Course Description

ITSC 1325 – Personal Computer Hardware -- 3 sem. hrs. (2 lecture, 4 laboratory, 0 external hours per week)

A study of current personal computer hardware including personal computer assembly and upgrading, setup and configuration, and troubleshooting. Basic computer skills required and will be tested the first week of school. If skills are not met, student will be advised to register for COSC 1401.

TSI Requirement: M1; R0; R2C; W1.

Prerequisites: none

Lab Fee: $24.

Course Focus

This course is highly focused on the personal computer.

Course Outcomes:

Assemble/setup and upgrade personal computer systems; diagnose and isolate faulty components; optimize system performance; and install/connect peripherals.

Text and References

Andrews, Jean. A+ Guide to Hardware: Managing, & Maintaining, 7th edition. Course Technology 2010. ISBN: 978-1-4354-9778-8.

Program Outcomes for "Computer Information Systems"

The program outcomes noted with an asterisk (*) are addressed in this course.

* 1. Design and implement a simple Ethernet Local Area Network.

* 2. Assemble and troubleshoot a computer.

3. Configure and troubleshoot a router.

4. Configure and troubleshoot a switch.

5. Write and document a Web page.

6. Write and document a computer program.

7. Identify and secure the vulnerabilities on a network.

* 8. Demonstrate professional and ethical responsibilities.

9. Install and manage operating systems.

10. Demonstrate proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation graphics

11. Integrate students into the current economy

Course Outcomes

The following list of master course outcomes will be addressed in the course.

Lecture Topics

The following general lecture topics will be covered in this class:

Jan 19 - Submit Introduction assignment and Chapter 1

Jan 26 - Chapter 2

Feb 2 - Chapter 3

Feb 9 - Exam 1 and Chapter 4

Feb 16 - Chapter 5

Feb 23 - Start Chapterp 6

Mar 2 - Continue Chapter 6

Mar 9 - Exam 2 and Chapter 7

Mar 23 - Chapter 8

Mar 30 - Start Chapter 9

Apr 6 - Continue Chapter 9

Apr 13 - Exam 3 and Chapter 10

Apr 20 - Chapter 11

Apr 27 - Start Chapter 12

May 4 - Continue Chapter 12

May 11 - Exam 4

Student Objectives

This course is highly focused on the personal computer.

1. Identify the fundamental principles of using personal computers

2. Install, configure, optimize, and upgrade personal computer components

3. Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components

4. Perform preventative maintenance on personal computer components

5. Identify the fundamental principles of using laptops and portable devices

6. Install, configure, optimize and upgrade laptops and portable devices

7. Identify tools, basic diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for laptops and portable devices

8. Perform preventative maintenance on laptops and portable devices

9. Identify the fundamental principles of using operating systems

10. Install, configure, optimize and upgrade operating systems

11. Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for operating systems

12. Perform preventative maintenance on operating systems

13. Identify the fundamental principles of using printer and scanners

14. Identify basic concepts of installing, configuring, optimizing and upgrading printer and scanners

15. Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for printer and scanners

16. Identify the fundamental principles of networks

17. Install, configure, optimize and upgrade networks

18. Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for networks

19. Identify the fundamental principles security

20. Install, configure, upgrade and optimize security

21. Identify tools, diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting techniques for security

22. Perform preventative maintenance tor computer security

23. Describe the aspects and importance of safety and environmental issues

24. Identify potential hazards and implement proper safety procedures including Electro Static Discharge (ESD) precautions and procedures, safe work environment and equipment handling

25. Identify proper disposal procedures for batteries, display devices and chemical solvents and cans

26. Use good communication skills, including listening and tact/discretion, when communicating with customers and colleagues

27. Use job-related professional behavior including privacy, confidentiality and respect for the customer and customers' property (e.g. telephone, computer)

Attendance and punctuality are critical for successful progress in this course. Each student is expected to study two hours outside of class for each hour in class, take an active role in lectures, laboratories, participate fully in group activities, and assume a self-directed approach to completing class work and home work.

Course Evaluation

Your performance will be evaluated by satisfactory mastery of the learning objectives listed above. Four exams will be given during the course. The point system below will be used to determine your grade:

After your numerical grade has been calculated, your letter grade will be determined as a percentage of points possible:

Classroom Policies

Plagiarism, the representation of someone else's work as your own, or cheating on an examination will not be tolerated. Either case will result in a grade of zero on work or examination in question. Two or more infractions will be reported to the Dean of Instructional Services for disciplinary action.

Laboratory assignments are imperative. Students must turn in completed assignments by appropriate deadlines.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak directly to the Counseling Department (see below) as early in the semester (preferable within the first week) as possible. All discussions will remain confidential.

Crystal City Idalia De La Cruz (830/374-2828) Del Rio Marilyn Casson (830 775-1560)

Academic Integrity Statement

Academic integrity is highly valued in our campus community. Academic integrity directly concerns ethical behaviors which affect both the academic environment and the civic community. Academic dishonestly seriously violates the integrity of the academic enterprise and will not be tolerated at Southwest Texas Junior College. Academic dishonesty is regarded as any act of deception, benign or malicious in nature, in the completion of any academic exercise. Examples of academic dishonesty include cheating, plagiarism, impersonation, misrepresentation of idea or fact for the purpose of defrauding, use of unauthorized aids or devices, falsifying attendance records, violation of testing protocol, inappropriate course assignment collaboration, and any other acts that are prohibited by the instructor of record.

Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP)

Southwest Texas Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). SACS requires that every institution develop a Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP). SWTJCs QEP is entitled Enhancing Critical Reading Skills. SWTJC enhances students' critical reading skills by implementing reading instructional interventions in the Gatekeeper classes (History 1301, Math 1314, and English 1301). SWTJC also facilitates reading skills improvement throughout the institution by providing reading tutorial support. For questions about the QEP, please contact Charles Garabedian or Rachel Rivera, QEP Co-Directors, at cagarabedian@swtjc.edu and rrivera17001@swtjc.edu, respectively.

Class Schedule and Office Hour

The class meets for two lecture hours and four laboratory hours per week on Wednesday starting a 4:00 PM and ending at 9:50 PM at the Del Rio campus in Room 8. (Total Contact hours: 96)