vcc.ca
ITOP 2130: Advanced Linux Administration
Effective date
January 2027
Department
IT Operations
School
Continuing Studies
Description
Students will learn to administer and secure Linux systems in complex, multi‑service environments. In this course, students will provision and harden Linux‑based services, automate administrative tasks, and configure host‑level firewalls and access controls. Students will also manage systems and services, analyze logs, and perform reliable backup and restoration activities, building the expertise required to support resilient production environments.
Credits
2.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
ITOP 1107.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Provision and secure Linux-based services by applying hardening techniques and validating functionality against security baselines.
- Automate administrative tasks using automation tools and platforms for user lifecycle management, backup procedures, and service monitoring .
- Configure host-level firewalling to implement allow/deny rules and validate effectiveness through testing and compliance checks.
- Manage Linux services and containers by configuring dependencies, optimizing startup behaviour, and applying recovery procedures.
- Manage network services and control access to network services.
- Implement logging and monitoring across multiple hosts, enabling incident querying and troubleshooting through log queries and dashboards.
- Perform backup and restoration procedures to meet defined recovery objectives (e.g. RTO/RPO targets), documenting validation steps and outcomes.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
PLAR is assessed through one or more of the following methods: student portfolio/products, demonstration/simulation, 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 |
25-40 |
Project involving multiple components. |
|
Assignments |
25-40 |
Multiple hands-on lab exercises and/or assignments. |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
20-35 |
|
Course topics
- Administering Networking Starting and Stopping Services Configuring a Web Server Configuring a Windows File Share (Samba) Server Configuring an NFS File Server Troubleshooting Linux Securing Linux on a Network
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.