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UNIT TITLE: Network Applications
CREDIT POINTS: 20
UNIT CODE: CEN402
FHEQ LEVEL: 4
ACADEMIC SCHOOL:
Technology
UNIT DESIGNATION: Traditional
Delivering School:
Technology
Date validated: March 2013
Date modified: N/A
Unit delivery model: CD
Max Student No: N/A
Media Arts and
Media
Arts
and
TOTAL STUDENT WORKLOAD
Students are required to attend and participate in all the formal scheduled sessions for
the unit. Students are also expected to manage their directed learning and independent
study in support of the unit.
PRE-REQUISITES AND CO-REQUISITES: None
UNIT DESCRIPTION
The subject of computer networking involves either hardware, in the form of network
devices such as routers, or software, in the form of network operating systems and
applications. It is important for networking specialists to have knowledge of both aspects.
This unit is designed to cover the latter. Knowledge of network administration is essential
for a network specialist. It is also useful to have knowledge of how network applications
work. Modern operating systems can be administered by the convenience of graphical user
interfaces or wizards, but when batch operations are required, for example adding a large
number of users to a system, these wizards may be inefficient. In this case batch scripting
or simple computer programmes can provide a more efficient answer. Some server systems
also function more efficiently without the overhead of a windows environment, and
knowledge of operating system shell or command scripts is essential in this case.
This unit aims to provide an introduction to these concepts. Some concepts may be seen
as directly relevant to the needs of business, whereas other concepts will provide
essential underpinning for other units, such as the Network Operating Systems unit at
Level 5, and eventually informing final year project ideas.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of the unit, students should be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
K1
Locate and organise relevant information and evidence from a wide range of
secondary sources.
Cognitive Skills
C1
Evaluate information and use this to investigate problems and evidence solutions.
Practical and Professional Skills
P1
Deploy a range of specialised technical skills at a basic level, with some guidance.
Transferable and Key Skills
T1
Communicate information, data and ideas effectively, referencing sources
accurately.
AREAS OF STUDY
Network Operating Systems
Compare and contrast the basic features of various network operating systems, such as
Windows versus Linux.
Users and File Systems
Introduction to basic user level security, file systems and security.
Operating System Applications and Administration: configuration and administration of
important network operating system services and features, for example directory services
and distributed file systems.
Introduction to Command Line Scripting and simple Programming: basic concepts of
shell and command line scripting in the automation of operating system administration.
Introduction to the concept of the command line operating system. Introduction to simple
programming concepts relevant to computer network applications.
Network Applications and Graphical User Interfaces: introduction to the use of graphical
user interfaces (GUI) in operating system administration. Investigates basic concepts of
network applications. Basic concepts of GUI design and development.
LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY
A real world case study will be introduced that will illustrate the relevance of the subject
to the needs of business and industry. During preparation sessions students will study the
customer requirements within the scenario and under guidance they will investigate
solutions. Once they have a basic understanding of the theory and practice of the solution
they will implement this for the customer in a practical workshop. Some of the workshops
may not necessarily be directly linked to the case study, but rather provide underpinning
of concepts that would be of value in the context of more advanced scenarios as students
progress through their degree. A student-centred approach will be adopted in which
students will realise the implementation of solutions for themselves by means of directed
learning.
Throughout the year students will also work and research on a topic of their own choosing
from a provided list of topics. This topic may directly relate to the main case study or to
more conceptual or theoretical objectives relating to the subject. The outcomes of this
work may either be a theoretical or a practical solution related to the theme of their
topic. Towards the end of the year students will showcase the outcomes of their work in a
presentation session.
To support learning on this unit, students will encounter a range of learning opportunities
involving classroom and lab based activities supported by additional materials and
resources on the myCourse Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
The first summative assessment is based on a Personal Learning Record. The record
contains evidence of preparation in the form of background research and outcomes from
practical activities for a series of topic areas that links background theory and practical
work undertaken with the requirements of the real world scenario where appropriate.
There will be a one-to-one formative PLR review mid-way through the year to provide
targeted formative feedback to students to build their confidence and provide reassurance
that they are on track.
For the second summative assessment, students will engage in research on a topic
throughout the year. They will showcase and present the outcomes of their work to the
tutor and other students during a presentation session towards the end of the year. They
will be assessed on the suitability of their solutions to meet the objectives of their chosen
topic. The solutions may relate to a particular scenario, for example an investigation or
basic implementation of a directory service, or to a concept such as a simple script or
sample computer programme that can be applied to network administration. Solutions
may be practically or theoretically demonstrated.
ASSESSMENT
AE1
weighting:
assessment type:
length/duration:
online submission:
grade marking:
anonymous marking:
AE2
weighting:
assessment type:
length/duration:
online submission:
grade marking:
anonymous marking:
60%
Personal Learning Record
N/A
Yes
No
No
40%
Presentation
10 minutes
No
No
No
Aggregation of marks
The marks for each element of assessment will be aggregated to produce an overall mark
for the unit.
Re-assessment Arrangements
AE1: Complete a new series of laboratory tasks and document them in a personal
learning record. Laboratory access may be required to obtain data and other
evidence to support personal learning record entries.
AE2: Re-work presentation slides and supporting material.
Unit Author: Neville Palmer
Date of version: March 2013