Discipline: Computer Information Systems Degree Credit  [X]
Non Credit  [ ]
Nondegree Credit  [ ]
Comm Service  [ ]
 

Riverside Community College District
Integrated Course Outline of Record

Computer Information Systems 19A


COURSE DESCRIPTION
19A Network+: Fundamentals of Computer Networking Units: 3.00
 
Prerequisite(s): None.

Advisory: Ability to use a computer and the Internet for research and writing.
This course provides a vendor-neutral introduction to the theory and practice of networking, for students already familiar with basic computer skills and concepts. It includes the terminology and technologies of current networking environments. It provides a foundation for continued study in the field and may help students prepare for CompTIA’s Network+ Certification Exam. 54 hours lecture.
 
SHORT DESCRIPTION FOR CLASS SCHEDULE
Introduces theory and practice of networking for students with basic computer skills. Based on CompTIA's Network+ Certification Exam.
 
ADVISORY ENTRY SKILLS
Before entering the course, students will be able to:
  1. Identify, use and explain the functions of a current operating system, such as Windows XP or Windows Vista

  2. Conduct Internet research using a variety of search engines

  3. CIS-96/97 are self-paced, competency-based, skill development computer labs. They provide the computer practice times to master the skills taught in the lecture classes. There is one-on-one instructor assistance available with additional help provided by student aides. Basically, the skills that are presented in the lecture classes have to be practiced to be mastered and that is the purpose of CIS-96/97 and CAT-96/97.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:

1.   Differentiate among processes, services and protocols.

2.   Analyze TCP/IP protocols and address.

3.   Differentiate common internetworking devices and compare their
      functions.

4.   Define the layers of the OSI model and compare the functions of
      each layer.

5.   Compare the operation of common LAN protocols.
 
COURSE CONTENT
  TOPICS
 
  1. An Introduction to Networking
  2. Networking Standards and the OSI Model
  3. Network Protocols
  4. Transmission Basics and Networking Media
  5. Physical and Logical Topologies
  6. Networking Hardware
  7. WANs and Remote Connectivity
  8. Network Operating Systems and Windows 2000-Based Networking
  9. NetWare-Based Networking
  10. Networking with UNIX
  11. Networking with TCP/IP and the Internet
  12. Troubleshooting Network Problems
  13. Maintaining and Upgrading a Network
  14. Ensuring Integrity and Availability
  15. Network Security
  16. Managing Network Design and Implementation
 
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
 Methods of instruction used to achieve student learning outcomes may include, but are not limited to:

  • Presentation of lectures, discussions and /or demonstrations of the Networking OSI model
  • Hands-on computer activities to define the physical and logical topologies of networks
  • Videos, films and/or slides to assist in troubleshooting of network problems
  • Pair and small group activities and/or discussion to show how to maintain a network
  • Class exercises to define and demonstrate network security
  • Reports and papers to raise student awareness of how-to manage a network
  • Handouts on how-to upgrade a network
  • Cooperative learning tasks where the students learn to work as teams while troubleshooting a  network problem
  • Guest lecturers from local network administrators giving students a description of their future jobs
  • Distance Education: Online, Hybrid, and Web Enhanced
 
METHODS OF EVALUATION
 Students will be evaluated for progress in and/or mastery of learning outcomes by methods of evaluation which may include, but are not limited to:

  • Oral reports and presentations to demonstrate student ability to communicate network issues to  management
  • Written reports and presentations of normal network maintenance to demonstrate a thorough understanding of how maintenance affects network performance
  • Quizzes and examinations designed to assess students’ ability to recall, critically analyze and apply OSI model to network topology issues, and to demonstrate a thorough understanding of how to troubleshoot network problems
  • Written assignments to demonstrate understanding of OSI model, network topology, and network maintenance
  • Class and individual projects designed to demonstrate successful understanding of the Network OSI model
  • Laboratory projects and performance of troubleshooting a network problems, performance of network maintenance tasks and demonstration of understanding of network security
ASSIGNMENTS

Required Reading Assignments


Required Writing Assignments


Other Outside-of-Class Assignments
 
COURSE MATERIALS
 All materials used in this course will be periodically reviewed to ensure that they are appropriate for college level instruction. Possible texts include:

  • Dean, Tamara. Network+ Guide To Networks. 4th ed. Cambridge, MA: Course Technology, 2005.
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