Syllabus for cit 112B NETWORKING +

Class WC801 Fall Semester 2009

 

I. General Information

 

Class:  CIT 112B: (WC801) Networking + # 43415

·        Time:   Wednesday’s  2:00 PM – 4:50 PM (31 August – 18 December 2009)

·        Classroom:  West Charleston Campus, Room 132, Building C

·        Angel Access: http://www.csn.edu/pages/2212.asp

·        Instructor Web Site: http://sites.csn.edu/salpern/network02/networkplus02.html

 

Instructor and Contact Information:

·        Instructor:  Steve Alpern, MCSE/MCSA (NT4.0, 2000, 2003 ), MCIPT Server Administrator 2008; CNA/CNE, Network +, Security +, A+

·        Contact Information:

·        Email:          stephen.alpern@csn.edu  To be used ONLY if the WEBCT Course Mail System is unavailable.

·        Telephone:   651-4624

·        Office:          Room 2535 New Technology Building, Cheyenne Campus

·        Available:    Students can make appointments by calling or email with instructor.

 

II. Textbooks/Supplies Required:

 

·        Mike Meyers’ Network + Guide to Managing and Troubleshooting Networks, by Mike Meyers, McGraw-Hill Technology, ISB # 0-07-225560-9

 

III. Course Objectives:

 

The primary purpose of this course is to provide the student with a level of knowledge about networking fundamentals in preparation for certification in CompTIA Network +. The course also serves as a requirement for some AA degrees.  In addition, successful completion of this course will provide for the basic building blocks that are necessary for further MCSE studies, CISCO and Novell certification courses. This course is also a prerequisite requirement for CIT 217 Security +. CIT 112B concentrates on the knowledge of networking components, theory and implementation. Networking as presented in this course is generic in the sense that it is not specific to a particular software or hardware vender. It introduces the student to basic and rudimentary terms and concepts used when discussing networking. The student will become familiar with networking technologies and understand the definitions and concepts of protocols, OSI and its layers, network design and implementation, subnet masking and basic routing concepts, as well as networking hardware and installation. In addition, the student will understand troubleshooting methods and practices. On completion of this course students should as a minimum be able to:

 

 

IV. Course Outline and Schedule of Classes

 

Week 1: (2 September)

o       Administration of Course

o       Introduction to Networking

o       Read Chapters 1 and 2 prior to Week 2 Meeting

 

Week 2: (9 September):

o       Chapter 1: Introduction

o       Chapter 2: Defining Networking

 

Week 3: (16 September)

o       Chapter 3: Building a Network  with OSI

o       Chapter 4: Hardware Concepts

 

Week 4: (23 September)

o       Chapter 5: Ethernet Basics

 

Week 5: (30 September)

o       Chapter 6: Modern Ethernet

 

Week 6: (7 October)

o       Chapter 7: Non Ethernet Networks

o       Chapter 8: Installing a Physical Network

 

Week 7: (14 October)

o       Chapter 9: Wireless Networking

o       Chapter 10: Protocols

 

Week 8: (21 October)

o       Midterm Exam (Chapter  1-10)

 

Week 9: (28 October)

o       Chapter 11: TCP/IP

o       Chapter 12: Network Operating Systems

 

Week 10: (4 November)

o       Chapter 13: Sharing Resources

o       Chapter 14: Going Large with TCP/IP

 

Week 11: (11 November)

o       Holiday

Week 12: (18 November)

o       Chapter 15: TCP/IP and the Internet

o       Chapter 16: Remote Connectivity

 

Week 13: (25 November)

o       Chapter 17: Protecting Your Network

 

Week 14: (2 December)

o       Chapter 18: Interconnecting Network Operating Systems

 

Week 15: (9 December)

o       Chapter 19: The Perfect Server

o       Chapter 20: Zen and the Art of Network Support

 

Week 16: (16 December)

o       Final Exam (Chapters 1-20)

 

 

V. Grading and Policy:

 

·        Overview:

 

·        Students will be expected to read the text material, review video presentations as a supplement to the text materials, and study other Web site materials that might be posted. Instruction will closely follow the course textbook. Students will be required to read the text book chapters (best to accomplish prior to the class)  in accordance with the schedule above. For example, at the end of Week 1, students will be expected to have completed Chapters 1-2. In addition, supplemental materials will be available for student download in e-mail, Angel or provided as a handout in class. Students will be required to establish an email address using the Angel Course Mail System, and this will become one of the major methods of student-instructor communications. It will be important for students to understand Angel functions.  All examinations will be administered via Angel. Hence students will be given a login name and password to access Angel.

 

·        Each complete chapter, section of a chapter, or combination chapters will be followed by a number of random Angel Practice Exams. These Random Practice Exams will normally consist of 30 - 50 questions; however, only 20 -30 questions will be presented when the practice exam is opened. This is the nature of the Random Exam. The more times that you take the exam, the greater your chances of seeing all of the questions.  You can expect approximately 40 of these type exams throughout the course. (1,000 + questions). All of these Practice Exams will be available to students for an unlimited timeframe (duration of course plus 1 week),  and an unlimited number of times to take.  These exams are NOT part of the core exams, and therefore are non-graded. The exams will be a good indication of student comprehension of the materials presented in class as well as during reading assignments. While these exams are not graded, the questions will serve as instructional points, review material and form the basis of the Midterm and Final exams. Students are encouraged to take these practice exams frequently. In addition, these random exams will be the main tool to assist the student in certification for CompTIA Networking +

 

·        There will two major core examinations in the course: a Midterm and a Final Exam.

 

·        Angel will host all video instructional presentations prepared by instructor. These Video presentations will supplement and enhance student comprehension of the networking concepts provided in the textbook. Once a video presentation is available on Angel, it will remain available to students at all times during the duration of the course via Angel connections. Videos will be made available to student for download to flash drive upon request of student.

 

·        In addition, there will be 5-8 bonus exams throughout the course.  Each bonus exam will be worth from approximately 1-3 points for a total maximum point value of approximately 24 bonus points. This point value and the number of these bonus exams might change at the discretion of the instructor.  Bonus exams will normally be announced in advance and cover class reading and lecture material as well as questions from the random exams that were available during the week.   These exams are important to you as they are considered "bonus" exams and will add points to students' final total exam scores. In other words, the points you receive from bonus exams are over and above the core exam points. For example, if a student were to have a core exam total point score of 170, then the student grade would be a B. But if the student also had 10 bonus points, it would push the point total to 180 which would be equivalent to an A. If a student does not take the bonus exam during the period of availability, then the bonus exam points are forfeited. The student will not receive any of the bonus points for the missed bonus exam. . There are no makeup bonus exams.

 

·        Students who certify successfully with CompTIA + Networking will be awarded with an additional grade bump. Hence if a student's final point total is 162 (equivalent to a B) and the student passes the CompTIA + Networking certification, the student grade will be bumped to an A. Any certifications submitted for the grade bump must be sent to the instructor not later than 7:30 PM on 23 December 2009. (A copy of the certification passing grade is acceptable).  So, you must plan ahead if you intend to take the certification exam. There is no exception to this policy.

 

·        The instructor reserves the right to change the course syllabus, schedule and polices. It is the student’s responsibility to check email often for any changes that might be posted.

 

·        Grading Scale: Grading is based on a point scale equal to 200 points as follows:

·        A:  180-200+

·        B:  160-179

·        C:  140-159

·        D:  120-139

·        F:   <120

**Note: Successful CompTIA Network+ Certification adds one grade level

 

·        Point Distribution: Points are determined based on following criteria:

·        Core Test #1: Midterm                90 points

·        Core Test #2: Final                   110 points                  

·        Total Exam Points:  200 points

·        Bonus Points:                         15 - 24 points (At discretion of instructor)                                            

 

VI. Attendance:

 

There are no attendance records. However, continued lack of attendance without notification to the instructor could result in an automatic withdrawal from the course by the instructor. You must follow the schedule of reading assignments and maintain your contact with the instructor for up to date information as the course proceeds. Your contact points are via the Angel email system. You are encouraged to check your email frequently. College enrollment assumes maturity, seriousness of purpose, and self-discipline for meeting the responsibilities associated with this course. Hence it is your responsibility to completely fulfill the course requirements as noted in this syllabus. However, there is an understanding that a student could be ill or have another emergency, which precludes completing the reading assignments. You should advise the instructor of such circumstances.

 

VII. Exams:

 

·        There will be two core examinations in this course. Exam #1, which is the Midterm will be on 21 October 2009. If for some reason you cannot be available to take this exam, you MUST notify the instructor immediately.  The exam will cover Chapters 1-10 as well as any material discussed in class.  The Final Exam will cover Chapters 1-20 and will be scheduled for 16 December 2009.  Total test scores will determine your course grade. Keep in mind that the bonus exams can add points to your score. As noted above, a computer problem will not be an excuse. You must give yourself flexibility, so that if you do have a computer problem you have a backup and can get to a campus location.

 

·        If a student is confronted with an emergency and is unable to take a core exam when scheduled, the student must advise instructor via email and or telephone and arrangements for a makeup exam “might” be considered. This must be done within 24 hours of the emergency. However a makeup exam will only be arranged if the student excuse is considered as a “true emergency”. The instructor will determine this. In any case, any makeup exams will be deducted "late points". Makeup exams are not encouraged and very strict rules in determining a makeup exam will be enforced. The student will then need to meet the new scheduled exam time, otherwise exam points are forfeited and no makeup exam is given. You can still pass this course by missing an exam, but your chances become greatly diminished You do not want to miss an exam!. If you miss an exam, one probable way to pass the course will be if you can pass the CompTIA Certification Exam and gain maximum bonus points from the bonus exams.  Passing the certification exam will add an additional grade to your overall class grade as explained above. Copies of certification passing certificates must be submitted to the instructor not later than 23 December 2009. No exceptions. If you are planning on CompTIA certification for a grade bump, you must meet this deadline. 

 

VIII. Withdrawing from Course

 

If you wish to audit or withdraw from this course, you should contact Admissions and Records. Instructor will not normally withdraw any student.  It is the responsibility of the student to submit all required documents to Admissions and Records according to the time guidelines found in the CSN 2009 Fall Class Schedule which can be found on-line. If you do not audit or withdraw from this class according to the guidelines set forth by CSN, you will receive a grade based on the point distribution above. If you go beyond the deadline for withdrawal as dictated by Admissions and Records without having advised Admissions, or made some arrangements with the instructor, you are in the course for a grade. Be sure the check with Admissions and Records if you decide on either a withdrawal or a change in status to audit.  Any student who begins the course, go as far as taking the midterm exam, then stops attending, but does not officially withdraw from the course or notify the instructor, will receive an F. However, at the discretion of the instructor, any students who initially attends the course, and has excessive absences without notifying the instructor could be withdrawn from the course for lack of participation. 

 

IX. Additional Information:

 

·        Safety:

At the sound of a fire alarm, everyone is required to exit the building immediately. Take your important personal property with you. Students must not move, disconnect or open computers. Remain outside the building until told that it is safe to re-enter the building.

 

·        Students with Disabilities:

If you have a documented disability that may require assistance, you will need to contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for coordination of your academic accommodations. The DRC is located in Student Services on each campus. For Cheyenne, the number is 651-4045 or at Charleston at 651-5089 For any student interested in earning some extra cash, you can stop by the DRC, and fill out a job interest card. DRC office hires students as note takers, proctors, scribes and research assistants as needed.

 

·        Student Resources

Four (4) hours of free tutoring per each one (1) credit hour is available to each student. Contact Tutorial Services at 651-4232 at Cheyenne Campus to arrange for free tutorial service if needed. In addition, Computer Lab instructors are available at each campus. Use them, as they are an excellent source for additional help.