vcc.ca
ITOP 1101: A+ Hardware Fundamentals
Effective date
September 2026
Department
IT Operations
School
Continuing Studies
Description
Students will learn the foundations of building, configuring, and maintaining computer systems while developing practical troubleshooting skills used in IT support roles. This course introduces device‑level networking essentials, including wired and wireless connectivity checks aligned with industry best practices. Through hands-on work, students will explore hardware components, operating system installation, preventive maintenance, and basic network interface diagnostics. This course provides a technical base that will prepare students for deeper networking and systems topics in later courses.
Credits
2.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Assemble and configure modern computing devices including desktops, laptops, and mobile workstations, applying proper ESD controls and safety procedures while achieving successful POST and system initialization.
- Diagnose and repair hardware failures across modern device types including PSU, RAM, storage, network interface, and peripheral components, documenting root cause analysis and verification steps in a ticket-tracking system.
- Deploy operating systems on physical and virtual hardware, including basic network configuration and connectivity validation, to meet current build compliance standards.
- Configure UEFI/BIOS settings for modern use cases including secure boot, virtualization support, and TPM integration, validating functionality across multiple boot cycles.
- Perform preventive maintenance on modern hardware including thermal management, component reseating, and firmware updates following established procedures and documentation standards.
- Manage hardware inventory using modern asset management systems, maintaining accurate records of serial numbers, warranty status, and lifecycle management for diverse device types.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR is assessed through one or more of the following methods: challenge exam, external (industry) certification recognition, student portfolio/products, project-based asessment, or through another assessment method that is aligned with the course learning outcomes.
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 24
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 12
Total Hours: 36
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 12
Total Hours: 36
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies may include:
Knowledge checks
Lectures
Hands-on lab activities
Scenario-based activities
Demonstrations
Problem-based exercises
Discussion
Reflection
Knowledge checks
Lectures
Hands-on lab activities
Scenario-based activities
Demonstrations
Problem-based exercises
Discussion
Reflection
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Project |
35-50 |
Project involving multiple components. |
|
Assignments |
30-45 |
Multiple hands-on lab exercises and/or assignments. |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
20 |
|
Course topics
- Computing Hardware (e.g. assesmbly, motherboards, CPUs, memory, power, storage, I/O devices etc.) Networking basics (e.g. interface hardware, connectivity, protocols, ports, and tools) Mobile & Peripherals (e.g. mobile devices and printers) Operating Systems (Microsoft Windows; introduction Linux*/MacOS*) Security (e.g. device, network, Windows resource security) Inventory and asset management Documentation
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.