Bachelor of Computer Systems (Networking)

 

Traineeship option available
Course Code
: 
BCS01 
CRICOS Code: 053076G 
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?

This degree is unique in that it combines the best aspects of a practically oriented course with theoretical concepts. Students will work with state-of-the-art equipment in small classes with professionally qualified lecturing staff.

You will complete 16 core units in the first and second year. The final year includes two industry based projects and six units related to advanced level computer networking subjects.

Students will study:

  • all aspects of computer networking
  • operating systems
  • network security
  • business management and practices
  • internet technologies
  • emerging technologies
  • entrepreneurship and innovation.

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)and Linux Professional.

This course is also available to international students.

What employment opportunities will I have?

Upon completion of this program you would be eligible to apply for the commonly advertised positions but are not limited to the following:

  • computer networking engineer
  • internet/intranet network administrator
  • network analyst
  • network design engineer
  • network capacity planner
  • network solutions architect
  • systems engineer
  • systems analyst.

Graduates have been employed with high profile companies such as IBM.


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 and the Australian Computer Society.

What further study options will I have?

This course enables you to further your studies and pursue higher education programs at other tertiary organisations. Articulation paths have been established into the Honours and Masters programs of several Australian universities.

Can I apply?

  • You must have successfully completed VCE, 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.

  • If you do not meet the above criteria you must present evidence of current employment or experience in the ICT industry together with evidence of your ability to meet the demands of the program and you must 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 - 3 years
Part time - 6 years

Students may transfer between FT and PT modes easily.

Where will I study?

Nelson Campus

What costs and other fees should I expect?

Self Funded $11,520.00 per year. Fee information for Bachelor of 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.
^Top

 
Subjects

Year 1
ICT111
Analogue and digital fundamentals
ICT124
Internet technologies
ICT125
Industry practices
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.
Year 2
ICT214
Object orientated design and programming
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.
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.
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.
ICT225
Strategic project management
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.
Year 3 - Core
ICT311
Network security
This subject serves as an introduction to the problems posed by data security in networked computer systems. The vulnerability of these systems to malicious activity will firstly be considered. This will follow on to the various technical methodologies and management policies designed to protect systems from such activity. The emphasis will be on higher level activities such as policy decisions and network configuration. Students will be exposed to advanced techniques in network security and will consolidate these with laboratory and assignment work.
ICT315
Entrepreneurship and innovation
This unit provides students with an understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation and new venture management. Students will learn how to leverage business management knowledge and use it successfully in entrepreneurial ventures. A key focus will be the development of enterprising and entrepreneurial attitudes, skills and behaviours to ensure the effective establishment, management or work, regardless of organisational context.
ICT316
Computer systems project A
This subject provides students with an opportunity to put into practice the knowledge and practical skills learned during the course in a relevant ICT industry setting. Each student will undertake an ICT-based project under the dual supervision of a staff member from the Centre for Computer Technology and an industry partner. The aim of the project will be to develop a new ICT product or enhance an existing service.
ICT321
Emerging technologies 2
This subject is designed to keep students abreast of current trends and potential future changes in technology. A selection of technologies will be discussed, along with the reasons for their emergence and/or their potential to transform the current technology market. It is envisaged that this subject will explore new technologies, and as an area matures, this new technology will become a subject in its own right, in a future accreditation process.
ICT326
Computer systems project B
This elective allows students to extend project work undertaken in Computer Systems Project A. It provides an opportunity for students with a strong commitment to research or those whose projects prove particularly fruitful to undertake lengthier projects. The learning outcomes are similar to those prescribed for Computer Systems Project A. Each student will work under the dual supervision of a staff member from the Centre for Computer Technology and an industry partner. The aim of the project will be to further develop an ICT project or service.
ICT327
Mobile computing and innovative applications
Year 3 Electives - Internetworking (Speciality)
ICT312
Multilayer switching
This subject builds on the concepts of routing and remote access introduced in second year. A strong emphasis will be placed on practical work to enhance these concepts. Students will be exposed to the challenge of designing and implementing a multilayer switching design local area network.
ICT322
Internetworking troubleshooting
This subject introduces the students to effective techniques in finding and solving problems within a medium sized WAN and LAN network design. Various debugging methodologies, diagnosis tools and documentation techniques will be introduced in lectures and consolidated with the use of case studies, real examples and short tests.
Year 3 Electives - Operating Systems (Speciality)
ICT313
Operating systems 2
ICT323
Operating systems 3
Year 3 Electives - Programming (Speciality)
ICT314
Database and information retrieval 1
ICT324
Database and information retrieval 2
ICT320
Computer systems project
^Top