Module Details

Module Code: COMH6001
Title: Build Your Own PC
Long Title: Build Your Own PC
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2020/21 ( September 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5231 - Computer Hardware
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
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.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# 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).
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.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
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.
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.
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.
Modern PC Components
A study of the most recent components and hardware standards.
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.
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.
Assembling a PC
Assembling all of the components into a PC frame.
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.
Troubleshooting
Locating/identifying hardware and software faults
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.
Networking and Computer Security
Covering the topics and skills required to build a home network and an overview of computer security.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 40
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Practical work in the laboratory using continuous assessment and project based learning while complying with ethical and safety standards and industry best practice.
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1
Assessment Description
Combination of multiple choice questions and short answer questions examining the student's ability to identify and describe the functions of the main PC components.
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 15
Timing Week 6 Learning Outcomes 1,3
Assessment Description
Identifying suitable components for assembling a pc and find appropriate suppliers for these components in compliance with industry best practice and while considering environmental and ethical concerns.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Group project consisting of assembling the appropriate hardware and installing/configuring the software to perform the assigned task while complying with ethical and safety standards and industry best practice. Includes a group report and group presentation on the finished project.
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.

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
Recommended Book Resources
  • Groth. (2015), PC Hardware Essentials, Wiley, [ISBN: 0470074000].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Scott Mueller. (2013), Upgrading and Repairing PCs, 21. QUE, p.1136, [ISBN: ISBN-10: 0789750007 , ISBN-13: 978-0789750006].
  • 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].
  • Robert Thompson. (2007), Building the Perfect PC, 2. O'Reilly, p.402, [ISBN: ISBN-10: 0596526865 ; ISBN-13: 978-0596526863].
  • Adrian Kingsley-Hughes. (2004), Build Your Own PC, Hungry Minds Inc,U.S, p.408, [ISBN: ISBN-10: 0471760994 ; ISBN-13: 978-0471760993].
  • 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
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_EEPSY_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical Engineering 3 Elective
CR_EELEC_7 Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering 3 Elective