Programme Overiew

Gomex Institute of Technology has a mission of providing relevant training programs that will enable learners to contribute to the local, regional and global economies. Gomex has taken time to study the global and local markets as well as development plans and have put together this Associate of Science in Information Technology (ASc. IT) to respond to the need for highly skilled Information Technology professionals.

Programme Description

The Associate of Science in Information Technology is designed based on an industry-driven curriculum to ensure that learners are equipped with current and relevant skills and knowledge required to operate in today’s fast paced economy. Upon completing of one year of study the learner can be awarded a Certificate in Information Technology or continue to complete the Associate of Science in IT. The program contains courses totaling 60 credits including courses in computer support, computer networking, computer security, project management, mathematics, communication studies, sociology, work experience, entrepreneurship, Spanish and Linux Administration.

The increasing role of IT Administrators and the requirement to interact with both internal and external customer has led to the addition of Customer Service to the ASc. IT. Learners will complete this Associate Degree in four (4) Semester Full time and six (6) Semester Part Time. Part-time student will have classes in the Summer semester.

Programme Objectives:

The objective of the Associate of Science in Information Technology is to provide the skills and training needed for a career in information technology support, network support, information security analyst. The programme seeks to equip graduates with international personnel certification in the area of computer support, networking and information security. The main objectives of this program are outlines below:

1. Provide learners with customer service and communication skills required to serve both internal and external customers who utilize an organization’s computer resources.
2. Provide learners with hands-on skills and knowledge in computer support and maintenance using international best practice for troubleshooting.
3. Provide learners with the skills required to install, configure and maintain computer networks.
4. Provide learners with the skills and knowledge needed to draft information security policy, configure information security settings, provide disaster recovery and incidence response in an organization.
5. Provide learners with the skills required to effectively plan, execute and report on information technology projects.
6. Provide learners with the skills and knowledge required to apply mathematical concepts to solving real life issues.
7. Provide learners with the knowledge needed to start up a technology based company and to take part in the global outsourcing economy.
8. Provide learners with the skills required to install, configure and manage Linux based operating systems.
9. Provide learners with skills and knowledge needed for professional conduct such as dress and deportment, office professionalism, etiquette and an awareness of societal structure.
10. Provide hands on work experience mapping international best practices to learning thereby providing an industry focused and academically balanced education.

Profile of Graduates

A graduate from this program will be equipped with the technical, organizations, customer service and communication skills required to provide professional computer servicing and support to an organization. In addition graduates will have enough skills and knowledge to start up a technology company to part take in the global outsourcing industry. Graduates will possess the skills and knowledge required by companies such as DELL, HP, Microsoft, the United States Department of Defence and other international and local organizations requiring Accredited Industry professional certifications for employment. In addition graduates from this program should be capable of working as a project assistant. In addition to obtaining an ASc. in Information Technology, graduate should be capable of attaining the following international accredited certifications during the course of their studies:

1. CompTIA A+
2. CompTIA Network+
3. CompTIA Security+
4. CompTIA Project+
5. CompTIA Linux+
6. Linux Professional Institute (LPI) Level I
7. Novell Certified Linux Administrator
8. CompTIA Cloud+ or CompTIA Server+
9. NVQ-J Customer Service Level I

Career Options for Graduates

1. System Administrator
2. Computer Support Technician
3. Network Administrator
4. Junior Linux Administrator
5. Computer Security Analyst
6. Customer Engagement Specialist
7. Project Assistant
8. Technical Customer Service Representative
9. Information Technology Administrator
10. Information Security Incident handler
11. Help Desk Support

Course Descriptions

Core Courses

The core courses in the ASc. Information Technology is geared towards equipping learners with the relevant and essential skills required to operate as an entry level IT professional. The learner is exposed to computer applications such as word processing and spreadsheet operations, computer hardware and software installations, updates and configurations. The learner is also equipped with knowledge and skills required to design, configure and maintain computer networks as well as implement information security best practices on these networks. The learner is then exposed to the Unix Operating systems. These seven (7) courses will give the learner both depth and breadth in performing entry level IT administration.

Computer Application I

This course gives learners an introduction to office productivity tools such as word processing and spreadsheet. Learners will become proficient in the use of productivity tools such as Microsoft Office and open source tools like Libre Office. Learners will cover topics such as formatting, tabulation, alignment, referencing techniques, tables and picture manipulation in word processors. The course will also expose learners to the use of spreadsheet applications manipulating formulae, charts, conditional formatting, printing techniques and advanced features such as programming with macros. The learner will be engaged in creating charts and tables in a spreadsheet application and incorporating them in word processor.

Computer Support I

The requirement for any professional working on or around computer systems is that they must have knowledge of the core fundamentals about the basic functions and components of computer systems. This course will provide the learner with the knowledge that they will be able to address issues in computer systems. This course will also provide a historical context for current technologies by describing how computer systems and their components have evolved from notable eras. This course will encourage professionalism when handling hardware and software issues, as well as, customers. The curriculum for this course is aligned with the CompTIA A+ 220-801 certifications and is accredited by ANSI to ISO 17025 for personnel certification and training. This adoption allows the course to be steep in academic rigor and to be closely aligned to the requirement of the job market.

Computer Support II

As the global economy continuous increases its dependence on information technology, it is crucial that professionals who maintain these systems are familiar with international best practice for troubleshooting and solving IT problems. This course is designed to equip learners with the skills, knowledge and international best practice in solving IT related issues in a systematic manner. The course is directly aligned with the CompTIA 802 certification exam. The learning will be exposed to Windows based systems and will give learning hands on practice working with mobile devices, laptops, printers and desktop computers. Throughout the course learners are engaged in hands on problem solving using the CompTIA’s troubleshooting methodology. Learners install drivers, update drivers, install operating systems, and diagnose PC problems in a professional manner. The CompTIA A+ 802 certification exam is accredited by ANSI to ISO 17025 for personnel certification and training.

Computer Networking I

As more and more companies both private and government depends on Information Technology, the need for trained network administrators to plan, implement and maintain network infrastructures. This course equips the learner with the skills and knowledge required to performing entry level routine networking functions such as cable building, network configurations, networking topology and network architectures. The learners will be expose to Network topology, routing and switching, network devices, commonly used ports, VLANs, Windows networking and basic network security concepts. The learners will be prepared to do the CompTIA Network+ N10-005 certification exam which is accredited by ANSI to SIO 27015 for personnel certification.

Computer Security I

The increase attacks on network infrastructures of both private and public organizations globally have resulted in a need for skilled professional in Information Security Administration. This course equips the learner with the skill and knowledge needed to write information security policies, carry our computer incident response, secure commonly used computer ports, security Microsoft Windows security routines and carry out business continuity and disaster procedures in information technology environment. The learner is prepared for the CompTIA Security+ international certification which is accredited by ANSI to ISO 17025 for personnel certifications.

Linux Administration I

Organizations both private and public sector utilizes an array of operating systems including UNIX, Windows amongst many others. It is crucial that IT professionals be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to configure, install and manage open source operating systems. This course is the first in a series of courses that prepares the learner to work at the Linux command line, maintain user tasks, assist users, execute backup and restore, install and configure workstations and connect computers running Linux to a network. The learning will be exposed to the history and current state of open source software and the open source file systems used by Linux Operating systems. The learner will cover Linux system architecture, Linux Installation and Package Manage, GNU and Unix Commands and Devices, Linux File systems and Files system hierarchy. This course prepares the learner to sit the CompTIA Linux+ exam LX0-101 which is powered by the Linux Professional Institute (LPI) this is the first step in becoming LPIC certified or Novel Certificated Linux Administrator (CLA).

Linux Administration II

Organizations both private and public sector utilizes and array of operating systems including UNIX, Windows amongst many others. It is crucial that IT professionals be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to configure, install and manage open source operating systems. This course follows Linux Administration I and will equip the learner with additional skills and knowledge required to operate as a junior Linux Administrator. The learner will be exposed to Shells, Scripting and Data Management, User Interfaces and Desktops, Administrative tasks, Essential System Services, networking Fundamentals and Linux Security. This course prepares the learner to take the CompTIA Linux+ LX0-102 powered by the Linux Professional Institute (LPI). This exam is the second exam required to become CompTIA Linux+ Certified, LPI Level I Certified and a Novell Certified Linux Administrator (CLA).

General Education

To equip learners with the requisite skills needed to function in a fast pace global environment the program is developed with a set of General Education courses. These courses are of equal significance and fully compliment the learner’s technical skill set. The learner will take courses in communications, business writing, a foreign language, project management, entrepreneurships, mathematics, sociology and customer service. These skill sets are essential in enabling IT professionals to fully serve organizations of all sizes. The learner will take a one credit seminar that will deal with dress and deportment, etiquette, social conversations and preparation for job interviews. All learners will be required to do work experience as per course description.

Communication I

It is essential that professionals be equipped with the requisite communication skills to operate in the global market place. This course seeks to give the learner an appreciation for the construction of the English Language. The learner will be engaged in learning sentence construction, paragraph construction and writing styles. The learner will be introduced to APA referencing and will be exposed to academic misconduct such as plagiarism and copyright infringements. At the end of this course the learner should be equipped to cogently express an idea by constructing sentences, paragraphs and essays in a logical organized manner making references to source utilized in supporting the main points.

Communication II

Today’s professionals are required to communicate effectively in the work place to both internal and external customers. This course equips the learner with the skills and knowledge required for effective business communication. The learner is exposed to letter writing, memoranda, minutes, reports writing and the preparation of manuals user guides. The learner is expected to learn the language and format of business communications through conventional means, emails, memoranda and report writing.

Probability and Statistics

The rapid dependence on technology has left many organizations with an enormous amount of data resulting from business activities. Today’s professional must report using statistical terms and make probability predictions. The leaner is exposed to the basic concepts of statistical reasoning and equips the learner to choose, generate and properly interpret descriptive and inferential methods. The learner will gain an appreciation for the use and application of statistics to day to day activities. The learner will use open source tools for data analysis as well as using Microsoft Excel or any other spreadsheet applications for practical analysis.

Pre-Calculus

The increase magnitude of organizational problems has created the need for professionals who possess the ability to think logically and to solve problems in methodological manner. This course equips the learner with the ability to write effective solutions to problems and projects, represent solutions to problems in an effective manner, utilize critical and creative thinking strategies in reasoning and problem solving as well as demonstrate knowledge and appreciation for Mathematics and its application outside of the learning environment.

Project Management

Today’s fast paced business environment requires skilled employees who are capable of managing projects on both small and large scale. It is essential that projects be executed in a professional manner, accomplishing the objectives and observing timelines to avoid project escalations. This course introduces the learner to the concept of project management. The learner is exposed to business, interpersonal and technical project management skills required to successfully manage projects and business initiatives. The learner will cover concept such as Pre Project Setup, project planning, project execution and delivery, change, control and communication and project closure. The learner is prepared to sit the CompTIA Project+ international certifications which is a stepping stone on the ladder of become a project specialist.

Foreign Language I - Spanish

The increase of trade links between developing and developed economies have led to an increase demand for professionals who as multi lingual. This module will equip the leaner with an introductory conversational skill set in a foreign language. The learner will be exposed to basic greetings, conversations, month of the year, days of the week and other fundamental construction of a foreign language.

Introduction to Customer Service

To remain competitive, organizations have to become customer service oriented. A professional servicing any organizations customer whether internal or external must adhere to international best practices for customer service. This course introduces the learner to the concept of customer service, and understanding of external and internal customer relations. The learner acquires the skills to methodological solve customer problems, communicate effectively using appropriate means and aligning customer service to meet organizational goals. The learner gains experience in dealing with the difficult customer and maintain professionalism through emails, phone call and face to face communications. The learner will be assessed for the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level I for Customer Service from the National Council on Technical and Vocation Education and Training (NCTVET).

Entrepreneurship

The global economy requires that more and more college graduates create job opportunities by becoming entrepreneurial. This module equips the learner with the skills and knowledge needed to explore the option of entrepreneurship. The learner will be exposed to practical approaches to starting up a business including business plans, registrations and different business formations. The learner will be required to fully complete the application process for registering a business in Jamaica, tax registrations and other documentations needed to make a business legal in Jamaica. At the end of this course the learner will be fully aware of the procedure for registering a business in Jamaica.

Sociology

Today’s multi cultural working environment requires professionals to operate with others of different political, economical, cultural backgrounds. This course exposes the learners to a broad overview of sociology and how it applies to human relationships. The course prepares the learner to appreciate perspectives on sociological imagination, culture, deviance, inequality, social change and the structure and organization of society. The learner will examine family, social classes and institutions such as churches, education, government, economy and environmental. At the conclusion of the course the learner will be able to view people’s behavior from a sociological perspective and use theories from sociology to understand human being behavior.

Professional Development Seminar

Organizations in today’s fast paced globalised environment require professionals who are capable of conducting themselves professionally. This course delivered in the format of a seminar will expose students to various professional conduct including dress and deportment, etiquette, social graces, job interview techniques as well as professional development strategy. The learner will conclude the course by developing a personal development plan (PDP).

Work Experience

Work Experience (WE) is designed to provide learners with ‘hands-on’ experiences in a real world professional setting prior to completion of their degree program. It is intended to prepare learners for the rapidly changing social, economic and technological environment of the modern workplace and allow learners to translate theory into practice for professional growth and development. Learners will also be exposed to team-building, interpersonal, customer service, communication, decision-making and other work related skills. The learner concludes the course with a written report on their work experience.

Electives

Students are encouraged to choose a technical as well as a non-technical elective. This will give students some latitude in learning other essential skills that will assist in developing a broad view of the dynamics of the working environment.

Non Technical Electives

Criminal Investigation and Procedures

An introduction to the history, theory and practice of criminal investigation and procedures, this course examines the evolution of the investigative process, its basic procedures, and the appropriate use of investigative practices. Topics include the duties of the first officers arriving at the crime scene, crime scene procedures, documenting, protecting, and collecting physical evidence, locating and interviewing witnesses, developing an investigative plan, follow up procedures, the role and limitations of the crime lab, suspect identification practices, and case preparation, laws of arrest, the Students will examine standard investigative practices for burglaries, larcenies, auto theft, and similar crimes. Ethical issues will be addressed. In addition, the student will examine the application of relevant Constitutional requirements and restrictions on the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses. Attention will be paid to various aspects of the investigation and judicial process, the concept of due process, and to rights afforded to the accused. rules of search and seizure, the use of force, and interrogation practices.

Digital Evidence and the Law

This module introduces students to cyber crimes in the English speaking Caribbean to include the Child Pornography Act of 2009, The Interception of Communication Act (2006), Fraudulent Transaction Act (2013) and the Cybercrimes Act of 2010. During this course students will learn about the role and value of digital evidence as well as legal issue including admissibility, reliability, and probity of digitally obtained evidence. Student will get accustomed to words and terms use in litigation in the Common Wealth. Students will be introduced to the ISO 27033 Standard for the collection, preservation and presentation of digital evidence.

Introduction to Management

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to the range of decisions encountered by managers in business organizations. Emphasis will be placed on the application of the theories of management with a view of highlighting the managerial functions. Through the course, students are expected to improve their skills to manage their study and personal lives. In addition, they will be equipped with management competence and understanding of managerial ethics for their future career.

Technical Electives

Cloud Computing

Many organizations worldwide are increasing their utilization of cloud computing to increase organizational productivity while reducing operational costs. This course prepares the learner to be capable of planning, implementing and managing cloud resources in a secure manner. The course also exposes the learner to cloud concepts and models, virtualization, cloud infrastructure, resource management, cloud security, systems management and business continuity in the cloud. This course prepares the leaner to sit the CompTIA Cloud+ CV0-001 international examination.

Server Administration

This course equips the learner with the skills and knowledge required to build, maintain, troubleshoot and support server hardware and software technologies. The learner will be able to identify environmental issues; understand and comply with disaster recovery and physical/ software security procedures and be familiar with industry concepts and terminologies. At the end of this course the learner will understand System hardware, software, storage, IT Environment, Disaster Recovery and troubleshooting. The learner will be prepared for the CompTIA Server+ SK0-003 international examination.