Computer Laboratory I
- Sciences
- 100 level
- 1 credit unit
- 67 pages
- 12 units
This course introduces fundamental concepts of computer hardware, networking, and programming. It covers essential hardware components, network configurations, and basic programming skills using Visual Basic. Students will gain practical experience in configuring computer networks and writing simple programs. The course aims to provide a solid foundation for further studies in information technology and computer science.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, practical
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CIT191, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CIT191 · UNIT 1 COMPUTER HARDWARE COMPONENTS (1)
Your Personal Computer (PC) is really a collection of separate items working together as a team-with you as the captain. Some of these components are essential; others simply make working more pleasant or efficient. Adding extra items expands the variety of tasks you can accomplish with your machine.
What you should be able to do
- Identify and describe the functions of computer hardware components.
- Configure a basic computer network.
- Write simple programs using Visual Basic.
- Understand the importance of auxiliary equipment in a computing environment.
- Use basic network commands for network configuration.
What it prepares you for
- Network Technician
- Help Desk Support
- Computer Technician
- Junior Programmer
- IT Support Specialist
- Telecommunications
- Information Technology
- Computer Manufacturing
- Software Development
- Network Administration
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Computer Networking
Unit 3: Networking IP Addressing
Requires understanding of IP address classes, subnetting, and supernetting concepts, which involve binary arithmetic and logical reasoning.
- Module 3: Computer Programing
Unit 1: Programming in Visual Basic
Involves understanding event-driven programming, working with graphical objects, and using the Visual Basic toolbox, which requires hands-on practice and experimentation.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 32 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Computer Hardware
Unit 1: Computer Hardware Components (1) · 2 hours
Identify and describe the functions of various components inside the system unit.. Differentiate between the CPU and the system unit.. Understand the purpose of the front and back panel features..
Unit 2: Hardware Components (2) – Peripheral Devices · 2 hours
Identify and describe the functions of input and output devices.. Understand the importance of peripheral devices in a computer system.. Learn about different types of printers, monitors, and scanners..
- Week 2Module 1: Computer Hardware
Unit 3: Auxiliary Equipment · 2 hours
Discuss the importance of auxiliary equipment in a computing environment.. Explain the functions of air conditioners, voltage stabilizers, UPS, and line voltage transformers.. Understand how these devices protect computer equipment from damage..
- Week 3Module 2: Computer Networking
Unit 1: Network Cables · 2 hours
Identify different types of network cables (Coaxial, Fiber Optic, STP, UTP).. Learn how to prepare network cables.. Understand the differences between cross-wired and straight-through cables..
- Week 4Module 2: Computer Networking
Unit 2: Network Devices · 2 hours
Familiarize yourself with the functions of repeaters, bridges, switches, hubs, routers, gateways, and modems.. Understand how these devices are used to solve network problems.. Learn about the OSI model and the layers at which different devices operate..
- Week 5Module 2: Computer Networking
Unit 3: Networking IP Addressing · 2 hours
Classify IP addresses (Class A, B, C, D, E).. Understand the concept of subnetting and supernetting.. Learn how to calculate subnet masks and identify network and host portions of an IP address..
- Week 6Module 2: Computer Networking
Unit 4: Local Area Network · 2 hours
Learn how to connect computers in a Local Area Network (LAN).. Configure host and client computers for LAN connectivity.. Understand the steps involved in sharing an internet connection in a LAN..
- Week 7Module 2: Computer Networking
Unit 5: Basic Network Command · 2 hours
Use basic network commands for network configuration.. Understand commands like ping, traceroute, nslookup, and pathping.. Learn how to perform switch configuration using command-line interface..
- Week 8Module 3: Computer Programing
Unit 1: Programming in Visual Basic · 2 hours
Understand the concept of working with graphical objects in Visual Basic.. Learn how to design a project from the application wizard.. Familiarize yourself with the Visual Basic toolbox and its components..
- Week 9Module 3: Computer Programing
Unit 2: Visual Basic Project Window · 2 hours
Learn how to use the Project window to manage application components.. Understand the purpose of the Properties window and how to modify object properties.. Create an application with labels, command buttons, and image controls..
- Week 10Module 3: Computer Programing
Unit 3: Creating Menu Applications · 2 hours
Learn how to create menu applications using the Menu Editor.. Add menu options and submenus to a Visual Basic application.. Implement checked menu options and separator bars..
- Week 11Module 3: Computer Programing
Unit 4: Analyzing Visual Basic Data · 2 hours
Learn about the Code window and its sections (Declarations, General-purpose procedures, Event procedures).. Understand how to declare data, use variables of different data types, and use operators.. Write Visual Basic programs to solve problems like quadratic equations..
- Week 12Module 1: Computer Hardware
Review of Module 1: Computer Hardware · 4 hours
Review all modules and units. Solve all TMAs. Attempt all exercises.
- Week 13Module 2: Computer Networking
Review of Modules 2 & 3: Computer Networking & Programming · 4 hours
Review all modules and units. Solve all TMAs. Attempt all exercises.
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking hardware components (Units 1-3) to their functions and troubleshooting techniques.
- Practice subnetting and IP addressing calculations from Unit 3 weekly.
- Write and test Visual Basic programs from Units 1-4, focusing on event handling and data manipulation.
- Review network commands (Unit 5) and their practical applications in network troubleshooting.
- Focus on understanding the OSI model and the role of different network devices (Unit 2) in data transmission.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CIT191 about?
This course introduces fundamental concepts of computer hardware, networking, and programming. It covers essential hardware components, network configurations, and basic programming skills using Visual Basic. Students will gain practical experience in configuring computer networks and writing simple programs. The course aims to provide a solid foundation for further studies in information technology and computer science.
How many units does CIT191 have?
CIT191, Computer Laboratory I, has 12 units across 3 modules, over 67 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CIT191?
CIT191 carries 1 credit unit, at 100 level in Sciences.
Is CIT191 hard?
CIT191 is rated beginner level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work, and it has a practical component.
How long does CIT191 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.
How is CIT191 assessed?
CIT191 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with CIT191?
Network Technician, Help Desk Support, Computer Technician, Junior Programmer and IT Support Specialist.