Bergen Community College

Division of Business, Math & Social Science

Course Syllabus

Information Technology

Course Title:

INF-165 Introduction to Linux

Credits/Hours:

1 credit: 2-hour lab/lecture

Course Description: In this project-based course students will be introduced to Linux as an open-source computing environment.  They will learn how to install and configure Linux as both a server operating system and as a desktop operating system.  On the server side they will learn how to set up and configure basic network services.  On the desktop side they will learn to set up and configure a graphical environment and will learn how to install and configure office-suite applications.

Learning Outcomes.  Upon successful completion of this course students will have learned:

	Outcome	Measure
1	the significance of open-source computing environments and GPL	Exam
2	to perform clean installs of the Linux operating system	Hands-On Lab
3	to work with GNOME and KDE desktop environments	Hands-On Lab
4	to configure Linux as a server.  Some or all of the following services will be installed: § Apache web server § Samba server § CUPS server § Mail server	Hands-On Lab
5	to perform basic file management using shell commands	Hands-On Lab and Exam
6	to perform simple line-oriented editing using an editor such as vi	Hands-On Lab and Exam
7	to perform basic file management using a GUI file manager	Hands-On Lab and Exam
8	to perform basic administration including user account setup	Hands-On Lab and Exam
9	to work with common open-source business and multimedia applications	Hands-On Lab

College Competencies:

Competency	Outcomes
Critical Thinking – Students will actively reflect on, reason about, and form independent judgments on a variety of ideas and information, and use these skills to guide their beliefs and actions.	2-8
Technological And Information Fluency – Students will demonstrate computer fluency, and will be able to retrieve, organize, analyze, and evaluate information using both technological and traditional means	1-9

Prerequisites.  None

Text. See course outline.

Additional Resources and Costs.  Removable hard drives and mounting trays (1 per student).  Anticipated total per semester: 24.  Sets of blank CD-R disks (25 per student).

Testing and Evaluation. 

Two tests:                   66%

Hands-on projects:    34%

Testing:

Students are required to take examinations and tests on the day and time they are scheduled.  If special circumstances require a test schedule adjustment, this must be worked out in advance with the instructor.  If a student misses an exam (except for prearranged circumstances with the instructor) a zero grade will be assigned.

The instructor can be reached by telephone (see course outline for appropriate phone number), email, or a written note can be left in the Divisional Office (during the day) A-306C or in the Evening Office L-113.  If there are extreme circumstances (documentation may be required) that prevent a student from taking a test or an exam according to the published schedule, the student should use one of the above options to contact the instructor before the next class.  An arrangement for a special testing schedule is solely at the discretion of the instructor.  A student who waits for the next class session to speak with the instructor will not be accommodated with a special test schedule.

It is the student’s responsibility to finish an examination correctly and completely.  Therefore, when computer Scantron forms are used as answer sheets, the student must use a Number 2 lead pencil and erase all stray marks completely.  The burden of proper erasure is at test taking time. Once the examinations are returned to the students, there will be no grade adjustments made due to the exam for inappropriate completion of the response form.

The use of electronic devices during exams is prohibited.  Any student using an electronic device during an exam (unless directed to do so by the instructor) will receive a 0 for the exam.

Laboratory Work:

Laboratory assignments are hands-on productions that show the instructor that the student can competently use specified software.  It is important that the student attend all lab sessions.  The student should read the scheduled assignment in the lab text prior to coming to lab class.

It is anticipated that students will spend at least four hours per week in the free-time computer room perfecting their skills and completing their lab assignments.  The lab assignments are required for grading.  They must be submitted on the assignment due date.  Acceptance of late laboratory assignments is solely at the discretion of the instructor.

Homework:

In addition to any homework assignment given during class, it is a standing assignment that the student read each chapter of the book prior to its discussion.  Following the class discussion, the student should reread the material and work with the exercises throughout the text.  It is anticipated that students will spend at least four hours per week reading the text and working with the exercises and supplemental resources.

Policies:

· Lateness – The roll will be taken at the beginning of class.  If the student is not in attendance at that time, he/she will be carried in the roll book as being absent unless the instructor is notified immediately after class.  Attendance sheets cannot be adjusted at following class meetings.

· The student must adhere to all college polices.  Due to the nature of this course, it is recommended that the student review the policy titled “Acceptable Information Technology Use at Bergen Community College”.

· The use of portable electronic devices such as pagers and cell phones is not permitted while class is in session.  Please be sure to silence electronic devices before entering class.

· The use of audio CD or tape players, radios, and college computers to play music during class is prohibited.

· Students are expected to demonstrate listening, reading, note taking, and writing skills.  The student will need to take notes during class discussions and understand and follow verbal and written directions.  All assignments and correspondence with the instructor (including e-mail) must be well written in full sentence format.  Proper paragraph format must be used for all postings to the student bulletin board (if applicable).

· The subject line of all e-mail correspondence to the instructor must contain the course number and section and student’s name.  Any e-mail received without this information will not be opened.

· Plagiarism in any form will be treated as a failure to complete an assignment.  All work submitted should reflect individual effort by the student.

· In borderline cases that arise in almost every class each semester, a student’s attendance, class participation, attitude, and observed effort will be considered in helping to determine the student’s final grade.

If the instructor does not appear after 20 minutes following the scheduled starting time, students should generate an attendance list.  One volunteer member needs to deliver the list, containing the course title, date, and instructor’s name, to the Evening Office (L-113) or to the Divisional Office (during the day) A-306C.

Additional policy and assessment information may be distributed by individual instructors.