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

As organisations deploy larger and more complex networks, the task of managing these networks become significantly more challenging. In addition, more networked services and applications are being used, and these are increasing in complexity. This leads to the requirement that a network administrator possess significant knowledge and skills in order to successfully and competently administer such networked services and applications. This unit helps to prepare students to perform the technical and analytical tasks required to manage networks of various sizes and complexities effectively and securely.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with an understanding of the advanced technical issues pertaining to the management of organisational networks of various sizes. You will use the Unix environment as the learning platform for attaining additional technical skills and for the enhancement of existing problem solving skills necessary to be a successful network administrator or manager.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the role and responsibilities of a network administration and management professional (GC1, GC7 )
2. Successfully provision a mixed-mode data network operating over IPv4 and IPv6 (GC1, GC2);
3. Understand in detail the principles of designing and managing a networked system securely (GC1, GC2, GC6);
4. Recognize ethical problems, causes and solutions in network administration and management (GC6);
5. Demonstrate a well-developed ability to keep up-to-date in the research, skills and knowledge relevant to network administration and management by researching reference manuals, on-line documentation and other relevant resources to solve problems (GC4); and
6. Demonstrate the ability to work in a self-reliant and independent way including the ability to manage time and prioritize activities to complete technical tasks typical of advanced work in network administration and management (GC4, GC5).

Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
GC4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change

Content

This unit extends your existing understanding of network administration and management practices and focuses on small, medium and large scale networks requiring reliable and secure operation. There is a strong emphasis on the advanced technical aspects of this field. This unit includes the following topics:

· firewall configuration and management
· intrusion detection systems
· remote desktop management
· server (e.g. web, email) management
· Internet Protocol Version 6

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Dependant on the weekly content, a mix of lectures and practical workshops are used. Lectures address theoretical aspects of the field of network administration and management, and 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.

Practical exercises performed in a computer laboratory environment will allow you to gain experience in a variety of advanced technical tasks required to be performed by Network Administrators and Managers, as well as enhance essential problem solving skills whilst working in teams. Laboratory practical sessions will enable you to perform technical tasks while staff are present to provide limited guidance. Practical exercises will take, on average, ten 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.

Assessment

Teaching staff will be available via email to answer your specific queries relating to the unit. Teaching staff will also be available in person by appointment. You must demonstrate your prior attempts at answering any practical tasks that you are querying. Staff will be available during the practical session to provide limited guidance for tasks specified in the practical exercises.

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Completion of required laboratory exercises and submission of laboratory workbook for weeks 7-13.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 7

Assessment name: Laboratory/Practical
Description: Completion of required laboratory exercises and submission of laboratory workbook for weeks 7-13.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of semester

Assessment name: Examination (Theory)
Description: Theory examination (Open Book). All material from entire semester will be examinable.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: 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

No extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements for this unit.

Risk assessment statement

There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.

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: 24-Oct-2012