Tamil Nadu HSE First Year Computer Science study plan
Tamil Nadu HSE First Year Computer Science · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Fundamentals of Computers and Number Systems
Convert between binary, octal, decimal and hexadecimal by hand for at least 20 numbers, showing each step
Perform binary addition, subtraction and multiplication on 10 practice sets without a calculator
Classify 15 given devices and components as input, output, processing or storage with a one-line reason each
Explain the stored-program concept and the roles of ALU, control unit and memory in your own written notes
Your checkpoint
A handwritten worked-solutions sheet of 30 number-system conversions and 10 binary arithmetic problems, scored against an answer key with at least 85% accuracy
Fundamentals of Computers and Number Systems & Computer Organization and Architecture
Convert signed numbers using 1's and 2's complement and compute 10 subtraction problems via 2's complement addition
Describe the fetch-decode-execute cycle in sequence and label each register involved
Compare primary and secondary memory and list the function of at least six hardware units
Sketch a labelled block diagram of a computer from memory and annotate data flow
Your checkpoint
A one-page labelled block diagram plus a 12-question self-test on number representation and computer organization, with answers corrected and weak items re-noted
Boolean Algebra and Logic Gates
State and apply the basic Boolean postulates and De Morgan's theorems to simplify 15 expressions
Build truth tables for AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR and XOR gates and derive each output column independently
Simplify 10 Boolean expressions using Karnaugh-map or algebraic methods and verify each result with a truth table
Draw and explain half-adder and full-adder circuits with their truth tables
Your checkpoint
A simplification workbook of 15 Boolean problems where every simplified expression is verified by a matching truth table, with at least 12 of 15 correct
Introduction to Programming and Python Basics
Install Python and run scripts from both the editor and the command line
Identify and use correctly the data types int, float, str, bool and list in 20 short expressions
Write 10 programs using input, arithmetic operators and formatted output
Trace and predict the output of 10 given code snippets involving operator precedence
Your checkpoint
A folder of 10 working Python programs that each accept input and print a correct formatted result, plus a written trace of the 10 precedence snippets
Control Structures and Functions
Write programs using if, if-else and if-elif-else to solve 8 decision problems
Implement for and while loops, including nested loops, for 8 problems such as tables, sums and patterns
Define and call functions with positional and default arguments, and explain local versus global scope
Convert 5 loop-based programs into function-based versions with parameters and return values
Your checkpoint
A set of 12 working programs covering conditionals, loops and functions, each with a short comment block stating input, logic and expected output
Strings, Lists, Tuples and Dictionaries
Perform 15 string operations including slicing, concatenation, membership and the common string methods
Write programs that create, index, slice, append and iterate over lists, and explain mutability versus immutability
Use tuples for fixed records and dictionaries for key-value lookups in at least 6 small programs
Choose the correct sequence type for 10 stated scenarios and justify each choice in one sentence
Your checkpoint
A mini project program (for example a student marks record using a dictionary of lists) that stores, updates and prints records, plus a 10-item type-selection justification sheet
Operating Systems and Data Communication
Describe the functions of an operating system and distinguish multitasking, multiprocessing and time-sharing
Compare the three main network topologies and list the layers and purpose of the OSI and TCP/IP models
Explain transmission media, bandwidth and the difference between LAN, WAN and MAN with examples
Define the common data communication terms and match 15 terms to their definitions from memory
Your checkpoint
A two-page summary sheet of OS and data communication concepts plus a closed-book 20-term matching quiz scored at 80% or above
Ethics, Cyber Security and Emerging Technologies & Fundamentals of Computers and Number Systems
Explain computer ethics, plagiarism, licensing and intellectual property with concrete everyday examples
Identify at least eight cyber threats and the defensive practice that counters each
Describe AI, cloud computing, blockchain and IoT with one real application each
Complete two full-length timed mock papers and review every wrong answer against the source chapter
Your checkpoint
A completed mock-exam log showing scores on two timed papers, an error log of every missed question with the corrected concept, and a one-page revision sheet on ethics and emerging technologies
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on a 20-question self-test combining number systems and computer organization, and explain the fetch-decode-execute cycle aloud without notes
Week 4: Simplify 12 of 15 Boolean expressions correctly with truth-table verification, and run 10 Python programs that all execute without errors
Week 6: Write a working function-based program using a loop, a list and a dictionary unaided within 25 minutes, and score 80% on a strings-and-lists quiz
Week 8: Complete two timed mock papers at 75% or above overall, with no domain scoring below 60% and every error logged with its corrected concept