Applied Computer Applications (ACA)

​This hands-on course or equivalent knowledge is assumed for most COMP courses in Computing Part-time Studies. COMP 1002 focuses on how a Personal Computer (PC) works and how to apply best practices to use, manage and maintain a Microsoft Windows 10 computer system. Participants must provide their own current model PC with a minimum of an i5 or equivalent processor, 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB storage. High-speed internet access is needed for online sections and homework. Topics include: An introduction to PC hardware, functions of an operating system (OS), file and disk management, backing up and protecting data, troubleshooting, security, privacy, malware and firewalls. Networking, user management and Windows 10 configuration are also discussed. Hands-on exercises and labs include applied experience with all aspects of the course. There will be a brief comparison of Windows 10 to Linux and Macintosh OS, including hands-on practise with a Linux distribution. COMP 1002 is a required course for: Applied Computer Applications (ACA), Applied Computer Information Systems (ACIS), Applied Network Administration (ANAD) Associate Certificates, and the Computer Systems Certificate (CSC). Please Note: Attendance, participation in class and the BCIT Learning Hub are mandatory. There are 3 hours of class time for each lesson, plus significant reading and research as homework outside of class in the 12-week sections. The 6-week compressed delivery options have 2 classes and twice the homework each week, this faster delivery is aimed at students with prior Windows experience. Otherwise the 12-week delivery with 1 class per week is recommended for most students. Upon successful completion, students will be able to use best practices to configure, maintain a secure Windows 10 PC in a networked environment.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This instructor lead, hands-on course is aimed at those with no prior database experience and covers the use of the latest Microsoft Access database program. Students acquire the skills needed to create and manage functional Access databases. They will learn how to design database systems, generate basic forms and reports, and manipulate and query data through a combination of lectures and assignments. By the end of this course, successful participants will understand the Access approach to relational database management, and will be able to apply their skills to create, manage and maintain a database management system. COMP 1370 will be offered once a year in the spring (April) term.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in COMP 2362 or 60% in COMP 2364

​This hands-on course provides an introduction to basic web technologies, including scripting with HTML5 and CSS3. COMP 1850 is the foundation for several advanced web courses in BCIT Computing. Students are shown how to hand code web pages according to W3C standards using HTML plus style text and content with CSS. In addition to learning the foundational web scripting languages, students receive an introduction to web interface design concepts. Information architecture, and basic interactivity using web forms will also be discussed. There is a brief introduction to JavaScript and the concept of the DOM (Document Object Model). Labs and exercises focus on how to build fluid layouts using CSS flexbox and grid. Students will also create mobile phone and tablet friendly websites using modern mobile-first responsive web development techniques. COMP 1850 is a required course for Web Development Fundamentals and several Associate Certificates including: Applied Web Development, AWD; Applied Computer Information Systems, ACIS; Applied Computer Applications, ACA; Technical Writing, some Business programs, as well as the Computer Systems Certificate, CSC. By the end of this course successful students will be able to design, develop, and deploy effective modern and responsive web sites. After completing COMP 1850 students are prepared to move on to the next level COMP 2132 -Web Development with JavaScript..
Prerequisite(s):

• COMP 1002

​​Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool that can be used to analyse, communicate and manage information. Those with no prior spreadsheet experience will acquire expert level applied skills in the latest version of MS Excel. This instructor lead, hands-on course focuses on best practices used to create meaningful workbooks and how to master the techniques and time saving shortcuts for the daily use of MS Excel. Students learn to use MS Excel Ribbon interface with contextual tabs, Quick Access Toolbar and how to make use of templates, styles, pivot tables, what if analysis tools and macros via lectures, lab exercises and assignments outside of class. Topics include: creating, editing, formatting and saving a worksheet, sorting, filtering, slicers, applying formulae, functions, importing and exporting data, and consolidating data in multiple worksheets. This course is required in the Applied Data Analytics Certificate (ADAC) and the Applied Computer Applications (ACA) Associate Certificate from BCIT Computing Part-time Studies. By the end of this course, successful participants will be expert end users of MS Excel.
Prerequisite(s):

• COMP 1002

​This instructor lead, hands-on course focuses on best practices to create professional looking documents and master time saving techniques for the daily use of MS Word. Students learn how to perform fundamental tasks, and create complex documents via lectures, lab exercises and assignments outside of class. Topics include: creating and managing documents; formatting text, paragraphs and document sections, applying styles for document consistency; inserting headers, footers and page numbering, creating and modifying tables and lists; inserting and formatting graphic elements; using object linking and embedding to create compound documents. Advanced topics include: automating a table of contents; building an index; tracking changes; mail merging; developing templates and forms; automating tasks with building blocks and macros. This course is an elective in Applied Computer Applications (ACA), and Technical Writing Associate Certificates. By the end of this course, successful participants will be expert end users of MS Word. COMP 2369 will only be offered in the September (fall) term.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in COMP 1002

This intense course is targeted for students who have already completed any MS Office course and who already know how to use the Ribbon interface, with the contextual tabs and Quick Access Toolbar. This hands-on, instructor lead course provides a short review of the Ribbon interface, using lectures, lab exercises and home work assignments to provide practical skills. Topics include: working with templates, creating slides, inserting objects, tables, charts and diagrams, adding transitions and animations as well as adding special effects. Using Masters will be included. Students progress from a beginner to an intermediate level in only 2 lessons and master techniques and shortcuts needed to create, format and manage many types of PowerPoint presentations. By the end of this course successful participants will be able to create custom slide shows, collaborate, package and deliver a PowerPoint presentation. COMP 2384 will be offered once a year in the spring term.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in COMP 2369 or 60% in COMP 2364

Acquiring effective communication and presentation skills will help advance your career and bring positive attention to your projects and ideas. In this course, you will review sample speeches, perform audience and purpose analysis for your own project, rehearse effective public speaking techniques, and deliver your final presentation to a wider audience. Students can present on a school project from one of their technical courses, an entrepreneurial idea, or a current work project.
Prerequisite(s):

• 3 credits of COMM 1100 level or above, or equivalent.

​This hands-on course is aimed at BCIT Computing students who want to develop and implement an IT project plan. Students focus on Project Management best practices and decisions which apply across the IT sector including software development, building web sites and data analytics systems. COMP 1288 begins with a definition of Project Management fundamentals and terminology. Topics include: stakeholders, scope, deliverables, phases, milestones, deadlines, scheduling, estimates and budgets. Labs and exercises are designed to create project plans that identify and manage risk and take into account quality measures. There is a basic introduction to Microsoft Project software. Participants apply strategies to communicate project progress to stakeholders to keep IT projects on time and on budget. COMP 1288 is an elective in the Applied Computer Information Systems, ACIS and Agile Development Associate Certificates, it is required for the CST/PTS Diploma. Upon successful completion students will have an introduction to project management concepts and be able to conduct a post project evaluation.
Prerequisite(s):

• COMP 1002

Crystal Reports is a cost effective business intelligence application provided by SAP for small businesses. It has a very large install base and it is used to design and generate reports from a wide variety of data sources. Students are first introduced how to plan Crystal Reports designs and then how to develop basic business intelligence reports. After the mid-term they learn to apply best practices for enhanced report design. Participants learn how extract and manipulate data, saving time to develop automated and custom reports. By the end of this course, successful participants will know how to use Crystal Reports to produce a variety of different charts and multiple ways to depict data. COMP 2252 is an elective in the Applied Computer Applications (ACA), and the Applied Database Administration and Design (ADAD) Associate Certificates, as well as the Applied Data Analytics Certificate (ADAC) and the CST/PTS Diploma. Please note: COMP 2252 will only be offered in the January and September terms.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in COMP 2010 or 60% in COMP 2364

IT security is growing area with several domains including both information security and network security. This course replaces COMP 3705 which covered both information security and network security. COMP 3704 will provide a more in depth overview of key topics in information security only and is one of the prerequisites for COMP 4704 Applied Network Security. IT professionals across multiple sectors from software development, database, web, mobile and networks will benefit from the material covered.  This hands-on course is led by local industry experts who will share their knowledge and best practices for securing computer systems. Students will complete labs and exercises to experience applied IT security and gain a practical knowledge. Topics will include: security awareness, risk mitigation and control administration, data and application security, cryptography, attack techniques, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, incident response, disaster recovery, and forensic analysis. In addition, information handling best practices, privacy and regulatory issues are discussed. Upon completion of this course, successful participants will be aware of best practices in IT security and how to implement secure information systems. Network related aspects of IT security are covered in the follow-on course, COMP 4704 “Applied Network Security".
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in COMP 1002

This communication course teaches practical business communication techniques for planning, organizing, selecting, writing, and presenting information in business or industry. It covers routine memos, letters, request and reply letters, and oral presentations. NOTE: Students do not need to submit transcripts for entrance to this course. BUT, in the case of formal or informal grade appeals or reviews they will be asked to show proof of their English requirements. Students scoring below "C+" in English 12 should take COMM 1106 instead of COMM 1103. Students who wish to confirm their English level are strongly advised to take COMM 0015.
Prerequisite(s):

• English Studies 12 "67%" (C+) or equivalent (ie: COMM 0015 "70+" or IELTS Academic 6.5, etc.)

This communication course is designed for students needing additional assistance in meeting the language standards of a credit introductory business and technical Communication course. It teaches practical business communication techniques for planning, organizing, selecting, writing, and presenting information in business or industry. It covers the same content as COMM 1103, but has additional English language support and communication development. NOTE: Students do not need to submit transcripts for entrance to this course. BUT, in the case of formal or informal grade appeals or reviews they will be asked to show proof of their English requirements. Students who wish to confirm their English level are strongly advised to take COMM 0015.
Prerequisite(s):

• English Studies 12 "50%" (PASS) or equivalent (ie: COMM 0015 "50+" or IELTS Academic 6.0, etc.)