Thomas Gallagher, Chairman
The Department of Applied Computing and Electronics of The University of Montana-Missoula College of Technology collaborates with business and industry to prepare graduates to compete in and contribute to a dynamic global society. Students engage in experiential learning embracing technical education, effective communication, problem solving, professionalism, and workplace skills. The department promotes life-long learning to empower students in an ever-changing world. More details on programs available through the department can be found on the COT website>.
Special Degree Requirements
General education requirements are integrated into the following programs. Refer to the Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog for the specific requirements.
Computer Technology-A.A.S. Degree
Students in the Computer Technology program prepare for careers in the field of information technology. The mission of the program is to prepare students to meet the needs of users within an organization and societal context through the selection, creation, application integration, and administration of information technology. The program balances technical expertise with the professional skill set needed in a dynamic society. The degree program allows students to specialize in network management or information systems through program options.
Students are accepted into the program autumn term. Prior to entering the program, students shall demonstrate proficiency in keyboarding and basic computing skills, using word processing, spreadsheets, Internet software, and file management. The University of Montana-Missoula College of Technology is a Cisco Regional Training Center and a member of the Computer Technology Industry Association (Comp TIA).
Opportunities exist for professional certification from Cisco (CCNA), Microsoft (MCT, MCSA), and Comp TIA (A+, Network+ and Security+).
Network Management Option
The Network Management option provides specialization for supporting computing in a networking environment. Students install, configure, monitor, troubleshoot, and manage network connectivity, server-based computing systems, and intranetworking technologies.
Autumn Entry:
| First Year | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| BUS 103S Principles of Business | 3 | - |
| CRT 111 Fluency in Information Technology | 3 | - |
| CRT 112T Operating System Fundamentals | - | 3 |
| CRT 121 Introduction to Programming | - | 3 |
| CRT 122E Ethics and Information Technology | - | 3 |
| CRT 151T Networking Basics | 3 | - |
| CRT 152T Routers and Router Basics | - | 3 |
| CRT 172 Introduction to Computer Modeling | - | 3 |
| MAT 117 Probability and Linear Mathematics | 3 | - |
| WTS 101 English Composition | 3 | - |
| Total | 15 | 15 |
| Second Year | A | S |
| COM 160A Oral Communications | - | 3 |
| CRT 210T Advanced Operating Systems | 3 | - |
| CRT 215T Server Technologies | 3 | - |
| CRT 216T Network Infrastructure | - | 3 |
| CRT 222T Security Seminar | - | 3 |
| CRT 231 Object-Oriented Programming | 3 | - |
| CRT 251T Switching Basics and Intermediate Routing | 3 | - |
| CRT 252T WAN Technologies | - | 3 |
| CRT 285T PC Hardware Support | 3 | - |
| CRT 289T Professional Certification | - | 1 |
| CRT 290T Computer Technology Internship | - | 2 |
| Total | 15 | 15 |
Information Systems Management Option
The Information Systems Management option provides specialization in acquiring and supporting the software applications and hardware used in organizations. Students analyze, design, develop, implement, and support windows-based applications, database applications, and web-based applications. Business process is modeled and requirements defined for information technology resources.
Autumn Entry:
| First Year | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| BUS 103S Principles of Business | 3 | - |
| COM 160A Oral Communications | 3 | - |
| CRT 111 Fluency in Information Technology | 3 | - |
| CRT 112T Operating System Fundamentals | - | 3 |
| CRT 121 Introduction to Programming | - | 3 |
| CRT 122E Ethics and Information Technology | - | 3 |
| CRT 151T Networking Basics | - | 3 |
| CRT 172 Introduction to Computer Modeling | - | 3 |
| MAT 117 Probability and Linear Mathematics | 3 | - |
| WTS 101 English Composition | 3 | - |
| Total | 15 | 15 |
| Second Year | A | S |
| ACC 132T Accounting I | 4 | - |
| CRT 203 Systems Analysis | - | 3 |
| CRT 210T Advanced Operating Systems | 3 | - |
| CRT 231 Object-Oriented Programming | 3 | - |
| CRT 263 Web Design and Development | - | 3 |
| CRT 275 Database Design and Implementation | 3 | - |
| CRT 285T PC Hardware Support | 3 | - |
| CRT 289T Professional Certification | - | 1 |
| CRT 290T Computer Technology Internship | - | 2 |
| Directed Electives | - | 6 |
| Total | 16 | 15 |
Directed Electives Options:
- ACC 133T Accounting II
- BUS 125T Principles of Marketing
- BUS 135T Business Law
- BUS 243T Psychology of Management and Supervision
- BUS 250T Entrepreneurship
- WTS 115 Technical Writing
- COM 150S Interpersonal Communications
- COM 220T Training Techniques
A student may request substitution of other courses in the areas of Business, Communication, or Information Technology to fulfill the directed elective requirement provided a clear connection can be made between a course, a student’s career objective, and the degree program. All substitution requests require departmental approval.
Accounting Technology-A.A.S. Degree
Computer Support Option
Students interested in a career which prepares them to work as accounting technicians with a specialty in information technology may select the Accounting Technology, Computer Support option. This program is detailed in the Business Technology Department section of this catalog.
Electronics Technology-A.A.S. Degree
Students in the Electronics Technology program learn to troubleshoot, calibrate, test, and repair electronic components and circuit boards used in a wide range of electronic equipment including computers and communication equipment. Training includes working knowledge of direct and alternating current theory, semiconductor circuits, instrumentation, automatic controls, data communications, computerized communication links, and operational amplifiers. Students become familiar with robotics, electronic communications theory, and modes of RF communications.
Students are awarded the Associate of Applied Science degree upon successful completion of the program. Students may enter autumn semester only.
| First Year | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| CRT 111 Fluency in IT | 3 | - |
| CRT 112T Operating Systems Fundamentals | - | 3 |
| EET 111T Basic Electronics | 4 | - |
| EET 112T Electronics Lab I | 3 | - |
| EET 113T Circuits Kit | 1 | - |
| EET 121T Semiconductors | - | 4 |
| EET 122T Electronics Lab II | - | 3 |
| EET 123T Amplifier Kit | - | 1 |
| MAT 120 Elementary Functions | 4 | - |
| MAT 145 Calculus with Applications | - | 4 |
| PSY 110S Psychology | - | 3 |
| WTS 115 Technical Writing | 3 | - |
| Total | 18 | 18 |
| Second Year | A | S |
| EET 227T Digital Electronics | 4 | - |
| EET 234T Automatic Controls | 4 | - |
| EET 240T Robotics | - | 3 |
| EET 241T Instrumentation | - | 3 |
| EET 242T Electronics Lab III | - | 3 |
| EET 260 Data Communications | - | 3 |
| EET 270T Wireless Communications | 4 | - |
| EET 280T Electronics Capstone | - | 2 |
| SCN 120T-121T Technical Physics I, II | 4 | 4 |
| Total | 16 | 18 |
Computer System Technician Certificate
Students graduating with the Computer System Technician certificate will be able to install, configure, troubleshoot, repair, update, and support client-based personal computer operating systems, personal computer hardware, and basic network and Internet connectivity issues. They will define and apply basic information security practices, safety procedures, and environmental practices.
| Course | A | S |
|---|---|---|
| CRT 111 Fluency in I.T. | 3 | - |
| CRT 112T Operating System Fundamentals | 3 | - |
| CRT 151T Networking Basics | 3 | - |
| MAT 100 Intermediate Algebra | 3 | - |
| WTS 101 English Composition | 3 | - |
| BUS 103S Principles of Business | - | 3 |
| CRT 210T Advanced Operating Systems | - | 3 |
| CRT 121 Introduction to Programming | - | 3 |
| CRT 172 Introduction to Computer Modeling | - | 3 |
| CRT 285T PC Hardware Support | - | 3 |
| CRT 289T Professional Certification A+ | - | 1 |
| Total | 15 | 16 |
Courses
U = for undergraduate credit only. R after the credit indicates the course may be repeated for credit to the maximum indicated after the R. Credits beyond this maximum do not count toward a degree.
Computer Technology (CRT)
U 100 Computer Literacy 2 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Introduction to computer terminology, hardware, and software, including wire/wireless communications and multimedia devices. Students utilize word processing, create projects common to business and industry in a networked computing environment. Internet research, email usage, and keyboarding proficiency are integrated.
U 108 Word Processing 2 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., CRT 100 or basic computer experience and consent of instr. Preparation of business forms, correspondence, mail merges, columnar projects, and reports using up-to-date software. Business related application projects, graphics, and printer operation are included.
U 111T Fluency in Information Technology 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., CRT 100 or demonstrated computing experience. Introduces the skills and concepts of information technology, both from practical and a more theoretical point of view. During lectures and interactive computer labs, students will explore a wide range of digital and information technologies, including common PC applications, networking, databases, privacy, and security. Credit not allowed for both CRT 111 and CS 111.
U 112T Operating System Fundamentals 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., CRT 100 or demonstrated computing experience. Introduction to common operating systems used in modern computing. Emphasis on thorough understanding and use of command line and graphical user interfaces. Hands-on experience with single-user and multi-user/multi-access software. Focus on using, comparing, and analyzing the capabilities of existing and emerging operating systems.
U 115T Advanced Document Production 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., CRT 108. Analysis of the concepts of advanced work processing document production underlying mastery of the software. Business-related application projects utilizing critical thinking included. Speed and timing component to increase skills essential for employment.
U 121 Introduction to Programming 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., MAT 100 and demonstrated computing experience. An introduction to object-oriented programming using an even-driven paradigm. Basic concepts of control structures, data handling, documentation, and error control. Fundamentals of algorithm design and structured software development.
U 122E Ethics and Information Technology 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., WTS 101. Exploration of ethical issues in the field of computing. Skills needed to identify and analyze various ethical concerns. Standard ethical concepts and theories, methods of ethical analysis. Strong emphasis on practical application of the ethical process.
U 151T Networking Basics 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., CRT 100 or demonstrated computer experience. Introduction to networking field including terminology; protocols; local-area and wide-area networks; the OSI model; topologies; IP addressing; cabling and cabling tools; routers and router programming; Ethernet and network standards; and wireless technologies.
U 152T Routers and Routing Basics 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., CRT 151T and CRT 112T or consent of instr. Covers router theory and technologies including configurations, IOS software management, routine protocol configuration, TCP/IP, access-lists and introduction to LAN switching.
U 172 Introduction to Computer Modeling 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., CRT 100 or demonstrated computing experience. Problem solving and data modeling using computer productivity software. Emphasis using spreadsheets and databases for data analysis. Formal presentation of results. Credit not allowed for both CRT 172 and CS 172.
U 180T Spreadsheet Software 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., CRT 100 or 103T; and MAT 005 or 100. Emphasis on the use of workbooks and sheets to solve business problems. Includes projects relating to data and lists and graphs/charts.
U 181T Introduction to Database Software 2 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., CRT 100. Basics of using a current database software package to solve business problems.
U 182T Computer Aided Design and Drafting 2 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., CRT 100 or demonstrated computer experience. An introduction to computer aided design and drafting software for production of drawings and plans for architecture and engineering systems. Fundamentals of two dimensional drafting and drawing management for professional design.
U 188T Computers and Law 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., CRT 100and LEG 185T. Intermediate concepts of computer systems, operating systems, graphical environments, electronic mail, Internet, and file management. A variety of applications including word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and law-related software are included.
U 195T Special Topics 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 196T Independent Study Variable cr. (R-6)
U 203 Systems Analysis 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., CRT 172. Analysis of the system development life cycle. Emphasis on planning, analyzing, designing, implementing and supporting information systems to meet business requirements. Covers feasibility studies, time and cost estimates, modeling tools, design tools, implementation and support strategies. A simulated business design project will be developed.
U 205T Food Service Management Computer Applications 2 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., CRT 100. Introduction to computerized applications relevant to the food service industry. Includes spreadsheet, recipe management and word processing software; appropriate industry reports, create menus and fliers; import, export and scale recipes; analyze nutrition; and calculate food cost.
U 209T Project Management 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., CRT 172. Investigation of topics in project management including scope, definition, risk, procurement and the RFP. Management of time, cost, quality, and human resources. Concepts are reinforced with PM software.
U 210T Advanced Operating Systems 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., CRT 112T, 151T. In-depth study of a secure, multi-user, client-based network operating system. Topics include installation, administration of resources, performance, network services, and security.
U 215T Server Technologies 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., CRT 112T, CRT 151T. Server technologies commonly used in local area networking. Topics include installation, administration, storage, application services, network services, security, reliability, and availability.
U 216T Network Infrastructure 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., CRT 210T. Principles and implementation of enterprise networking services. Topics include Protocol Binding, DNS, DHCP, WINS, Remote Access, IP Routing, IP Security, Network Address Translation, and Certificate Services.
U 222T Security Seminar 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., CRT 210T. Examination of general information technology security concepts. Topics include access control, authentication, attack methods, remote access, web security, wireless networks, cryptography, internal infrastructure security, and external attacks. Security procedures, organizational policies, risk management and disaster recovery addressed.
U 231 Object-Oriented Programming 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., CRT 121. Design and implementation of software using object-oriented programming practices. The class framework is used to apply the object-oriented techniques of encapsulation, polymorphism, and inheritance.
U 251T Switching Basics and Intermediate Routing 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., CRT 152T. Covers router configurations including advanced IP addressing techniques, variable length subnet masking, intermediate routing protocols, Ethernet switching, virtual LANs, spanning-tree protocol, and VLAN trunking protocol.
U 252T WAN Technologies 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., CRT 251T. Project-based course in wide-area networking including advanced IP addressing techniques, network address translation, port address translation, DHCP, WAN technology and terminology, PPP, ISDN, DDR, Frame Relay, network management, and introduction to optical networking.
U 255T Advanced Routing 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr. Analysis, design, and implementation of inter-network routing techniques. Topics include scalability, routing protocols, optimization, and security.
U 256T Remote Access 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr. Analysis, design, and implementation of remote access technologies including connectivity, access control, bandwidth utilization, fault tolerance, redundancy, and integrity.
U 257T Multilayer Switching 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr. Analysis, design, and implementation of reliable, scalable, multiplayer switched LANs. Topics include VLANS, switching protocols, routing, redundancy, multicasting, quality of service, security, and transparency.
U 258T Network Troubleshooting 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., consent of instr. Network troubleshooting using baselines, configuration documentation, and a building-block approach through analysis of each layer in the OSI networking model.
U 260 Digital Publishing and Design 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., CRT 100 or 103T or consent of instr. A comprehensive foundation of layout and design principles to integrate digital media essential for effective print-based and web-based business publications.
U 263 Web Design and Development 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., CRT 100 or consent of instr. Provides a background and foundation skills required for designing and implementing Web sites for public and private organizations. Marketing and design techniques are applied using state-of-theart software.
U 270 C++ Programming 3 cr. Offered intermittently. Prereq., CRT 121. Object oriented programming using C++. Implementation of structured programming concepts along with construction of classes to create data types for defining objects.
U 275 Database Design and Implementation 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., CRT 172 or consent of instr. Relational database design including: requirements analysis, data structure, entity relationships, normalization, relational algebra and integrity. Physical implementation focusing on data storage; retrieval and modification; concurrency; optimization; security; SQL; and XML.
U 285T PC Hardware Support 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., CRT 103T, CRT 112T. In-depth study of personal computer hardware. Focus on field replaceable components. Topics include: storage devices, processors, system boards, memory, ports, cabling, power supplies, multimedia devices, printers, and troubleshooting.
U 289T Professional Certification 1 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., consent of instr. Review objectives of an information technology industry-based professional certification. Certification objectives, preparation strategies, and exam strategies included. Course can be repeated for different industry-based professional certifications.
U 290T Computer Technology Internship 2 cr. Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., last semester in program, minimum of “C” in all CRT courses, and approval of program director. Not open to non-majors. On-the-job training in positions requiring information technology competencies. This experience increases students' skills, prepares them for initial employment, and increases occupational awareness and professionalism. Students work a minimum of six hours each week at an approved site and attend a weekly one-hour seminar.
U 295T Special Topics 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 296T Independent Study 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered intermittently.
Electronics Technology (EET)
U 111T Basic Electronics 4 cr. Offered autumn. Study of current flow, direct current circuits, alternating current circuits, and concepts of power. The introduction of time-varying currents and impedances using circuit analysis and problem solving techniques.
U 112T Electronics Lab I 3 cr. Offered autumn. Coreq., EET 111T. The use of basic electronic test instruments and troubleshooting. Building circuits using resistive, capacitive and inductive components.
U 113T Circuits Kit 1 cr. Offered autumn. Coreq., EET 111T. Covers proper techniques of soldering and tool usage. Electronic technical language, hands on troubleshooting skills and basic electronic measurements are involved.
U 121T Semiconductors 4cr. Offered spring. Prereq., EET 1111T, 112T. Coverage of diode, bipolar transistors and field effect transistor circuits used n electronic applications. The study and analysis of the components and circuits used in semiconductor electronics and an introduction to operational amplifiers.
U 122T Electronics Lab II 3 cr. Offered spring. Coreq., EET 121T. Bread-boarding, troubleshooting and measuring the electronic characteristics of diodes, bi-polar transistors, JFETS and operational amplifiers. The impact of impedance matching, filtering and power effects on stages of electronic circuits will be covered.
U 123T Amplifier Kit 1 cr. Offered spring. Coreq., EET 121T. An audio amplifier and dual regulated power supply will be built throughout the semester.
U 195T Special Topics 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered Intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
U 227T Digital Electronics 4 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., EET 103T. Explores digital electronic circuits and devices that make up a computer system. Topics include binary and hexadecimal number systems, Boolean algebra and digital logic theory, simple logic circuits, combinational logic, and sequential logic. Also covered is the analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog interfaces between a digital system and the real (analog) world. Includes hands-on labs.
U 232 Microprocessors 4 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., EET 227T. Explores microprocessor architecture, design, and operations; machine language and assembly language programming; hardware input/output interfacing; and design applications. Includes hands-on labs incorporating an individual student trainer based on the Intel 8085A microprocessor.
U 234T Automatic Controls 4 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., EET 227T. Explores the theory, terminology and components used in automatic control of industrial machines and processes. Uses the servomechanism as a representative control system to analyze open-loop, closed-loop, proportional, integral, and differential control strategies. The use of transducers and computers in automatic control systems in the industrial control setting is emphasized.
U 240T Robotics 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq. or coreq., EET 232, EET 234T or consent of instr. Explores physical and operating characteristics of a robot. Topics include robot configurations, power supplies, control systems, end effectors, sensors, stepper motors and stepper controls. Robot programming also is covered and a typical robot is programmed to perform repetitive actions. Includes hands-on labs.
U 241T Instrumentation 3 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., EET 227T. The study and analysis of industrial measuring and process control instrumentation in both analog and digital form. Proper selection, use and interpretation of measurement equipment and data.
U 242T Electronics Lab III 3 cr. Offered spring. Coreq., EET 241T Bread-boarding, building, repairing and troubleshooting electronic circuits using the equipment normally found in an electronic shop. Correlating measurement information in solving electronic problems.
U 260 Data Communications 3 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., EET 103T. Explores the principles, applications, and theory of data communication systems. Topics include communication concepts and terminology, analog and digital channel characteristics, signaling techniques for analog and digital data, communication codes, transmission media, and standards and protocols for various data communication systems including computer networks, and the public switched telephone network. Includes hands-on labs.
U 270T Wireless Communications 4 cr. Offered autumn. Prereq., EET 103T. Explores audio and radio frequency (RF) circuits. Topics include AM and FM signal modulation and demodulation, RF transmitters, RF receivers, RF amplifiers, audio amplifiers, oscillators, mixers, and antennas. Includes hands-on labs.
U 280T Electronics Capstone 2 cr. Offered spring. Prereq., EET 227T. Completion of project prototypes. Includes comprehensive final project from conception to market.
U 295T Special Topics 1-6 cr. (R-6) Offered Intermittently. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.