Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: IT Essentials

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
COSC2386	City Campus	Undergraduate	155T Vocational Health and Sciences	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2008, Sem 2 2008, Sem 1 2010, Sem 2 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 2 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 1 2014, Sem 2 2014, Sem 1 2015, Sem 2 2015, Sem 1 2016, Sem 2 2016
COSC2386	City Campus	Undergraduate	174T School of VE Engineering, Health & Science	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019, Sem 2 2020, Sem 2 2021
COSC2386	City Campus	Undergraduate	520T Future Technologies	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2022, Sem 2 2022, Sem 1 2023, Sem 2 2024, Sem 1 2025

Course Coordinator: Martin Tran

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 9925 2000

Course Coordinator Email: martin.tran@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 57, Level 5, Room 36

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.

This course is designed for students with limited IT knowledge and is only recommended for students who are studying non-IT programs.

Course Description

This course covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software, and advanced concepts such as security, networking, and the responsibilities of an IT professional.

Hands-on lab activities and virtual learning tools are essential elements that are integrated into the curriculum.

You will learn how to assemble and maintain a computer system, install an operating system, share resources in a networked environment, and troubleshoot using system tools and diagnostic software.

This course helps you prepare for the CompTIA A+ certification exams.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for AD006 Associate Degree in Information Technology:
• Enabling Knowledge
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• Team Work
• Responsibility

On completion of this course you should be able to:

1. Assemble a computer system and install an operating system.
2. Follow safety guidelines and procedures.
3. Connect computers to an existing network.
4. Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshooting.
5. Protect computers against security threats.
6. Communicate effectively with customers.

Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities included in this course are:

• Lectures where syllabus material will be presented and explained and the subject will be illustrated with demonstrations and examples.
• On-line quizzes related to the skills and concepts previously learnt.
• Standalone virtual learning tools which supplement classroom instruction and provide opportunities for interactive hands-on learning.
• A network simulator that allows you to do tasks usually performed on a physical network.
• Laboratory activities through which you will learn how to assemble and configure computers, install operating systems and software, and troubleshoot hardware and software issues.

Overview of Learning Resources

You will make extensive use of computer laboratories and relevant software provided by the School. You will be able to access course information and learning materials through MyRMIT and may be provided with copies of additional materials in class or via email.
You will be enrolled in the Cisco Networking Academy Program and will therefore be able to access an extensive range of the Cisco IT Essentials curriculum resources. Because of this, there is no recommended text book for this course.
The computer science subject guide is located at rmit.libguides.com/compsci and can provide useful references to further augment your studies.

Overview of Assessment

This course has no hurdle requirements.

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Lab Exercises 40%
Individual
This is face to face. On Campus Attendance Required
Lab Exercises  1 (20% of Total marks)
Lab Exercises  2 (20% of Total marks)
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-6  

Assessment Task 2: Practical Skills Assessment 40%
Individual
This exam is face to face. On Campus Attendance Required
Skills Assessment 1 (20% of Total marks)
Skills Assessment 2 (20% of Total marks)
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-6  

Assessment Task 3: CISCO ITE Certification 20%
Individual
This assessment task supports CLOs 1-6