vcc.ca
ITOP 1107: Linux Fundamentals
Effective date
September 2026
Department
IT Operations
School
Continuing Studies
Description
Students will learn foundational skills for working with Linux in modern IT environments. In this course, students will navigate the Linux command line, manage files and permissions, and configure users, software, and basic network settings. Students will also practice troubleshooting common system issues and automate routine tasks with simple shell scripts. This course builds a practical base that prepares students for advanced Linux administration and systems 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:
- Navigate Linux file systems using command-line interface (CLI) tools to perform storage and file operations, directory management, and permission changes.
- Apply best practices, including system hardening, permissions, authentication and firewalls, superuser configuration, and securing remote access.
- Configure user and group accounts with appropriate permissions and Access Control Lists (ACLs), verifying access control through test cases.
- Install and maintain software packages using package managers and container tools.
- Configure and manage Linux networks and services to validate network connectivity and name resolution across multiple hosts.
- Troubleshoot system, network, security and application issues.
- Automate administrative tasks and streamline operations with shell scripting.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR is assessed through one or more of the following methods: 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
- System Management, including Linux file systems, partitioning, boot process, package management, system monitoring, and resource administration. Services and User Management, e.g. user accounts, permissions, groups, sudo access, systemd services, and daemon configuration. Security, e.g. file permissions, SELinux/AppArmor, firewall rules, SSH hardening, authentication, and access controls. Automation, Orchestration, and Scripting, e.g. bash scripting, cron jobs, configuration management, and task automation for system administration.
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.