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School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Department of Information Technology ISSC323: Computer Hardware Systems 3 Credit Hours 8 Week Course Prerequisite(s): None

Table of Contents

Course Description	Evaluation Procedures
Course Scope	Grading Scale
Course Objectives	Course Outline
Course Delivery Method	Policies
Resources	Academic Services
Certification & Testing	Rubrics

Course Description (Catalog)

This course is a technical study of the hardware systems and architectures in a computer system; it appraises expansion cards, storage subsystems, IO interface subsystems, operating system, Local Area Networking (LAN), Internet connectivity, and security. This course also examines the processes for analyzing problems and for synthesizing solutions related to computer hardware systems. This course covers curriculum related to the CompTIA A+ 220-603 and the CompTIA A+ 220-604 certification exams.

Course Scope

This course is targeted for individuals who work or intend to work in a remote-based work environment where client interaction, client training, operating system and connectivity issues are emphasized. Also targeted for individuals who work or intend to work in settings where hardware related activities are emphasized. The course covers the areas of proficiency to master the required skills and knowledge.

Course Objectives

The successful student will fulfill the following learning objectives:

1. Troubleshoot expansion cards, hard drives, printers and scanners

2. Manage files, operating system settings, and the Registry.

3. Monitor the operating system and control event logging

4. Configure a LAN networking connection and to be able to share resources on the network.

5. Create an Internet connection and implement network protection measures

6. Secure the operating system and computer data

7. Troubleshoot memory and other components in computers and other devices

8. Establish both a wired and wireless network connection

Course Delivery Method

This is an 8-week course online course will enable students to complete academic work in a flexible manner, completely online. Resources and access to an online learning management system will be made available to each student. Online assignments are due by the last day of each week and include Forum questions (accomplished in groups through a threaded Forum), quizzes (graded electronically), and individual assignments (submitted for review by the Faculty Member). Assigned faculty will support the students throughout this eight-week course.

Resources

Required Text

Sandler, C. (2007). Fix Your Own PC. Eighth Edition. ISBN: 0470107871

Book is available in the Weekly Lessons Tab

Software Requirements

1. Microsoft Office or compatible application suite

2. Adobe Acrobat Reader or comparable PDF viewer

Evaluation Procedures

Assignments

There will be five assignments (4% each) counting a total of 20% of the final grade. The assignments will follow each of the major milestones of the course. These assignments will be problems or questions from the text. They are a combination of Lesson Reviews and Lesson Activities and/or Labs. They are selected to provide the student with information to understand the concepts discussed.

NOTE: Submitted assignments are time stamped using Eastern Standard Time (EST). Keep this in mind when submitting your assignments.

Written assignments – term project/PPE/database exercise submission instructions:

1. Log into the classroom

2. Click the “assignments” link

3. Click the corresponding assignment (i.e. ISSC323 Week 1 Assignment)

4. Upload file(s)to the assignment.

5. Check the box “submit for grading”

6. Click the “submit” button

Forum Discussions

There will be eight weekly forums. Your comments should be a minimum of 200 words and you peer reviews should be submitted for at least two other students with a minimum of 100 words each. All responses should be a courteous and contain at a topic sentence with good supporting sentences.

In an online environment communication and exchange of ideas is critical. The forums give all the opportunity to discuss trends in the technology that are being studied, future possibilities, and, above all, allow us an opportunity to get to know each other and work as a group. This can only happen, when students and instructors work together.

Instructions to review and submit Forum input:

1. Log into the classroom

2. Click the “Forum” link

3. Click the appropriate Forum under the column labeled “Group Name”

4. Choose a specific thread to see all the messages and choose a specific message to reply.

5. Click on the “reply to this message” link.

6. Provide your input.

7. Click the “submit” button.

Forum Essentials

Your posts should add value to the classroom discussions to be counted for participation. It should simply state “good job” or the like. You need to add substance.

Quizzes

There will be seven open book quizzes throughout the course.

Case Study

You are a star consultant from "Hardware R US" IT consulting and managing firm. Just graduated from APUS and this is your first critical job. You just got hired by "Home Solutions Inc" a construction and parts company to help them with their hardware and networking needs. Your specific tasks to help the business are the percentages that correspond to the per item payment (grade weight):

A) For 50% of the payment (Grade):The owner badly needs a new desktop business computer, he is still running a Windows NT relic, but he can only afford $1,000 for it. You need make sure that you assemble a desktop for that amount, which should include:

1) All the components within the tower PC (less OS) 2) Any peripherals such as monitor, mouse, keyboard 3) Any networking components that may be needed 4) Detailed cost by component 5) Explanation of why this specific component were chosen

B) For 50% of the payment (Grade):The owner also has a son that he has promised a GAMER PC to him, since he is helping him out in the business. He can only spare another $1,000 for this one as well. It will need to be networked to the Business PC and should also include:

1) All the components within the tower PC, assume a Windows 7 PC, do not include operating system costs though. 2) Any peripherals such as monitor, mouse, keyboard 3) Any networking components that may be needed 4) Detailed cost component by component 5) Explanation of why this specific component was chosen vs. some other one

For the above project, make sure that you include a spreadsheet showing cost per item and total cost. Each item must be listed with its price. You must explain how your machines will connect to the Internet.

The case study must be submitted as a Word document no less than one-thousand words not include the title page, abstract or bibliography.

Project Proposal

Complete and submit the class project proposal outline. It should be a formal outline paying attention to sections and subsections. You must submit in order to get the go-ahead approval for your term project.

Project Presentation

The presentation should no less than eight slides and provides highlights of the paper that will be submitted the final week of the course. You should use a style or template remembering the simpler is better. You slides should not garish. Substance counts.

Project Paper Submit a ten page paper not including the title page, abstract or bibliography on an approved topic that covers the following at a minimum - Detailed description of the area researched - Technology involved in the area - Future trends in the area - Example companies involved in the area - Regulatory issues surrounding the area - References (at least ten)

The paper will be automatically checked in Turnitin when you submit in Sakai.

Table of Contents

Evaluation Procedures

Your final course grade will be based upon the following:

Assignments	20
Case Study	15
Forums	24
Quizzes	21
Term Paper Proposal	3
Term Paper Presentation	5
Term Paper	12
Total	100

All assignments, Forum postings, Quizzes and tests are due by Sunday 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.

Grading Scale

Please see the student handbook to reference the University’s grading scale

Course Outline

Week	Lesson Subject	Assignments
1	The Microprocessor	Read Chapters 1-2 and Appendix A-B Week 1 Forum to include introduction
2	BIOS and the Computer Bus	Read Chapters 3-7 and Appendix C Week 2 Assignment Week 2 Quiz Week 2 Forum
3	Memory and Hard Drives	Read Chapters 8-14 and Appendix F Week 2 Assignment Week 2 Quiz Week 3 Case Study Week 3 Forum
4	External Serial, USB, eSATA, and FireWire Connections	Read Chapter 15-19 *Forum: Week 4 Forum Week 4 Assignment Week 4 Quiz Week 4 Term Paper Proposal Week 4 Forum
5	Networks, Gateways, Routers, and Wi-Fi	Read Chapters 20-21 Week 5 Assignment Week 5 Quiz Week 5 Forum
6	Antivirus, Utility, and Diagnostic Programs	Read Chapters 22-23 and Appendix D-E Week 6 Assignment Week 6 Quiz Week 6 Forum
7	Term Paper Preparation	Week 7 Quiz Week 7 Term Paper Presentation Week 7 Forum
8	Course Assessment	Week 8 Quiz Week 8 Term Paper Week 8 Forum

Table of Contents

Policies

Please see the student handbook to reference all University policies. Quick links to frequently asked question about policies are listed below.

Drop/Withdrawal Policy

Plagiarism Policy

Extension Process and Policy

WRITING EXPECTATIONS

All written submissions should be submitted in a font and page set-up that is readable and neat. It is recommended that students try to adhere to a consistent format, which is described below.

· Typewritten in double-spaced format with a readable style and font and submitted inside the electronic classroom (unless classroom access is not possible and other arrangements have been approved by the professor).

· Arial 11 or 12-point font or Times New Roman styles.

· Page margins Top, Bottom, Left Side and Right Side = 1 inch, with reasonable accommodation being made for special situations and online submission variances.

Please note that Wikipedia is NOT an acceptable source for use in your academic writing at APUS, due to the fact that it is open for editing by anyone and is not guaranteed to be reviewed for accuracy. Use your judgment when choosing sources and try to stick with articles and websites from reputable organizations that are likely to be accurate and authoritative, rather than blogs and wikis that are subjective in nature.

CITATION AND REFERENCE STYLE

Assignments completed in a narrative essay or composition format must follow APA guidelines. This course will require students to use the citation and reference style established by the American Psychological Association (APA), in which case students should follow the guidelines set forth in Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). (2010). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS

Students are expected to submit classroom assignments by the posted due date and to complete the course according to the published class schedule. As adults, students, and working professionals I understand you must manage competing demands on your time. Should you need additional time to complete an assignment please contact me before the due date so we can discuss the situation and determine an acceptable resolution. Routine submission of late assignments is unacceptable and may result in points deducted from your final course grade. Assignments submitted late without a prearranged extension will be subject to a 10% late penalty. No late assignments will be accepted after the last day of the course.

Table of Contents

Academic Services

ONLINE LIBRARY RESEARCH CENTER & LEARNING RESOURCES

The Online Library Resource Center is available to enrolled students and faculty from inside the electronic campus. This is your starting point for access to online books, subscription periodicals, and Web resources that are designed to support your classes and generally not available through search engines on the open Web. In addition, the Center provides access to special learning resources, which the University has contracted to assist with your studies. Questions can be directed to [email protected] .

· Charles Town Library and Inter Library Loan: The University maintains a special library with a limited number of supporting volumes, collection of our professors’ publication, and services to search and borrow research books and articles from other libraries.

· Electronic Books: You can use the online library to uncover and download over 50,000 titles, which have been scanned and made available in electronic format.

· Electronic Journals: The University provides access to over 12,000 journals, which are available in electronic form and only through limited subscription services.

· Peer-reviewed Sources: Students are expected to become familiar with the use of peer-review articles/journals. Peer review (also known as refereeing) is the process of subjecting an author's work, research, or ideas to the scrutiny of others who are experts in the same field. Pragmatically, peer review refers to the work done during the screening of submitted manuscripts and funding applications. This process encourages authors to meet the accepted standards of their discipline and prevents the dissemination of irrelevant findings, unwarranted claims, unacceptable interpretations, and personal views. Publications that have not undergone peer review are likely to be regarded with suspicion by scholars and professionals. Some sources of peer reviewed articles are:

1. ACM digital library: http://portal.acm.org/dl.cfm

2. Google Scholar : http://scholar.google.com/

3. IEEE digital library: http://www.computer.org/portal/web/csdl/home .

Selected Bibliography

Appendix A – Grading Rubric

All written assignments will be assessed according to this rubric. Note that a score of 0 may be assigned in any category where your work does not meet the criteria for the beginning level.

APUS Assignment Rubric Undergraduate Level 300-400	EXEMPLARY LEVEL 4	ACCOMPLISHED LEVEL 3	DEVELOPING LEVEL 2	BEGINNNIG LEVEL 1	TOTAL POINTS
FOCUS/THESIS	Student exhibits a defined and clear understanding of the assignment. Thesis is clearly defined and well constructed to help guide the reader throughout the assignment. Student builds upon the thesis of the assignment with well-documented and exceptional supporting facts, figures, and/or statements.	Establishes a good comprehension of topic and in the building of the thesis. Student demonstrates an effective presentation of thesis, with most support statements helping to support the key focus of assignment.	Student exhibits a basic understanding of the intended assignment, but the thesis is not fully supported throughout the assignment. While thesis helps to guide the development of the assignment, the reader may have some difficulty in seeing linkages between thoughts. While student has included a few supporting facts and statements, this has limited the quality of the assignment.	Exhibits a limited understanding of the assignment. Reader is unable to follow the logic used for the thesis and development of key themes. Introduction of thesis is not clearly evident, and reader must look deeper to discover the focus of the writer. Student’s writing is weak in the inclusion of supporting facts or statements.	10
CONTENT/SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE	Student demonstrates proficient command of the subject matter in the assignment. Assignment shows an impressive level of depth of student’s ability to relate course content to practical examples and applications. Student provides comprehensive analysis of details, facts, and concepts in a logical sequence.	Student exhibits above average usage of subject matter in assignment. Student provides above average ability in relating course content in examples given. Details and facts presented provide an adequate presentation of student’s current level of subject matter knowledge.	The assignment reveals that the student has a general, fundamental understanding of the Resource. Whereas, there are areas of some concerning in the linkages provided between facts and supporting statements. Student generally explains concepts, but only meets the minimum requirements in this area.	Student tries to explain some concepts, but overlooks critical details. Assignment appears vague or incomplete in various segments. Student presents concepts in isolation, and does not perceive to have a logical sequencing of ideas.	20
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS	Student demonstrates a higher-level of critical thinking necessary for 300-400 level work. Learner provides a strategic approach in presenting examples of problem solving or critical thinking, while drawing logical conclusions which are not immediately obvious. Student provides well-supported ideas and reflection with a variety of current and/or world views in the assignment. Student presents a genuine intellectual development of ideas throughout assignment.	Student exhibits a good command of critical thinking skills in the presentation of material and supporting statements. Assignment demonstrates the student’s above average use of relating concepts by using a variety of factors. Overall, student provides adequate conclusions, with 2 or fewer errors.	Student takes a common, conventional approach in guiding the reader through various linkages and connections presented in assignment. However, student presents a limited perspective on key concepts throughout assignment. Student appears to have problems applying information in a problem-solving manner.	Student demonstrates beginning understanding of key concepts, but overlooks critical details. Learner is unable to apply information in a problem-solving fashion. Student presents confusing statements and facts in assignment. No evidence or little semblance of critical thinking skills.	20
ORGANIZATION OF IDEAS/FORMAT	Student thoroughly understands and excels in explaining all major points. An original, unique, and/or imaginative approach to overall ideas, concepts, and findings is presented. Overall format of assignment includes an appropriate introduction (or abstract), well- developed paragraphs, and conclusion. Finished assignment demonstrates student’s ability to plan and organize research in a logical sequence. Student uses at least of 5-7 references in assignment.	Student explains the majority of points and concepts in the assignment. Learner demonstrates a good skill level in formatting and organizing material in assignment. Student presents an above average level of preparedness, with a few formatting errors. Assignment contains less than 5 resources.	Learner applies some points and concepts incorrectly. Student uses a variety of formatting styles, with some inconsistencies throughout the paper. Assignment does not have a continuous pattern of logical sequencing. Student uses less than 3 sources or references.	Assignment reveals formatting errors and a lack of organization. Student presents an incomplete attempt to provide linkages or explanation of key terms. The lack of appropriate references or source materials demonstrates the student’s need for additional help or training in this area. Student needs to review and revise the assignment.	20
WRITING CONVENTIONS (GRAMMAR & MECHANICS)	Student demonstrates an excellent command of grammar, as well as presents research in a clear and concise writing style. Presents a thorough, extensive understanding of word usage. Student excels in the selection and development of a well-planned research assignment. Assignment is error-free and reflects student’s ability to prepare a high-quality academic assignment.	Student provides an effective display of good writing and grammar. Assignment reflects student’s ability to select appropriate word usage and present an above average presentation of a given topic or issue. Assignment appears to be well written with no more than 3-5 errors. Student provides a final written product that covers the above-minimal requirements.	Assignment reflects basic writing and grammar, but more than 5 errors. Key terms and concepts are somewhat vague and not completely explained by student. Student uses a basic vocabulary in assignment. Student’s writing ability is average, but demonstrates a basic understanding of the subject matter.	Topics, concepts, and ideas are not coherently discussed or expressed in assignments. Student’s writing style is weak and needs improvement, along with numerous proofreading errors. Assignment lacks clarity, consistency, and correctness. Student needs to review and revise assignment.	20
USE OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY/ APPLICATIONS	Student provides a high-caliber, formatted assignment. Learner exhibits excellent use of computer technology in the development of assignment. Quality and appropriateness of stated references demonstrate the student’s ability to use technology to conduct applicable research. Given assignment includes appropriate word processing, spreadsheet and/or other computer applications as part of the final product.	Assignment presents an above-average use of formatting skills, with less than 3 errors. Students has a good command of computer applications to format information and/or figures in an appropriate format. Student uses at least two types of computer applications to produce a quality assignment.	Student demonstrates a basic knowledge of computer applications. Appearance of final assignment demonstrates the student’s limited ability to format and present data. Resources used in assignment are limited. Student may need to obtain further help in the use of computer applications and Internet research.	Student needs to develop better formatting skills. The student may need to take additional training or obtain help from the Educator Help Desk while preparing an assignment. Research and resources presented in the assignment are limited. Student needs to expand research scope. The number of formatting errors is not acceptable.	10
TOTAL POINTS					100