Faculty Contact Information:
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cascharpf@faculty.ed.umuc.edu or cscharpf@aol.com
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Consultation:
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Before and after class or by appointment.
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Required Texts and Readings:
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White, C.(2002). Data Communications and Computer Networks: A Business User's Approach (2nd ed.). Boston: Thompson Course Technology.
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Supplementary Readings:
The standard for papers in the graduate program is the APA style. All participants in this course and all graduate INSS, MGMT, PUAD, and ECON courses should have a copy of the style guide:
American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th Edition. Washington DC: Author.All graduate students should be prepared to utilize the UMUC online library at http://www.umuc.edu/library/. The library contains a large number of full text academic journals that are free of charge and immediately available. The library homepage also contains a number of links related to improving students' research and writing skills.
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Recommended Journals:
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Publications of the various professional societies (such as ACM -- the Association for Computing Machinery, the IEEE Computing Society, and the various management professional societies) are strongly recommended. In addition, there are many trade journals (such as eWEEK) that MIS professionals should become familiar with, many of these being published both weekly and on-line.
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Course Description:
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3 semester hours credit. Prerequisites: Either INSS 510, INSS 520, or permission of the Program Director. Provides analysis of data communications technology and its application within the public and private sector enterprise. Gives an in-depth view of the communications environment, data communications and telecommunications equipment, and local and wide area networks. The student is involved in case studies of communications systems design in educational, industrial, governmental, and military environments.
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Course Goals:
Upon completion of the course, participants should:
1. Understand the different network topologies, and their advantages and disadvantages.
2. Understand issues involved in network security and data integrity.
3. Understand the strengths and limitations of the Internet.
4. Discuss the roles of IT professionals in network design and maintenance.
5. Be able to research current topics in networking.
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Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Discuss the evolution of networks and the Internet
2. Explain the hierarchical, layered structure of a typical network architecture
3. Describe emerging network technologies and assess their capabilities, limitations, and near-term potential
4. Discuss important network standards in their historical context
5. Describe the responsibilities of the layers of the ISO reference model
6. Explain how a network can detect and correct transmission errors
7. Illustrate how a packet is routed over the Internet
8. Discuss the fundamental ideas of public-key cryptography
9. Summarize common authentication protocols
10. Summarize the capabilities and limitations of the means of cryptography that are currently available
11. Explain the different roles and responsibilities of clients and servers for a range of possible applications.
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Grading Information:
Grades for this course will be assigned as follows:
A 92%
B 80 – 91%
C 70 – 79%
F Below 70%
Please note that Bowie State University does not use "D" for graduate students. The grade F(a) is used to designate academic failure. F(n) is used to designate failure for non-completion. Grades of Incomplete or Withdrawal are governed by UMUC-Europe policies. For further details, please refer to the UMUC-Europe Graduate Catalog, available in your local Education Center or online at http://www.ed.umuc.edu/general_info/publications/catalogs.
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Course Requirements:
Graduate school at the masters level focuses on helping students obtain the education needed for success as professionals in their chosen fields. Thus, UMUC-Europe Graduate Programs and Bowie State University share the common goals of promoting excellence in academic scholarship through thoughtful inquiry and the skillful application of knowledge and theory for the betterment of society.
In order to maximize your graduate educational experience in general and this course in particular, you are required to:
20% - 2 Assignments
10% - 1 Paper and presentation
10% - Class Participation
30% - Midterm
30% - Final
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Description of Course Requirements:
Attendance: The student is responsible for attending all classes and any related activities regularly and punctually. Absences from class do not excuse a student from missed coursework. Much of the benefits of this course is derived from practice with other during class sessions. It is expected, therefore, that the assigned chapters be read before each class meeting so students may participate during class time to the fullest.
Class Discussions: Students are encouraged (indeed, expected) to participate. Ask questions.
Homework Assignments: Two extensive homework assignments will be given. You are responsible for solving all problems assigned. Completing all the homework problems should help you prepare for the exams. If there are any problems that you found difficult or were unable to solve, be prepared to ask questions concerning those problems.
Term Paper: The purpose of the term paper is to acquire specific knowledge about a subject related to the course. Please do not attempt a survey of a complex, broad subject (like LANs), but focus on a specific problem, issue, or new technology. If you include two fields, it must be because you are planning to report in depth about a system which includes both of them (i.e., a comparison). Your paper should be an in-depth study which extends material covered in our textbook. The paper should be approximately 7 to 10 pages in length.
Presentation: Graduate students will create a Powerpoint presentation based on the term paper. You will use the classroom computer and projection system to present your findings to the class.
Exams: Students will complete two exams, which will include questions that will assist you in developing the writing and critical thinking skills necessary for successfully passing the comprehensive exam required of all graduate students.
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Course Schedule:
31 Jan
Chapters 1, 2
Class Overview
Intro to Networks and Data Communications; Data & Signals.
1 Feb
Chapters 3, 4
Conducted and Wireless Media; Making Connections.
14 Feb
Chapters 5, 6
Multiplexing; Error Detection and Error Control
15 Feb
Chapter 7
LANs: The Basics; Midterm in the Afternoon
28 Feb
Chapters 8, 9
LANs: Internetworking; LANs: Software and Support
29 Feb
Chapters 10, 11
MANs and WANs; The Internet
13 Mar
Chapter 12, 13
Telecommunications Systems; Network Security
14 Mar
Chapter 14
Network Design Development; Final Exam in Afternoon
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Academic Policies:
Please refer to the UMUC - Europe Graduate Catalog, available online at http://www.ed.umuc.edu/general_info/publications/catalogs/index.html or from your local Education Center, for information on the following:
Academic Integrity
Course Load
Exception to Policy
Grade Appeal Process
Make-up Examinations
Nondiscrimination
Students with Disabilities
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Faculty Bio:
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Carl Scharpf received his M.S. degree from the University of Southern California (USC) in 1986. After graduating, he spent 10 years managing computer facilities and teaching at USC’s School of Engineering. Since then, he has continued teaching at the university level and has worked at Microsoft.
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