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
Campus offering
No unit offerings are currently available for this unit.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
Apply troubleshooting methodologies to ensure the ...
Learning Outcome 02
Evaluate and assess the performance, security and ...
Learning Outcome 03
Design and implement small-scale networks using ap...
Learning Outcome 04
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 and provides students an opportunity of critically exploring and evaluating network infrastructure more broadly and holistically. Assessment 3 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
Assessment Task 1: Online test Enables students...
Assessment Task 1: Online test
Enables students to demonstrate understanding of key elements of networking. Remote proctoring software or similar will be used.
20%
Assessment Task 2: Practical assessment Student...
Assessment Task 2: Practical assessment
Students will use network management tools and apply troubleshooting methodologies to maintain and resolve issues in networking systems and conduct a detailed analysis of an organisation’s existing network detailing the current state of the network and identifying opportunities for improvement.
40%
Assessment Task 3: Design a network Requires stu...
Assessment Task 3: Design a network
Requires students to design a network to meet the needs of a small business, taking into account existing infrastructure, security and privacy concerns.
40%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
To develop the technical expertise and professional competencies aligned with vocational outcomes, students will be given the opportunity to work through hands-on problem-solving activities that facilitate active learning, critical thinking, and collaborative engagement. This student-centred approach mirrors challenges graduates will encounter in industry. Consequently, this unit adopts a student-centred, learning approach that combines asynchronous online content with interactive, activities to facilitate student collaboration. Foundational knowledge is delivered through structured online materials—such as videos, guided exercises, and self-paced quizzes—enabling students to engage flexibly with key concepts at their own pace. This foundational learning will be augmented by offering hands-on opportunities for students to practice skills, collaborate with peers, and engage in problem-solving activities. These opportunities are designed to help students apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges. This approach promotes active learning, critical thinking, and collaborative engagement, supporting the development of technical expertise and professional competencies aligned with vocational outcomes.
Representative texts and references
Beasley, J. S., & Nilkaew, P. (2012). Networking essentials. Pearson Education..
Computer Networking: A Top‑Down Approach (James F. Kurose & Keith W. Ross) – Global Edition. ️ Reliable core text. Link: Pearson – Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach Pearson
Kurose, J. F. & Ross, K. W. (2022) Computer Networking: a top-down approach. Global Edition. Pearson
Tomsho, G. (2011). Guide to networking essentials. Course Technology Press.
Networking Essentials (Jeffrey S. Beasley & Piyasat Nilkaew) – Practical, hands-on introductory networking text. Link: Pearson – Networking Essentials, 6th Edition Pearson IT Certification+1
Additional References (academic, applied & supplementary)
Beasley & Nilkaew – sample pages giving content overview of networking topics. Link: Networking Essentials – Sample Pages PDF Pearson Technology Group
Kurose & Ross – companion online material (lectures) for the “Top-Down” text. Link: Online Lectures and Review Questions for Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach Gaia
Kurose & Ross – Google Books listing for “Top-Down” edition. Link: Google Books – Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach Google Books
Kurose & Ross – earlier edition listing (7th edition) for backward compatibility. Link: Bookstore – Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (7th edition) bookstore.uoguelph.ca
Networking Essentials via VitalSource (e-text) – shows digital access options. Link: VitalSource – Networking Essentials 6th Edition eText VitalSource