Hardware Essentials

The Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC)
was set up as a statutory body on 11 June 2001
by the Minister for Education and Science.
Under the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999,
FETAC now has responsibility for making awards
previously made by NCVA.
Module Descriptor
Hardware Essentials
Level 5
C20254
www.fetac.ie
1
Module Title
Hardware Essentials
2
Module Code
C20254
3
Level
5
4
Credit Value
1 credit
5
Purpose
This module is a statement of the standards to be achieved to
gain a FETAC credit in Hardware Essentials at Level 5
The module is designed to provide the learner with the
knowledge and skills required to build and/or upgrade a desktop
system.
6
7
8
Preferred
Entry Level
Special
Requirements
Level 4 Certificate, Leaving Certificate or equivalent
qualifications and/or relevant life and work experiences.
None.
General Aims
Learners who successfully complete this module will:
8.1
Identify proper procedures for installing and configuring
common system components.
8.2
Install common system components into a desktop system unit.
8.3
Identify proper procedures for installing and configuring
common peripheral devices.
8.4
Connect and install common peripherals to a desktop system.
8.5
Identify basic troubleshooting procedures and tools.
8.6
Develop safe working practices when working with computer
equipment.
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9
10
Units
The specific learning outcomes are grouped into 6 unit(s).
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 5
Unit 6
Hardware Devices
Mainboard Components
Storage Devices
PC Assembly
Peripheral Devices
Preventative Maintena nce
Specific Learning
Outcomes
Unit 1
Hardware Devices
Learners should be able to:
10.1.1
Identify and name the system components contained within the
system unit e.g. mainboard, processor, magnetic and optical
drives, graphic card, sound card etc.
10.1.2
State the purpose, and characteristics, of system components.
[having regard for separate Unit 2 – Mainboard Components,
and Unit 3 – Storage Devices.] For example,
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•
•
•
•
Sound Cards
Graphic Cards
Power Supply Unit
Modems
Network cards
10.1.3
Demonstrate the basic procedures for adding and removing
these system components for desktop systems.
10.1.4
Identify and name common peripheral ports e.g. Firewire, USB,
PS/2, Serial, Parallel, etc.
10.1.5
State the purposes of these common peripheral ports and
identify their use by various peripherals.
10.1.6
Identify associated cable type and their connectors for common
peripheral ports e.g. RJ45, RJ11 etc.
10.1.7
Determine overall system specifications for a desktop system.
10.1.8
List and discuss the factors which affect performance of a
desktop system e.g. processor speeds, RAM size, graphic cards
etc.
10.1.9
Discuss the issues that must be considered when upgrading a
desktop system.
3
Unit 2
Mainboard Components
Learners should be able to:
10.2.1
Identify the most popular types of mainboards.
10.2.2
Identify and list functions of the different connectors, slots and
switches contained on the mainboard.
10.2.3
Outline historical developments of the CPU.
10.2.4
Distinguish between popular CPU chips in terms of their
characteristics.
10.2.5
Have an awareness of Dua l Processors.
10.2.6
List and determine the factors which affect CPU performance.
10.2.7
Explain Heatsinks, Cooling Fans and their characteristics.
10.2.8
List and describe the different types of RAM (Random Access
Memory) e.g. SIMMs, DIMMs etc.
10.2.9
Discuss the purpose of CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide
Semiconductor) memory.
10.2.10
Explain the P.O.S.T. system.
Unit 3
Storage Devices
Learners should be able to:
10.3.1
Distinguish between primary and secondary storage.
10.3.2
Identify various types of storage – Permanent/Temporary,
Desktop/portable - FDD, HDD, CD, CDRW, DVD/DVD-RW,
Floppy, Tape Drive, Removable storage (USB etc.)
10.3.3
List and explain the product specifications/characteristics of
these storage devices (e.g. access time, seek time, latency etc.).
10.3.4
Explain the method used to store data on various media –
magnetic and optical.
10.3.5
Outline advantages and disadvantages of magnetic storage.
10.3.6
Outline advantages and disadvantages of optical storage.
10.3.7
Explain the methods of data compression.
10.3.8
Explain the use of system tools in rela tion to storage devices
(defrag, scan disk, partition, etc).
10.3.9
Explain the precautions necessary when handling/using storage
devices.
4
Unit 4
PC Assembly
Learners should be able to:
10.4.1
Identify various safety measures and correct procedures in
relation to hazards, and when working with High Voltage
equipment, power supply, monitors, steel cabinets.
10.4.2
Identify various safety measures and procedures in relation to
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), including safe handling of
computer components, anit-static wrist strap etc.
10.4.3
State the location and sequence of installation of components
into the system unit.
10.4.4
Install Power Supply.
10.4.5
Install and configure the Mainboard.
10.4.6
Install the CPU (including Heatsink etc.)
10.4.7
Install Magnetic and Optical Drives.
10.4.8
Install Random Access Memory (RAM).
10.4.9
Install and configure Graphics Card.
10.4.10
Install Sound Card.
10.4.11
Install and configure Expansion Card.
10.4.12
Install all cables and wiring components required, e.g. IDE
cables etc.
10.4.13
Recognise and explain configuration of mainboard (jumper
switches, etc).
10.4.14
Configure the BIOS system.
10.4.15
Explain the rationale for the Boot sequence.
10.4.16
Explain “Beep” error codes.
Unit 5
Peripheral Devices
Learners should be able to:
10.5.1
Identify common peripheral devices e.g. Printers, Scanners,
external portable storage devices etc.
10.5.2
List the different classifications of printer technologies.
10.5.3
Describe the characteristics of each printer technology.
10.5.4
Connect and configure a Printer to a desktop system.
10.5.5
Explain the various types of VDUs (e.g. CRT, TFT etc.)
10.5.6
Describe the range of characteristics of these VDUs.
10.5.7
Explain the basic operation of CRT Monitors
10.5.8
Describe the characteristics of scanner technology.
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10.5.9
Connect and configure a Scanner to a desktop system.
10.5.10
Connect and configure a portable storage device to a desktop
systems.
10.5.11
List the different types of computer mice.
10.5.12
Connect and configure mouse and keyboard to a desktop
system.
Unit 6 Preventative Maintenance
Learners should be able to:
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10.6.1
Identify the more common operational and usability problems
which arise during the building of a desktop system.
10.6.2
Develop a plan for resolving these issues.
10.6.3
When maintaining a system - document, log or record all
information regarding the nature of a problem and the preferred
solution if obtainable.
10.6.4
Distinguish between well-defined and ill-defined problems.
10.6.5
Identify environmental protection measures and procedures, for
proper disposal techniques for environmentally hazardous
materials.
10.6.6
Diagnose basic power supply problems.
Portfolio of
Assessment
Please refer to the glossary of assessment techniques and the
note on assessment principles at the end of this module
descriptor.
All assessment is carried out in accordance with FETAC
regulations.
Assessment is devised by the internal assessor, with external
moderation by FETAC.
Summary
11.1
Skills
Demonstration
Skills Demonstration
Examination
70%
30%
In a series of skill demonstrations, candidates will be assessed in
a range of practical exercises as described in the specific
learning outcomes of Units 4 and 5.
6
The internal assessor will devise suitable exercises (See:
Marking Sheet No. 1) to test these skills, each skill will be
accompanied with a suitable write up.
These skills may be assessed at any time during the learning
process.
11.2
Examination
The internal assessor will devise a theory based examination that
assess candidates ability to recall and apply and understanding
of theory and practical processes, requiring responses to a range
of question types, short answer and structure. These questions
may be answered in different media such as in writing or orally.
The examination will be based on a range of specific learning
outcomes across all 6 units.
The examination will be 1 ½ hours in duration.
The format of the examination will be as follows:
Section A.
12 short answer questions.
Candidates will be required to answer 10 (2 marks each).
Section B.
3 structured questions.
Candidates will be required to answer 2 (10 marks each).
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Grading
Pass
Merit
Distinction
50 - 64%
65 - 79%
80 - 100%
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Hardware Essentials
C20254
Individual Candidate
Marking Sheet No 1.
Skills Demonstrations 70%
Candidate Name: _______________________________ PPSN: _________________________
Centre: __________________________________________________ Centre No.: __________
Maximum
Mark
Assessment Criteria
Demonstrate an understanding of Safety Issues and Procedures
10
Planning and general pre assembly preparation
10
Installation and configuration of Mainboard
10
Installation of CPU, Heatsink and Fan
10
Installation of Power Supply Unit
10
Installation and configuration of Hard Disk Drive
10
Installation and configuration of DRIVES eg. CD, DVD, Floppy
10
Installation of Expansion Cards etc.
10
Installation of Memory
10
Complete Wiring of System Unit
10
Connect and configure essential peripheral devices e.g. Monitor,
Keyboard, and Mouse.
10
Initial Powering Up of System
10
Configuration of BIOS
10
Overall Quality and Presentation of Completed Unit
10
TOTAL MARKS
This mark should be transferred to the Module Results Summary Sheet
Candidate
Mark
140
Internal Assessor’s Signature: __________________________________ Date: _____________
External Authenticator’s Signature: _____________________________ Date: _____________
8
Hardware Essentials
C20254
Individual Candidate
Marking Sheet 2.
Examination 30%
Candidate Name: _______________________________ PPSN: ________________________
Centre: __________________________________________________ Centre No: _____________
Maximum
Mark
Assessment Criteria
Candidate
Mark
Section A: short answer questions
12 short answer questions, answer any 10 (2 marks each)
(Indicate questions answered)
Question No.:* _____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Subtotal
20
Section B: structured questions
3 structured questions, answer any 2 (20 marks each)
(Indicate questions answered)
Question No.:* _____
_____
20
20
Subtotal
TOTAL MARKS
This mark should be transferred to the Module Results Summary Sheet
40
60
* The internal assessor is required to enter here the question numbers answered by the candidate.
Internal Assessor’s Signature: __________________________________ Date: ____________
External Authenticator’s Signature: ___________________________________ Date: __________
9
FETAC Module Results Summary Sheet
Module Title:
Module Code:
Hardware Essentials
C20254
Candidate Surname
Assessment Marking Sheets
Maximum Marks per Marking Sheet
Candidate Forename
Mark Sheet
1
140
Mark Sheet
2
60
Signed:
Internal Assessor: _______________________________________________ Date: ____________________
This sheet is for internal assessors to record the overall marks of individual candidates. It should be retained in the centre.
The marks awarded should be transferred to the official FETAC Module Results Sheet issued to centres before the visit of
the external Authenticator.
10
Total
Marks
200
Total
÷2
100%
Grade*
Grade*
D: 80 - 100%
M: 65 - 79%
P: 50 - 64%
U: 0 - 49%
W: candidates entered who did not present for assessment