Southwest Texas Junior College                                                                                                                                                     Lynn Masterson

207 Wildcat Drive                                                                                                                                                              Del Rio campus, Room E1

Del Rio TX 78840-8402                                                                                                                                                                          (830) 703-1573

(830) 775-1612                                                                                                                                                                       lemasterson@swtjc.edu

                                                             ITSC 1325

 

                                                                Personal Computer Hardware

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. CompTIA A+ Guide to Hardware: Managing, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting, 5th edition. Course Technology 2010. ISBN ten digit format:  1-4354-8738-9, ISBN thirteen digit format:  978-1-4354-8738-3.

 

Course Outcomes

 

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

 

  1.       Assemble/setup and upgrade personal computer systems

  2.       Diagnose and isolate faulty components

  3.       Optimize system performance

  4.       Install/connect peripherals

 

Student Objectives

 

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to perform tasks related to the following:

 

  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)

 

Student Contributions

 

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:

 

All regular exams                                     300 points (3 exams 100 points per exam)

Laboratory work                                       10 points per lab

Final exam                                                100 points

 

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

A  90–100%         B  80–89%        C  70–79%        D  60–69%        F  less than 60%

 

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.

 

Attendance will be taken during each class meeting.

 

Safety will follow general safety practices.

 

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)

Eagle Pass Brenda Hoffman (830/758-4102)                   Uvalde Melissa Deleon (830/591-7352)

 

Class Schedule and Office Hour

 

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

 

Office Hours:

 

      Monday                 Tuesday                     Thursday                        Friday

Will be posted as soon as possible

ITSC 1325 – Developed/Revised:  January 16, 2010