IS-280 Introduction to Networking

Course Description:
This course provides both the theoretical and practical knowledge of computer hardware and practical computer networking. Its goal is not only to provide students with essential theoretical knowledge on computer hardware and networking but also to engage them in practical hands-on knowledge on different components of computer hardware (in the form of a Personal Computer) and as well as setting-up and connecting multiple hardware/nodes in a networking environment to save and maximize computing resources.

Prerequisite Course(s): IS 201 with grade of ‘C’ or higher

A. PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES - (PLOs):
The student will be able to:

Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of technical concepts and ethical issues pertaining to information systems
Demonstrate theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the management and strategic use of information systems and technology.
Demonstrate proficiency in the use of different software applications significant to manipulating and analyzing information as well as generating and presenting reports in the various functional areas of business.
Demonstrate solid foundation skills in database design and management, web engineering, programming, and networking
Demonstrate the ability to adapt to latest technologies using their foundation knowledge and skills from CIS.

B. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs)-GENERAL:
The student will be able to:

Identify the different components of a PC both inside and outside.
Explain the different functionalities of different type of peripheral devices.
Configure and setup from scratch both hardware devices and software.
Understand the different components of a network, topology and common transmission media, networking technology and transmission method.
Explain how IP addressing works.
Setup and troubleshoot a network.

SLO	PLO1	PLO2	PLO3	PLO4	PLO5
1				ID	D
2				D	I
3				DM	I
4				IDM	I,D
5				D	I
6		D		D	D

I = Introduced
D = Demonstrated
M = Mastered

C. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs) - SPECIFIC:
The student will be able to:

General SLO1. Identify the different components of a PC both inside and outside.

Student learning outcomes	Assessment strategies
1.1 Enumerate the different components of a computer.	End-of-Unit Test
1.2 List the major functional areas of a System unit.	End-of-Unit Test
1.3 Identify both the old and new technological model inside a System unit.	End-of-Unit Test

General SLO2. Explain the different functionalities of different type of peripheral devices.

Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Strategies
2.1 Identify what are the different I/O and Multimedia devices that could be attached to a System unit.	End-of-Unit Test, Lab Exercise
2.2 Summarize the different functionalities of I/O and Multimedia devices.	End-of-Unit Test, Lab Exercise

General SLO3. Configure and setup from scratch both hardware devices and software.

Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Strategies
3.1 Assemble individual PC parts from scratch.	Lab Exercise
3.2 Install appropriate software and drivers for the system to run.	Lab Exercise
3.3 Attach and configure peripheral devices.	Lab Exercise

General SLO4. Understand the different components of a network, topology and common data transmission medium and method.

Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Strategies
4.1 Identify the basic components of network and different topologies.	End-of-Unit Test
4.2 Identify different type of transmission media and networking technology.	End-of-Unit Test
4.3 Setup one type of transmission medium (e.g. UTP).	Lab Exercise
4.4 Utilize and setup one type of networking technology (e.g. Ethernet)	Lab Exercise
4.5 Understand OSI layers.	End-of-Unit Test

General SLO5. Explain how IP addressing works.

Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Strategies
5.1 Differentiate different type of IP addresses.	End-of-Unit Test,
5.2 Understand how sub-netting works.	End-of-Unit Test, Graded Exercise

General SLO6. Setup and troubleshoot a network.

Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Strategies
6.1 Identify tools and utilities that are used to troubleshoot a network.	Lab Exercises
6.2 Identify symptoms and problems of a troubled network.	Lab Exercises
6.3 Creating and implementing a solution.	Lab Exercises

D. COURSE CONTENT

Introduction to Hardware
1. Input and Output Devices
2. Motherboard
3. Processors and Chipsets
4. Storage Devices
5. Expansion Slots/Cards
Introduction to different Operating System
1. DOS
2. Windows 9X/Me
3. Windows NT
4. Windows 2000
5. Windows XP
6. Windows Vista
7. Windows 7
8. Mac OS
9. Linux
Detailed look on the Motherboard
Detailed look on Computer Memories
Installing Memory and Hard drives
Installing I/O and Supporting Devices
Installing Multimedia Devices
Networking Essentials
1. Components of a Network
2. Network Topologies
3. OSI Layers
4. Transmission Media
5. Common Network Hardware
6. Setting up a Small Network
7. Setting up a basic wireless network
Network troubleshooting

E. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION

Hands-on (paper) Activity
PowerPoint Presentation
Laboratory Hands-On Exercise

F. REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
Andrews, Jean (2010). CompTIA A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining PC, United States: Boston MA (Course Technology). (or most recent eiditon).
USB Flash-Drive, Used PC, UTP Cables, PC and Networking tools (all provided in the Laboratory except the USB Flash Drive)

G. REFERENCE MATERIALS
Palmer, Michael (2006). Hands-On Networking Fundamentals, United States: Boston, MA (Course Technology) (or most recent edition).
Rowe, Stanford H (2005). Computer Networking, United States Upper Saddle River, NJ; Pearson Education, Inc. (or most recent edition).
H. INSTRUCTIONAL COSTS
None

I. EVALUATION
Student must pass the course with a grade of ‘C’ or better
J. CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
None

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IS-280 Introduction to Networking