James Sprunt Community College
Course Syllabus
Spring 2008
Course Title/Course Number: NOS 110 Operating System Concepts
Course Meeting Days/Times: MWF 9:30-10:40
Lecture Hrs: 2 Lab Hrs: 3 Clinical Hrs: NA Credit Hrs: 3
Prerequisites:
CIS 110
Course Description:
This course introduces students to a broad range of operating system concepts, including installation and maintenance. Emphasis is placed on operating system concepts, management, maintenance, and resources required. Upon completion of this course, students will have an understanding of OS concepts, installation, management, maintenance, using a variety of operating systems.
Instructor Name: Nicole Thompson
Office Location/Building: 111 Williams
Office Telephone: 910-296-1563
Office Hours: MW 10:45-11:45; TTh 10:15-11:45
E-mail Address: nthompson@jamessprunt.edu
Textbook:
A+ Guide to Software Managing, Maintaining, and Troubleshooting textbook and lab manual bundled together. ISBN 1423981103
Other Required Materials:
1 Flash Drive; notebook for taking notes during class
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Identify popular desktop operating systems.
2. List the steps involved in installing an operating system.
3. Describe the architecture behind Windows 2000/XP.
4. Describe what partitions and logical drives are on a hard drive.
5. Describe the different file systems used in Windows operating system.
6. Describe methods used to secure data on a desktop or notebook computer.
7. Demonstrate use of a command prompt.
8. Demonstrate troubleshooting methods available in Windows operating system.
Course Methodology:
1. Lecture: The instructor will present information relevant to the course at all class meetings except for test days.
2. Tests: Tests will be given on material relevant to class discussion and reading assignments at times deemed appropriate by the instructor. Several tests will be given during the semester. These tests will be objective (true/false, multiple choice, matching). Missed Tests: There will be no make-up tests given. All tests will be announced at least one class period in advance. A missed test will result in the grade of zero, however; the lowest test score will be dropped at the end of the semester.
For extenuating circumstances a test may be taken at a time other than the class time only if arrangements are made in advance with the instructor. Missed tests MUST be taken before the class reviews the tests, which will normally be the next class day after the test.
3. Computers should NOT be turned on unless students are instructed to do so.
4. Cell phones are distracting in the classroom, therefore, all cell phones should be turned off or on vibrate. I do not want to see or hear a cell phone. No texting is allowed in class. If you are caught text messaging during an exam, it will be assumed you are cheating, and you will receive a grade of zero.
5. Lab: Students will complete exercises to improve proficiency with the software package. Completion of lab assignments may require time outside of class. The instructor will be available to provide assistance during lab time.
Evaluation Methods and Grading Criteria:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F Below 60
Tests: 60%
Lab Assignments: 30%
Participation: 10%
Attendance Policy:
You are expected to attend each scheduled class. Attendance is considered in the 10% class participation grade. You are permitted 5 absences for any reason without penalty. Any absences beyond 5, regardless of the reason, will result in a one-point penalty in the 10% class participation portion of your grade. Any student who misses more than 15% of the scheduled classes (7 days) may be dropped from the course.
Be aware that coming to class late disrupts the discussion and is unfair to other students. Being tardy twice will be equivalent to one absence in determining the 10% class participation grade. Arriving later than 10 minutes after the beginning of class will result in an absence toward your class participation grade.
Special Needs:
If you have a physical, psychiatric /emotional, medical, or learning disability that may impact your ability to carry out assigned course work, I urge you to contact Mr. Melvin Felton, Special Needs Advisor in Student Services, located in the Strickland Center, or call 296-2447. Mr. Felton will review your concerns and determine with you, what accommodations are necessary and appropriate. Correctional Center students should contact Mr. James Williams, Department Head-Correctional Center programs at 296-2580. All information and documentation is confidential.
Tutoring:
Everyone has subjects that they find easy and some that they find more difficult. If you think you might need additional assistance outside of class to have a full understanding of the material being covered, please contact me. Tutoring is available and I can assist you with deciding if tutoring might help you with your course work. If you need assistance, the earlier you ask for it, the more successful you will be in the class.
Cheating Policy:
Cheating is not tolerated. Cheating includes using unauthorized notes during exams, copying another student’s homework, class work, or tests and handing it in as one’s own work, and plagiarism on themes and term papers. If a student cheats, he/she will fail that exam or assignment. If the student cheats a second time, whether it is in the same course or a different course, he/she will fail the course, even if the student asks to be withdrawn. All cheating incidents will be documented and the documentation kept on file in the office of the Dean of Student Services. Repeated offenses of cheating may result in the student being suspended by the Dean of Student Services.
