Associate Degree in Computer Systems (Networking)

Subject Details

ICT111 – Analogue and digital fundamentals - (78 hours)

This subject is intended to serve as a basic introduction to analogue and digital components and the concepts applicable to computer hardware. Various physical laws and phenomena, which either enhance or degrade the operation of a computer, will be discussed along with basic digital fundamentals. This will follow on to a study of analogue and digital components and subsystems that support computer hardware leading on to the application of more complex analogue and digital systems. Finally, the importance and the implementations of circuit protection and electrical safety will be introduced.

ICT112 – Networking and routing basics - (91 hours)

This subject provides students with a solid basis in networking and routing. This involves an examination of networking from the OSI 7 layer model and TCP/IP perspectives. Students will learn the function and operation of appropriate equipment from each layer. Finally, given a small to medium network specification, students will perform the task of commissioning a network themselves.

ICT113 – Computer systems hardware and software - (78 hours)

This subject is an introduction to computer systems hardware and software, emphasising the PC as an example of a modern computer system. It embodies all aspects of hardware construction, fault-finding and commissioning of a system to a basic specification. In addition to hardware issues, an appropriate operating system will be selected for installation and commissioning. Appropriate hardware devices and associated software will also be selected, installed and commissioned to meet a given set of specifications.

ICT114 – Mathematics for computing - (65 hours)

The aim of this subject is to equip students with a set of fundamental mathematical skills, which will allow them to better comprehend the technical concepts encountered throughout the course. Students will firstly be introduced to analytical techniques applicable to hardware applications, such as statistics and queuing theory. This will follow on to numerical methods applicable to software applications, error analysis and topology.

ICT122 – Switching principles and WAN technologies - (91 hours)

This subject examines the principles of switching and common routing and wide area network technologies. The students will examine the fundamentals of switched network design, especially the use of trunking and VLANs. The subject culminates in a network design involving configuration and commissioning of the network. Students will then examine principles of scaling IP address and current WAN technologies.

ICT123 – Computer architecture - (65 hours)

This subject is intended to be an introduction to the principles of computer architecture. Features of computer architecture will be discussed with particular emphasis on performance enhancement techniques. The architectural features and performance of different computer systems will be compared. Finally, parallel architectures will be introduced, which will define the direction of all modern computer architecture designs.

ICT124 – Internet technologies - (78 hours)

This subject is designed to introduce students to many of the issues arising from the use of the internet as a learning tool. In particular, the issues of privacy, current standards and social implications will be discussed. After a detailed investigation of web based resources, students will then create their own interactive web page using a modern web design package and advanced layout features.

ICT125 – Industry practices - (52 hours)

This subject is designed to enhance the students’ awareness of the non-technical skills required for success in the workplace and consideration of the role of a computer systems graduate in society. Issues related to interpersonal and communication skills and a clear knowledge of the industry will be discussed, as well as self-management and efficiency. The subject aims to help students understand that technical skills alone cannot guarantee a successful career.

ICT212 – Advanced routing - (78 hours)

This subject builds on the basic routing principles considered in first year. It is designed to take students to the level of system evaluation and configuration. Students will be expected to exhibit a higher level of autonomy in designing, configuring and commissioning a medium sized network.

ICT213 – Multi-user operating systems administration - (78 hours)

This subject introduces students to the technical and administrative challenges of centrally controlling a multi-user network. The Unix environment will be introduced, along with such concepts as multitasking, security, and print management and data backup. The technical aspects of installation and maintenance will also be discussed.

ICT214 – Object orientated design and programming - (78 hours)

This subject serves as an introduction to Object Oriented computer programming. The major paradigms of program design will firstly be discussed, along with coding and program design tools. Students will then be exposed to hands-on experience designed to consolidate the concepts learnt in lectures.

ICT215 – Business management - (52 hours)

In this subject two aspects of Business Management will be examined: organisational leadership and financial planning. Styles of organisational structure, strong leadership and effective management of people will also be explored. Some theoretical concepts will be introduced related to the various categories of management style and positional hierarchies of people in organisations. However, a strong emphasis will also be placed on observing and reporting on real examples in order to demonstrate the value of these concepts. The subject will also investigate principles of sound business accounting practice and financial planning and introduce various tools of financial planning and analysis, along with the reasons for their value in decision making.

ICT222 – Remote access - (78 hours)

This subject introduces students to the technical challenges of wide area network administration. Students will be introduced to relevant concepts such as queuing and bandwidth optimisation and control. Finally, this subject will require students to construct a simple WAN to reinforce the concept introduced.

ICT223 – Operating systems 1 - (78 hours)

This subject examines the structure and function of an Operating System. A modern operating system will then be examined in order to see how these fundamental principles are typically deployed. Students will consolidate these concepts with hands on laboratory work.

ICT225 – Strategic project management - (52 hours)

This subject is designed to provide detailed knowledge and understanding as a foundation for initiating and managing ICT projects. Traditional project scheduling methods are presented including PERT and other techniques that lead to the effective control of, and resource allocation to, competing activities. Project leadership, project risk, financial management and the development and management of high-performance teams will also be explored.

ICT220 – Business data communication - (52 hours)

The ability to transmit data from one location to another is fundamental to our daily lives. This subject will provide the student with an overview of key aspects of Computer Networks and Data Communications.