Minor in System Administration
Information Technology (IT) has never been more in demand now when almost all our daily activities are done online. We do our banking and business transactions online, buy groceries and basic necessities online, and we attend our classes online. In an internetworked multi-platform environment, someone has to make sure that infrastructure and services are running smoothly. Someone has to manage both hardware and software resources, ensure that security policies are in place, and provide technical support to the organization. These are all under the responsibility of a System Administrator.
The Minor in System Administration introduces the students to the different computing systems and platforms, as well as to configure and maintain computer systems and services. The program emphasizes skills development in handling network devices, systems of computers, including cloud infrastructure.
Program Outcomes
By the end of the program, learners will be able to:
- Install, support, and maintain the IT infrastructure and services of mSMEs.
- Apply industry best practices and tools to manage the network infrastructure, computer systems, and user information
- Plan and improve processes to improve user productivity
Course List
| Introduction to Computing (CCICOMP) | 3 units |
| Introduction to Computing Platforms and Operating Systems – Lecture (ITCMSY1) | 3 units |
| Introduction to Computing Platforms and Operating Systems – Laboratory (LBYCMSY) | 1 unit |
| System Administration and Maintenance – Lecture (ITSYSAD) | 3 units |
| System Administration and Maintenance – Laboratory (LBYSYAD) | 1 unit |
| Virtualization and Cloud Platforms (ITCMSY2) | 3 units |
| Total | 14 units |
Course Details
Introduction to Computing (CCICOMP)
This course provides an introduction to the ICT industry and an understanding of how a computer works. Hands-on laboratory activities will teach the students how to assembly a computer, install an operating system, solve basic hardware and software issues, and connect the computer to the Internet.
By the end of the course, learners should be able to:
- Understand the breadth of the ICT industry, professional ethics and core values
- Build knowledge in the key areas of computing that includes information processing, hardware and software components of computer systems, databases, programming languages and program development, the Internet and security
- Develop skills in assembling a computer, installing operating systems, troubleshooting basic computer problems, connecting the computer to the Internet, and configuring it with basic security measures using actual equipment and tools
Introduction to Computing Platforms and Operating System (ITCMSY1 and LBYCMSY)
This course introduces the fundamental components and the different architectures of computing systems and their corresponding operating system. It provides an understanding of how the interactions among the various components of a computer system affect the operations through the methods by which they manage resources and provide services. Lab activities will focus on usage of appropriate tools and following industry best practices in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of various computing components and architecture designs.
By the end of the course, learners should be able to:
- Analyze and evaluate different processors, operating systems, platforms, and applications for a specific IT computing need using known metrics
- Use correct tools and methods to evaluate a computing platform component
- Recommend an appropriate system design for the specific IT infrastructure
System Administration and Maintenance (ITSYSAD and LBYSYAD)
This course presents the role of a system administrator and how to fulfill this role. The course focuses on system administrator concepts and how information technology services can be implemented and provided in the organization’s IT infrastructure. Discussion covers administration, configuration, and maintenance of various systems and services. Laboratory activities will focus on installation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and disaster recovery of system servers and network services.
By the end of the course, learners should be able to:
- Utilize different concepts related to system administration and server management in order to determine and implement solutions to infrastructure requirements
- Elicit and analyze organizational infrastructure needs and requirements to be able to select and implement proper server configuration and services
- Install and configure server hardware and software, and their services, following correct standards and processes
- Deploy and administer a server and its corresponding services to address user requirements while adhering to professional norms of practice
Virtualization and Cloud Platforms (ITCMSY2)
This course discusses concepts and implementation mechanisms of cloud computing as a key infrastructure element that aims to create a scalable and elastic network, provide a pool of shared infrastructure services and enforce a higher level of application availability and reliability. Hands-on laboratory activities will focus on setting up a cloud infrastructure and managing its services.
By the end of the course, learners should be able to:
- Perform infrastructure and organizational requirements analysis to understand proper cloud migration and setup parameters as well as services needed
- Evaluate cloud solutions and implement the appropriate cloud solution and service provider based on a given set of requirements
- Perform cloud service deployment with installation and administration of the necessary instances in accordance with organizational requirements
- Assess own skills and pursue knowledge in platform technology trends
Schedule of Course Offerings
Term 1
- Introduction to Computing
Term 2
- Introduction to Computing Platforms and Operating Systems – Lecture
- Introduction to Computing Platforms and Operating Systems – Laboratory
Term 2
- System Administration and Maintenance – Lecture
- System Administration and Maintenance – Laboratory
Term 2
- Virtualization and Cloud Platforms