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CPTR170 01 Course Outline

CPTR 170 Microcomputer Hardware is a 3-credit undergraduate course at the University of the Southern Caribbean, focusing on modern microcomputer hardware and preparing students for A+ Hardware certification. The course covers topics such as system maintenance, processors, memory, and networking, with a combination of lectures, practical sessions, and assessments. Students are expected to actively participate, complete assignments, and adhere to university policies regarding attendance and academic integrity.

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6 views8 pages

CPTR170 01 Course Outline

CPTR 170 Microcomputer Hardware is a 3-credit undergraduate course at the University of the Southern Caribbean, focusing on modern microcomputer hardware and preparing students for A+ Hardware certification. The course covers topics such as system maintenance, processors, memory, and networking, with a combination of lectures, practical sessions, and assessments. Students are expected to actively participate, complete assignments, and adhere to university policies regarding attendance and academic integrity.

Uploaded by

markezekiel94
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CPTR 170 Microcomputer Hardware Page 1 of 8

UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN

Microcomputer Hardware

COURSE OUTLINE
2023-2024

Undergraduate Course Outline: Revised April 2012


CPTR 170 Microcomputer Hardware Page 2 of 8

School of Science and Technology


Department of Computer Science
P.O. Box 175, Port of Spain,
Trinidad, W.I.

Course Outline

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
- CPTR 170 Microcomputer Hardware
- Monday and Wednesday 12:15-1:30pm
- Number of Credits: 3
- This course seeks This course focuses on the study of modern microcomputer hardware
and prepares the student for A+ Hardware certification by providing instruction on system
configuration, installation, upgrades, diagnosis, repair, preventive maintenance, and safety
of vendor neutral PC Hardware.
- Prerequisite(s): NONE
- Delivery: Face to Face

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
- Joel Mitchell MSc Computing
- School of Science and Technology
- E-mail address: mitchellj@usc.edu.tt
- Office Hours:
- My most reliable contact is via email

PURPOSE OF THE COURSE/COURSE RATIONALE


- To help students understand the basic hardware components of a computer system and
their respective functions.

Undergraduate Course Outline: Revised April 2012


CPTR 170 Microcomputer Hardware Page 3 of 8

GOALS/AIMS

• Enhance critical thinking, promote a logical approach to problem solving and equip
students with up-to-date skills in configuring, troubleshooting and maintain personal
computers.

LEARNING OUTCOMES (Modules/Unit Learning Outcomes)

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:


1. To help the students acquire skills in the design and understanding of digital circuits.
2. To give students an appreciation of how numbers, characters and instructions are
represented and manipulated in the computer.
3. To help students understand the basic hardware components of a computer system and
their respective functions.
COURSE CONTENT

Topic 1: 1. An Introduction to Personal Computers


➢
Evolution/history of PCs
➢
Working with PCs
➢
Rules and hand tools
➢
Software tools and Procedures

Topic 2: System Maintenance


➢
System Cleaning
➢
Preventive Maintenance

Topic 3: Processors
➢
Performance and Characteristics
➢
Processor Types
➢
CPU Coolers
➢
Processor upgrades, replacement and troubleshooting

Undergraduate Course Outline: Revised April 2012


CPTR 170 Microcomputer Hardware Page 4 of 8

Topic 4: Memory
➢
Memory Performance and other issues
➢
Choosing Memory
➢
Installing Memory
➢
Troubleshooting Memory Installation and Operation

Topic 5: Hard Disk Drives


➢
Choosing and installing hard drives
➢
Enabling DMA mode Transfers(PTA only)
➢
Hard disk Interfaces

Topic 6: Optical Drives


➢
Optical Drive types
➢
Optical Drives Performance
➢
Optical Disc Types
➢
Installing and Configuring an optical Drive
➢
Troubleshooting Optical Drives

Topic 7: Input Devices


➢
Keyboards
➢
Mice and Trackballs
➢
Game Controllers

Topic 8: Audio
➢
Audio Adapters
➢
Installing Sound Cards
➢
Configuring an Audio Adapter under Windows
➢
Speakers and Headphones
➢
Troubleshooting Audio Problems

Topic 9: Power Supplies and Protection

Undergraduate Course Outline: Revised April 2012


CPTR 170 Microcomputer Hardware Page 5 of 8

➢
Components and Special Circuits
➢
Voltage Regulation
➢
Installation
➢
Power Protection Systems

Topic 10: Video Adapters


➢
Video Adapter Interfaces
➢
TV tuner/Capture cards
➢
Troubleshooting Video Adapter Problems

Topic 11: Displays


➢
CRT Displays
➢
LCD Displays
➢
Troubleshooting Display Problems

Topic 12: Networking and Wireless


➢
Types of Networks
➢
Network Topology
➢
Network Architecture
➢
Bandwidth
➢
OSI Model
➢
Wireless Standards
➢
Wireless Communication Technologies

Topic 13: Computer Ethics


➢
Information Privacy
➢
Ergonomics
➢
Viruses
➢
Social Engineering
➢
Hacker Classification
➢
Internet Crimes

Undergraduate Course Outline: Revised April 2012


CPTR 170 Microcomputer Hardware Page 6 of 8

Topic 14: Motherboards


➢
Features
➢
BIOS/CMOS
➢
Form Factors
➢
Processor Support
➢
Chipsets
➢
Connectors and Ports
➢
Installation

TEACHING STRATEGIES

• The content of this course is delivered using a combination of class lectures, class exercises
and practical sessions. Students will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their
understanding of the material on a practical project, assignments and final exam.

HOW TO SUCCEED IN THIS COURSE


1. Ask questions and participate in class. Questioning is the key to learning.
2. Own the required textbook and acquaint yourself with the topics (guided by the course
outline) before coming to class. Being familiar with the material will enable students to ask
questions about the parts of the material they did not understand and prepare for
participation in activities beyond lectures.
3. Attend tutorial sessions. Students are expected to prepare the relevant tutorial prior to the
weekly session.
4. Read and prepare for class tests\quizzes.

ASSIGNMENTS
Individual Projects/Group Projects
▪
YET TO BE ANNOUNCED

Undergraduate Course Outline: Revised April 2012


CPTR 170 Microcomputer Hardware Page 7 of 8

COURSE ASSESSMENT
1. Provides a means for students to adequately demonstrate their understanding of the
course content and progress in the development of their programming skills.
2. Serves as an objective instrument for measuring student development and awarding a
final grade.

COURSE CALENDAR

• Weekly schedule
• Order or topics and associated readings
• Linking of topics to one or more course learning outcomes
• Assignments and due dates

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Standard)


University Policies:
• Attendance Policy/Regulations (USC Bulletin 2010-2012, pg. 15)
• Grading Policy (USC Bulletin 2010-2012, pg. 16)
• Late Assignment
• Plagiarism (USC Student Handbook, pg. 47)

1. Class attendance is mandatory. As such, the Class Absence Policy of the University will
be applied, i.e. absences exceeding 20% of the total class hours for the semester will lead
to an F grade (refer to handbook/bulletin). Additionally, students are required to be in a
class on time.
2. Assignments and tests reinforce the student’s understanding of the material covered in
lectures. Performance in assignments and tests will contribute to the final grade.
Notification will be given in advance of pending exams. Late assignments are unacceptable
and will incur a penalty.
3. All forms of dishonesty will be dealt with as outlined in the University Student Handbook.
Forbidden conduct includes: plagiarism, copyright infringement and any other form of
impropriety. Cases involving suspected dishonesty would be forwarded to the Office of the
Vice President for Student Development for placement in the student’s file. In cases

Undergraduate Course Outline: Revised April 2012


CPTR 170 Microcomputer Hardware Page 8 of 8

involving known dishonesty, the student will be required to withdraw from the class with
a failing grade.

GRADING SYSTEM (Standard)


Students will be assessed using the following methods.

Assignments……..………………...……….………………………….30%

Sectional 1………..……………………………………………………35%

Sectional 2……………..………………………………………………35%

Grading policy
A=90-100% C+=65-69%
A-=85-89% C=60-64%
B+=80-84% C-=55-59%
B=75-79% D=50-54%
B-=70-74% F=0-49%

A minimum of a C grade is acceptable for all Computer Science majors.

RESOURCES
➢
➢
Supplemental Text: Repairing and Upgrading your PC - Thompson, Robert Bruce &
➢
Fritchman Thompson, Barbara

Undergraduate Course Outline: Revised April 2012

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