Advanced Certificate in IT Programming

A comprehensive IT course which covers hardware and programming. Acquire a foundation for a lifetime career or business. The course is designed to allow you to adapt to rapid change in a fast moving industry.

Course Code: VIT013
Fee Code: AC
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 900 hours
Qualification Advanced Certificate
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Gain Practical Knowledge and Skills in IT

A solid foundation for a career in I.T., this course focuses on developing awareness of industry, knowledge of valuable skills and a capacity to adapt to change in order to remain abreast of what is a rapidly changing discipline. This course does not require any previous IT experience as it takes you right from the basics to a higher level.
 
The course encompasses a wide range of practical subjects including programming languages such as VB.net, ASP, SQL, Javascript, HTML as well as providing a wide range of elective modules including ecommerce, marketing subjects, editing and more.
 

Change is fast and inevitable in the IT industry.

Most courses simply don't keep up to date; but if you learn the fundamentals across a wide enough swathe of the industry, from people who are not only teachers, but also practicing programmers and technicians; you have the capacity to be part of the changes that are moving the IT industry forward.
Our courses are structured and delivered to prepare our graduates for the uncertain, yet exiting future. This is a substantial and broad based course. Graduates from our courses have been exceptionally successful for decades. They are not the same as what you find elsewhere; but they are focused on what you need to develop an outstanding future in the industry.

 

COURSE STRUCTURE

Included in this course of study is 100hrs work experience. This requirement can be satisfied through paid or unpaid work in the industry or by providing proof of attendance at 100 hours of industry meetings such as professional association committee meetings, seminars, conferences or trade shows.

Modules

Core ModulesThese modules provide foundation knowledge for the Advanced Certificate in IT Programming.
 Industry Project I BIP000
 Computer Operations VIT101
 Html (Writing a Website) VIT102
 ASP.NET BIT200
 C# Programming BIT211
 Javascript BIT202
 SQL For The Web BIT201
 
Elective ModulesIn addition to the core modules, students study any 2 of the following 20 modules.
 Cyber Security VIT103
 E Commerce BIT100
 Editing I (Editing and Proofreading) BWR106
 Flash CS BIT102
 Marketing Foundations VBS109
 Networking Foundations BIT103
 Publishing I (Self Publishing Children's Books) BWR107
 Visual Basic.Net BIT101
 Advertising and Promotions BBS202
 Computer Servicing I VIT203
 Computer Servicing II VIT204
 Computer Servicing III VIT205
 Digital Photography BPH202
 Graphic Design BIT205
 Information Security BIT203
 Internet Marketing BIT204
 Photoshop CS - Beginner To Medium Level VIT202
 Publishing II BWR202
 Editing II BWR302
 Editing Practice BWR305
 

Note that each module in the Advanced Certificate in IT Programming is a short course in its own right, and may be studied separately.


Computer Operations

  1. Hardware Components
  2. Peripherals
  3. Operating Systems
  4. Files & Folders
  5. Office Applications – Saving Files & Documents, Switching Windows
  6. Windows Accessories Programs
  7. Disk Management
  8. Installation Of Software
  9. Trouble Shooting
  10. Microsoft Word
  11. Microsoft Excel
  12. Microsoft Access
  13. Microsoft PowerPoint

Writing a Web Site (HTML)

  1. Introduction to the Internet and HTML
  2. The most important HTML Tags
  3. Simplification through HTML Construction Software
  4. Creating Links
  5. Loading a Site onto the Internet
  6. Adding Graphics
  7. Designing a Web Site that Works
  8. Advanced Features

Visual Basic .Net Programming

  1. Introduction To Visual Basic
  2. Code Theory (Part 1)
  3. Code Theory (Part 2)
  4. Objects (Part 1)
  5. Objects (Part 2)
  6. Application Design

     

ASP.Net

  1. Introduction
  2. VB.NET Essentials
  3. Web Forms
  4. Web Server Controls
  5. Form Validation
  6. Classes and Namespaces
  7. ASP.NET Applications
  8. Interacting with Databases
  9. Error Handling
  10. Email from Your Applications
  11. Project: Creating an Online Store

E Commerce

  1. Introduction – what is e-commerce (more than the internet)
  2. Success and failure – what makes the difference
  3. Promotional strategies – are different on the internet
  4. Optimizing web site potential
  5. Increasing web site exposure
  6. Automating supply of goods, services and cash flow
  7. Managing constant change
  8. Dealing with e-commerce problems

 

SQL

  1. Introduction to Databases
  2. Fundamentals of SQL
  3. Building a database with SQL
  4. Storing & Retrieving Data
  5. Advanced SQL database access methods
  6. Database Security
  7. Using SQL in applications
  8. Cursors
  9. Stored procedures
  10. Error Handling
  11. Dynamic SQL
  12. Advice & Tips

Javascript

  1. Introduction
  2. JavascriptEssentials I
  3. Javascript Essentials 2
  4. Functions
  5. Events and Event handling
  6. Advanced Javascript
  7. Dynamic HTML
  8. Writing Simple Web Applications
  9. Pop Ups and Navigation Menus.
  10. Javascript Applications

Photoshop

  1. Learning the menus
  2. Working with digital image files
  3. Understanding the Tool Palette
  4. Using Layers, Actions and History
  5. Digital painting, shapes and colours
  6. Selecting, Resizing, Transforming and Masking
  7. Adjustments and modifications
  8. Adding Filters and Styles
  9. Preparing files for print and web

 

Computer Servicing I

  1. The Computer Workshop.
  2. Computer and Workshop safety.
  3. Hardware Components.
  4. Different Systems & Basic Disassembly.
  5. System Assembly.
  6. Peripherals.
  7. Installation of software.
  8. Computer Maintenance.
  9. Troubleshooting.

Computer Servicing II

  1. Introduction to hardware components
  2. Basic Diagnostic Equipment
  3. Electric Circuits and Components
  4. Problem Solving and Fault Analysis
  5. Diagnostic Testing [A] (Self Tests and Diagnostic Cards)
  6. Diagnostic Testing [B] (System Board and Memory Tests)
  7. Software maintenance and troubleshooting
  8. Disk drives and CD-ROM
  9. Video and Audio Systems
  10. Developing a Maintenance Program

Computer Servicing III

  1. Removable storage
  2. Electronics
  3. Audio systems
  4. Video systems
  5. Laptops and other portable devices
  6. Diagnosis and regular maintenance
  7. Networking – an introduction
  8. The Internet
  9. Printers

 

Networking Foundations

  1. Networking Terms, Concepts and Standards
  2. Network Topology, Architecture and Transmission Media
  3. Network Components and Hardware
  4. Network Design and Planning
  5. Network Upgrading and Project Management
  6. Network Protection and Maintenance
  7. Understanding Network Connecting Options
  8. Installation and Configuration of Network
  9. Basic TCP/IP Services and Applications
  10. Troubleshooting Tools for TCP/IP Networks

Protecting Your Data
 
Data integrity is a term used extensively nowadays in the field of information security, so it is important to understand what the term integrity really means in this context.
Data integrity refers to data being unchanged when it is being created or stored on a disk or while being transmitted. To preserve data integrity, changes to data created, stored or transmitted should only occur when these changes are authorised. Data integrity is violated when stored data undergoes unauthorised changes whether these changes are caused by accident (such as bad disk sectors, hard disk crashes, transmission errors, noise in the transmission, etc.), by human error (from users, administrators, customers, etc.), or malicious intent.
There are many computational techniques used for verifying data integrity, the most common ones used are checksums, comparisons, message authentication, message digests and other mathematical algorithms. Cyclic Redundancy Check (also known as CRC) is one of the most important checksum technique and is used to check for errors on computers’ hard drives.
In order to preserve data integrity in information systems, it is important for any individual or business to understand and apply the protection, detection and correction models explained below.
Protection
Any business should be able to establish a set of standards and procedures in order to protect their information systems, and minimise the threats to data integrity. These threats include but are not limited to: human errors, hardware and equipment failure, computer viruses and worms, cybercrime and natural disasters (such as cyclones, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, etc.)

Detection
It is also important to be able to detect any risks to data integrity before they start causing havoc and adversely affect the business.
Correction
Most businesses understand that data loss is never fully preventable, and regardless of how much they try to avoid it, data loss might still happen at some stage. This is why every business should have business continuity plans in place, and they should be able to implement them as soon as data loss occurs, in order to minimise business downtime. As its name implies, a business continuity plan aims at recovering crucial data and allowing a business to resume its normal operations as quickly as possible, by minimising business downtime and recovering crucial data.
To apply the protection, detection and correction models, individuals and organisations can follow a few primary ways to fully realise data integrity such as redundancy, frequent backups, offsite storage, disaster recovery planning, installing antivirus software, installing hardware and/or software based firewalls, using UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) devices, etc.
 
Full backup
A full backup is done when a copy of all the data is stored on the required media device (i.e. tape or disk). There are advantages and disadvantages for this type of backup. The main advantage is that a full backup allows you to store a complete copy of all the data on the system, although this would prove to be time consuming, resource consuming, and requires a lot of disk space for storing the backup copy.
When a person or a business performs full backup copies on their data every couple of days, weeks or months, some part of this data might be unchanged whereas other parts of the data might have changed. Therefore, performing regular backups on data that has not changed is considered as senseless work because the same data will be present on multiple backups. For this reason, a full backup should be used only when a complete disk image backup is required. In other cases, systems administrators should consider other types of backups such as incremental, differential or mirror, or a combination of a few backup options. These will be explained in the sections below.
Incremental backup
An incremental backup is a backup type that saves a copy of the files that have been created or modified since the last backup was run. An incremental backup is generally scheduled to run at regular intervals of time, after a full backup is taken of the data. As soon as some files get created or modified, the incremental backup will process those files and take a copy of them. Incremental backups rely on an index file in order to find out which files have been created or modified on the drive or drives being backed up.
Differential backup
A differential backup is somehow similar to an incremental backup but the main difference is that it does not update the index file when each task is executed which means that every task execution will process any modifications to the data since the last full backup.
The main advantage of a differential backup is its speed of data restoration, but on the downside this backup requires more disk space because every differential backup will be of the same size or larger than the previous one.
Mirror backup
A mirror backup is very similar to a full back up, but the main difference is that the backup files in a mirror backup cannot get compressed and cannot be password protected. The main purpose of a mirror backup is to create an exact copy of the source data so if the source data is lost, the mirrored backup data can be accessed using tools such as Windows Explorer.
Onsite backup
When data is backed up and saved locally using devices such as magnetic tapes, DVD drives, CD drives or other disk drives, the backup method is referred to as “onsite backup”. In order for a backup to be considered an onsite backup, the storage devices will need to be located in the same location as the place where the backup is being taken. With larger organisations, data is backed up using network attached storage (or NAS) drives. NAS drives are hardware devices that have special networking capabilities. Only medium to large businesses were able to afford NAS storage drives in the past, but these devices have since started to drastically drop in price and have since been used by home computer users and businesses alike.

Offsite backup
Unlike onsite backup, “offsite backup” refers to a data backup method whereby the data is backed up and stored in a remote location in order to provide an added layer of security for the data, in the event of a disaster.

WHAT WILL THIS COURSE DO FOR YOU?

This course is different to many others. It is an "experiential based" learning program; designed to get you involved with the I.T. industry as you study. The industry is changing faster than ever; and will continue to change; and for ongoing success you need to become "connected" and remain "connected", so that you see and adapt to recent changes, and ongoing changes as your career moves forward.

Let us help you toward a successful career in information technology!

 

 
 
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
UK Register of Learning Providers, UK PRN10000112
UK Register of Learning Providers, UK PRN10000112

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

Simply click on the ENROL OPTIONS button at the top of this screen and follow the prompts.

You can see the course price at the top of this page. Click 'enrolment options' to see any payment options available.

You can pay by Credit Card, PayPal, Afterpay or bank transfer.

Yes! We have payment plans for most courses. Click 'enrolment options' to see the available payment plans.
We also have Afterpay that will allow you to pay for your course or payment plans in four instalments (if you are in Australia).


What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course is aimed at providing you with a solid understanding of the subject. It has been designed to take 600 hours, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and more. When you complete the course, will have a good understanding of the area/ industry you want to work in.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exams (8-9 exams) and you will be able receive your course certificate- an Advanced Certificate. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.


Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.


How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.


What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.


What if I change my mind?

Please get in touch with studentservices@acs.edu.au if you would like to be removed from our mail list.

If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).

If students require a reproduction of their certificate, an electronic copy can be provided at a cost of AUD$35 incl GST. Printed copies are not available.




Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.





Tutors

Meet some of the tutors that guide the students through this course.

Connie Hu

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Josiane Joubran

Josiane has eight years experience as an I.T professional in Lebanon and Australia. Extensive experience with computer hardware and engineering, CSC consultant with IBM, Software QA Engineer, Course Writer and Tutor

Alexander O'Brien

Alex was born and raised in Cork, in the Republic of Ireland. Having been trained in Architecture, Permaculture, Mechanical Engineering, Ceramics, Furniture Design/Construction, Sustainable building and Art,Craft and Design, his knowledge base is broad. Much of his professional work has been designing and making nature inspired spaces, creative reuse of materials, permaculture and natural ecology regeneration.

That being said, in his own words, "....my real passion is teaching. I adore sharing my knowledge and experience. Seeing students progress, and learning, that is my soul food."'

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