vcc.ca
ITOP 1160: Windows Server and Active Directory
Effective date
January 2027
Department
IT Operations
School
Continuing Studies
Description
Students will learn how to deploy and manage Windows Server environments that support secure and scalable IT operations. In this course, students will deploy Windows Server roles, configure Active Directory, and use Group Policy to enforce consistent security and operational standards. Students will also manage DNS, DHCP, and file permissions while practicing system backup and restoration, building the skills needed to support enterprise‑level systems.
Credits
4.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
ITOP 1130.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Deploy and configure Active Directory Domain Services, including Organizational Unit (OU) structure planning, and domain controller installation, ensuring secure integration with DNS.
- Create and manage Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to enforce security and configuration standards across users and computers.
- Apply security hardening measures, including privileged access management and account protection, and role-based access controls.
- Implement centralized policy management using templates (e.g. ADMX) for applications and security configurations.
- Perform backup and recovery procedures using server and system state backup solutions, and restore operations.
- Conduct configuration assessments using security benchmarks and tools, documenting findings and recommending remediation strategies to improve security posture.
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: 48
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 24
Total Hours: 72
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 24
Total Hours: 72
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 |
45-60 |
Project involving multiple components. |
|
Assignments |
40-55 |
Multiple hands-on lab exercises and/or assignments. |
Course topics
- Windows Server Architecture and Installation Active Directory Concepts and Design DNS and DHCP in Active Directory User, Group, and Permission Management Group Policy Design and Implementation File Services and Access Control Security Hardening and Identity Protection Troubleshooting and Operational Best Practices
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.