Introduction to computing and information technology 2
This module builds on Introduction to computing and information technology 1 (TM111) and prepares you for further study of computing and IT modules. You’ll learn about various information technologies – including basic computer architecture, the cloud and mobile computing – while training your numerical skills. You’ll develop problem-solving skills as you get familiar with the Python programming language, analyse real-world data and conduct a programming project. Throughout, you’ll practise your communication and analytical skills as you explore the profound legal, social, ethical and security challenges that information technologies pose.
Modules count towards OU qualifications
OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.
Module
- Module code
- TM112
- Credits
- 30
- Study level
| OU | SCQF | FHEQ |
| 1 | 7 | 4 |
What you will study
This module consists of three themes:
- Essential information technologies
- Problem solving with Python
- Information technologies in the wild
Theme 1: Essential information technologies
You’ll learn, among other things, about:
- how computers store and process data – and why they use binary
- the hardware components of your computer
- different types of cloud
- the parts of a mobile device, from sensors to batteries
- how to use latitude and longitude to look up locations on online maps
- what happens under the bonnet when you delete a file on your computer.
You’ll also develop your numeracy skills – from using scientific notation and percentages to calculating with binary representations.
Theme 2: Problem solving with Python
You will:
- learn to use the Python programming language
- analyse, with Python, health and well-being data from the Office for National Statistics
- complete a small programming project.
You’ll also be introduced to a range of problem solving strategies, which you’ll practise as part of your project.
Theme 3: Information technologies in the wild
You’ll study:
- how hackers pose a threat beyond the digital world
- how you can secure your data
- how the Internet is enabling crime, surveillance, and digital freedom.
You’ll also develop your analytical and communication skills – including collecting and using evidence to argue a point.
Each theme consists of parts – you’ll study one part per week. The themes are interleaved throughout the module. So, you may study a part on ‘Essential information technologies’ in one week and another part on, say, ‘Problem solving with Python’ in the next week and then another part on ‘Essential information technologies’ the following week. This allows you to revisit and strengthen your understanding of the concepts and skills of each theme over the course of the module. Problem solving and programming skills especially can’t be learned in a few weeks; they require continued practice throughout the module.
Vocational relevance
This module has particular vocational relevance for those wishing to develop a career in the computing and IT industry – providing many opportunities to demonstrate relevant technical knowledge and practical IT skills.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
- marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
- providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
- guiding you to additional learning resources
- facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
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Course work includes:
- 3 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
- No examination
Future availability
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112) starts twice a year – in April and October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2025 and April 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2028.
Entry requirements
You’ll need to have knowledge of digital technologies and networking; and skills in programming, algorithmic thinking, digital information literacy and communication. Providing you have the appropriate background knowledge, you should expect to spend, for the duration of the module (21 weeks), about 10 hours each week working on the module and its assessment and a further 4 hours each week on self-directed study.
You’ll be prepared if you’ve passed Introduction to computing and technology 1 (TM111), normally as part of one of our computing and IT qualifications. If you’ve not received your result for TM111, review your scores on TMA01 and TMA02 as soon as they’re available; we recommend proceeding with TM112 only if you’ve scored 40% or more on each.
Are you ready for TM112? is an interactive quiz to help you decide whether you already have the recommended background knowledge or experience to start the module.
If you’re not sure you’re ready, talk to an adviser.
What's included
Each theme is supported by a printed book. Your study will be guided from the module website, which includes your study calendar, software resources, interactive online activities, practice quizzes and media clips. You’ll communicate and work online with other students through online forums.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this outlines what studying TM112 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
Accessibility statement for Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112)
Mode of study
Most of this module’s study materials are in print form. Some of the study materials are online. These are composed of pages of text with images and audio or video clips. Audio and video clips have captions and transcripts. The module also has online interactive quizzes, which should be accessible in the majority of cases. Online materials also include links to external resources, online forums and online tutorial rooms.
If you’re using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
Tuition strategy
This module has online tutorials. Although not compulsory, tutorials will help you consolidate your learning.
Practical work
One of the key and compulsory themes of the module is learning to program in the Python language, which is text based. Although the development environment introduced in the module is not accessible, its use is not essential and you are free to use any other software. In particular, it is fairly straightforward to program in Python using a simple text editor, which should be fully accessible. Output from some programming activities is graphical and some students may benefit from sighted assistance to interpret it.
Diagrams and other visual content
The study materials contain some diagrams and other figures that may contribute to the Learning Outcomes of the module. Where figures, graphs, diagrams or audio-visual materials are used in assignments, descriptions and transcripts are provided.
Finding information
You may be required to search for and make use of third-party material and this may contribute to assessment. The University Library provides help with accessible searching and, if necessary, we can find alternatives that will allow you to meet the learning outcomes of the module.
Assessment
This module has tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) that you must submit via the online TMA service and interactive computer-marked assignments completed online.
Feedback
You’ll receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs). This will help you to reflect on your TMA performance. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment.
Schedule
We structure all University modules to a set timetable and you will need time-management skills to keep your studies on track. We will support you in developing these skills.
Specialist software
The module uses a third-party website that simulates logic gates using a drag and drop program which is not accessible to screen readers.