Unit rationale, description and aim

Computer networks are pervasive and vital to virtually all areas of our lives and support all modern computing activities. Computer networks are also inherent in nearly all modern computing systems. As such, they are the backbone of the function of society as they are critical to today’s communication systems and enable all online activities. Knowledge of computer networks is fundamental to many other areas of digital technology including cyber security, cloud computing and the Internet of Things. This unit covers the essential elements of computer networks, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to navigate and contribute to our increasingly connected world. The aim of this unit is to support students to develop key knowledge and skills to enable them to design computer networks to support the needs of a range of diverse organisations

2026 10

Campus offering

No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.

Prerequisites

ITEC217 Programming Concepts AND ITEC204 Introduction to Cyber Security

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Explain the functions and significance of networki...

Learning Outcome 01

Explain the functions and significance of networking hardware and communication protocols and methods
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1

Use network management tools and apply troubleshoo...

Learning Outcome 02

Use network management tools and apply troubleshooting methodologies to ensure the maintenance and resolution of issues within networking systems
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC7, GC8

Evaluate and assess the performance, security and ...

Learning Outcome 03

Evaluate and assess the performance, security and scalability of network infrastructure within an organisational context
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC7, GC8

Design and implement small-scale networks using ap...

Learning Outcome 04

Design and implement small-scale networks using appropriate simulation tools
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC7, GC8, GC11, GC12

Content

Topics will include:

·        Network Models

·        Networking Hardware

·        Network Protocols

·        IP Addressing and Subnetting

·        Routing and Switching

·        Wireless and Cloud Networking

·        Network Virtualisation

·        Network Security

·        Network Management and Troubleshooting

·        Quality of Service

Assessment strategy and rationale

Assessments are designed to ensure students gain theoretical and practical knowledge of computer networks. Assessment 1 has been designed to ensure that students gain a comprehensive understanding of the key elements of networking. Assessment 2 focuses on the practical application of that knowledge. Assessment 3 provides students an opportunity of critically exploring and evaluating network infrastructure more broadly and holistically. Assessment 4 builds upon previous assessments and draws together all of the learning outcomes as it challenges students to critically apply their knowledge to design a basic computer network solution for a real-world situation that requires an understanding of the complexity of computer networks. This series of assessments scaffolds students' learning by progressively increasing the complexity of tasks and requiring progressive integration of unit learning outcomes.

To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome and obtain a minimum mark of 50% 

Overview of assessments

Type – Online test Purpose – Enables students t...

Type – Online test

Purpose – Enables students to demonstrate understanding of key elements of networking  

This is an individual assessment

Weighting

10%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC8

Type – Practical assessment Purpose – use netwo...

Type – Practical assessment

Purpose – use network management tools and apply troubleshooting methodologies to maintain and resolve issues in networking systems.

This is an individual assessment

Weighting

20%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC7, GC8

Type – Assessment Report Purpose – conduct a de...

Type – Assessment Report

Purpose – conduct a detailed analysis of an organisation’s existing network detailing the current state of the network and identifying opportunities for improvement.

This is a group assessment

Weighting

30%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4, GC7, GC8, GC11

Type – Design a network Purpose – Requires stud...

Type – Design a network

Purpose – Requires students to design a network to meet the needs of a small business, taking into account existing infrastructure, security and privacy concerns.

This is an individual assessment

Weighting

40%

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC3, GC7, GC8, GC11, GC12

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

The teaching approach within this unit puts the student at the centre of their learning. This is achieved by using a blended learning approach that integrates asynchronous interactive online elements with face-to-face learning experiences. Access to foundational knowledge is provided through online resources that enable students to build their understandings in a flexible manner. Students are given the opportunity to build upon this knowledge through social learning experiences conducted in face-to-face classes such as tutorials and workshops. These opportunities enable students to build more complex understandings through peer interactions and structured learning experiences. This blended learning approach allows students to develop problem solving skills which align to vocational practices in computer science. 

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Beasley, J.S. & Nilkaew, P. (2022) Networking Essentials, Pearson

 

Kurose, J. F. & Ross, K. W. (2022) Computer Networking: a top-down approach. Global Edition. Pearson

 

Tomsho, G. (2020) Guide to Networking Essentials, 8th Edition, Cengage

Locations
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