Unit Outline

In this unit, you will learn how computer networks are constructed, how they function, and the services they provide to enable nearly every modern application and device. You will apply concepts of network communication and security using the TCP/IP and OSI models, and you will also learn about industry standards that ensure networks provide confidentiality, integrity, and availability to users, data, and systems.

You will also explore the practical tools used in industry to monitor networks, identify faults, and design complex networks in a range of environments, including those for the Internet of Things (IoT).

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

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


1	Identify the technical aspects of secure networking.
2	Analyse network protocols, processes and security principles in computer networking.
3	Communicate solutions to real-world problems
4	Evaluate knowledge, practices and protocols in computer networks and cyber security

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Anti-requisite (mutual excl)	ZAT101

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	AT1: Operating System Comparison	Week 4	20 %	LO1, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	AT2: Requirement Elicitation Report	Week 8	25 %	LO1, LO3, LO4
Assessment Task 3:	AT3: Network Design Report	Week 12	25 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 4:	AT4: Practical Networking Tasks	Week 13	30 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: AT1: Operating System Comparison

Task Description:

You will act as a consultant and prepare a recorded 5-minute pitch style presentation that compares various operating system solutions against the specific needs of an organisation detailed in a provided case study.

You will apply your developing academic skills to research and evaluate each operating system based on the following criteria:
1. the services and features it provides
2. its resource and financial requirements
3. the maintenance and support considerations
4. its security features and protocols.

Task Length:

5-minute recorded presentation with 1 PowerPoint slide.

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Describe organisational systems and their context.	LO1
2	Research and define the functions and services of operating systems.	LO1
3	Analyse the alignment between operating systems and organisational needs.	LO3
4	Compare operating systems in relation to organisational requirements.	LO3
5	Recommend technologies to support system integration and architecture.	LO3

Assessment Task 2: AT2: Requirement Elicitation Report

Task Description:

You will be provided with a case study describing the current technological situation within an Australian business. The case study will provide anonymised information about the organisation, their existing systems, any technical challenges they have faced, and any approaches they would consider.

Your task will be to identify and describe the business’s networking and security requirements. You will apply key concepts from the unit, including best practices and industry standards, to define these requirements for various stakeholders. Your proposed solutions must align with core security principles.

Task Length:

500 words (excluding figures and references)

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Identify business and security requirements for stakeholders.	LO3
2	Describe solution requirements.	LO1
3	Justify solution requirements based on core security principles and industry best practice.	LO4

Assessment Task 3: AT3: Network Design Report

Task Description:

You will design a network that meets a set of requirements described in a provided Tasmanian case study.
You will be required to plan:
• the topology of the network, including devices and connections
• a virtual networking plan to protect critical and sensitive data
• a policy which would outline the appropriate and inappropriate uses of the network
• a list of cyber security threats to the network and how they would be resolved using hardware, software, or human intervention.

Task Length:

750 words (excluding tables, figures, and references)

Due Date:

Week 12

Weight:

25 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Select and justify solutions that meet the requirements of the case study.	LO1
2	Design a network solution in line with organisational requirements.	LO3
3	Propose a network solution that aligns with core security principles.	LO3
4	Design policies that align with organisational technology use.	LO3
5	Identify and describe threats to computer networks.	LO2

Assessment Task 4: AT4: Practical Networking Tasks

Task Description:

You will complete and report on a series of practical tasks that will be introduced during tutorials. These tasks will challenge you to apply theoretical concepts from the unit to real-world scenarios using industry-standard tools.

The tasks will cover a range of activities, including:
• identifying and analysing network traffic
• designing and testing networks
• identifying and describing standards and requirements for systems.

Your final submission should document your work on each task, detailing your process, findings, and the application of relevant theory.

Task Length:

6 tutorial tasks

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

30 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Plan and execute technical tasks for secure networking	LO1
2	Apply skills and knowledge to create networking solutions.	LO3
3	Describe industry best practices for computer networking.	LO2
4	Reflect on solutions given and their applicability within industry	LO4

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.