COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed for the student entering
the computer systems field who desires an understanding of basic computer
hardware architecture, and troubleshooting. Students will learn practical
soldering and circuit troubleshooting skills by assembling electronic kits.
Additionally there is textbook study
assigned by the instructor. (Prerequisites:
MSET1814 or Instructor Approval) (2 Credits) (1 Lecture, 1 Lab, 0 On the Job
Training.)
COURSE FOCUS
This course focuses on both theory and hands-on
training in the diagnosis and correction of personal computer hardware and
operating system problems. Information will be presented in a self paced,
personalized format in the laboratory.
TEXT AND REFERENCES
1. Upgrading and Repairing PCs.
15th Edition (Student supplied
textbook)
2. Course Instructional Guide (Online)
STUDENT CONTRIBUTIONS
The student is expected to spend at least 96 hours
studying the text and completing the exercises, worksheets, and performing
labs. The student is expected to take a self directed approach to learning
through available resources.
COURSE EXPECTATIONS
See this link for
additional course
expectations.
COURSE EVALUATION
Student objectives and evaluations are translated
to a percentage and the percentages to grades. A score of at least 70% is
required for each evaluation item. The following percentage
distribution guarantees the following grade: A:93%↑, A-:90%↑, B+:87%↑,
B:83%↑, B-:78%↑, C+:77%↑, C:73%↑, C-:70%↑, NC:<70%. The weightings of
the evaluations are as follows:
| Worksheets |
20% |
| Labs |
20% |
| Test 1 |
20% |
| Test 2 |
20% |
| Test 3 |
20% |
| Total |
100% |
COURSE SCHEDULE
This course is lecture/lab based. The CST Instructors will deliver the
lectures, as well as supervise the lab. The student is expected to spend at
least 48 hours per credit in self study with direction from instructors
and/or instructional guides and testing. This a two (2) credit course, so
an average student is expected to spend approximately 96 hours completing
this course, which includes lectures and lab. All lectures will be
scheduled, with that schedule posted online.
GOALS
The following list of course goals will be addressed in
the course. These goals are directly related to the performance objectives.
Credit 1 - Workshop Practices
and Computer Components
Unit 1 - Workshop Practices
WS
WS
WS
WS |
1. explain shop safety
2. describe electrostatic discharge
3. apply electrostatic discharge
4. explain soldering
5. use hand tools
6. use soldering tools
7. use desoldering tools |
Unit 2 - CPU
|
8. identify CPU
9. describe CPU
10. analyze CPU |
Unit 3 - Motherboards
|
11. identify
motherboards
12. describe motherboards
13. analyze motherboards |
Unit 4 - Bus Systems
MS |
14. identify bus systems
15. describe bus systems
16. analyze bus systems |
CREDIT 2 - Memory, Power
Supply, and Drives
Unit 1 - Memory
MS |
17. identify memory
18. describe memory
19. analyze memory |
Unit 2 - Power Supply
|
20. identify power
supply
21. analyze power supply
22. measure power supply
23. analyze component interaction |
Unit 3- Floppy Drives
MS
|
24. identify floppy
drive
25. describe floppy drive
26. analyze floppy drive
27. install floppy drive |
Unit 4- Hard Drives
MS
|
28. identify hard drive
29. describe hard drive
30. analyze hard drive
31. use internet specifications
32. use partition magic |
CREDIT 3 - Hard Drive
Operation and System Build
Unit 1 - Hard Drive Interfaces
MS
|
33. identify hard drive
interfaces
34. describe hard drive interfaces
35. analyze hard drive interfaces
36. use hard drive interfaces |
Unit 2 - Hard Drive Installation and
Configuration
|
37. describe hard drive
installation
38. install hard drive
39. partition hard drive
40. verify hard drive operation |
Unit 3 - Building and Testing System
|
41. explain computer
maintenance
42. apply system assembly
43. configure completed computer
44. apply system building
45. demonstrate system maintenance
46. describe diagnostic tools
47. use diagnostic software
48. use diagnostic hardware |
|