Master Syllabus CS1713, CompTIA A+ Essentials

Credits 3 Lab Hours 0 Lecture Hours 3 Clinical Hours 0
This course is designed to provide students the fundamentals of troubleshooting, upgrading, repairing and connecting personal computer systems to a network. Part one of two courses that will prepare students for the Security Fundamentals and A+ certifications.

For each unit of credit, a minimum of three hours per week with one of the hours for class and two hours for studying/preparation outside of class is expected.

Program and/or Department Mission Statement

The CIS Program will provide superior learning opportunities in the area of information technology utilizing current technology to enable all students to archive their career and/or educational goals.

SCCC Outcomes

Outcome #1: Read with comprehension, be critical of what they read, and apply knowledge gained from their reading to broader issues of the day.

Outcome #5: Demonstrate the ability to think critically by gathering facts, generating insights, analyzing data, and evaluating information.

Outcome #6: Exhibit skills in information and technological literacy.

Course Outcomes

Upon completing of the CompTIA A+ Essentials course with 80% or higher mastery of course competencies, the student should be able to:

  1. Identify and repair computer hardware problems or conflicts
  2. Identify and solve common hardware/software conflicts
  3. Demonstrate ability to apply diagnostic techniques to computer systems malfunctions
  4. Demonstrate ability to replace and configure components of a computer system
  5. Demonstrate ability to restore a PC system to working condition
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of related operation and maintenance of PC systems and related peripheral equipment
Course Outline
  1. Personal Computer background
  2. PC components, features and system design
  3. Microprocessor types and specifications
  4. Motherboards and Buses
  5. BIOS
  6. Memory
  7. Expansion cards
  8. Hard Disk/Solid State/Flash Drive storage
  9. Power Supply and case
  10. Physical Drive installation and configuration
  11. Video hardware
  12. I/O interfaces
  13. Networking and Internet connectivity
  14. Common TCP/UDP ports and protocols
  15. Printers
  16. Portable PCs
  17. Building and upgrading systems
  18. PC diagnostics, testing, maintenance
  19. File systems and data recovery
  20. Safety procedures
  21. Proper communication/interaction
Instructional Methods
  1. Classroom lecture/discussion
  2. Handouts, videos, on-screen presentations
  3. Demonstrations using projector
  4. Hands-on computer lab projects both in teams and individually
  5. Instructors will enforce the Academic Honor Code & Cheating Policy as set forth in the SCCC College Catalog.
  6. Students who fail to adhere to this policy will receive an F for the course's final grade unless otherwise stated in the instructor's course policies.
Instructional Resources and Materials
  1. Assorted periodical and newsletter articles as they apply to the course
  2. Miscellaneous personal computer hardware/software
  3. Miscellaneous server hardware/software
Methods of Assessment

Assessment will consist of the solutions to real-life problems for which students will have to research, plan, program, execute, and document.

  1. Outcome 1 will be assessed and measured by the comprehension of reading assignments and in-class discussion.
  2. Outcome 5 will be assessed through tests, quizzes, and the presentation of a final portfolio.
  3. Outcome 6 will be assessed through the completion of projects.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Seward County Community College will make reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. If you need support or assistance because of a disability, you may be eligible for academic accommodations. Students should identify themselves to the Mental Health Counselor at 620-417-1106 or go to the Student Success Center in the Hobble Academic building, room A149.

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