Purdue University Calumet
School of Technology
Course Syllabus
ECET 11000 - Computer System Architecture
Credits and Contact Hours:
Credit 3, Class 2, Lab. 2, Contact Hours 4
Instructor’s or Course Coordinator’s Name:
William C. Robinson
Text Book, Title, Author and Year:
Title: CompTIA A+ Cert Guide,
Author: Soper, Mueller, Prowse.
Year: 2010
Other supplemental material: Lab handouts and other handouts for topics not covered by the textbook.
Introduction to the Course:
a) Catalog Description (2010-2011 Academic Catalog):
Introduction to PC based system architecture, identification, installation and upgrading of
microcomputer modules, Windows Operating System. Ability to configure IRQ’s, I/O addresses and
set switches and jumpers. Distinguish between the popular CPUs. Identify the categories of
Memory. Identify the popular types of motherboards, their components and their architecture.
Differentiate between the different buses and their interfaces. Basic concepts and terminology of
Networking. Diagnosing and troubleshooting common module problems and system malfunctions.
b) Prerequisites:
None
c) Required course.
Specific Goals of the Course:
a) Course Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Identify all parts of a PC (a)
2. Discuss the functions and interactions of all PC subsystems (a)
3. Configure IRQ’s and I/O addresses (a)
4. Distinguish between popular CPU’s (a)
5. Identify categories of memory (i.e. SIMM, DIMM, DDR, etc.) (a)
6. Identify popular types of motherboards, their components (chipsets), and their architecture (a)
7. Differentiate between the various Busses and their interfaces (a), (b)
8. Learn basic concepts and terminology of Networking and Security (a) (b)
9. Identify and troubleshoot common PC hardware problems (a) (b) (c)
10. Select quality PCs and constituent components based on performance and cost (c)
11. Become familiar with Interpersonal Communications skills. (g)
12. Install, replace, and upgrade PC hardware components (a) (b)
13. Install and troubleshoot PC peripherals such as printers and modems (a) (b)
14. Gather/organize electronic data using the computer. (a) (b) (c)
15. Utilize various computer software packages (Excel, Word, etc.) to complete professional reports
or presentations. (g)
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ECET 11000 - Computer System Architecture
b) Criteria 3 Student Outcomes:
This course covers items a, b, c, and g in ABET Criteria 3.
Course Delivery Methods (check all that apply):
x Lecture x Laboratory x Online x Discussion groups x Projects
Factors Used to Determine the Course Grade (check all that apply):
x Quizzes x Exams x Homework x Papers x Lab Reports x Class participation
How final grade is determined:
 Exams & Quizzes
 Presentation
 Homework, labs and hands-on performance
 Attendance
30%
10%
50%
10%
Brief List of Topics to be Covered:
1) Introduction to Computer Repair Safety & tool use.
Review of number systems Binary, Hexadecimal
The Motherboard and System Configuration
Disassembly and Power Supplies
Logical Troubleshooting
Basic Windows and Commands DOS
Windows 2000/XP/Vista/Windows 7
Intro to Networking, Network Security
Research Presentations
Lab Experiments:
1) Safe lab procedures, and tool usage.
Computer disassembly and reassembly.
Configurations overview, BIOS, IRQ, DMA, flash BIOS, CMOS memory, etc.
ESD, EMI, Basic electrical characteristics, OHMS law, power supply
Examine various types of memory, DIMM, RIMM, installation, upgrade,
Hard drive overview, configuration, preparation, installation.
Examine CD drives, DVD drives sound cards installation, troubleshooting
Serial device overview, serial cables, ports, settings, configuration.
Printer installation, configuration, troubleshooting
OS overview, Command line interface, working in CLI environment
Network host addressing configuration, wireless Access Point configuration.
Experiments on networking, security concerns such as threats, procedures, and PM relating to data and
physical security.
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