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Accessibility statement
Qualification dates
StartEnd
04 Apr 2026Sept 2026
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.
This module consists of three themes:
Theme 1: Essential information technologies
You’ll learn, among other things, about:
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:
You’ll also be introduced to various problem-solving strategies, which you’ll practise as part of your project.
Theme 3: Information technologies in the wild
You’ll study:
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, another part on, say, ‘Problem solving with Python’ in the next week, and 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 throughout the module. Problem-solving and programming skills, especially, can’t be learned in a few weeks; they require continued practice throughout the module.
You’ll need knowledge of digital technologies and networking, and skills in programming, algorithmic thinking, digital information literacy and communication.
You’ll be prepared if you’ve passed Introduction to computing and technology 1 (TM111). If you’ve not received your result, review your scores on TMA01 and TMA02; we recommend proceeding only if you’ve scored 40% or more on each.
Are you ready for TM112?
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
We also provide physical:
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement 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.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
Introduction to computing and information technology 2 (TM112) starts twice a year – in October and April.
It will next start in April 2026 and October 2026.
It will be replaced with Computing fundamentals 2: programming, databases, software engineering (TM113) from October 2027.
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