Direct Level 6 | | Technology, Media & Science |
Computer Services - Higher Certificate in Science (Level 6)
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Programme Description | | This aim of this programme is to give you the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in computer services provision in a variety of industry and business environments. As a graduate of this programme, you will have acquired the skills to operate as computer technicians, technical help desk agents or IT trainers. You will be capable of troubleshooting and solving technical problems with computing systems and networks and communicating effectively with all stakeholders of computing infrastructure. | |
Entry Requirements: | | Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 5 Passes in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English/Irish. FETAC: A full FETAC Level 5 award or FETAC Level 6 award. Applicants must have passed a Mathematics module in their FETAC Award or have passed Mathematics at Leaving Certificate to qualify for entry to this programme. Mature: Refer to the admissions section. | |
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Modules:
Year 1: | | Introduction to Programming, Web Development Fundamentals, Computer System Concepts, Mathematics for Computing, Operating System Fundamentals, Organisations and Business Processes, Introduction to Computer Networks, Introduction to Object Orientated Programming, Program Design Concepts, Electronics for Computing, Mathematical Methods, Operating Systems Management, Interpersonal Development.
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Year 2:
| | Switching LANs, Database Planning Design, Multimedia Technology, Human Computer Interface Design, Procedural Programming, IT Support, Database Systems Implementation, Routing Internetworks, Microprocessor Systems, Statistical Data Analysis, IT Training and Sales, Operations Management. | |
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Duration: | | | |
Class Contact Hours: | | | CAO Points: | | | Top 3 Reasons to Choose:
| | (1) You will gain hands-on experience and knowledge in a wide variety of tools and techniques that include HTML 5, CSS, Java, JavaScript, Service Desk utilities, Malware Bytes, Bloodshed Dev C++, Ccleaner, Advanced System Repair, File Recovery Assist, Service Desk ITIL, assembly language, MySQL, Oracle amongst others.
(2) You will gain practical experience and knowledge in the physical side of the job such as be able to assemble a PC and install PC components, set up and manage networks using cabling, routers, switches and protocols, programming switches and routers and so on.
(3) The wide variety of skills and knowledge acquired throughout this programme provides access to a broad range of business domains both nationally and internationally. Industries that include Pharmaceutical, Manufacturing, Banking, Education, Cloud Computing and Data Warehousing have been involved in the design of this programme. | What our Students say: | | “I am currently employed by a leading medical device manufacturer in South Tipperary. The course content prepared me for exactly the type of tasks that you would expect to perform in a live work environment. A Higher Certificate in Science in Information Technology Support has proved to be a huge help in assisting me find employment in the IT Sector.”
Mark Shields, Graduate, Higher Certificate in Science in Information Technology Support
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Jobs Include: | | Graduates of the Higher Certificate in Computer Services qualify for entry to the Level 7 Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Services Management.
Graduates of the Higher Certificate programme acquire the skills to operate as computer technicians, technical help desk agents or IT Trainers. They will be capable of troubleshooting and solving technical problems with computing devices and networks and communicating effectively with all stakeholders of computing infrastructure. Employment opportunities include positions as: • Computer Technician • Network Support Technician • IT Trainer | |
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For Further Information Contact: | | | |
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Introduction to Computer Programming{This module introduces students to the theory and practice of computer programming concepts. It also introduces students to basic program design concepts. The module enables students to write computer programs consisting of up to several hundred lines of well designed code in a modular fashion.}Computer Applications{This module provides students with a working knowledge and understanding of commercial word processing and spreadsheet applications. Students learn to create professional slide shows and deliver presentations. Students will also learn how to set up and maintain appropriate file systems and navigate around Windows operating systems.}Computer Architecture{In this module, students are introduced to the components of a computer system. They learn how data is manipulated and stored in a digital computer and they are introduced to the main memory technologies. The ‘8086 family of microprocessor is used to provide students with knowledge of the inner workings of a PC. In the laboratory, students write simple programs for the D6 educational computer.}Operating System Fundamentals{This module introduces the fundamentals of memory, virtual memory, and processor management. Students study the algorithms used to control processor scheduling, memory management, and strategies designed to provide a secure computing environment. The course explores techniques for modelling, detecting, and recovering from deadlock. Students gain practical experience by installing, executing DOS commands, and using the Windows operating system.}Mathematics for Computing{In this module students are introduced to some of the fundamental mathematical concepts which a computer science student will need. The aim of the module is to develop the mathematical ability of the students in the areas of geometry, algebra, matrices, vectors and set theory. The principles will be reinforced with practical examples and also through the use of a mathematical software package.}Computer Networks 1{This module introduces the student to the concept of designing technologies to communicate over the Internet. The OSI Reference Model is explained and the student learns the fundamentals of IP addressing and link layer technologies such as Ethernet. Theoretical learning is supported with lab work that gives the student practical networking skills, e.g. UTP cable construction and building simple LANs using hubs.}Introduction to Object Oriented Programming{The module provides an introduction to the concepts behind object-oriented programming. Students gain a thorough understanding of incremental programming, type-safety, polymorphism, encapsulation, and inheritance and apply these concepts through a variety of programming projects. The module also develops students programming and problem solving skills.}Human Computer Interface Design{This modules aims to teach students the principles involved in designing interfaces for computer systems that are easy to use and understand. The student learns usability principles and implements these principles in a practical setting by developing web pages that adhere to best practice.}Computer Systems{This module is designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of PC computer architecture, specifically to educate students in the installation, configuration, troubleshooting and fault diagnosis/reporting associated with modern personal computer motherboard/peripherals and device software.}Computer Networks 2{This module builds on the learning of CN 1. The routing technologies that underpin packet delivery in the Internet are examined and this work is augmented with extensive lab work on Cisco routers.}Developing Your Potential{This module is designed to equip participants with an understanding of their own skills and capacities. It will include an exploration of learning styles, identifying and learning how to articulate their own strengths and capacities. The module allows participants the opportunity to develop their own interpersonal skills and capacities and the skills to articulate a message to others using effective presentation techniques.}IT Training{This module investigates the IT training industry, and instils the concept of client-focused professionalism in this service industry. It prepares students to be able to design, develop and deliver IT training either in the IT training industry or alternatively as a component often required of the IT support function. Designing courses, understanding how people learn, and practical experience delivering training will be some of the areas covered. The student will also look at the complete range of costs involved in attending/delivering training and be able to account accordingly. The ability to evaluate training with a particular emphasis on return on investment will also be covered.}Operating Systems Management{This module introduces the fundamentals of device and file management, and the UNIX operating system. Students study disk scheduling algorithms, the management of data on secondary storage, and file protection strategies. They learn to compare and evaluate operating systems. Students install the UNIX operating system, combine simple commands to create powerful pipelines, and use a UNIX editor to create simple programs.}Statistical Data Analysis{This module aims to familiarize the student with some of the basic statistical concepts which they will require. The topics covered will include the summarisation, analysis and presentation of data, designing a survey or questionnaire, calculating probability for uncertain events and the properties of a number of widely used probability distributions. Mathematical software will be used to reinforce the concepts.}Computer Networks 3{This module adds to the knowledge gained on CN1 and 2. The focus is on switched wired and wireless LAN technologies and their technologies, e.g. the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). The lab work includes building switched LANs and WLANs, and configuring and troubleshooting STP.}Management Principles{This module introduces students to the nature of business organisation and provides an appreciation in the fundamental concepts, principles and practices of management within the general business environment.}Professional Development & Employment Placement{This module consists of both a taught and work experience element. In the work placement element participants will get relevant practical work experience in companies and organisations in Ireland and overseas over a three month period. The placement is a partnership between the employer, the student and the college, ensuring proper supervision, evaluation and relevancy to the degree programme. The taught element of the programme is designed to improve the employability skills of participants by developing an understanding of the skills required to be successful in the work environment, including CV and interview preparation and the skills of working effectively with others.}Database Planning & Design{Database Planning and Design introduces database technologies focusing on the importance of controlled management, deployment and development of database systems. It aims to develop a variety of design skills including the ability to analyse requirements and to produce a well-structured relational database schema. A number of mainstream database platform are introduced as are a number of systems management concepts including database security and multiuser contention.}Multimedia Technology{This module explores the various technologies that are used for the storage, transmission, and compression of multimedia content. A variety of peripheral devices are examined and students learn how to configure these devices to transmit and receive multimedia content.}Computer Networks 4{This is the final module in the Computer Networking series. Its focus is advanced concepts in LAN technologies, such as Virtual LANs (VLANs), and Wide Area Network(WAN) technologies. Lab work includes: configuration of a VLAN, configuration of the routing protocol OSPF and design and construction of a Frame Relay WAN.}IT Support{The student will learn how the components of a help-desk/support system are configured and managed. Technical support skills such as how to identify the root cause of the technical problem, problem solving approaches and tools will be explored. This module is built on the premise that the "soft skills" of customer service & relational building are just as important as the "hard skills" i.e. the technical know-how, therefore customer service and professionalism in the IT service industry, and the ability to communicate with users of different technical abilities to extract symptomatic information will also be covered.}Organizational Theory{This module examines organizational theory concepts and models, including those in the classical and contemporary fields. It explores the theories of organization-environment relationships, such as contingency and resource dependency theory. It also investigates alternative design options for organisational social structures.}Database Systems Implementation{The Database Systems Implementation module aims to equip students with the skills to code and implement a relational database design and to query a database. The module also introduces secure data access and the planning and documentation of a Data Access Strategy. The learner is also exposed to the usage of SQL to manage data access through the creation of roles and users and the granting and revoking of permissions thereto.}
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Head of Department: Mr Seamus Hoyne B.Eng M.Eng MSc |
Head of School: Mr Colin McLean BSc (Hons), TQ, PGCert Man, PGDip Ed Tech, MTech |
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