Units
Unix Network Administration
Unit code: INN351
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
The aim of this unit is to provide students with a working knowledge of the technical aspects and theory of network administration and management. The unit uses the Unix environment as the learning platform for attaining technical skills and for the development of problem solving skills necessary to be a successful networking professional.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Computer networks are essential for the running of organisations today. To ensure the effective and efficient operation of computer networks, they need to be administered and managed by competent technical people. This unit teaches up-to-date technical skills for the administration and management of computer networks utilizing an environment which is currently used in industry, and also teaches the theory and practical aspects of network administration and management. Ensuring that the network is secure is a theme that is maintained throughout the unit.
Assumed Knowledge
The unit requires that you have successfully completed a unit covering fundamental networking concepts such as IP addressing, subnetting, routing and common Internet protocols. In addition the unit requires you to have a basic knowledge of the Unix command line environment and common Unix commands. An understanding of Unix concepts such as devices, file systems, processes, and permissions is strongly recommended.
Aims
The aim of this unit is to provide students with a working knowledge of the technical aspects and theory of network administration and management. The unit uses the Unix environment as the learning platform for attaining technical skills and for the development of problem solving skills necessary to be a successful networking professional.
Objectives
On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role and responsibilities of a network administration and management professional and recognise typical ethical problems in network administration and management;
- Successfully connect a Unix system to a Local Area Network and provide specific services to that network and understand the principles of configuring a networked system securely and effectively managing the system;
- Determine the source of networking problems and investigate corrective measures to overcome them;
- Demonstrate the ability to work in a self-reliant and independent way including the ability to manage time and prioritise activities to complete technical tasks typical of work in network administration.
Content
This unit provides a solid basis for network administration and management practices, with an emphasis on the technical aspects of this field. This unit includes the following topics:
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Weekly two hour lectures are conducted to address theoretical aspects of the field of network administration and management, and to explain the technical content which forms the basis of the practical sessions. You are expected to consult reading material such as reference manuals and on-line documentation to enhance your understanding of the technical concepts introduced in this unit.
Weekly practical exercises performed in a computer laboratory environment will allow you to gain experience in a variety of technical tasks required to be performed by Network Administrators, as well as develop essential problem-solving skills. A supervised weekly one-and-a-half hour laboratory practical session will enable you to perform technical tasks while tutoring staff are present to provide limited guidance. Weekly practical exercises will take, on average, eight hours to complete each week. You will be expected to put in the necessary additional number of hours in your own time each week to complete these practical exercises. You will also be expected to become accustomed to looking up relevant resources on your own initiative and through reading and hands-on experimentation, which may involve trial-and-error, investigate and find ways of solving computer system and network problems. Completion of practical exercises using the Faculty laboratory environment is highly recommended to pass this unit.
Concurrent Teaching
This unit is being taught concurrently with an undergraduate offering of the same subject. University policy permits that postgraduate and undergraduate students attend the same lectures. Separate tutorial/discussion groups will be provided for postgraduate students where student numbers allow. As a postgraduate student you will be required to complete separate or additional assessment tasks. For this unit, this means the assessment items will vary. The written assignment will require independent research work to be undertaken. The examination questions will test for a deeper understanding of the subject material.
Assessment
All assessment items contribute to your final grade.You will receive feedback on your workbooks as the workbook is assessed. You will be able to view your practical assessment and theory examination by request.
Assessment name:
Log/Workbook
Description:
Workbook of notes and solutions of practical exercises.
Relates to objectives:
2, 3 and 4.
Weight:
10%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 5, 9 and 13
Assessment name:
Laboratory/Practical
Description:
Practical assessment to be conducted in the laboratory environment covering material contained in practicals from Weeks 1 to 13.
Relates to objectives:
2, 3 and 4.
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 7, Exam Period
Assessment name:
Examination (Theory)
Description:
Theory examination covering lecture material from Weeks 1 to 13.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3 and 4.
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 7, Exam Period
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
Recommended Textbook(s):
The Practice of System and Network Administration by Limoncelli, T. A., Hogan, C.J., Chalup, S. R. Second Edition, published by Addison Wesley
Risk assessment statement
There is minimal health and safety risk in this unit. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety policies and procedures applicable within campus areas.
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: 06-Feb-2013
