Associate Degree in Computer Systems (Networking)

 

Traineeship option available
Course Code
: 
ADCS1 
CRICOS Code: 054850M 
Centre:
Information and Communications Technology
Location:
Nelson Campus
Study Area: Information Technology 
Study Area Sub Category: Computer Systems (Networking) 
Jump to:
Subjects

What does this course involve?

As you read this information, please note the course is going to be re-accredited. There will be minor changes to the information provided here.

This course will give you advanced computer skills and knowledge of business operations to help you advance or start your career in the information and communications technology industry.

You will gain essential skills in networking and routing, computer systems hardware and software and switching principles.

You will learn about computer architecture, internet technologies and operating systems.

This course will also teach you about business management and industry practices.

Box Hill Institute is a Super Cisco Networking Academy (one of only four in the world) and as such the degree offers subjects leading to Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP) in addition to Microsoft certifications (MCP), Oracle (OCA), Linux Professional Institute.

This course is also available to international students.

What employment opportunities will I have?

This course may provide you with employment opportunities as a:

  • help desk support officer
  • computer networking associate
  • internet or intranet network administrator
  • network professional or analyst
  • junior network design engineer.


As a student, the Institute’s Employment Service is your first port of call for advice on gaining employment in this field, and can be contacted on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Victorian Office of Higher Education.

What further study options will I have?

You can progress into the Bachelor of Computer Systems (Networking) or similar courses at other higher education organisations.

Can I apply?

  • You must have successfully completed Year 12, with a study score of at least 20 in maths (any) and 20 in English (any). Additional consideration will be given for achievement in physics, chemistry, systems and technology, technological design and development and/or mathematics methods
  • Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Engineering graduates are eligible for direct entry with up to 18 months credit
  • If you do not meet the above criteria you must present evidence of current employment or experience in the ICT industry and evidence of your ability to meet the demands of the program. You must also be 21 years or more by 1 January in the year you commence study

How do I apply?

  • To apply for a full time position in this course you must use the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) process. Details of the VTAC application process are at www.vtac.edu.au and in the VTAC Guide, which is available from leading newsagents and libraries from August. If the Institute still has vacancies after the VTAC places have been offered, you will be able to apply directly to the Institute.

  • To apply for a part time place (or off campus place if applicable) in this course, you will need to contact the Institute directly.

If you have any queries, please contact the Institute on 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445).

How will I be selected for this course?

  • Individual interview
  • Assessment of application

Length of course

Full time - 2 years
Part time is available

Where will I study?

Nelson Campus

What costs and other fees should I expect?

Self Funded $11,520.00 per year. Fee information for Associate Degree in Computer Systems (Networking)
If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, the 2010 annual course fee for study on a full-time basis is $11,520. If you are an Australian citizen, you may be eligible for FEE-HELP, which is an Australian Government loan scheme set up to enable you to defer part or all of your tuition fees until you are working and can afford to pay them back. (Fees subject to change in 2011.)

How will I be assessed?

  • Oral presentation
  • Written assessment
  • Practical assessment
  • Project work
  • Examination or testing
  • Online assessment

Will my previous experience or study count?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Current Competencies (RCC) takes into account the knowledge and skills you’ve already gained through your previous education and work. This may be through formal or informal training, paid or unpaid work experience, and can earn you credit if relevant to your chosen course.
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Subjects

Year 1
ICT112
Networking and routing basics
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
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
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
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
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.
ICT111
Analogue and digital fundamentals
ICT124
Internet technologies
ICT125
Industry practices
Year 2
ICT212
Advanced routing
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
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.
ICT215
Business management
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
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
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.
ICT220
Business data communication
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.
ICT214
Object orientated design and programming
ICT225
Strategic project management
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