Syllabus - CSCI 211 - Computer Infrastructure

Basic Information

• Section: D1
• Semester: Spring 2021
• Hard Deadline for All Work: Friday, May 7th, 2021 at 5:00 PM EDT
• This is an asynchronous, distance learning course. All work will be completed online, but there are no scheduled meetings.
• Prerequisites: None
• Credit Hours: 3
• Course Purpose: Explains the basic components of a computer system.
• Intended Audience: Required course for Information Technology majors.

Instructor Information

Dr. Mike Murphy

Please see the About Me page for contact information, and check my Schedule for office hours information.

Catalog Description

This course covers core computer hardware, including the relationships between components of a computer system. Software components are also introduced, including the fundamentals of the computer operating system and an introduction to virtualization systems.

Course Objectives and Tentative List of Major Topics

1. Provide an overview of computing history.
2. Describe different types of computers, including different system form factors.
3. Introduce the primary components of a computer system, including the CPU, RAM, persistent storage, peripheral devices, and power supplies.
4. Discuss trade-offs inherent in choosing system components.
5. Explain techniques for designing and building custom computer systems.
6. Introduce virtualization software.
7. Discuss the role of the operating system in interfacing with hardware.
8. Demonstrate techniques for installing Linux and Windows operating systems.

Course Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Explain the operations of components in a computer system.
2. Select and specify components for a custom computer system matching a set of user requirements.
3. Install operating system environments and enable virtualization capabilities.
4. Identify common tools to accomplish a given task.

ABET Assessment

This course measures the following Performance Indicators:

• 1.1. Define requirements and/or specifications for a computing problem.
• 1.2. Analyze a complex problem by breaking it down into smaller components.
• 1.3. Evaluate solutions to mitigate or solve a problem.
• 1.4. Identify solutions to a problem by applying principles of computing and/or other relevant disciplines.
• 2.1. Design a solution to meet requirements.
• 2.2. Implement a solution to meet requirements.
• 2.3. Evaluate a solution(s) against requirements.

Texts and Materials

• No textbook is required for this course.
• Readings, reference materials, tutorials, and videos will be assigned, requiring Internet access.
• High-speed Internet access is required for some course assignments.

Grade Categories

Grades will be broken into different categories and weighted as follows:

Additional Policies and Information

The following policies and documents are incorporated into this syllabus by reference:

• My Common Course Policies
• My Online Learning Expectations
• Contingency Plan
• First Week Checklist
• Student Services Guide

Disclaimer

Portions of this course may deal with issues related to cost analysis, laws, and ethics. The instructor of this course is not a lawyer, accountant, or financial advisor, and no portion of this class constitutes legal or financial advice. This syllabus and schedule are tentative and subject to change with notice to the student during the semester. If a portion of this syllabus is found to be non-compliant with University policies or applicable laws, the remainder of this syllabus will remain effective.