Module Details
Module Code: |
COMH6001 |
Title: |
Build Your Own PC
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Long Title:
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Build Your Own PC
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NFQ Level: |
Fundamental |
Valid From: |
Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 ) |
Field of Study: |
5231 - Computer Hardware
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Module Description: |
In this module students learn about personal computer hardware, software and networks. Ideally during this module students will select the components for their own computer, order them and finally assemble and test the finished machine. This module takes a practical hands on approach to computer hardware and software with a strong emphasis on experiential learning ("learning by doing"). On completing this module, students will have the knowledge and experience to solve common computer problems and be familiar with the latest computer technology.
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Learning Outcomes |
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
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Learning Outcome Description |
LO1 |
Identify the main components in a personal computer and describe their function. |
LO2 |
Remove, install or upgrade personal computer components in compliance with health and safety regulations. |
LO3 |
Select compatible components for assembling a PC and source suitable suppliers for these components. |
LO4 |
Install and maintain the critical software elements in a personal computer in compliance with industry's best practice and software ethics. |
LO5 |
Configure a home network. |
Dependencies |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
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Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
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No incompatible modules listed |
Co-requisite Modules
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No Co-requisite modules listed |
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
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No requirements listed |
Indicative Content |
Safety, Static and ESD
Discussion of the safety issues when working on electrical equipment, explanation of electrostatic discharge (ESD), techniques to prevent ESD.
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How a PC Works
Introduction to the main hardware components, the processor, memory, disk drives, motherboard, expansion cards, power supply, case, the display, peripheral interfaces such as USB, the operating system, the boot sequence.
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Modern PC Components
A study of the most recent components and hardware standards.
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Component Selection
How to select components to achieve performance, performance versus cost, selecting components for specific functionality, e.g. gaming or a home media centre, where to source components, checking component compatibility, lead times, environmental considerations.
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Installing and Upgrading Components
Practical work involving removing/installing the main components, i.e. RAM, CPU, hard disk drive, CD/DVD ROM drive, expansion cards.
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Assembling a PC
Assembling all of the components into a PC frame.
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Installing the Operating System
A discussion of modern operating systems, e.g. Windows and Linux. Practical installation of multiple operating systems, repairing OS faults. Open source software and licensing.
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Troubleshooting
Locating/identifying hardware and software faults
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Practical Software Maintenance
Removing viruses, malware and trojans. Data recovery, backing up and cloning hard drives, RAID, ghosting, virtual machines, GDPR and legal/ethical/licensing obligations when using software.
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Networking and Computer Security
Covering the topics and skills required to build a home network and an overview of computer security.
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Module Content & Assessment
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Assessment Breakdown | % |
Coursework | 100.00% |
Assessments
No End of Module Formal Examination |
Reassessment Requirement |
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.
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The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
Workload: Full Time |
Workload Type |
Contact Type |
Workload Description |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Hours |
Lab |
Contact |
Practical work using health and safety compliant laboratory practice with consideration of the ethical, environmental and legal obligations. |
Every Week |
4.00 |
4 |
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) |
Non Contact |
Review of lecture notes, resources, preparation for assessment deliverables. |
Every Week |
3.00 |
3 |
Total Hours |
7.00 |
Total Weekly Learner Workload |
7.00 |
Total Weekly Contact Hours |
4.00 |
Workload: Part Time |
Workload Type |
Contact Type |
Workload Description |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Hours |
Lab |
Contact |
Practical work using health and safety compliant laboratory practice with consideration of the ethical, environmental and legal obligations. |
Every Week |
3.00 |
3 |
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) |
Non Contact |
Review of lecture notes, resources, preparation for assessment deliverables. |
Every Week |
4.00 |
4 |
Total Hours |
7.00 |
Total Weekly Learner Workload |
7.00 |
Total Weekly Contact Hours |
3.00 |
Module Resources
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Recommended Book Resources |
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Groth. (2015), PC Hardware Essentials, Wiley, [ISBN: 0470074000].
| Supplementary Book Resources |
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Scott Mueller. (2013), Upgrading and Repairing PCs, 21. QUE, p.1136, [ISBN: ISBN-10: 0789750007 , ISBN-13: 978-0789750006].
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Kyle MacRae, Gary Marshall. (2012), Build Your Own Computer: The Complete Step-by-step Manual to Constructing a PC That's Right for You, 5. J H Haynes & Co Ltd, [ISBN: ISBN-10: 0857332686, ISBN-13: 978-0857332684].
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Robert Thompson. (2007), Building the Perfect PC, 2. O'Reilly, p.402, [ISBN: ISBN-10: 0596526865 ; ISBN-13: 978-0596526863].
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Adrian Kingsley-Hughes. (2004), Build Your Own PC, Hungry Minds Inc,U.S, p.408, [ISBN: ISBN-10: 0471760994 ; ISBN-13: 978-0471760993].
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Kerry Bourgoine, Matthew Malm. (2005), Build the Ultimate Gaming PC: Monster Gaming Machine, Hungry Minds Inc,U.S, p.347, [ISBN: ISBN-10: 0471755478 ; ISBN-13: 978-0471755470].
| This module does not have any article/paper resources |
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Other Resources |
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Website, Toms Hardware Site,
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Website, BuildYourOwn.org.uk,
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Website, Komplett Computer Parts,
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