Course Title: Data Communication and Net-Centric Computing

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Data Communication and Net-Centric Computing

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
COSC1110	Bundoora Campus	Undergraduate	140H Computer Science & Information Technology	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006
COSC1111	City Campus	Undergraduate	140H Computer Science & Information Technology	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006, Sem 2 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 2 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 2 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 2 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 2 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 2 2014, Sem 2 2015, Sem 1 2016, Sem 2 2016
COSC1111	City Campus	Undergraduate	171H School of Science	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2017, Sem 2 2017, Sem 1 2018, Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019, Sem 2 2020
COSC1111	City Campus	Undergraduate	175H Computing Technologies	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2022, Sem 1 2024
COSC2061	City Campus	Postgraduate	140H Computer Science & Information Technology	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2006, Sem 2 2006, Sem 1 2007, Sem 2 2007, Sem 1 2008, Sem 2 2008, Sem 1 2009, Sem 2 2009, Sem 2 2010, Sem 1 2011, Sem 2 2011, Sem 1 2012, Sem 2 2012, Sem 1 2013, Sem 2 2014, Sem 2 2015, Sem 1 2016
COSC2061	City Campus	Postgraduate	171H School of Science	Face-to-Face	Sem 1 2017, Sem 2 2017, Sem 1 2018, Sem 2 2018, Sem 2 2019
COSC2174	RMIT University Vietnam	Undergraduate	140H Computer Science & Information Technology	Face-to-Face	Viet1 2008, Viet2 2008, Viet3 2008, Viet1 2009, Viet2 2009, Viet1 2010, Viet3 2010, Viet2 2011, Viet1 2012, Viet3 2012, Viet2 2013, Viet3 2014, Viet2 2015, Viet1 2016
COSC2174	RMIT University Vietnam	Undergraduate	171H School of Science	Face-to-Face	Viet2 2017, Viet1 2018, Viet3 2018, Viet1 2019, Viet3 2021
COSC2174	RMIT University Vietnam	Undergraduate	175H Computing Technologies	Face-to-Face	Viet3 2022, Viet3 2023, Viet2 2024, Viet3 2024
COSC2238	Taylors College KL	Undergraduate	140H Computer Science & Information Technology	Face-to-Face	Offsh 3 10
COSC2442	Open Learning Australia	Non Award	175H Computing Technologies	Distance / Correspondence	OUASP1UG23
COSC2713	RMIT Vietnam Hanoi Campus	Undergraduate	175H Computing Technologies	Face-to-Face	Viet3 2023, Viet2 2024, Viet3 2024

Flexible Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
COSC2687	OUA CSP	Undergraduate	171H School of Science	Internet	OUACSP2021 (All)
COSC2687	OUA CSP	Undergraduate	175H Computing Technologies	Internet	OUACSP2023 (All)

Course Coordinator: Dr Fengling Han

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3402

Course Coordinator Email: fengling.han@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: City Campus, 14.11.27

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment.

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None

Course Description

This course aims to provide a broad introduction to the fundamentals of data communication and network technology. The emphasis is on data communication from the perspective of computer scientists and information technologists. The course covers the underlying mechanisms and their characteristics that need to be considered by communicating application software.

Topics include:

• principles and reference models of data communication,
• basic operation of communication systems,
• protocols, error handling and applications in networked environments.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This is an option course, however it will contribute to the following program learning outcomes:

1. Knowledge
   Apply a broad and coherent set of knowledge and skills for developing user-centric solutions for contemporary societal challenges.

1. Cognitive and Technical Skills
   Critically analyse and evaluate user requirements and design systems employing software development tools, techniques and emerging technologies.

1. Problem Solving
   Apply systematic problem solving and decision-making methodologies to identify, design and implement computing solutions to real world problems, demonstrating the ability to work independently to self-manage processes and projects

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. describe, explain, and communicate the basic concepts of data communication
2. demonstrate knowledge of higher-level aspects of data communications and network technology, details of the underlying mechanisms, principles, reference models, protocols, error handling, appropriate for the development of software applications in a networked environment
3. identify and explain emerging networking technologies
4. analyse communications systems that use the TCP/IP protocol suite and the abstract 7-layer OSI reference model
5. apply knowledge of data communication concepts to solve problems involving data communications
6. apply mathematical/analytic skills to basic performance evaluation, utilization, throughput, and delay.

Please note that postgraduate students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and skills at postgraduate level.

Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as: 

• Lectorials: Key concepts will be explained in lectorials in which course content will be presented and illustrated with demonstrations and examples.
• Workshop sessions focus on analysing and solving problems, exploration of concepts, practice and get feedback on your progress.
• Assignments, as described in Overview of Assessment (below), requiring an integrated understanding of the subject matter.
• Private study, which should include working through the course as presented in classes and other learning materials and gaining practice at solving conceptual and technical problems.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, andthrough links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course. 

Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course. 

You should make extensive use of computer laboratories and relevant software provided by the School.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the Library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.

Overview of Assessment

Note: this course has no hurdle requirements

Assessment Task 1: OSI model and network protocol
Weighting: 20%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 1, 2 and 5. 

Assessment Task 2: Error control and reliable data communication
Weighting: 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 2, 4 - 6.

Assessment Task 3:Explore emerging technology for advanced data communication
Weighting: 30%
This assessment task supports CLOs: 2 - 6.

Assessment Task 4: End-of-semester assessment
Weighting: 20%, there are two parts, comprising:

• Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ): 10 %
• Answer Questions (open book): 10%

This is a timed and timetabled assessment of 2 hours duration that students must attend on campus. This assessment task supports CLOs: 2, 4, 5 and 6.

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.