Course Number & Title:           IST 216 – Personal Computer Hardware Troubleshooting

Co-requisite:                             IST 106 – Microcomputer Operating Systems

Course Instructor:                     Mr. Bill Clement

Office G-133                            Office Hours:    Posted outside office

Telephone:                    `           321-7142

Web Site:                                 http://tccist.com (Use Internet Explorer)

E-mail:                                      wclement@tcc.vccs.edu

Semester:                                 Spring 2002

Room:                                      G-135

 

 


Course Description:

This course focuses on the functions of PC components, and how to diagnose problems with these components and fix them. Teaches how to disassemble and reassemble the PC, replace or upgrade components and add peripherals such as printers, modems, and scanners. After successfully completing this course, the student will develop the necessary skills to build a personal computer. This course is not intended to make the student an expert in any of the aforementioned areas; however, they will be provided with a basic understanding of the knowledge and procedures to be successful when upgrading, troubleshooting and maintaining PC systems.

 

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

 

·        Demonstrate an understanding of the functions performed by different hardware components of the microcomputer.

·        Demonstrate an understanding of the interaction between system software and hardware.

·        Evaluate different systems boards and explain their advantages and disadvantages.

·        Evaluate different computer processors and explain their advantages and disadvantages

·        Demonstrate an understanding of primary and secondary storage devices.

·        Install secondary storage devices.

·        Install peripheral computer interface (PCI) expansion cards.

·        Install software drivers for expansion devices.

·        Troubleshoot hardware problems and conflicts.

·        Maintain computer systems

·        Purchase and construct your own personal computer.

 

 

Course Content:

*The instructor reserves the right to change topics based on equipment availability and the current operating environment at the college.

 

Materials Needed:

 

  1. Text: Enhanced A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC, 3rd Ed., Andrews, Jean, Course Technology. 2001.
  2. Diskettes, 3.5” (3)
  3. Pocket folder for handing in assignments (3)
  4. 4 Scantron answer sheet forms for Exams (Purchase from bookstore)
  5. Basic Tool Kit (as discussed in class).
  6. E-mail Account (Free e-mail accounts are widely available- ask instructor if you need assistance).
  7. Access to Internet is highly recommended for supplemental materials and assignments.

 

Evaluation:

The following criteria will be used to determine your final grade for the course.

 

Articles

During this course you will be required read 4 articles pertaining to the computer industry and/or relevant hardware and write a brief synopsis or summary according to a format that will be supplied by the instructor. The instructor will assign the articles (on web site) and due date. Each article summary will be given a value of 25 points for a cumulative total of 100 points for the 4 articles. Late articles will be assessed a 20% deduction of the given point value. Articles more than one session late will not be accepted and student will be given a zero for that article.

 

Quizzes

During this course you will be given 4 quizzes to check for understanding from the reading, class lectures and class activities. Each quiz will consist of 10 - 15 questions that may be in a variety formats such as fill in, true false, and multiple choices. Each quiz will be given a value of 25 points for a cumulative total of 100 points for the 4 quizzes. Quizzes cannot be made up.

 

In Class Lab Activities

During this course you will be engaged in a variety of hands on activities that will include disassembly, assembly, installations, upgrades, troubleshooting and maintenance of the personal computer system. In class activities cannot be made up.

 

Out of Class Lab Activities

Most of these lab activities can be completed in the microcomputer lab (G-108) at TCC or on your home computer.  These activities will include a lab sheet to document the activity in order to receive credit.

 

Project

During this course you will be given 1 project to complete. The project will be done in two phases. One phase being a research phase and the second phase will complete the entire project activity. Each phase of the project will be given a value for a cumulative total of 200 points for the project. A late project will be assessed a 20% deduction of the given point value. If the project is handed in more than one session late will not be accepted and student will be given a zero for that project.

 

Tests         

 

During this course you will be given 4 tests to take. Each test will be given a point value of 100 points for a cumulative total of 400 points for the 4 tests. There will be NO MAKE UP TESTS available. Any test that is missed will scored as a zero (0) for that test. The instructor will retain all tests.

 

Final Exam

A comprehensive final exam will be given on the regularly scheduled final exam date and is a requirement for all students enrolled in the course.

 

Grading:

The scores for tests, projects, articles, quizzes, lab activities will be given the following weighting and will be averaged as follows to determine a final grade.

 

Instrument

 

Number

Points per Activity

 

Total Points

% of Final Grade

Tests

 

4

100

400

28.5%

Project

 

1

200

200

14.25%

Articles

 

4

25

100

7.25%

Quizzes

 

4

25

100

7.25%

In Class Lab Activities

 

15

25

400

28.5%

Final Exam

1

200

200

14.25%

 

Totals

 

29

 

 

 

1400

 

100%

 

 

Grading Scale

           

90to 100 = A

80 to 89 = B

70 to 79 = C

60 to 69 = D

Below 60 = F

 

Class Policies:

 

Attendance

Attendance during lecture sessions is important to fully comprehend the hardware components/concepts and features of the software programs covered. The book alone will not get you through this course. Attendance will be taken for each class. Students are expected to be present and on time for all scheduled classes. Entering class late is distracting to me and more importantly to fellow students. Please be aware of the following points regarding attendance.

     

Lateness

 

q       If you are late please be seated quickly and quietly.

q       Excessive lateness (more than 3) will result in a grade reduction of your final average. Each late after the 3rd will result in a 0.5-point reduction from your final average.

 

q       If you are late on an exam day, be sure that you are prepared (pencil and scantron) upon entering the class. Do Not enter the room asking for assistance from others taking the test. A grade of ZERO will be assigned to you for the test if you come late and unprepared.

 

Excessive Absences

 

q       Excessive absence (greater than 3) will result in a grade reduction of you final average. Each absence after the 3rd will result in a 1.5-point reduction from your final average.

 

q       When a student has been absent for 20% of the course sessions (6 classes), the instructor reserves the right to drop the student from the course with a “W” or grade of  “F” if the violation occurs after the official withdrawal date.

 

Responsibility in the Case of Absence

Students will be responsible for all course assignments, lecture notes, handouts, and announcements regardless of the case of absence. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the material and assignments that are missed due to absence. Assignments and project deadlines are not extended in the case of an absence.

 

Withdrawal from the Class

A student may withdraw from class without academic penalty and a full refund by withdrawing by the official college withdrawal date of January 23, 2002 or without academic penalty and no refund by March 18, 2002.  The appropriate forms in the Records Office must be filled out and submitted by this date. Students withdrawing after this date will receive an “F” for the course.

 

Lab Assignments

Lab assignments that are done in class are to be turned into the instructor before the end of the session or class. These assignments cannot be made up if a student misses the session. It is the student’s responsibility to complete all lab assignments independently of others. While interaction with other students and lab technicians can be beneficial to understand assignments, it is imperative that each student does his/her own work. A student should not, under any circumstances copy, duplicate the work or intellectual property of others. Any evidence of plagiarism will result in disciplinary action to include receiving an “F” in the course and/or referral to the Dean for further action.

 

Graded Assignments and Disks

All assignments, projects etc., done outside of class are to be handed in at the beginning of the class session. A student can turn in an outside class assignment one session late for a penalty of 20% of the weighted point value. Assignments more than one session late will not be accepted and the assigned grade will be a zero.

All graded assignments and disks will be returned to you in class, normally within one week. Any assignments not picked up by the last scheduled class date can be picked up during the final exam.

 

You will be well advised to keep a file of all graded work until you receive your final grade in the mail from Tidewater Community College. Discrepancies in grades will not be considered unless you can show all graded work.

 

Lab Time

There is no assigned lab time. The microcomputer lab schedule will be posted; make note of the available times that are convenient for you. Terminate your work so that you will be prepared to leave the lab at closing time. Unscheduled downtime must be taken into consideration as a student plans time for assignments. Do not wait until the last minute to complete lab work or assignments. This will result in frustration for you especially if the computers are down and you are trying to meet a deadline. No lab work may be completed after the scheduled exam time.

 

Classroom Rules/Lab Rules

Smoking, eating, and drinking are not permitted in the classroom or computer lab. Please refrain from bringing children to class. Children may not be left unattended on the grounds, in automobiles, the snack bar, or lounge areas. If you carry a pager or cell phone please turn them off or to the vibrate mode. If you need to speak on your cell phone please leave the classroom or lab to attend to your conversation. However I do ask that if possible, you refrain from leaving the classroom during instruction time as this distracts the classroom-learning environment. Adequate break(s) will be given throughout the session.

 

Academic Misconduct (Cheating)

Academic misconduct or cheating includes plagiarism, getting or giving assistance during tests, making copies of tests, removing tests from the classroom, disclosing test questions, and any other activity or behavior that circumvents the learning process. Any evidence of cheating will result in disciplinary action to include receiving an “F” in the course and/or referral to the Dean for further action.

 

Misuse of Equipment

Any student caught deliberately damaging lab equipment and/or introducing virus programs into the computer lab will be dismissed from class immediately referred to the proper authority and given a failing grade for the course. Any student caught removing any school property including hardware or software will also be dismissed from class referred to the proper authority and given a failing grade for the course.