Black Hawk College provides the environment and resources for individuals to become life-long learners.

Microcomputer Hardware                                        Course Syllabus

COER 116  M/T   9:30-3:30                                        Summer 2013

Instructor:  Jay Bohnsack

Phone:  cell  (309)738.0811 

E-mail address:  jbohnsack@gmail.com

College Web Site address:  www.bhc.edu

Class Website:  http://iteachtech.com/wp/

Class Schedule:          9:30 pm – 12:00 pm                  MT        Lecture-Room 2-108

                                12:30 pm – 3:30 pm                  MT        Lab-Room 2-108

Office Location:        N/A

Office Hours:        TBA

Computer Lab Hours:          ?Monday – Thursday         8:00 am – 6:00 pm

                                        ?Friday                        8:00 am – 4:00 pm

                                        ?Closed Saturday & Sunday

Text:  CompTIA A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC

        Author:  Jean Andrews

Materials:  Text and 128 MB USB Flash Drive or SkyDrive account

Course Description:  This course is an introduction to microcomputer hardware components, from a technician’s perspective. Content includes motherboard, CPU, memory, storage devices and I\O devices, etc.  Emphasis is on installation and repair, as well as hardware\software interaction. Not an A+ Certification prep course, but provides a foundation for future pursuit of this credential. 2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours per week.

Objectives:  After completing this course, a student will be able to:

1. Define basic microcomputer hardware concepts and terminology, and their role in PC function, e.g.  processing, I\O, storage, power, memory, etc.

2. Define terms and describe how hardware and software interact; e.g. system resources, IRQ, I\O Address, memory addressing, DMA, BIOS, CMOS, device drivers, etc.

3. Describe and troubleshoot the PC boot process

4. Demonstrate the ability to install\replace and configure basic hardware components, including:

• Motherboard
• CPU
• Storage devices (hard drive, floppy\zip drive, etc.)
• Memory components
• Power supplies
• I\O devices
• Multimedia devices (CD, DVD, sound card, etc.)

5. Describe the operation of the above hardware, and peripheral interfaces.
6.  Demonstrate an increased awareness of and appreciation for the concept of

1. ‘professionalism’ (i.e. a combination of technical competence, adherence to industry ‘best practices’, and customer service skills), and its application in the workplace. (This outcome embodies the BHC core values of integrity and responsibility.)

Policies/Procedures:  All exercises are to be completed when requested by text and assigned by the instructor.  All assignments in the text are to be read prior to class, and the in-class projects are to be completed during the class period assigned unless otherwise specified.  I will review all assignments in printed form, and will periodically check. Grades will be based upon the percentage of satisfactory completion of your projects, quizzes, exercises, homework, and tests will be 80% of your final grade.  All work is due on the assigned date unless prior arrangements with the instructor are made.  

• No tests can be made up unless a time is prearranged with the instructor.  
• No quizzes can be taken at any time other than when given unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.  
• All make-up quizzes and tests should be completed prior to the next class period.  A 20% grade reduction will be applied if not completed by the next class period.
• The lowest quiz grade can be dropped.  
• ANYONE THAT DOES NOT TAKE THE FINAL EXAM WILL AUTOMATICALLY FAIL THE CLASS - EVEN IF ALL OTHER ASSIGNMENTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.
• If a policy is not covered in this syllabus, refer to your student handbook for the appropriate policy.

Special Needs:   Students with a disability, who may need modifications or accommodations in the classroom or in testing situations, are encouraged to contact the Academic Support Services Advisor, Wendy Smith, in the Advising Center, ext 1713.  In addition, please feel free to discuss your needs with me after class or during my office hours.

Lectures and Attendance:   The policy of Black Hawk College is based on the belief that the student obtains much of his/her education from the classroom contacts with the instructor and fellow students, therefore, class attendance records are kept.  Failure to attend class regularly, four (4) unexcused absences or more, excessive lateness (four or more times), or hand in homework will cause you to receive a 10% reduction in your overall grade for the class.  Unexcused absences and tardiness will be noted and will make a difference of 10% in your final grade.  

Grading Scale:                  90 - 100                        A

                                80 - 89                        B

                                70 - 79                        C

                                60 - 69                        D

                                59 and below                F

Grading:                        Projects/Quizzes                25%

                                Tests                                25%

                                Exercises/Homework        25%

                                Final                                25%

Conclusion:  Please do not hesitate to ask questions.  There will be a course outline and assignments.