[Textbook][Work Load][Course Structure][Evaluation][Late Materials]

COURSE TITLE: Data Communication Systems and Networks - INSS 538

INSTRUCTOR:

• Dr. Homer L. Krout, II Ph.D.
• Ph: - TBA
• Electronic Mail:  homer.krout@mindspring.com 
• Course Materials/Information: www.sorser.net/courses/xxxxx
• WebTycho:  http://tychoger.ed.umuc.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course integrates the fundamental concepts of networking and data communications with practical applications. Communications technology, hardware and software are covered as they relate to the design, development and implementation of networked systems. Computer-based information systems play an essential role in the operation of governments and businesses everywhere. Most current activities are involved in some way in the transfer of sensitive information, data or funds. A major project, involving research using scholarly sources in an area of data communications and networking will be required outside the readings, assigned questions/answers, and group presentations. 

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Students successfully completing this course will:

• Have a comprehensive understanding of communications technology as it relates to available alternatives in hardware, software and transmission facilities.
• Be able to make informed decisions in telecommunications management.
• Be able to integrate managerial decisions into a cohesive data communications network design.
• Understand and remain informed about current technologies and critical aspects of business communications systems.
• Be able to perform design activities for networks of increasingly greater scope and complexity as you build experience, judgment and confidence to enhance business operations.
• Be familiar with networking hardware, software, standards and protocols.
• Understand the marketing of communications products.
  

TEXTBOOKS & INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

• White, Curtis M. 2001. Data Communications and Computer Networks: A Business User's Approach.  Course Technology, Thomson Learning. ISBN: 0-619-01529-2.

Required Software: Microsoft Word. This product is available in the UM Labs. 

RECOMMENDED REFERENCES:

American Psychological Association. Publication manual (latest ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. 

Note: Much of what is happening in the computer and information systems industry is happening at a break-neck pace.  It is crucial for you to keep up with events as they unfold, and there is no substitute for regularly reading the business and technology news in a major newspaper such as the New York Times, Washington Post, or Wall Street Journal. The first two have online editions one may read without cost on the web and the Wall Street Journal offers deep subscription discounts to students.

COURSE EVALUATION:

Individual Project		20%
Homework		15%
WT Discussion		20%
Exams     Mid-Term     Final		20% 25%

GRADES: IAW UMUC Policies: 90-100 = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, <60 = F.

LATE MATERIALS: In general late materials are not accepted. There is sufficient time in the schedule for course requirements to be completed. In most cases there is a minimum of two weeks on the schedule for the completion of an assignment. Last minute work that interferes with an assignment 'not yet started' is not sufficient reason for granting permission to turn in an assignment late. Please see the following for a in-depth discussion - Late Materials.

SESSIONS: This course is organized into logical blocks of instructional objectives which called sessions. They cover a specific period of time and generally cover blocks of course objectives. 

Each session will consist of a number of modules:

• Module x.1 - Reading/Preparation (This defines or outlines the minimum preparation necessary for this session.)
• Module x.2 - Content (This provides an overview of the minimum activities that will be covered for this session. It also provides a general frame work for the conduct of the session.)
• Module x.3 - Deliverables (This provides specifics as to what is to be submitted, and where, at the end of the session. In general ALL deliverables are graded to some extent.)

INSTRUCTOR NOTES:

• In a normal class-room students are expected to spend between two and three hours outside of class on course materials and preparation for every one hour spent per classroom equivalent. e.g. you will be expected to spend between 10 and 15 hours additional time outside of class on course work for a total of 15 to 20 hours per session. Distance Education courses require about 5 -10% more work than a classroom course. Obviously some students will spend more and some less time as individual differences require.
• Electronic mail and Tycho will be used for the delivery of assignments and the conduct of discussions. Methodology for each session and associated modules will be specified as needed. 

WORK LOAD: The following are the types of graded assignments that will be used to demonstrate a grasp of concepts covered in this course.

• Exams: (approximately 4 hours each) - will come directly from the course objectives and materials. There will be at least one exam and no more than three. The final exam will concentrate on materials covered during the latter portion of the course but by nature, and design, will be comprehensive.
• Session Assignments: Each session will have a series of requirements that need to be met. Each deliverable is graded.
• Discussions: Group or class will be conducted using electronic mail or Tycho as appropriate.
• Assignments: Course work will be assigned as needed. This can consist of answering questions from the book, completing assigned problems, developing end-product software, etc.
• Individual Projects, Case Studies, Software Projects, etc. will be assigned as appropriate: These represent an individual effort that allows each student to demonstrate their grasp of the concepts of the course. 

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