Educational
or other textbooks as approved by the department