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WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY:

I found the networking courses the most interesting!

James Borgmeyer
Computer Systems Technology
Graduate
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WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY:

Computer Systems Technology is really good for people going into the field of IT because it gives you the knowledge you need to succeed in the fiel [...]

Alistair Belyea
Computer Systems Technology
Graduate
Computer Systems Technology (three-year)

Computer Systems Technology (three-year)

Computer Systems Technology (three-year)

Computer Systems Technology (three-year)

Computer Systems Technology (three-year)

The answer is out there; it’s the question that blinds us

The reality is that we live in a world reliant on computers. Information technology departments house the people who speak computer. With knowledge of communication protocols, mail servers and security, knowing the ins and outs of what makes computers function you are able to troubleshoot and bring our computers back to life and functioning like new.

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Program Description (Laptop program)

NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific hardware and software requirements for this program click here.

Graduates of the three-year Computer Systems Technology program are ready to meet the information technology (IT) needs of the business, industry, service and government sectors. You will be trained to plan, implement and analyze IT solutions based on various operating systems, networking technologies and computer programming languages.

The curriculum addresses:

  • Advanced topics in network management
  • Communication protocols
  • Mail servers
  • Security
  • Unified Communications Enterprise-level management of server platforms

As a graduate, you will have the skills and expertise required to be an active participant in the planning and implementation of the information security programs and procedures required by modern organizations due to increasingly stringent reporting and privacy regulations. You will also be able to deploy Internet servers for the web, email and network services.

The multiple skills you will gain through this program will enable you to challenge for industry-recognized certifications including Cisco (e.g. CCNA, CCNP and CCSP); Microsoft (e.g. MCP and MCSE); and CompTIA (e.g. A+, Network+ and Linux+).

Note: To ensure you make an informed decision about your IT career path, a common first semester is offered for the Computer Systems Technician, Computer Systems Technology, Computer Programmer and Computer Programmer Analyst programs. This approach will give you an opportunity to explore the systems/programming applications and networking/hardware applications of the IT sector. At the end of the first semester, you will then select your program of choice.

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Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma, General Educational Development, Academic and Career Entrance – College Prep Level or Mature Student Status plus senior level (Grade 11 or higher) subject credits, college preparation (C), university/college preparation (M), university preparation (U) or post-secondary (college or university) in:

  • Grade 12 English
  • Grade 12 mathematics
  • Electronics and computer studies (recommended)
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Career Options

  • Computer system administration
  • Data centre administrator
  • Network administration
  • Network security analyst
  • Network support technologist
  • Software and hardware support technologist
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Course List & Descriptions

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6

This course focuses on essential oral and written communication skills for college and career success. Students will be able to practice and apply the principles of effective communication by writing business correspondence using a variety of formats. Effective oral presentation techniques will be examined and applied.

This course will introduce the students to relational databases to automate data management. The students will be taught: database design emphasizing table relationships; introduction to normalization; building tables with different data types; form design for data collection; creating queries and reports; and automating tasks with switchboards and macros using MS-Access databases. The course will also introduce Structured Query Language (SQL). The laboratory assignments and final project will provide the student with the knowledge needed to design and implement a database in any type of application development. 

Current market analysis indicates networking and more specifically internetworking is in very large demand. From corporations to small office sites and even into “smart” homes there is a growing need to interconnect computerized equipment. Durham College’s Cisco Networking Academy curriculum will prepare our students to meet this challenge.  DCOM 1100 is the first of four courses that lead the student towards the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) accreditation.  This course provides the student with an in-depth knowledge of the principles and topologies in data communications today.

This course introduces students to businesses as “Open Systems” with Inputs, Processes and Outputs. Key to this concept is the knowledge of all stakeholders inside and outside of the organizational boundary of the business and their roles as well as the critical importance of knowledge management within the organization as a tool for effective management decision making. This course also covers a look at career paths and trends in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) field.

This course introduces the students to the sound mathematical and logical skills required for both technical and programming courses.  Topics covered in this course vary from Arithmetic, Algebra, Signals both Analog and Digital, Number systems, Logic gates, Program Design and Statistics emphasizing problems in Business, Digital and Information Technology. The students are taught to solve the mathematical problems with the use of Electronic Calculator and Electronic Spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel) in place of a manual calculator; and also on-line practice and assessment tool (MathXL) from the publisher.  

This is an introduction to the general principles of computer programming.  Topics will include the selection of basic data types, basic I/O, operators, repetition, flow control, decisions, arrays and the use of simple user-defined methods and user-defined classes.  This course teaches the student how to write computer programs, using a high level language, to solve typical business problems.  A structured programming approach is taken for the majority of the course with an introduction to OOP principles and program design also included.  The C# programming language has been selected as the language vehicle for the course.

This course focuses on the concepts, architecture, and administration of computer operating systems namely DOS, Windows and Linux/Unix using both command line and GUI environment. Students will learn DOS and Linux/Unix commands and build batch files (scripts) to automate simple tasks. The course also covers desktop customization, software installation, task management, system performance and security. Many professional careers depend on the student’s ability to prove his or her expertise through industry certifications.  This course contains materials that map to the objectives cited in the requirements for the Microsoft 70-210 and 70-270 exams and Linux+.

This course is designed to provide an introduction to structured programming principles to students studying in the information technology field. The programming language selected is ANSI (Standard) C++. This course teaches how to write computer programs in a structured, procedural approach, using a high level language, to solve typical problems.  

This course prepares students for careers in the computer support service field. Emphasis is on IBM and IBM-type personal computers (PCs). Students gain a greater understanding of typical PC components and their relationship to the computer's operating system and peripherals. Students will gain hands-on experience in diagnosis and troubleshooting, which helps prepare them to service PCs and related equipment. This course will assist students in preparing for the A+ Essentials certification exam (220-701).

The goal of this course is to provide the skills needed to install, configure, manage and troubleshoot the Apple OS X operating system. In particular, topics covered include configuration, supporting and troubleshooting a OS X infrastructure.
Hands-on projects in each chapter are an essential activity for students. Case studies give a more conceptual feel to the chapter material and are varied in their scope and content. The CSYS 3122 course content contains material that maps to some of the objectives cited in the requirements for the Apple OS X Support Essentials 10.7 Exam (9L0-410).

DCOM 2100 is the second of four courses designed to introduce new content and extend previously learned networking skills. These skills will empower the student to enter the workforce and/or further their education and training in the computer networking field. A task analysis of current industry standards and occupational analysis was used in the development of content standards. Instruction extends the student’s knowledge and practical experience of the TCP/IP networking model introducing routers. Communication links and packet filtering concepts include routing protocols, subnet addressing and the examination and implementation of CIDR. Course content includes routing theory and router hands-on lab configuration. The student will learn to correctly identify and explain the major components of the Cisco router successfully manage Cisco IOS, configure IP addresses using appropriate sub-netting, and perform basic router setup and configuration and master people skills by working in engineering teams.

This course introduces the student to the Internet infrastructure, concentrating on the World Wide Web and Web application servers, and provides a brief overview of emerging Internet technologies. The lectures introduce the student to essential Web techniques and features. The labs focus on producing working web pages published on the Internet, and simple interactive Web applications, with validated code for multi-browser compatibility. The server environment is the Apache server on the UNIX-like OpenBSD OS, with MS Windows browsers and editors on the client side. Server-side Web applications will be done in the PHP scripting language and SQL queries will be done with the PostgreSQL RDBMS running on the server.
Information security topics will be addressed throughout the course.

This course includes report writing and job-search communications. The appropriate documentation and research required to execute an effective information technology job search strategy will be created in this course. Report writing skills, involving detailed research and problem solving of current information technology issues and solutions, will be applied. This course will allow the student to further develop effective oral presentation skills which will be invaluable in career development.

This course focuses on hardware and software techniques for managing computer systems in a small network such as an office. Students will work on techniques for system deployment, network based storage devices and printing as well as system management tools. This course will also introduce advanced technologies for device and peripheral interconnection.

LAN Switching and Wireless is the third course designed to introduce new content and extend previously learned networking skills. These skills will empower the student to enter the workforce and/or further their education and training in the computer networking field. A task analysis of current industry standards and occupational analysis was used in the development of content standards. This course introduces and extends the student’s knowledge and practical experience with switches, Local Area Networks (LANs) and Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) design, configuration and maintenance. The course explains how to configure a switch for basic functionality and how to implement Virtual LANs, Virtual Trunking Protocols, and Inter-VLAN routing on a converged network. Different implementations of Spanning Tree Protocol in a converged network are presented, and students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to implement a WLAN in a small- to medium-sized network.

Using Windows 2008 Server operating system software, this course focuses on the concepts, architecture and administration of a modern business server operating system. At the end of the course, students will be able to install and configure Windows 2008 Server on a personal computer. Skills learned include: installing Windows 2008 Server, installing, configuring and troubleshooting access to resources, configuring shares, printing, device drivers, file systems,  managing, monitoring and optimizing system performance, reliability and availability, managing, configuring and troubleshooting storage use, and configuring and troubleshooting user accounts, groups and shares. The NETW 4102 course contains material that maps to some of the objectives cited in the requirements for the Microsoft 70-646 exam require.

This is the first course on scripting and automation covering DOS and Linux/Unix. System and network administrators are often required to automate routine tasks with short programs called scripts. This course introduces the students to scripting under Windows (batch files at windows command line, DOS) and Linux/Unix (shell scripts) for system administration and automation. Some of the topics covered under windows are Task scheduling, Windows Systems Administration, User management and Windows Networking. This course will also introduces the students to Unix/Linux File Management, Utilities and also how to write, debug, run, and modify shell scripts for system administration and log file processing. Students will create scripts both on the real machine and also virtual machine by installing and configuring different windows and Linux operating systems using virtualization software.

Project management is a carefully planned and organized approach to achieve a specific goal or end result. Typically this is a one-time task, such as construction of a building or implementing a new computer networking system. Project management includes developing a project plan, which includes defining project goals and objectives, specifying the tasks, how the goals will be achieved, the resources required, projected budgets, and timelines for completion. It also includes implementing the project plan and monitoring the tasks to be sure the project stays on budget, that is, to ensure the plan is being managed according to your plan. Project management usually follows major phases (with various titles for these phases), including a feasibility study, project planning, implementation, evaluation, and support/maintenance.

This course is currently under development.

This is the fourth and final CCNA course designed to introduce new content and extend previously learned networking skills empowering the student to enter the workforce and/or further their education and training in the computer networking field. A task analysis of current industry standards and occupational analysis were used in the development of content standards. Instruction introduces and extends the student’s knowledge and practical experience with Wide Area Networks (WANs), Point-to-Point Protocols (PPP) and Frame Relay design, configuration and maintenance. Students develop practical skill experience related to configuring WAN’s, PPP, Frame Relay protocols, and network troubleshooting.

Elective general education courses appear in your program of study as GNED 0000. This is called a “placeholder.” This placeholder is replaced by an actual course that you will select from a list of available "elective" general education courses when you register in the relevant semester.

Please note that the type and number of elective courses available will vary from semester to semester and from year to year.

Please visit the General Education website for more information.

This course fosters critical thinking skills and the logical analysis of workplace decisions. Using historic case studies and current events, a working knowledge of moral principles, ethics, social issues, and the law as they apply to forensics and modern technology will be developed. Learners will explore the responsibilities of an expert witness within the areas of technology, accounting or law enforcement through the use of projects, activities, and discussions that are designed to explore ethical situations and examine the outcomes of decisions. 

Using Windows 2008 Server operating system software, this course focuses on the concepts, architecture, and administration of a modern business server operating system. At the end of the course, students will be able to install and configure Windows 2008 Server on a personal computer. Skills learned include: installing Windows 2008 Server, DNS, DHCP, RRAS, IPSEC, DFS, WSUS, NETWORK HEALTH, monitoring, optimizing system performance, reliability and troubleshooting . The NETW 5100 course contains material that maps to some of the objectives cited in the requirements for the Microsoft 70-642 exam requirements.

This is the second course on scripting and automation which covers VBScript and Windows Script Host (WSH). The students will be able to develop automated scripts that perform desktop administration, task scheduling, user administration, network administration, system monitoring, managing registry and Microsoft office components using WSH, Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and Active Directory Service Interfaces (ADSI). 

The Client/Server Computing II course will teach the student through the use of UNIX (Linux) how to setup, administer, and maintain a client/server environment.  The student will be expected to install UNIX (Linux), configure subsystems and daemons, and manage users and processes in the operating system.

CCNP Route - Implementing IP Routing is the first of Three courses leading to the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) designation. CCNP: Route introduces Cisco Networking Academy Program students to Advanced Routing Concepts..
Students will learn how to create an efficient and expandable enterprise network by installing, configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting network infrastructure equipment (especially routers such as Cisco ISRs) according to the Campus Infrastructure module in the Enterprise Composite Network model.
Topics include how to configure EIGRP, OSPF, BGP routing protocols and how to manipulate and optimize routing updates between these routing protocols. Other topics include multicast routing, IPv6, and DHCP configuration.

Field Placement Preparation is a series of workshops, guest speakers and assignments designed to prepare students in securing an employer for Field Placement (FWKC6101) and enhancing skills for a job search upon graduation.  The program is flexible, and workshop topics can vary based on the needs and preferences of the students.

This course teaches students through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, textbook exercises, and classroom labs. Students learn the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to take the Microsoft 70-640 exam. The 70-640 exam is one of the required exams in the Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional (MCITP) certification track.  Students work with Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Active Directory services in planning, implementing, and maintaining forests, sites, domains, and organizational units (OUs) that meet the accessibility, performance, and security goals of a business plan. In addition, students use Group Policy to deploy software and configure a computer or user environment. Finally, students learn troubleshooting techniques that are valuable for the maintenance of a network environment.  

Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA® Security) validates associate-level knowledge and skills required to secure Cisco networks. This course prepares students to  demonstrate and apply the skills required to develop a security infrastructure, recognize threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and mitigate security threats. The CCNA Security curriculum emphasizes core security technologies, the installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices, and competency in the technologies that Cisco uses in its security structure. This course maps to some of the objectives of the 640-554 IINS Certification Exam.

This course will teach students, through the use of UNIX (Linux), how to setup, administer and maintain a client/server environment. Students will be expected to install Linux, configure subsystems and daemons, and manage users and processes in the operating systems.

This final component of the Computer Systems Technology curriculum is an integral part of the student’s preparation for the workforce. The student will work in an unpaid position with an approved employer for a minimum 100 hours. Prior to starting the placement, the student will have prepared for the work assignment by attending seminars and completing research about the company and the industry.  During the placement, the student will establish mutually agreed performance objectives with the employer, complete the tasks, be evaluated by the employer on their job performance and be evaluated by the faculty advisor based on the completion and submission of required workshops and reports.  Although not a requirement, students are encouraged to seek a letter of reference from their supervisor upon successful completion of the placement.

The goal of this course is to provide the skills needed to install, configure, manage, monitor, and troubleshoot Microsoft Forefront Threat management Gateway (TMG). This course explores Firewall technologies, Penetration testing using Wireshark and an examination of common attacks on Enterprise level networks.

Hands-on projects in each chapter are an essential activity for students.  Unless students have a strong background as a network technician or administrator, these projects could be a first attempt at implementing many of the services that comprise network security.  Threaded Case projects give a more practrical feel to the  material and are varied in their scope and content.

The goal of this course is to provide the skills needed to install, configure, manage, monitor and troubleshoot Microsoft Exchange Server 2010. In particular, topics covered include installation, configuration, troubleshooting and building a secure Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 Network infrastructure.
Hands-on projects in each chapter are an essential activity for students. Case studies give a more conceptual feel to the chapter material and are varied in their scope and content. The NETW 8100 course content contains material that maps to some of the objectives cited in the requirements for the Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Configuring Exam (70-662).  

This unified communications course provides an introduction to converged voice and data networks and addresses the challenges faced by its various technologies.   In this course, students will learn about Cisco CallManager Express (CME) architecture, components, functionality and features. They will also learn Voice over IP (VoIP) and Quality of Service (QoS) technologies and apply them to the Cisco CME environment.

Courses and course descriptions are for the next academic year and are subject to change.

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Program Costs

 DomesticInternational
Tuition Fees$2,533$11,820
Compulsory Ancillary Fees$1,010$1,570
Incidental Fees$350$350
Total Fees:$4,903$13,740

Please note: fees are based on the 2012-2013 academic year and do not include textbooks. For more information please see Other fees to consider.

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Laptop Learning

Students enrolled in laptop programs will enjoy an exceptional learning experience through the use of technology. The advanced technical skills and knowledge that employers look for in graduates will provide students with a decided advantage when entering the workforce. Please pay close attention to the hardware and software requirements of your program as the requirements are not the same for all laptop programs.

How laptop learning works:

  • Review your specific program page for hardware and software requirements
  • Acquire your own laptop from a vendor of your choosing including all of the hardware and software components listed below 

Please note: Some software may be included in tuition fees for some programs. Please ensure that you are required to buy software before making a purchase.

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Laptop Hardware and Software Requirements

Hardware Requirements

  • Intel I7 processor with chipset that must support Intel Virtualization Technology
  • 8 GB of ram (16 GB preferred)
  • 500 GB hard drive
  • CDRW/DVDRW combo drive
  • 10/100 Auto Sensing Network Card
  • 10/100 A/G/N Standard card (one of these standards will suffice)
  • Discrete Video Chipset 256 MB or Shared 512 MB
  • One USB 3.0 port (two preferred)

Software Requirements

  • Windows 7 Professional 64-Bit
  • Microsoft Office 2010 64 bit Ultimate (student license)
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Internships & Placements

During your final semester, you will be required to work 100 hours in a relevant IT industry field placement to gain valuable, hands-on work experience. The experience will enable you to put classroom learning into practice and provide valuable contacts for future careers.

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Disability Considerations

Students with disabilities who wish to discuss accommodation plans are encouraged to contact the Centre for Students with Disabilities.

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