Computer Support Specialist

This course provides an introduction to the use of networked computer systems. Topics include the implementation and use of campus and departmental learning resources, basic operating system use including file system navigation and command line interfaces, basic keyboarding skills, network authentication and networked resource access.

Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Reading Comprehension score of 71 or RDG 085 with a C better, and ACCUPLACER Sentence Skills score of 71 or better or ENGL 092 with a C or better, and ACCUPLACER Arithmetic score of 38 or better or MATH 090 with a C or better or ABE 050 with a C or better.

Future Offerings:

This course provides an introduction to PC Software in coordination with the CompTIA A+ Software high-level exam objectives. Topics include computer operating systems, basic networking utilities, computer security and application troubleshooting.

Future Offerings:

This course provides an introduction to PC Hardware in coordination with the CompTIA A+ Hardware high-level exam objectives. Topics include computer hardware systems, basic networking, mobile devices and troubleshooting.

Future Offerings:

This course provides an introduction to the Information Technology career field and the basic support skills necessary for success in industry. Topics include a survey of IT career paths, face-to-face and remote customer service skills, security best practices, ticketing systems, knowledge bases, research techniques, basic legal compliance issues and accessibility.

Future Offerings:

This course introduces students to scripting using command line interfaces. Industry standard scripting languages in Linux and Microsoft operating systems will provide the platforms on which to learn syntax, flow control, variables, arrays, basic parsing and text manipulation.

Future Offerings:

This course provides an introduction to the configuration, management and troubleshooting of common wired and wireless network devices. Topics include TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, OSI Reference Model, cabling fundamentals, network topologies, and network diagramming.

Prerequisites:
IT 112 with a D or better OR IT 141 with a D or better.

Future Offerings:

Students will use a personal computer to demonstrate basic skills in Windows, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. Students will also identify hardware components, demonstrate effective internet usage, and use the tools within the BTC learning management system. For off-campus, a Windows-based computer is required.

Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Classic Reading (71) or higher OR ACCUPLACER NextGen Reading (247) or higher OR RDG 085 with a C or higher OR Instructor permission.

Future Offerings:

An introduction to the Windows desktop operating system that includes operating system configuration, installation, device and application management, maintenance, and file and folder controls.

Prerequisites:
IT 120 with a D or better and IT 141 with a D or better and completion of or concurrent enrollment in IT 160.

Future Offerings:

Prerequisites:
CAP101 with a C or higher and ACCUPLACER Classic Reading (71) or higher OR ACCUPLACER NextGen Reading (247) or higher OR RDG 085 with a C or higher and ACCUPLACER Classic Sentence Skills (71) or higher OR ACCUPLACER NextGen Writing (245) or higher OR ENGL 092 with a C or higher OR Instructor permission.

Future Offerings:

This applied English course focuses on the workplace communication skills needed to send, receive, and process oral and written information. Along with a review of writing fundamentals, learners will use principles of clear communication, professionalism, and cultural awareness in occupational contexts. Learners will sharpen their reading, writing, and presentation skills.

Prerequisites:
Accuplacer Reading Comprehension score of 71 or RDG 085 with a C or higher, and Accuplacer Sentence Skills score of 71 or ENGL 092 with a C or higher.

Future Offerings:

A composition course in which students read, analyze, and write essays using a variety of rhetorical strategies, as well as develop and verbally express ideas clearly and effectively. The critical reading of essays will provide a basis for the student's own critical writing, which will reflect a command of college-level literacy standards. Attention to writing fundamentals and stylistic techniques will also be included. Word processing, email and internet knowledge required.

Prerequisites:
Accuplacer Reading Comprehension score of 85 or RDG 085 with a C or better, and Accuplacer Reading Comprehension score of 85 or RDG 085 with a B or better and Accuplacer Sentence Skills score of 86 or ENGL 092 with a B or better or AENGL 100 with a C or better.

Future Offerings:

Intermediate academic essay writing. Emphasis on critical reading and writing, synthesis of cross-disciplinary texts, documentation of sources and argumentation.

Prerequisites:
ENGL& 101 with a C grade.

Future Offerings:

Students receive hands-on instruction using the commands and features of Word to create simple to complex business documents. For off-campus work, a Windows-based computer is required.

Prerequisites:
CAP 101 and CAP 105 with a C or better grade in each course or instructor permission.

Future Offerings:

This course provides a practical hands-on approach to developing the skills to use the powerful spreadsheet application, Excel. Students will use Excel to organize and analyze data, perform numerical calculations, and illustrate relationships in numerical data by displaying charts. For off-campus work, a Windows-based computer is required.

Prerequisites:
BUS100 or BUS150 or AMATH100 or MATH&107 or higher; and CAP101.

Future Offerings:

Students will apply math concepts to business applications in the areas of banking, business statistics, markup/markdown, payroll, debt, credit cards, investments, and insurance. It is recommended that students have a calculator with the exponent function.

Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Classic Reading (71) or higher OR ACCUPLACER NextGen Reading (247) or higher OR RDG 085 with a C or higher and ACCUPLACER Classic Arithmetic (50) or higher OR ACCUPLACER NextGen Arithmetic (238) or higher OR MATH 90 with a C or higher OR Instructor permission.

Future Offerings:

This course emphasizes mathematics used in the professional technical occupations. Students will learn mathematical skills in the following: fractions, decimals, percents, ratios & proportions, U.S. Customary Units and metric measurement systems, basic geometry and elementary algebra. The course will include relevent technical applications and the use of a calculator.

Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Arithmetic score of 38 or ABE 050 with a C or higher or approved alternative placement criteria.

Future Offerings:

This course exposes students to mathematical thought and quantitative thinking to solve problems in the context of real-world scenarios. It introduces topics such as consumer problem solving, voting/decision theory, graph theory, growth and decay models, finance, statistics, probability, and counting systems in the context of their applications.

Prerequisites:
BTC College Level Math score of 75 or a C grade in MATH 099.

Future Offerings:

Students are introduced to the broad field of business and its organization, operation and management. Business opportunities, ownership, marketing, physical factors, human resource, finance, regulations and decision-making processes are emphasized. Other topics include problems of organization, strategic management and controls. Fulfills the social science requirements at Bellingham Technical College.

Prerequisites:
Recommend experience in Word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

Future Offerings:

This course introduces students to using Microsoft Access to manage data. Students learn and apply rules for table design, establish meaningful relationships between tables, create queries to analyze data, create forms for data entry and data search, and create reports that presents information in professional format.

Prerequisites:
CAP 101 with a C or better or Instructor permission.

Future Offerings:

Designed to introduce students to the application of basic interpersonal communication theory, with a focus on achieving success in the workplace. Topics explored include self-awareness, self-disclosure, conversation skills, relationship development and maintenance, assertiveness, teamwork and group dynamics, conflict management strategies, and communicating in a diverse world.

Prerequisites:
Accuplacer Reading Comprehension score of 71 or a C grade in RDG 085, and Accuplacer Sentence Skills score of 71 or a C grade in ENGL 092.

Future Offerings:

An overview of the factors affecting behavior including topics related to theories of learning, the senses, perceptions, nervous system, emotions, personality theory, motivation, abnormal behavior and therapy, and social psychology.

Prerequisites:
ACCUPLACER Classic Reading (85) or higher OR ACCUPLACER NextGen Reading (256) OR RDG 085 with a B or higher and ACCUPLACER Classic Sentence Skills (86) or higher OR ACCUPLACER NextGen Writing (255) or higher OR AENGL 100 with a C or higher OR BUS 191 with a C or higher.

Future Offerings:

This course introduces the major concepts and definitions of the science of sociology. Basic sociological inquiry is covered, and how social forces shape communal and individual behaviors and attitudes. Topics include socialization, cultures, deviance, social control, inequality, power, social class, race, gender, and institutions. Students learn the basic theories and perspectives of sociology and how those theories apply to the social landscape.

Prerequisites:
Accuplacer Reading Comprehension score of 85 or RDG 085 with a B or higher, and Accuplacer Sentence Skills score of 86 or ENGL 092 with a B or higher or AENGL 100 with a C or higher.

Future Offerings:

Students will arrange to work in a college approved, information technology related, work environment. The field-based experience provides exposure to a typical work environment, opportunities for customer service and technical skill development, and mentorship by industry professionals.

Prerequisites:
Instructor Permission.

Future Offerings: