The OSI model (layers 1-7)
Network design and documentation
Ethernet routing and switching
Introduction to WANs and routers, architecture, CLI and configuration
TCP/IP, Routing in WANs, Network Troubleshooting
Concept of firewalls
Aspects of network security.

Module Launch (10 hours)
There will be a module launch during which 10 hours of face to face contact will be devoted to tasks which are designed to provide useful insights into the module content and purpose. In particular, for this module there will be presentations and some seminars will be led by industry professionals where possible.

Guided Learning (11 hours)
A module tutor who is part of the teaching team of the module will be allocated to you and you will meet them during the launch. Following the launch, there will be some materials on the VLE which are designed to guide your learning. Additionally, there will be at least one hour per week of contact time for the eleven weeks following the launch. This will be used for learning guided led by your module tutor. It will be a face to face presentation if you are on day release. For online learners it will be flipped classroom approach with group (up to 20) seminars.

Reviews:
• Tutorial reviews for online learners (0.5 hour per student)
Online learners will have 2 tutorial sessions with their module tutor during the course of the module. These will be individual or small group sessions during which your module tutor will be able to answer any queries that you have regarding module work. The review weeks are listed in the module handbook and mentors will be invited to join the call and provide feedback.

• Tutorial sessions for day release learners (at least 0.5 hours per student)
There will scheduled tutorial sessions (up to 20 students) during the 11 weeks following the launch which will take the place of the tutorial reviews for day release students

Independent learning (128.5 hours)
The module leader will provide resources through the virtual learning environment which will include videos and presentations as well as links to useful websites. Other academic learning will be achieved through reading around the subject area. Module tutors will suggest useful texts, though many others will be suitable and can be found in our e-library. If you require help understanding any of the concepts, you may contact your module tutor for assistance.

Part of your independent learning will take place in your workplace under the guidance of your mentor. You will complete a work-based learning agreement to ensure that arrangements are in place at your workplace to facilitate this work-based learning. You are encouraged to endeavour to apply your growing academic knowledge to improve your work practice and to reflect on your work-based experiences to improve your learning.

You will be required to complete assignment work during independent learning time. Assignment work for a 15 credit module at level 4 should take around 50 hours to complete.

Additional help with learning
You will have access to the departmental librarian and you will also have an academic coach who will organise group coaching sessions to guide you through your academic journey with us. As a student, you are more than welcome to visit the university at any time and to use the resources. During time at the university, you may arrange to meet your module tutor or academic coach for additional help.

COURSEWORK WEIGHTED AT 100% All learning outcomes
A case study portfolio to examine a network requirement and design of a solution, split into two sections;
a group report supported by an oral presentation (3000 words, 10 slides 15 minutes) weighted at 50%;

an individually completed evaluation of the group solution against requirements (1500 words) weighted at 50%.

You will need access to these resources:

The VLE
An ICT Workplace environment. A Work-Based Learning Agreement will be completed for this module to ensure that the student will have access to the required resources in the workplace.

The Internet and office software
Staffordshire University has subscriptions to electronic book services such as Safari Tech Books, Ebrary and Netlibrary. There are titles in each of the collections that will support students studying this module.

Specialist networking laboratories with Cisco equipment OR remote access via Netlab OR appropriate simulation software OR appropriate other vendors equipment.

For those students who wish to, access to the Cisco Academy portal where further material and learning resources are available. The Academy access part of the course is entirely optional but is highly recommended for working in the networking industry.

The following are not essential texts but will provide useful background reading:

Introduction to Networks Companion Guide by Cisco Networking Academy (Author)

Routing and Switching Essentials Companion Guide by Cisco Networking Academy (Author)

Communications and Networking: An Introduction, John Cowley, 2007, Springer

Network Fundamentals, Dye et al, 2011 Cisco Press

1. DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE OSI MODEL, TCP/IP MODEL AND IP ADDRESSING WITH SUBNETTING.
Knowledge & Understanding
Learning

2. EXPLAIN AND USE LAYER 2 AND LAYER 3 BASED TECHNOLOGY SUCH AS VLANS, THE SPANNING-TREE PROTOCOL, NETWORK MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES, ROUTING PROTOCOLS AND ASSOCIATED TOOLS.
Application
Communication
Knowledge & Understanding

3. PERFORM PC, ROUTER, SWITCH, AND WAN INSTALLATION, CONFIGURATION AND TROUBLESHOOTING INCLUDING ACCESS CONTROL LISTS IN EXTENSIVE ROUTER BASED INTERNETWORKS AND DO SO IN A RESPONSIBLE AND SAFE MANNER.
Application
Enquiry
Problem Solving

This module introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. The principles and structure of IP addressing and the fundamentals of Ethernet concepts, media, and operations are introduced to provide a foundation for the curriculum. By the end of the module, you will be able to build simple local area networks (LAN), perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP addressing schemes.