NUNAVUT

BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP CAREERS

Computer Systems Tech

PROGRAM REPORT

050
Computer Systems Technician Program

Start Term: No Specified Start Date

End Term: No Specified End Date
Program Status: Approved
Action Type: N/A
Change Type: N/A
Discontinued: No
Latest Version: Yes

Printed: 03/30/2015
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 Program Details

050 - Computer Systems Technician Program

Start Term: No Specified Start Date
End Term: No Specified End Date

Program Details

Code
050

Title
Computer Systems Technician Program

Start Term
No Specified Start Date

End Term
No Specified End Date

Total Credits
63.00

Institution
Nunavut

Faculty
Business and Leadership Careers

Department
Computer Systems Tech

General Information

Eligible for RPL

Yes

Description
The Computer Systems Technician (CST) Program provides students with abilities and expertise to support
the use of computers and networks. Graduates are able to work individually or as part of a team to implement
and maintain information technology solutions that correspond to the day-to-day requirements of individuals
and organizations. From repairing desktop computer to monitoring network operations and beyond, graduates
work in a board range of employment setting in a variety of sectors in both large and small organizations. The
program focuses on technical aspects of commonly used components and troubleshooting techniques for
computer hardware,operating systems, networking technologies, system administration, and a suite of related
support and application software packages. It also supports students in developing their communication and
administration skills, including the ability to work in teams and utilize project management and customer
service techniques. Requirements and subject matter found in certifications such as Comp TIA's (Computer
Technology Industry Association) A+ and network+, Link+, and Microsoft Certified professional (MCP) are
used in this program. Although actual certification is not part of this program, students will be prepared to
write related certification exam. The CST program has dedicated lab, which has been updated to provide
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each with a spacious workstation. Students in good standing will complete a 4 week work practicum each
year.

Inuit Qaujimaningit
The CST Program integrates the Guiding Principles of Inuit Qaujimajuqtuqangit and recognizes the value of
collaborative learning environments unique to Nunavut. Students in the program will develop the required
competencies to meet industry standards for entry level positions in the IT field. Presentation of program
content will draw heavily on the Inuit concept of Inuuqatigiitsiarniq: Respecting others work and developing
healthy work relationships that respect fellow workers. This instructional strategy will help to prepare the
students to work collaboratively with other professionals toward a common end result. Pilimmaksarniq:
development of skills through practice, effort, action and patience. Instructors will seek to balance
instructional methods through the use of learning labs and projectbased learning assignments, in addition to
conventional lectures. Instructors will also promote an environment of inclusive participation through open
dialogue and continuous feedback throughout the program drawing on the Inuit concept of Tunnganarniq.
This instructional strategy draws upon a collaborative approach among students by forming working
relationships with each other to collectively solve problems as they strive toward a common goal.

Career Opportunities
Graduates may find employment as technical support specialist for PC and networks in a wide variety of
corporate environments in the industrial, governmental and service sectors. positions may also include;
system administration and maintenance for LAN/WAN (Local Area Networks/Wide Area Network),
Internet/Intranet and Unix environments; hardware/software sales representatives; customer service support
representatives; technical support specialist; network installation and implementation specialist.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Vocational Learning Outcomes

- Analyze and resolve information technology problems through the application of systematic approaches and
diagnostic tools.

- Support the implementation and administration of computer systems.

- Support the implementation and administration of networking solutions.

- Install, configure, troubleshooting, maintain, and upgrade components of computer systems.

- Install, configure, troubleshooting, maintain, and upgrade components of networks.

- Use a variety of scripting tools and languages to automate routine tasks.

- Follow, monitor, and document data storage procedures designed to ensure the integrity of information.

- Apply knowledge of security issues in the implementation of information technology solutions.

- Provide efficient and effective technical support to clients in a manner that promotes safe computing
practices and reduces the risk of the issue recurring.

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- Conform to workplace expectations found in information technology (IT) environments.

- Contribute to the successful completion of the project applying the project management principles in use.

Program Objectives

- To prepare graduates for employment in the IT field.

- To give graduates knowledge and experience in the subject areas of the program.

- To provide tools by which graduates can make sound decisions in the IT industry.

- To prepare individuals to continue their professional growth within the IT field.

- To provide an educational base for graduated who wish to continue their education.

Program Delivery Model

Classroom| Field Based

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility

Applicants wishing to apply to this program must:

- Have a Nunavut High School diploma (general or advanced), ABE Math 150 and ABE English 150, or
equivalent.

- Be 17 years of age or older.

- Must submit a letter detailing their interest in the program and reasons for applying.

- Must submit a recent resume detailing work history supported by a letter of reference from an employer or
community organization to be considered under the NAC's Prior Learning Assessment Policy.

- May challenge courses needed for program entry if they have significant work experience.

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Applicant Assessment

Applications will be assessed based on submission of the above eligibility criteria. Preference may be given to
those who have a keen interest in detailed technical work and can articulate their future plans. Telephone
interviews will be conducted with potential candidates who meet the admission requirements. Applicants
should understand that IT professional work requires intense concentration and long hours.

Program Admission

Applicants meeting the program eligibility criteria will be admitted into the Computer Systems Technician
Program, subject to space limitations and available resources.

Selection Process
Application| Criminal Record Check| English Assessment Testing| Letter of Intent| Math Assessment Testing|
Reference Letter(s)| Transcripts

Practicum or Work Experience

4 week (150 hours) practicum per year.

Credential

Certificate
No

Length of Program

Degree
No

Length of Program

Diploma
Yes

Length of Program
6 semester

ROA
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No

Length of Program

ROP
No

Length of Program
160 days

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Requirements

Diploma, Computer Systems Technician (63 cr)

Students are required to successfully complete all courses and field practice assignments. A cumulative
grade point average of 60% is required for graduation.

Graduation Eligibility

Graduation Eligibility

Mandatory

Mandatory

Core Courses:

One Inuktitut language course: 004-100 or 080-152

050-125 English 1 - 48 hrs - 3 credits

050-100 Microcomputer Operating Systems - 96 hrs - 6 credits

050-115 PC Systems Technology - 128 hrs - 6 credits

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050-120 Microsoft Office Software 1 - 45 hrs - 3 credits

050-140 Technical & Customer Service - 48 hrs - 3 credits

050-150 Network Essentials - 96 hrs - 6 credits

050-180 Microsoft Office Software 2 - 45 hrs - 3 credits

050-190 Math for Information technology - 60 hrs - 3 credits

050-175 Practicum Preparation - 16 hrs - no credits (pass/fail)

050-185 Practicum 1 - 150 hrs - no credits (pass/fail)

Year Two Core Courses:

050-215 PC Trouble Shooting - 112 hrs - 6 credits

050-220 Local Area Networks - 80 hrs - 3 credits

050-260 Introduction to Networking Routing - 80 hrs - 3 credits

050-270 Network Security - 80 hrs - 3 credits

050-225 Network Services & Support - 64 hrs - 3 credtis

050-290 Wide Area Network Administration - 80 hrs - 3 credtis

050-235 Ethics - 45 hrs - 3 credit

050-310 Practicum II - 150 hrs - no credits (pass/fail)

050-300 Current Trends in IT - 45 hrs - 3 credits

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Electives

Electives

None

Course Descriptions

Course Descriptions

004-100 Conversational Inuktitut 45 hrs -3 credits

This introductory Inuktitut course is designed for students wishing to learn Inuktitut as a second language.
The course is made up of three modules. Students will work in small groups of no more than eight. Short
periods will be set aside for large group discussions and explanation of grammatical points and questions
raised by students.

080-152 Inuktitut Literacy 120 45 hrs-3 credits

This is a continuation of Literacy 110, providing more practice in the syllabic segment of the Inuit Cultural
Institutes Dual Orthography, plus coverage of some advanced points. The course reviews the standard
syllabic symbols and their combinations. There is extra material introduced to cover conventions used in other
dialects. The course includes practice in reading and comprehension of more advanced texts on Inuit creation
stories, and sections on creative writing.

050-100 Microcomputer Operating Systems - 96 Hours - 6 Credits

This course introduces students to the basic DOS (Disk Operating System) and progresses to an advanced
level of understanding of current operating systems. Students learn to use some of the core basic and
advanced commands to perform common system set-up and management tasks. Typical tasks covered
include, but are not limited to: installing and configuring operating system, installing device drivers, managing
memory, troubleshooting the boot process, and customizing the operating environment.

050-115 PC Systems Technology - 128 Hours - 6 Credits

this course focuses on personal computer (PC) hardware and technologies. Course content includes the
basics on how computers work, how they are put together, technical concepts and terminology, along with the
historical evolution and current trend in PC technology. Students learn to recognize and describe the basic
architecture and operation of motherboards, system buses, input/output (I/O) devices, system buses, memory
systems, central processing unit architecture and capabilities, and associated chip-sets. Topics explored
include PC customized and peripherals, performance issues and tweaking, system cooling, RAID (Redundant
Arrays of Independent Disk), SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), efficient system architecture,
emerging technologies and information storage systems. practical exercises focus on installing, configuring
and troubleshooting internal and peripherals PC technology.

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050-150 Network Essentials - 96 Hours - 6 Credits

This course introduces the foundation knowledge of computer networking and LAN/WAN (Local Area
Network/Wide Area Network) communication. Students are introduced to the terminology and concepts
related to the implementation and operation of computer networks. Topics include basic network design,
layered communications models, IP (Internet Protocol) addressing and sub netting, and industry standards for
network media and protocols.

050-125 English 1 - 48 Hours - 3 Credits

This course helps you to develop writing, speaking and preliminary research skills. Topics include the writing
process and basic writing skills, routine correspondence, short reports, summarizing information, overcoming
speech anxiety, planning and delivering an oral presentation, locating and documenting information, working
effectively in a team, and assessing your own communication skills. These valuable skills will help you be
successful in your other courses and in the workplace.

050-120 Microsoft Office Software I: Word and PowerPoint - 45 Hours - 3 Credits

this course is divided into three sections. the first provides a broad-based introduction to word processing in
general and Microsoft Word in particular. Upon successful completion of this section, the student will have the
knowledge required for the MOUS (Microsoft Office User Specialist) exam in Microsoft Word. The second
section enables students to create professional presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint. Upon successful
completion of this section, the student will have the knowledge required for the MOUS (Microsoft Office User
Specialist) exam in Microsoft PowerPoint. The final section introduces students to Microsoft Internet Explorer
software. Specifically students will learn how to search for information efficiently, browse the Web, and create
a simple Web page.

050-140 Technical and Customer Service - 48 Hours - 3 Credits

This course teaches the students the required skills to deal with customers appropriately, with diplomacy and
tact, while managing and helping them with their problems. Proper communication skills and understanding
the user's requirements are emphasized through discussed and role-playing in a simulated support
environment. Students are shown how to design and implement a basic help desk operation. Student will
learn descriptive statistics and the use of basic software tools to present help desk data summaries and
trends.

050-180 Microsoft Office Software II - Excel and Outlook - 45 Hours - 3 Credits

This course is divided into two sections. The first provides a broad-based introduction to spreadsheets, using
Microsoft Excel as the tool. Upon successful completion of this section, the student will have the knowledge
required for the MOUS (Microsoft Office User Specialist) exam in Microsoft outlook, a personal desktop
organizer. Upon successful completion of this section, the student will have the knowledge required for the
MOUS (Microsoft Office User Specialist) exam in Microsoft outlook.

050-190 Math for Information Technology - 60 Hours - 3 Credits

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This course provides a review of mathematical fundamentals including: measurement and basic geometry:
basic operation with numbers, algebraic expressions and algebraic fractions: formulas: factoring: solving
linear, fractional and simple quadratic equations; exponent and radicals; graphs and their applications;
systems of linear equations; introduction to trigonometry of right angle triangles.

050-215 PC Troubleshooting - 112 Hours - 6 Credits

This course places emphasis on problem analysis methodology and techniques for finding, identifying, and
correcting hardware, operating system and software problems. Practical experience is gained by using
common industry troubleshooting tools, such as POST (Power-On Self Test) cards and utility software, to
resolve common problems. labs are designed to test students troubleshooting skills using a series of
computer system with preset problem.

050-260 Introduction to Network Routing - 80 Hours - 3 Credits

This course focuses on the theory of moving data between Local Area Network (LAN). Topics include
different routed and routing protocols and the study of RIP (Routing Information Protocol) and IGRP (Interior
Gateway Routing Protocol) as examples of distance-vector protocols as well as traffic filtering using Access
Control List. This course furthers the students' knowledge of LANs to encompass inter-networks and the
issue of moving data between network segments.

050-235 Ethics - 45 Hours - 3 Credit

Some would say that there is a hole in moral ozone and its getting bigger. This course examines and
addresses the ethical challenges we face every day. It will assist student to clarify their own values and
understanding how these values impact the course of their lives. The course will provide students with a
number of tools and decision making models to deal with personal and professional ethical dilemmas.

050-175 Practicum Preparation - 16 Hours - no credits (pass/fail)

This course is intended to prepare students to find employment in their field of study. Resume preparation,
cover letters, job search techniques, and interview skills will be covered. Students will learn the proper
etiquette, conduct, and attitude necessary to be successful in their chosen career.

050-185 Practicum I - 150 Hours - No credits (pass/fail)

Qualified students complete a work term, and submit a written report which documents the location of
employment and the duties performed.

050-310 Practicum II - 150 Hours - no credits (pass/fail)

Qualified students complete a work term, and submit a written report which documents the location of
employment and the duties performed.

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050-270 Network Security - 80 Hours - 3 Credits

This course focuses on the fundamentals of information technology security. Students are introduced to the
goals of computer security; threats security and security counter measures. Several operating systems will be
examined to their security features. The use of Firewalls, Secure Socket Layer technologies, IP (Internet
Protocol) Masquerading and other methods of protection will be explored.

050-225 Network Service and Support - 64 Hours - 3 Credits

This course covers the knowledge and skills required for supporting common network services in an
Enterprise Network environment. Students will learn basic network management and tools, as well as the
installation, configuration and troubleshooting of typical user services such as mail, Internet access, news
services, shared resources and drives.

050-220 Local Area Networks - 80 Hours - 3 Credits

This course focuses on the capabilities of Microsoft's operating systems in a network environment including
Windows 2000/XP Professional and the Windows 2000/2003 Server Family. Topics explored are automated
installation, the Microsoft DNS (Domain Naming System) implementation, domain controllers using Active
Directory File Systems (DFS). The students will install and configure Windows 2000/XP Professional and
Windows 2000/2003 Server with Active Directory and Practice typical system administration tasks.
Prerequisite(s) CST7222

050-290 Wide-Area Network Administration - 80 Hours - 3 Credits

This course extends the students knowledge of networking gained from previous courses to include Wide
Area Networking connections. Topics covered include scaling IP (Internet Protocol) addresses using Network
Address Translation (NAT) and Port Address Translation (PAT), implementing Dynamic Host configuration
Protocol (DHCP) on routers, WAN (Wide Area Network) technologies and standard. Point-to-Point protocol,
Integrated Services Digital network Management concepts. Laboratory exercises focus on the technical
aspects of the technologies discussed using routers to simulate real WAN technology setups. Students are
brought into the realm of networking in complex environments, including the integration of enterprise routing
across the Internet.

050-300 Current Trends in IT - 45 Hours - 3 Credits

This course focuses on new emerging trends in the Information Technology industry. In any two year IT
program, many new developments will have occurred during the time period that the program has run. By
being offered in the final semester this course serves to bridge this gap and provide students with the most up
to date knowledge and skills possible. There should be no 'hard set' objectives for this course but rather the
details of the curriculum should emerge as the final semester of the program progresses. This should be
accomplished through instructor and student input as well as from guest speakers currently working in various
IT departments around Nunavut.

Document of Recognition: Diploma, Computer Systems Technician (63 CR)

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