BU 396 – Systems Operation Management
College of Business, Mississippi University for Women
Course Syllabus, Fall 2007
Section:
Times:
001
9:30-10:45 Tues., Thu.
Instructor:
Scott Tollison
Office:
Reneau Hall, Room 301
Office Phone: 329-7164
E-mail:
Web Site:
stollison@muw.edu
http://www2.muw.edu/~stollison
http://webct.muw.edu
Office Hours:
M 9:00-11:00, 1:00-3:00
T 1:00-3:00
W 1:00-5:00
Required Materials:
Meyers, M. (2003). Introduction to PC Hardware and Troubleshooting. New York: McGrawHill/Osborne.
ISBN: 0-07-222632-3
University Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of managing computer systems, networks, and
telecommunication operations. Students will receive instruction in lectures and then apply their
knowledge in a hands-on lab by installing computer equipment and telecommunications hardware, and by
identifying and resolving problems related to hardware operations.
Objectives:
The overall objective of this course is to prepare students for as many aspects of the Computer
Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+ certification as possible. According to CompTIA, the
A+ certification is “an international industry credential that validates the knowledge of computer service
technicians with the equivalent of 500 hours of hands-on experience. Major hardware and software
vendors, distributors and resellers accept CompTIA A+ as the standard in foundation-level, vendorneutral certification for service technicians. The exams cover a broad range of hardware and software
technologies.” (Source: http://www.comptia.org/certification/a/)
The specific objectives of the CompTIA A+ certification will include the following:
 Installation, Configuration and Upgrading of Hardware
 Diagnosing and Troubleshooting Hardware
 Preventive Maintenance
 Motherboard/Processors/Memory
 Printers
 Basic Networking
Assessment:
A hands-on assignment based on that day’s lecture will be given at the conclusion of class period. These
assignments will be completed and evaluated before the student leaves class.
BU 396 Syllabus 1
Three tests will be given during the semester. Your highest test score will be counted twice. These tests
will consist predominantly of multiple choice, true-false, and matching questions. These tests will also
consist of some short-answer questions.
A comprehensive final-exam will be given at the conclusion of the semester. This test will consist
predominantly of multiple choice, true-false, and matching questions. This test will also consist of some
short-answer questions.
Grading:
Assignments
Test One
Test Two
Test Three
Highest Test Score
Final Exam
40%
12%
12%
12%
12%
12%
Grading Scale:
A
92% - 100%
B
83% - 91.9%
C
74% - 82.9%
D
65% - 73.9%
F
64.9% and below
Tentative Course Schedule:
#
1.
Day / Date
Thurs., August 16
Tasks
Review Syllabus
Lecture on Computer Safety
CompTIA
Objective(s)*
3.2
2.
Tues., August 21
Binary Conversion
3.
Thurs., August 23
Lecture on Input Hardware
1.2
4.
Tues., August 28
Lecture on the Boot Process
4.4
5.
Thurs., August 30
Lecture on System Resources
1.4
6.
Tues, September 4
Lecture on the Processor
4.1, 4.4
7.
Thurs., September 6
Lecture on the Processor (continued)
4.3
8.
Tues., September 11
Test One Review
9.
Thurs., September 13
Test One
10.
Tues., September 18
Lecture on the Motherboard
4.3
BU 396 Syllabus 2
11.
Thurs., September 20
Lecture on the Motherboard (continued)
4.3
12.
Tues., September 25
Lecture on Power Supply and Cases
1.2, 1.10, 2.1
13.
Thurs, September 27
Lecture on Buses and Expansion Slots
4.3
14.
Tues, October 2
Lecture on Physical Memory
4.2
15.
Thurs., October 4
Test Two Review
16.
Tues., October 9
Fall Break
17.
Thurs., October 11
Test Two
18.
Tues., October 16
Lecture on Purchasing, Upgrading, and Installing
Memory
19.
Thurs., October 18
Lecture on Computer Video
20.
Tues., October 23
Lecture on Computer Sound
1.2
21.
Thurs., October 25
Lecture on Floppy Drives and Optical Storage Drives
1.2, 1.4
22.
Tues., October 30
Lecture on Hard Drive Physical Structure
1.10, 4.4
23.
Thurs., November 1
Lecture on Hard Drive Logical Structure
N/A
24.
Tues., November 6
Test Three Review
25.
Thurs., November 8
Test Three
26.
Tues., November 13
Lecture on Hard Drive Calculations
1.10
27.
Thurs., November 15
Lecture on Hard Drive Standards and Installation and
Support
1.2, 1.7, 4.3
28.
Tues., November 20
Functions and History of the Operating System
29.
Thurs., November 22
Thanksgiving
30.
Tues., November 27
DOS / Windows 9X / ME
Final Exam Review
31.
Thurs., November 29
Windows NT / 2000 / XP / Vista
Final Exam Review
32.
Thurs., December 6
Mandatory Comprehensive Final Exam @ 8:00 am
4.2, 4.4
BU 396 Syllabus 3
* see the attached A+ Core Hardware (2003) Examination Objectives
Classroom Etiquette:
o Cell phone and beepers should be turned off before entering class.
o No food, drink, etc. are allowed in the classroom.
o We will follow all regularly accepted computer safety procedures.
o No sleeping or resting of heads on desks during class lecture.
o No studying for other classes during class lecture.
o No talking during class lecture.
Make-Up Assignments:
Because almost all of the assignments will be hands-on and require a computer setup unique for that day.
Therefore, these assignments will be impossible to makeup.
In lieu of making up assignments, students may (if they wish to receive credit for the assignment) write a
one to two page paper in APA format on a topic of my choosing. The paper will be due fourteen days
from the student’s return to class. It is the student’s responsibility to contact me and find out the topic.
Make-up Tests:
Missed tests may be made up during the final exam period.
Your Responsibilities:
o It is your responsibility to attend class.
o When you are absent, it is your responsibility to both find out your make-up assignments and
submit those assignments as promptly as possible.
o It is your responsibility to talk to me if you are having difficulties. Do not struggle in silence.
Extra Credit:
Absolutely, positively no opportunities will be given to individuals to earn extra credit. If you are
dissatisfied with your grade, you may study harder to improve your grade.
Academic Dishonesty Policy:
MUW’s Academic Dishonesty Policy will be very strictly enforced. This policy is very carefully and
thoroughly spelled out in MUW’s Student Bulletin on pp. 53-55.
BU 396 Syllabus 4