Computer Systems Technician

Technical Communications is a foundational course designed to equip students with the essential skills necessary for effective communication in technical and professional settings. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, students will learn various communication strategies, including written, oral, and visual communication techniques tailored specifically for technical contexts. Leveraging Office 365 software applications, students will integrate tools such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams to enhance their communication skills and streamline collaborative projects. By the end of the course, students will have developed the proficiency to communicate technical concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences using digital platforms.

This course covers the core principles and operations of algebra and trigonometry, including linear, quadratic, and trigonometric functions, graphs, and equations. Emphasis is placed on developing fluency and conceptual understanding through practice, preparing students for further studies in applied mathematics, fostering both fluency and conceptual depth through interactive learning experiences.

This course provides an introduction to programming using the C and C++ language. The course introduces the syntax and usage of both C and C++. A disciplined approach to program development is used to prepare students to producing readable programs with industry. Students will be introduced to using a Git repositories while completing assignments and labs. Topics covered include: variables, data types, assignment/arithmetic, input/output, repetition, selection, arrays and file output.

This course offers students an introduction to vital networking terminology, mediums, network interface cards (NIC), and an array of topologies and architectures. Through a blend of theoretical and practical approaches, students will delve into the fundamentals of simple network operations, Ethernet, protocols, and network operating systems. Discussions will further encompass Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN). The course aims to develop foundational networking skills, focusing on understanding protocols, network architecture, and essential troubleshooting techniques.

This foundational course offers students an overview of essential data concepts within digital computing systems. Participants will delve into introductory data modeling ideas within the realm of relational databases. A detailed exploration of prominent data languages and formats, including HTML, YAML, and JSON, further enriches the learning experience.

This course is an introduction to the interaction between hardware and software. Students study the functions of and interactions between major hardware components in computer systems. The relationship among system software, application software and data is included in an explanation of how a computer system works. Students develop the skills necessary to properly use and care for a personal computer from outside the case will be covered.

This course builds on students' introductory knowledge of networking concepts to develop their competency in switching and routing technologies. Students learn the detailed operation of Ethernet technologies and advanced network switch configuration. Internetworking concepts are mastered and students learn how to implement various routing schemes on network devices. Techniques for troubleshooting network issues area explored. The role and configuration of ancillary network devices, such as firewalls and load balancers, is introduced.

This course develops students' ability to programatically manage computer systems. This includes both automating tasks and using programatic tools to diagnose and resolve operating system level issues. Building on introductory programming experience, this course introduces scripting languages that are optimized for operating system management. On completion of this course, students can effective manage heterogenous computer system environments using the languages taught.

This course develops students' ability to programatically manage computer systems. This includes both automating tasks and using programatic tools to diagnose and resolve operating system level issues. Building on introductory programming experience, this course introduces scripting languages that are optimized for operating system management. On completion of this course, students can effective manage heterogenous computer system environments using the languages taught.

This course is designed to teach students the fundamental concepts of the Linux Operating System. Students are introduced to the essentials of Linux in terms basic Linux operation, command line, configuration, and maintenance. This course emphasizes the development of students skills in operating, running, and maintaining Linux systems. Topics include administration of common tasks such as User and Group management, File System management, package management as well as System Performance monitoring and troubleshooting.  This course begins preparing students for the LPIC-1 certification.

This course grants students a foundational knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating systems, with the aim to adeptly install, configure, and maintain Windows-centered computer systems. Key system settings and concepts are explored, equipping students with the tools to effectively administer and troubleshoot Windows environments within a larger enterprise framework. While the primary focus revolves around Windows client systems, aspects of Windows server systems are also incorporated into the instructional scope.

This course prepares students for a career in the information technology field. Students gain an understanding of various technical roles and their impact on the enterprise. Using an understanding of these roles, students learn to develop career plans. Job search, resume, and interview skills are taught with an emphasis on technology-related conventions. Students also develop the ability to operate as continuous learners, guiding their own development.

This course provide students with the skills required to provide technical support to end users. Students master troubleshooting skills using critical thinking, industry best practices, research, and system utilities. Processes for supporting the enterprise computing environment are introduced and rehearsed familiarizing students with contemporary service desk practices. Students also become familiar with applications used to administer computer systems at scale.

In this course, students take a practical approach to deployment of web server technologies hosted on a public Cloud platform. Students  deploy, optimize, secure, monitor, and backup their infrastructure. By the end of the course, students have a public facing content management system.

In this course, students will develop skills in programmatic problem-solving, focusing predominantly on cloud infrastructure applications. The curriculum introduces Infrastructure as Code tools, with emphasis on Terrform, to manage infrastructure translations effectively in both public and private cloud domains. Additionally, the course provides hands-on experience with scripting technologies like PowerShell to tackle cloud management hurdles. Complementary to the above, an inquiry into vendor-specific cloud solutions that enable programmatic access and control will also be incorporated.

This course equips students with advanced proficiency in managing the Windows Server operating system. Students will learn about the installation, provisioning, configuration, and operation of Windows Server. This course provides an in-depth understanding of specific technologies, including Identity and Authentication Management, Network Services, Resource Sharing, Storage Services, Security, and Monitoring.

In this course, students develop advanced knowledge of and skills in using the Linux Operating System. Students discuss Linux Administration and O/S Virtualization in terms of installation, configuration, and maintenance. This course focuses on administration, running, and maintenance of Linux Server environments including configuration of DHCP, DNS, CUPS, and SAMBA.

This course explores the essential principles and practices of securing networked environments. Students will gain practical experience in network mapping, enumeration, vulnerability identification, and penetration testing methodologies. They will document network vulnerabilities, attempt to exploit them in a controlled environment, and explore mitigation strategies to maintain a secure computing infrastructure. 

This course is designed to teach students concepts of virtualization and containerization. Students study and apply techniques to setup, manage and maintain a scalable, redundant and secure cloud computing environment. This course focuses on understanding the difference between, when to use, and how to apply both virtualization and containerization in a cloud environment.

This course represents the culmination of the student's progress in modern networking technology. It introduces advanced topics in TCP/IP networking to develop the skillset needed to optimize a computer network's performance. Additionally, it delves deeply into network security, providing hands-on exploration of this important aspect. The course emphasizes the importance of robust network monitoring, as both optimization and security rely on it.

The rapidly evolving field of Internet of Things (IoT) Technologies is briefly interrogated in this course. The curriculum is aimed at providing students a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts and principles of IoT. With a focus on its application and potential for transformation across various sectors, the course also outlines the broader implications on privacy, security, and ethics. The course balances theoretical knowledge with practical applications, creating well-rounded comprehension across all aspects of IoT Technologies.

This course allows students to experience working in an IT role and to demonstrate their mastery of the CST skillset. Under the supervision of an industry employer, students leverage the skills developed in the program to meet their organization's IT goals. Aided by faculty coaching, students learn to embody the essential employability skills necessary for career success.

This course provides students with a simulated work experience where they take on the role of an IT professional. Under guidance from a facilitator, students demonstrate their mastery of both the CST skillset and the essential employability skills necessary for career success. Students work both individually and in teams to achieve their objectives.