IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software

Class

An introduction to the computer hardware and software skills needed to help meet the growing demand for entry-level information and communication technology (ICT) professionals. The curriculum covers the fundamentals of PC technology, networking, and security, and also provides an introduction to concepts addressed by Cisco and CompTIA A+ certifications. Topics may adapt to changes in industry practices.

End of Course Outcomes
  • Configure and support PC, mobile and IoT device hardware and software; troubleshoot using system tools and diagnostic software  

  • investigate emerging technologies 

  • demonstrate baseline security skills for IT support professionals 

  • support basic IT infrastructure and networking 

  • implement data backup, recovery, and storage 

Student Learning Outcomes
  • Describe the internal components of a computer (C1, C5, C6, C7, C8, C18, C19, C20, F1, F2, F5, F7, F9, F11, F12, F13, F14, F16)
  • Assemble a computer system (C1, C5, C6, C7, C8, C18, C19, C20, F1, F2, F5, F7, F9, F11, F12, F13, F14, F16)
  • Install an operating system (C1, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C18, C19, C20, F1, F2, F5, F7, F9, F11, F12, F13, F14, F16)
  • Troubleshoot using system tools and diagnostic software (C1, C5, C6, C7, C8, C9, C18, C19, C20, F1, F2, F5, F7, F9, F11, F12, F13, F14, F16)

 

Lab Fee
$24
Required Textbooks

CompTIA A+ Guide to IT Technical Support, 11th Edition  
Jean Andrews, Shelton and Pierce 
Cengage Learning 2023 

ISBN-13
9780357700006
Evaluation Standards

Student evaluation will be based on the completion of assignments, quizzes, projects and exams. The requirements will be weighted as follows: 

Assignments 35% 
Quizzes15% 
Labs/Projects 15% 
Exams 35% 

Final grades will be calculated by the following scale:

A: 90 to 100%
B: 80 to 89%
C: 70 to 79%
D: 60 to 69%
F: Less than 60%

Program Learning Outcomes

Information Systems Certificate

  • Students will gain proficiency in the use of computer system hardware and software.
  • Students will gain knowledge and skills for entry-level information technology positions in business and industry.
  • Students will gain knowledge in application programs, basic computer programming, basic networking, and an introduction to computer hardware.

Database Programming Certificate

  • Students work with desktop database programs
  • Students work with client-server applications
  • Students solve business computer problems through programming techniques and procedures using appropriate languages and software

 

 

 

Disabilities

ADA Statement:

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.

Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is fundamental to the educational mission of Weatherford College, and the College expects its students to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct. Academic dishonesty of any kind will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials including unauthorized use of Generative AI. Departments may adopt discipline specific guidelines on Generative AI usage approved by the instructional dean. Any student who is demonstrated to have engaged in any of these activities will be subject to immediate disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.
Hope Statement
Any student who faces challenges securing basic resources such as food, clothing, or housing and believes this may affect their performance in their course of study is urged to contact the Director of Student Resources, Dr. Deborah Cregger, for support at (817) 598-6444. Her office is on the first floor of Student Services. If the student prefers, they may contact their instructor, who can reach out on their behalf. Weatherford College also provides the Coyote Pantry. The Pantry maintains boxed and canned foods for students in need. The location of the Coyote Pantry is two blocks west of the Weatherford campus at the Baptist Student Ministry (118 E. Park Ave., Weatherford). Pantry hours are Mon-Thurs. 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Fri. 8.30 am-12:00 pm (817-599-6586).
Student Intellectual Property Rights

A student shall retain all rights to work created as part of instruction or using College District technology resources.

SCANS

The Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) identified competencies in the area of Resources, Interpersonal, Information, Systems, and Technology; and foundation skills in the areas of Basic Skills and Personal Qualities. 

Contact Hours
96
SCH Hours
3
Work Hours
0
Revised
Fall 2023