Griffith College Limerick

FREE COMPUTING COURSE FOR UNEMPLOYED!

The Certificate in Computing is a one year part-time programme that prepares you for a wide range of software development opportunities in both Irish and multinational companies.

The course, spread over 2 semesters, covers the full range of both software and hardware topics, highly relevant in todays growing IT industry.  You will have an opportunity to use what you learn by developing software systems in individual and group-based learning situations.This programme is designed to enable graduates function in a supporting role as IT technicians with a basic understanding of programming, software applications and a comprehensive skill set in computer hardware, routers and networking.
This is an ideal course for candidates with a basic understanding of computers.

The course administrator will continually liaise with the HR departments in a wide variety of industries so as to identify and prepare students for employment.

Objectives
On completion of the Certificate in Computing students will be able to:

1. Work effectively in business application software development teams.

2. Maintain Computer Systems in a business environment.

3. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with their peers, managers, users and the general public.

4. Take independent responsibility for the completion of particular software development tasks.

5. Confidently and responsibly tackle a wide range of problems arising in work and life generally.

6. Explain to management, users and the general public, the principles and merits of Computing.

7. Assist in the management of an IT or MIS department.

All candidates admitted to the programme will be required to undertake all elements of the programme.

The course has been designed in detail by a representative committee drawn from the forefront of the computing industry; consequently the syllabus has the capacity to reflect and adapt to both technical and market developments. The external contribution to its design guarantees that the course content and skills taught are relevant to the current and emerging job opportunities arising in the industry. Many of the members of this committee are also principal lecturers on one or more modules.

This programme aims to enable students take up opportunities in IT related employment.
The modules on the programme are as follows:

• Computer Programming
• Computer Hardware
• System Software
• IT in Society
• Business Information Systems
• Foundations of Computing

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
Aims

This module shows you how to design high-quality programs in a systematic way. All the relevant concepts and techniques are explained and exemplified in the clearest, simplest language.
Many introductory courses on programming only teach the commands of some (popular) programming language, show a few examples of already-written programs, and then leave the student to work out how the programs were made. Our approach is different: we show you how to design programs; we demonstrate the techniques with many examples, and then take you through a long series of exercises and problems that have been designed to develop your problem solving and program design skills. Hence, for example, we will use only a small subset of a programming language-just enough to serve our needs.
Our aims are ambitious: we want you to become great programmers. This module is a first step towards achieving this goal. You don't have to know a programming language before taking this module; it's okay if you haven't programmed before. What is required, however, is a willingness to work conscientiously with us throughout the module; you need to develop an appetite for programming, a desire to learn as much as you can.

FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTING
Aims
This module will teach you to calculate using discrete structures. These structures form the basis of every computer system. You will learn how to represent problems in a mathematical language that allows effective reasoning. You will learn how to manipulate these structures so as to generate efficient solutions to these problems.

You will also learn of the limits of the computer, those problems that the computer needs vast amounts of time to solve, and those problems that current computational models will never be able to solve. You will learn of suggested techniques and models that may overcome (or at least reduce) these limits such as randomisation, parallelism, quantum computing, and molecular computing.

I.T. IN SOCIETY
Aims

This module shows you the issues that need to be considered when an organisation undertakes an information systems development. It introduces you to the basic principles of word processing and presentation software to enable you to communicate an evaluation of information technology solutions. You will also learn of the role of I.T. in society and the responsibilities that you will have in order to practice ethical computing.

BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Aims
In this module you will be introduced to the concept of a computerised information system requiring recognition of people, processes and procedures as well as hardware and software. The module will provoke appreciation of the need to manage people and financial resources within an information systems project and also the information technology funding within the organisation.

COMPUTER HARDWARE
Aims
This module will show you the tangible side of computer science. It will give you an understanding of the fundamental topics of the architecture and infrastructure of a modern computer system.
In the course of the module you will gain a sound understanding of number systems and digital logic circuits. In addition to the above topics we will cover a foundation in computer hardware, showing the relation from the Von Neumann model to a modern system, and the function, design and identify and explain the role played by different components in a computer system.
To re-enforce the theoretical aspect of the course you will also be introduced to the practical side via a series of hardware labs. In these labs you will learn the skills to deal with basic hardware issues, such as installing new hardware and identifying problems in a computer.

SYSTEMS SOFTWARE
Aims
This module will show you the tangible side of computer science. It provides you an understanding of the fundamental topics in machine code and the infrastructure in which these commands run.

You will see an application of machine code through an introduction to assembly programming (including system calls and interrupt handling). You will also cover different operating system structures, their component features, and how virtual machines of an operating system operate.

 Progression

On successful completion of this certificate students may progress to the second year of the level 7 BSc in Computing.

Careers

The Griffith College Springboard team is committed to not only supporting you educationally, but also to offer you every opportunity to re-introduce you to the work force and find gainful employment. In addition to following the course curriculum. the Springboard team will assist you in updating professional development skills necessary to give you a competitive advantage in the jobs market. Employment opportunities will include assisting in the management of an IT or MIS department in an organisation.

Admissions Contact Details
Geraldine McGing
Griffith College, South Circular Road, Dublin 8

01 4163377
Application Procedures
Applicants can apply directly via www.bluebrick.ie.

Alternatively, applicants can contact the Springboard Manager for assistance  (01 4163377)or by emailing springboard@gcd.ie

FREE To Unemployed Candidates through the Springboard programme.