Catalog Course Search Details

 Department:    CIS

 Course #:    118

 Credits:    5

 Variable:     No

 IUs:    5

 CIP:    110301

 EPC:    514

 REV:    2018

 Course Description  

Introduction to personal computer systems hardware and architectures which follow CompTIA's A+ certification track. This is an industry recognized certification series covering basic computer troubleshooting techniques, repair, upgrading, and terminology. Includes safety, PC architecture, memory, peripherals, upgrade and installation of operating systems, upgrade and installation of hardware components, configuration, and troubleshooting techniques.

 Prerequisite  

Prerequisite: solid understanding of the basic concepts of file, directory and disk management, as well as proficiency in command line operation, as presented in CIS 104, are strongly recommended.

Contact Hours (based on 11 week quarter)

Lecture: 55

Lab: 0

Other: 0

Systems: 0

Clinical: 0

Intent: Distribution Requirement(s) Status:  

Vocational Preparatory Required for ATA degree  

Equivalencies At Other Institutions

Learning Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will be able to:

1. Understand basic safety procedures.
2. Understand basic computer terminology and architectures.
3. Understand basic troubleshooting techniques.
4. Isolate and resolve common computer problems to the component level
5. Upgrade personal computer components including hard drives, memory, expansion cards and system boards.
6. Use basic tools for computer repair and maintenance tasks.
7. Engage critical thinking skills in the analysis, isolation and resolution of technical problems.
8. Explore current and emerging technologies, research compatible components and update software drivers.

General Education Learning Values & Outcomes

Revised August 2008 and affects outlines for 2008 year 1 and later.

1. Information Literacy

Definition: Recognizing when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
1.2 Access the needed information effectively, efficiently, ethically, and legally.
1.3 Evaluate information and its sources critically.

2. Critical Thinking

Definition: The ability to think critically about the nature of knowledge within a discipline and about the ways in which that knowledge is constructed and validated and to be sensitive to the ways these processes often vary among disciplines.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
2.3 Identify, interpret, and evaluate pertinent data and previous experience to reach conclusions.
2.4 Evaluate decisions by analyzing outcomes and the impact of actions.

3. Communication

Definition: Understanding and producing effective written, spoken, visual, and non-verbal communication.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
3.1 Recognize, read, and comprehend academic and/or professional writing.
3.4 Produce academic and/or professional writing and integrate it into written and spoken projects.

6. Individual Awareness & Responsibility

Definition: Understanding, managing, and taking responsibility for one’s learning and behavior in varied and changing environments.

Outcomes: Students will be able to . . .
6.1 Identify ethical and healthy choices and apply these personally, socially, academically, and professionally.

Course Contents

1. PC architecture.
2. Memory.
3. Disk Systems.
4. Bus architectures.
5. Peripheral devices.
6. Installation & Configuration.
7. Upgrade options.
8. Troubleshooting techniques.
9. Safety.
10. Effective research strategies.