Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Computer networks have become an integrated part of the fundamental infrastructure in modern industries and societies. Building new networks or upgrading existing networks requires a deep understanding of the concepts and principles of network engineering. Building on previously acquired knowledge and techniques of computer networks, this advanced level unit further introduces students to performance evaluation, traffic engineering and other advanced topics. Then, it exposes students to the theory and practice of the analysis and design of local and wide area networks through assembling various network technologies in a cohesive fashion with emphases on the connectivity, scalability, reliability, security, QoS and recent developments of computer networks.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide students with systematic theory and methodology to assemble various network technologies in a cohesive fashion. Performance evaluation, traffic engineering and other advanced topics will be introduced to complement previously acquired knowledge and techniques of computer networks for the task of network planning and design.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you will be able to demonstrate:

1. A detailed understanding of the development of technical specifications from business requirements for computer network planning;
   
2. Skills to undertake planning and design of computer networks to satisfy a set of requirements specifications with particular emphases on connectivity, scalability, reliability, security and QoS;
   
3. Advanced knowledge of network performance evaluation for network analysis and planning; and
   
4. Advanced collaborative and communication skills through a group project and formal technical report.

Content

This unit will cover the following main topics:
1. Traffic engineering and capacity planning
2. Network performance evaluation
3. Logical network design
4. LAN and WAN provisioning
5. Security design for enterprise networks

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Teaching Mode:
Hours per week: 3
Lecture: 2
Lab/Tutorials/Mentoring, Self-paced study sessions: 1

Learning Approaches:
There is a total of 39 hours of contact devoted to this unit comprising 26 hours of lectures, 13 hours of tutorials and labs, and general instruction including self-paced reading, formal presentations and other student-centred discussion.

This unit offers a combination of theory and practical case studies with emphasis placed on the solution of technical problems and the knowledge required to solve these problems. The lectures will be based on industry practice and experience and these will be underpinned by tutorials, demonstrations, reading and the application of knowledge to solving problems. Tutorial sessions will involve individual questioning as well as group work and peer interaction rather than guided problem solving, with feedback coming from the whole group.

Assessment

There are three assessment items. Assessment 1 is a group report based on some technical tasks related to but not covered directly in the main content of the unit. Assessment 2 is mid-semester Quiz/Test. Assessment 3 is a final examination.Formative feedback will occur through verbal tutor and peer group interactions throughout the semester. Written and verbal feedback will be provided for assessment results.

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: You will research topics related to but not covered directly in the main content of the unit in a team environment. You will prepare a written technical report addressing the tasks assigned to you in the Assignment 1 handout.
Relates to objectives: 2 and 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 9

Assessment name: Quiz/Test
Description: You will individually apply discipline knowledge to solve specific problems covered in the main content of the unit.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 7

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: You will individually apply discipline knowledge to solve specific problems covered in the main content of the unit.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3 and 4
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Textbook:
J.D. McCabe, Network Analysis, Architecture and Design, 3rd Edition, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2007.

Various references will be advised during lectures. Additional material will be made available through Blackboard website

Risk assessment statement

You will undertake lectures in the classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit. The unit will require you to work in the software laboratories at QUT and to perform the safety inductions for these laboratories. You are also required to follow the Health and Safety protocols associated with software laboratory work.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 23-May-2012