CST2856 Introduction to Input/Output
Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed for the student entering the computer systems field who desires an understanding of computer input and output (I/O) hardware.  I/O devices including keyboards, mice, monitors, video cards, serial ports, parallel ports, modems, network cards, sound cards, and printers are covered. Students will perform lab exercises on various I/O devices.  (Prerequisites: CST1752 - Intro to Diagnostics) (3 Credits) (2 Lecture, 1 Lab, 0 On the Job Training, 1 General Lab)

COURSE FOCUS
This course focuses on both theory and hands-on training in the diagnosis and correction of personal computer I/O hardware problems. Information will be presented in a self paced, personalized format in the laboratory.

TEXT AND REFERENCES
1. Upgrading and Repairing PCs. 14th Edition (or 13th Edition) (Student supplied textbook)
2. Course Instructional Guide (Online)

STUDENT CONTRIBUTIONS
The student is expected to spend at least 48 hours studying the reference texts and information sheets, completing worksheets, and completing lab exercises and 64 hours working through an instructional guide with instructor support and testing. The student is expected to take a self directed approach to learning through available resources.  The student will also spend 30 hours at the CST PC help desk recording problems and solutions as part of lab work for this course. (30 General Lab hours)

COURSE EXPECTATIONS
See this link for additional course expectations.

COURSE EVALUATION
Student objectives and evaluations are translated to a percentage and the percentages to grades.  A score of at least 70% is required for each written test.  The following percentage distribution guarantees the following grade: A:93%+, A-:90%+, B+:87%+, B:83%+, B-:78%+, C+:77%+, C:73%+, C-:70%+, NC:<70%.

COURSE SCHEDULE

The student is expected to spend at least 48 hours in self study and 64 hours with direction from instructors and/or instructional guides and testing. The sequence of instruction is the order of course goals as specified in the instructional guide.

COURSE GOALS

The following list of course goals will be addressed in the course. These goals are directly related to the performance objectives.

Credit 1 - Standard Input Devices

Unit 1 - Keyboards





1. list keyboard types
2. describe keyboards
3. explain keyboard operation
4. describe keyboard interfaces
5. describe keyboard connections
6. troubleshoot keyboard problems

Unit 2 - Mouse





7. identify mouse types
8. describe serial mouse operation
9. describe bus mouse operation
10. configure mouse operation
11. maintain mouse hardware
12. install mouse software

Credit 2 - Output Devices

Unit 1 - Monitors



13. describe monitor types
14. explain monitor specifications
15. explain monitor application criteria
16. configure monitor parameters

Unit 2 - Video Cards


MS



17. list display adapters
18. describe adapter pinouts
19. explain display resolution
20. analyze adapter types
21. describe video memory
22. analyze special video cards
23. troubleshoot video problems

Unit 3- Printers




24. identify printer types
25. explain dot matrix printers
26. explain ink jet printers
27. explain laser printers
28. troubleshoot printer problems

Credit 3 - Communications and Network Interfaces

Unit 1 - Serial Ports



29. describe serial port operation
30. describe serial adapters
31. configure serial port
32. explain modem operation

Unit 2 - Parallel Ports



33. describe parallel port operation
34. explain parallel port adapters
35. configure a parallel port
36. troubleshoot parallel port

Unit 3 - Network Cards


37. describe network components
38. explain network interface cards
39. explain adapter functions

Unit 4 - Audio Hardware

MS


40. explain sound card applications
41. describe sound card concepts
42. describe sound card characteristics
43. use sound card
44. troubleshoot sound card problems



Version Information:
Oct 17th, 2001 Course information goes online. (adb)
Nov 26th, 2001 Modem material moved to CST2603 Advanced Peripherals. (adb)
Jan  4th, 2002 Minor updates to improve readability. Added course expectations. (adb)
Mar 17th, 2002 Added General Studies designations. (adb)