Syllabus for (D81) cit 112B Networking +
Summer Semester 2009 (Version 1)
Class: CIT 112B: (D81) Networking + ---------
· Time: Eight Week Session ( 8 June 2009 – 31 July 2009)
· Classroom: None: Distance Education requires Angel access
· Angel Access: http://www.csn.edu/pages/2212.asp
· Instructor Web Site: http://sites.csn.edu/salpern/network03/networkplus03.html
· Instructor: Steve Alpern, MCSE/MCSA (NT4.0, 2000, 2003 ), CNA/CNE, Network +, A+
· Contact Information:
· Email: stephen.alpern@ccsn.edu To be used ONLY if the WEBCT Course Mail System is unavailable.
· Telephone: 651-4624
· Office: Room 2535 Telecom 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, McGrawHill Technology, ISB # 0-07-225560-9
III. Course Objectives:
This is a 8 week summer Distance Education course with the primary purpose of providing the student with a level of knowledge about networking fundamentals in preparation for certification in CompTIA Network +. In addition, successful completion of this course will serve as the basic building block for further MCSE studies, CISCO and Novell certification courses. 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 course students should be able to:
Week 1: (8 June)
o Chapter 1: Introduction
o Chapter 2: Defining Networking
o Chapter 3: Building a Network with OSI
Week 2: (15 June)
o Chapter 4: Hardware Concepts
o Chapter 5: Ethernet Basics
o Chapter 6: Modern Ethernet
Week 3: (22 June)
o Chapter 7: Non Ethernet Networks
o Chapter 8: Installing a Physical Network
Week 4: (29 June)
o Chapter 9: Wireless Networking
o Chapter 10: Protocols
o Midterm Exam ( Chapters 1- 10)
Week 5: (6 July)
o Chapter 11: TCP/IP
o Chapter 12: Network Operating Systems
Week 6: (13 July)
o Chapter 13: Sharing Resources
o Chapter 14: Going Large with TCP/IP
o Chapter 15: TCP/IP and the Internet
Week 7: (20 July)
o Chapter 16: Remote Connectivity
o Chapter 17: Protecting Your Network
Week 8: (27 July)
o Chapter 18: Interconnecting Network Operating Systems
o Chapter 19: The Perfect Server
o Chapter 20: Zen and the Art of Network Support
o Final Exam (Chapters 1-20)
· 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. Students should read the text book chapters in accordance with the schedule above, however, maximum flexibility is provided to the students. Hence a student can miss any assignments and tests and fit them to his or her availability. For example, at the end of Week 1, students will be expected to have completed Chapters 1-2-3, but if because of student other commitments, these assignments can be completed at the discretion of the student. The one hard core stipulation in this flexibility is that all exams must be completed not later than 31 July 2009. So students should plan their study with this final date in mind. In addition, supplemental materials will be available for student download in e-mail on Angel. Students will need to become familiar with all these techniques. Students will use the Angel Course e-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.
· At the end of each weekly assignment, a bonus exam will be available covering the assigned readings. All of these bonus exams will be available throughout the course, but can only be taken one time. On the other hand, Random WebCT Practice Exams will also be available to help students understand the readings and help in preparation for bonus exams as well as the midterm and final exams. These Random Practice Exams will normally consist of 30 questions; however, only 20 questions will be presented when the 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 30 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 +
· 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.
· In addition, there will be 6-8 bonus exams throughout the course. Each bonus exam will be worth 3-5 points for a maximum total point value of approximately 30-40 bonus points. This could be less depending on discretion of instructor. Bonus exams are posted and can be taken at student discretion. 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 which is not latter than 31 July 2009, then the bonus exam points are forfeited.
· 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 11 PM on 5 August 2009. So, you must plan ahead if you intend to take the certification exam. There is no exception to this policy.
· As a Distant Education course, it is anticipated that most students will do their studying, Angel random exams, Bonus Exams, and Core exams at home or at work. You must have access to the Internet to complete this course, however, having computer problems is NOT a valid excuse for missing any of the exams or not completing your studies. If you are having problems with your computer you can use any of the on campus CSN Computer Labs
· 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: 30-40 points
VI. Attendance:
There is no attendance record in Distance Education. 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 email, WEBCT. You are encouraged to check your email at least once per day. Keep in mind that this is a distance education course, and your knowledge of networking will come from your studies, reviewing the visual presentations by the instructor, and practice on the random exams. 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.
· There will be two core examinations in this course. Exam #1, which is the Midterm and Exam 2 which is the Final. The Midterm exam will cover Chapters 1-10. The Final Exam will cover Chapters 1-20. You have of the flexibility in these exams in that you must complete them prior to 11:30PM on 31 July 2009, which is the end of the summer 8 week session. 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.
· With proper planning there should not be any instances of missed exams. Do no wait until the last day of the course. If an exam is missed the instructor will determine whether or not a makeup exam will be available. 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. 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 11 PM on 5 August 2009. No exceptions. If you are planning on CompTIA certification for a grade bump, you must meet this deadline.
If you wish to audit or withdraw from this course, you should contact Admissions and Records. Instructor will not 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 Summer 2009 Schedule of Classes 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 stops attending, but does not officially withdraw from the course , will receive an F.
IX. Additional Information:
· Safety:
While this is a DE course, there could be times when you are in a campus building. If so 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, at Charleston 651-5089 and at Henderson 651-3086. 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 or West Charleston at 651-5132 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.