“I think computer viruses should count as life. I think it says something about human nature that the only form of life we have created so far is purely destructive. We’ve created life in our own image.” Stephen Hawking
You are:
- Detail & action-oriented
- A problem solver
- Analytical
- Independent
- Looking for a challenge
Oulton Systems Management and Cybersecurity Program was developed in response to high demand from all sectors of industry for workers able to effectively use the latest technologies, managing network systems and their security, and is CompTIA authorized. In just 10 months, the Oulton College Systems Management & Cybersecurity Diploma Program will have you ready for a think-on-your-feet, fast-paced, highly valued career in the high stakes world of Big Data.
You will receive individual attention from highly qualified instructors, allowing you to tap into their industry insight. You’ll be certified to work with Windows Server 2022, Linux, and Cisco Routers.
You’ll also be trained in hacker techniques, exploits, and incident handling/security.
Ok, that’s what I can do with the program, but what exactly will I learn?
Our Systems Management & Cybersecurity Diploma program provides hands-on practical experience and training in:
- Hardware: how to recognize, clean, handle, install, diagnose and understand the different functions of various hardware components
- Operating Systems: preparing computers for various operating systems deployment and ensuring optimal performance and security
- Networks: understanding internet, intranet and extranet, VPN, Security, Firewalls, LANs, WANs, and wireless networking
- Network Hardware
- Active Directory Domain Services
- Windows Server 2022, Linux and Cisco Routers
- Security and Defence from Hacking
- Cloud computing
- Office 365 administration and configuration
So once I’m done the course work, then what happens?
Then you’re ready to test your skills in the real world. A practicum placement is included and gives you 4-weeks of real experience in your area of study. And what’s even better: our graduates often get hired by the company where they did their practicum placement.
Term: September – July
Practicum: 4 weeks
You Will Learn
- Network Infrastructure
- Networking Essentials
- Hacker Techniques
- Active Directory
- Hardware Fundamentals
- Windows Server 2022
- Linux, Cisco Router
- Microsoft Technologies
- Cloud computing
- Office 365 configuration
Admissions Requirements
- Grade 12 Diploma, Adult Diploma or GED
- Meeting with an Admissions Advisor
- Acceptance by the Admissions Committee
- Completion of the Pre-Enrollment Package
Unless they have completed a minimum of three years of study at a school where English is the language of instruction, international students whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency. Please see the international application process here.
Course Descriptions
BUS 150 – Introduction to Business for Systems Management
This course focuses on basic workplace skills. The students will be exploring the general concepts of communication, management and the role IT / technology plays within an organization. The student will learn to apply practical skills such as soft skills and will have a greater understanding of team dynamics through practical project and role play.
SMC 100 – Introduction to Hardware
This course introduces students to six main domains of study:
- Installation, Configuration, and Upgrading
- Diagnosing and Troubleshooting
- Preventive Maintenance
- Motherboard/Processors/Memory
- Printers
- Laptops / portable computing
This module will also provide complete coverage of Local Area Networks (LANs), including network topologies, cabling, & protocols, Wireless networking concepts looking at standards used as well as configuration and troubleshooting connectivity and finally an in-depth look at the TCP/IP protocol stack and public Internet connectivity.
SMC 101 – Introduction to Software
This module introduces students to the world of computer operating systems. Focus will be aimed at preparing students to support Windows Vista/7/8/10 client systems, as well as OSX and Linux clients in a home or office environment. The primary goal of this module is to ensure students have advanced knowledge in preparing computers for operating system deployments, using the built-in administrative utilities to extract the optimal performance and security from the operating system and the ability to recognize problems and recover from them effectively. Equal emphasis will be shown to the administration of home computers as to computers in a corporate environment. Among the many topics covered, students will become skilled at performing troubleshooting using the command line and graphical utilities
This module, in combination with the Introduction to Hardware module (SMC 100), is designed to help prepare students to challenge for CompTIA’s A+ certification exams (220-901 and 220-902).
SMC 102 – Network Infrastructure
This course will discuss the fundamentals of how networks work including:
- The concepts of Internet, intranet, and extranet, including VPN, security zones, & firewalls.
- Local area networks (LANs) & wide area networks (WANs) covering: perimeter networks; addressing; reserved address ranges for local use (including local loopback IP), VLANs; wired LAN and wireless LAN, leased lines, dial-up, ISDN, VPN, T1, T3, E1, E3, DSL, Cable, etc. and their characteristics (speed, availability).
- Wireless networking. Types of wireless networking standards and their characteristics (802.11A,B,G,N including different GHz ranges), types of network security (WPA/WEP/802.1X, etc.), point-to-point (P2P) wireless, wireless bridging.
Protocols and Services
- The OSI model and the TCP model; examples of devices, protocols, applications and which OSI/TCP layer they belong to; TCP and UDP; well-known ports for most used purposes, packets, and frames.
- IPv4 & IPv6 including such topics as subnetting; IPconfig; why use IPv6; addressing; ipv4toipv6 tunneling protocols to ensure backward compatibility; dual IP stack; subnet mask; gateway; ports; packets; reserved address ranges for local use (including local loopback IP);
- Understand name resolution methods such as DNS, WINS, steps in the name resolution process, and networking services like DHCP, and remote access.
- Finally coverage of troubleshooting tools such as ping; tracert; pathping; Telnet; IPconfig, and netstat.
Network Hardware:
- Switches, including managed or unmanaged switches; VLAN capabilities; Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches, security options; hardware redundancy; support; MAC table; understanding capabilities of hubs vs. switches.
- Router transmission speed, directly connected routes, static routing, dynamic routing (routing protocols), default routes; routing table and how it selects the best route(s); routing table memory, NAT.
- Media types: cable types and their characteristics, including media segment length and speed; fibre optic; twisted pair shielded or nonshielded; catxx cabling, wireless; susceptibility to external interference (machinery, power cables, etc); susceptibility to electricity (lightning), susceptibility to interception.
Additionally, this course prepares students to write their Network+ Certification exam.
SMC 103 – Cloud Technologies
Students will learn the fundamental technologies of cloud environments, including cloud computing concepts. Students will learn about cloud providers, focusing on Amazon Web Services, Google, and Azure services. Students will each be given ownership of a working DNS domain for their purposes, using it to provide access to Web and Email services that they will provision and configure from scratch using the Amazon Web Services infrastructure. Students will focus on building and maintaining an infrastructure that would be provided to a developer.
SMC 201 – Windows Server
Students will learn the detailed workings of Windows Server 2012 R2 and 2016, including installation, configuration, and management of network infrastructure services. Students will build a working network infrastructure using Hyper-V, Active Directory, DNS and DHCP. Students will learn storage and print service management, backup strategies and management as well as disaster recovery and business continuity concepts. This course should help prepare students to take the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator series of exams, combined with guided review and dedicated self-study.
SMC 202 – Office 365 Administration
Students will learn the detailed aspects of Office 365 administration and will cover topics covered in the Microsoft 70-346 and 70-347 exams including evaluating, planning, deploying, and operating the Office 365 services, including its dependencies, requirements, and supporting technologies. Students will gain experience with the Office 365 Admin Center and an understanding of Microsoft Exchange Online, Skype for Business Online, SharePoint Online, Office 365 ProPlus, and Azure Active Directory. Students should be prepared to challenge either/both exams with guided review and dedicated self-study.
SMC 203 – Cybersecurity
Students will cover the concepts covered on the CompTIA Security+ certification including Network Security, Access Control and Identity Management, and Threats and Vulnerabilities. Students will cover both sides of security, including both discovery and exploiting security weaknesses in operating systems and software, as well as how to identify potential weaknesses and secure systems from being exploited. Students will work in a team environment to build and protect a network environment from a competing team(s) while simultaneously attempting to penetrate/compromise the other team.
SMC 204 – Cisco Routers & Switches
Students learn the configuration of Cisco routers and switches using Cisco’s IOS. The following topics will be covered: Introduction to Internetworking Technology, concepts and commands required to configure Cisco routers and switches in small to medium multi-protocol networks, experience configuring fully operational Cisco routers and switches, apply Cisco IOS software commands to start up and configure a newly installed router and switch, perform all basic configuration procedures to build a multi- router, multi-group network that uses LAN and WAN interfaces for the most commonly used routing and routed protocols. The student will be able to challenge Cisco’s CCNA and CCENT certifications.
SMC 205 – Linux
Students will expand on the fundamental Linux knowledge presented in the Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems course to include concepts covered in the CompTIA Linux+/LPIC1 certification and should help prepare students for those certifications with guided review and dedicated self-study. Students will build a working network infrastructure, consisting of DNS, DHCP, SAMBA file sharing, CUPS printing services as well as building a working Linux router from scratch, including packet filtering/inspection services.
SMC 300 – Practicum
At the conclusion of the coursework, qualifying students will have the opportunity to undertake a 4-week practicum placement with a business in the community. You’ll be able to apply the skills learned in class and put valuable experience on your resume.
*Content is subject to change by administration as required to meet program and profession standards.
Career Choices
The IT sector is waiting for you and offers lots of jobs, stability, and challenging work.
- Network Administrator
- Systems Manager
- Quality Assurance Specialist
- System Analyst
- Cybersecurity Specialist
“I think computer viruses should count as life. I think it says something about human nature that the only form of life we have created so far is purely destructive. We’ve created life in our own image.” Stephen Hawking
You are:
- Detail & action-oriented
- A problem solver
- Analytical
- Independent
- Looking for a challenge
This program was developed in response to high demand from all sectors of industry for workers able to effectively use the latest technologies, managing network systems and their security, and is CompTIA authorized. In just 10 months, the Oulton College Systems Management & Cybersecurity Diploma Program will have you ready for a think-on-your-feet, fast-paced, highly valued career in the high stakes world of Big Data.
You will receive individual attention from highly qualified instructors, allowing you to tap into their industry insight. You’ll be certified to work with Windows Server 2019, Linux, and Cisco Routers.
You’ll also be trained in hacker techniques, exploits, and incident handling/security.
Ok, that’s what I can do with the program, but what exactly will I learn?
Our Systems Management & Cybersecurity Diploma program provides hands-on practical experience and training in:
- Hardware: how to recognize, clean, handle, install, diagnose and understand the different functions of various hardware components
- Operating Systems: preparing computers for various operating systems deployment and ensuring optimal performance and security
- Networks: understanding internet, intranet and extranet, VPN, Security, Firewalls, LANs, WANs, and wireless networking
- Network Hardware
- Active Directory Domain Services
- Windows Server 2019, Linux and Cisco Routers
- Security and Defence from Hacking
- Cloud computing
- Office 365 administration and configuration
So once I’m done the course work, then what happens?
Then you’re ready to test your skills in the real world. A practicum placement is included and gives you 4-weeks of real experience in your area of study. And what’s even better: our graduates often get hired by the company where they did their practicum placement.
Term: September – July
Practicum: 4 weeks
You Will Learn
- Network Infrastructure
- Networking Essentials
- Hacker Techniques
- Active Directory
- Hardware Fundamentals
- Windows Server 2008
- Linux, Cisco Router
- Microsoft Technologies
- Cloud computing
- Office 365 configuration
Admissions Requirements
- Grade 12 Diploma, Adult Diploma or GED
- Meeting with an Admissions Advisor
- Acceptance by the Admissions Committee
- Completion of the Pre-Enrollment Package
Unless they have completed a minimum of three years of study at a school where English is the language of instruction, international students whose first language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency:
- CAEL – minimum score of 60
- IELTS – 6.0 with no individual score lower than 5.5
- TOEFL (IBT) – 80, with no individual score lower than 18
- MELAB – minimum score of 80
- Duolinguo – minimum score of 55
- Cambridge English – minimum score of 169
- Pearson Test of English – minimum score of 50
Course Descriptions
BUS 150 – Introduction to Business for Systems Management
This course focuses on basic workplace skills. The students will be exploring the general concepts of communication, management and the role IT / technology plays within an organization. The student will learn to apply practical skills such as soft skills and will have a greater understanding of team dynamics through practical project and role play.
SMC 100 – Introduction to Hardware
This course introduces students to six main domains of study:
- Installation, Configuration, and Upgrading
- Diagnosing and Troubleshooting
- Preventive Maintenance
- Motherboard/Processors/Memory
- Printers
- Laptops / portable computing
This module will also provide complete coverage of Local Area Networks (LANs), including network topologies, cabling, & protocols, Wireless networking concepts looking at standards used as well as configuration and troubleshooting connectivity and finally an in-depth look at the TCP/IP protocol stack and public Internet connectivity.
SMC 101 – Introduction to Software
This module introduces students to the world of computer operating systems. Focus will be aimed at preparing students to support Windows Vista/7/8/10 client systems, as well as OSX and Linux clients in a home or office environment. The primary goal of this module is to ensure students have advanced knowledge in preparing computers for operating system deployments, using the built-in administrative utilities to extract the optimal performance and security from the operating system and the ability to recognize problems and recover from them effectively. Equal emphasis will be shown to the administration of home computers as to computers in a corporate environment. Among the many topics covered, students will become skilled at performing troubleshooting using the command line and graphical utilities
This module, in combination with the Introduction to Hardware module (SMC 100), is designed to help prepare students to challenge for CompTIA’s A+ certification exams (220-901 and 220-902).
SMC 102 – Network Infrastructure
This course will discuss the fundamentals of how networks work including:
- The concepts of Internet, intranet, and extranet, including VPN, security zones, & firewalls.
- Local area networks (LANs) & wide area networks (WANs) covering: perimeter networks; addressing; reserved address ranges for local use (including local loopback IP), VLANs; wired LAN and wireless LAN, leased lines, dial-up, ISDN, VPN, T1, T3, E1, E3, DSL, Cable, etc. and their characteristics (speed, availability).
- Wireless networking. Types of wireless networking standards and their characteristics (802.11A,B,G,N including different GHz ranges), types of network security (WPA/WEP/802.1X, etc.), point-to-point (P2P) wireless, wireless bridging.
Protocols and Services
- The OSI model and the TCP model; examples of devices, protocols, applications and which OSI/TCP layer they belong to; TCP and UDP; well-known ports for most used purposes, packets, and frames.
- IPv4 & IPv6 including such topics as subnetting; IPconfig; why use IPv6; addressing; ipv4toipv6 tunneling protocols to ensure backward compatibility; dual IP stack; subnet mask; gateway; ports; packets; reserved address ranges for local use (including local loopback IP);
- Understand name resolution methods such as DNS, WINS, steps in the name resolution process, and networking services like DHCP, and remote access.
- Finally coverage of troubleshooting tools such as ping; tracert; pathping; Telnet; IPconfig, and netstat.
Network Hardware:
- Switches, including managed or unmanaged switches; VLAN capabilities; Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches, security options; hardware redundancy; support; MAC table; understanding capabilities of hubs vs. switches.
- Router transmission speed, directly connected routes, static routing, dynamic routing (routing protocols), default routes; routing table and how it selects the best route(s); routing table memory, NAT.
- Media types: cable types and their characteristics, including media segment length and speed; fibre optic; twisted pair shielded or nonshielded; catxx cabling, wireless; susceptibility to external interference (machinery, power cables, etc); susceptibility to electricity (lightning), susceptibility to interception.
Additionally, this course prepares students to write their Network+ Certification exam.
SMC 103 – Cloud Technologies
Students will learn the fundamental technologies of cloud environments, including cloud computing concepts. Students will learn about cloud providers, focusing on Amazon Web Services, Google, and Azure services. Students will each be given ownership of a working DNS domain for their purposes, using it to provide access to Web and Email services that they will provision and configure from scratch using the Amazon Web Services infrastructure. Students will focus on building and maintaining an infrastructure that would be provided to a developer.
SMC 201 – Windows Server
Students will learn the detailed workings of Windows Server 2012 R2 and 2016, including installation, configuration, and management of network infrastructure services. Students will build a working network infrastructure using Hyper-V, Active Directory, DNS and DHCP. Students will learn storage and print service management, backup strategies and management as well as disaster recovery and business continuity concepts. This course should help prepare students to take the Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator series of exams, combined with guided review and dedicated self-study.
SMC 202 – Office 365 Administration
Students will learn the detailed aspects of Office 365 administration and will cover topics covered in the Microsoft 70-346 and 70-347 exams including evaluating, planning, deploying, and operating the Office 365 services, including its dependencies, requirements, and supporting technologies. Students will gain experience with the Office 365 Admin Center and an understanding of Microsoft Exchange Online, Skype for Business Online, SharePoint Online, Office 365 ProPlus, and Azure Active Directory. Students should be prepared to challenge either/both exams with guided review and dedicated self-study.
SMC 203 – Cybersecurity
Students will cover the concepts covered on the CompTIA Security+ certification including Network Security, Access Control and Identity Management, and Threats and Vulnerabilities. Students will cover both sides of security, including both discovery and exploiting security weaknesses in operating systems and software, as well as how to identify potential weaknesses and secure systems from being exploited. Students will work in a team environment to build and protect a network environment from a competing team(s) while simultaneously attempting to penetrate/compromise the other team.
SMC 204 – Cisco Routers & Switches
Students learn the configuration of Cisco routers and switches using Cisco’s IOS. The following topics will be covered: Introduction to Internetworking Technology, concepts and commands required to configure Cisco routers and switches in small to medium multi-protocol networks, experience configuring fully operational Cisco routers and switches, apply Cisco IOS software commands to start up and configure a newly installed router and switch, perform all basic configuration procedures to build a multi- router, multi-group network that uses LAN and WAN interfaces for the most commonly used routing and routed protocols. The student will be able to challenge Cisco’s CCNA and CCENT certifications.
SMC 205 – Linux
Students will expand on the fundamental Linux knowledge presented in the Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems course to include concepts covered in the CompTIA Linux+/LPIC1 certification and should help prepare students for those certifications with guided review and dedicated self-study. Students will build a working network infrastructure, consisting of DNS, DHCP, SAMBA file sharing, CUPS printing services as well as building a working Linux router from scratch, including packet filtering/inspection services.
SMC 300 – Practicum
At the conclusion of the coursework, qualifying students will have the opportunity to undertake a 4-week practicum placement with a business in the community. You’ll be able to apply the skills learned in class and put valuable experience on your resume.
*Content is subject to change by administration as required to meet program and profession standards.
Career Choices
The IT sector is waiting for you and offers lots of jobs, stability, and challenging work.
- Network Administrator
- Systems Manager
- Quality Assurance Specialist
- System Analyst
- Cybersecurity Specialist
