Course Title: Design, build and test a network server
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2013
Course Code: COSC6124C
Course Title: Design, build and test a network server
School: 650T TAFE Business
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5300 - Diploma of Information Technology
Course Contact : Paul Lewis
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 1615
Course Contact Email:paul.lewis@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Michael Edwards michael.edwards@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 50
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to design, install and test a server in a complex network environment. Students will work in teams to plan, install, configure and troubleshoot a small Windows network according to organisational requirements.
This unit is delivered using a blend of classroom based and self-paced learning activities.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
ICANWK505A Design, build and test a network server |
Element: |
1. Plan and design network servers to meet business requirements |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Consult with client and key stakeholders to identify requirements |
Element: |
2. Prepare for network server installation |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Prepare for work, according to site-specific safety requirements and enterprise OHS processes and procedures |
Element: |
3. Build and configure the servers according to design |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Install network operating system to design specifications using installation checklists |
Element: |
4. Test and reconfigure network servers |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Test server for benchmarking against client specification and requirements according to test plan, and record outcomes |
Element: |
5. Complete and document network design and installation |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Make and document server configuration and operational changes |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.
Learning activities will include laboratory-based sessions on a variety of topics as shown in the weekly breakdown. Learning activities will generally consist of practical computer exercises based on teacher handouts. Students should attend all sessions.
Students will also be expected to undertake work on a variety of activities for homework.
The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.
We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.
Teaching Schedule
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Week | Week Commencing | Topics | Assessment | Competencies Delivered |
1 | 8th Jul 2013 | Pre-training review: |
ICASAS518A ICANWK505A |
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2 | 15th Jul 2013 | Chap 2 - Installing Windows Server 2008 |
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3 | 22nd Jul 2013 | Chap 4 - Active Directory & accounts |
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4 | 29th Jul 2013 | Chap 5 - File & folder security Practical review exercise |
ICASAS518A ICANWK505A |
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5 | 5th Aug 2013 | Chap 6 - Configuring printer services Chap 7 - Managing partitions & backups * |
* Parts of Chap 7 only | ICASAS518A ICANWK505A |
6 | 12th Aug 2013 | Chap 8 - Network services (DNS, DHCP, IIS) Introduction to Group Policy |
ICASAS518A ICANWK505A |
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7 | 19th Aug 2013 | Chap 10 - Security (group policy, firewall etc) Exercise on Group Policy |
ICASAS518A ICANWK505A |
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8 | 26th Aug 2013 | Chap 11 - Server monitoring * Chap 12 - Managing system problems * |
* Parts of Chaps 11 &12 only | ICASAS518A ICANWK505A |
MID-SEMESTER BREAK (2nd Sep - 6th Sep 2013 inclusive) | ||||
9 | 9th Sep 2013 | Practical review exercise. Review of concepts | ||
10 | 16th Sep 2013 | Skills Assessment (whole class) | TASK 1 - Skills Assessment conducted | ICASAS518A ICANWK505A |
11 | 23rd Sep 2013 | Class work on system configuration task, including system design & setup | TASK 2 - System Requirements issued | ICASAS518A ICANWK505A |
12 | 30th Sep 2013 | Class work on system configuration task, including system setup & testing | TASK 2 - System Design completed | ICASAS518A ICANWK505A |
13 | 7th Oct 2013 | Class work on system configuration task, including setup & testing. User profiles | ICASAS518A ICANWK505A |
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14 | 14th Oct 2013 | Deployment of Windows 7 or 8 to clients PCs. System testing & documentation | TASK 2 - System Setup completed (end of week) | ICASAS518A ICANWK505A |
15 | 21st Oct 2013 | System demonstrations. Work on system documentation | TASK 2 - System Design Documentation due (end of week) | ICASAS518A ICANWK505A |
16 | 28th Oct 2013 | Course & assessment feedback. Re-submission of work if required | ICASAS518A ICANWK505A |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Palmer, M (2009), Hands-On Windows Server, Course Technology, ISBN: 978-1-470-4239-0234-8 |
References
Other Resources
Students may also refer to various Websites and other textbooks as indicated their teacher.
Overview of Assessment
Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of competency to be deemed competent.
A range of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills and knowledge, for example:
- direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
- review of authenticated documents from the workplace or training environment
- demonstration of techniques
Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.
Assessment Tasks
You are required to complete 2 tasks. You must successfully complete each task to be deemed competent in this unit.
TASK 1 – Skills Assessment (Conducted in Week 10)
This assessment will consist of an in-class practical task in which you will be expected to complete series of practical tasks related to installing a Windows system and configuring and troubleshooting your server. These tasks will need to be performed in the classroom using the systems you installed and configured in the initial weeks. You will also need to capture screen shots and answer questions relating to your understanding of these tasks.
You will also be questioned your knowledge and understanding of the key concepts associated with installing and configuring a Windows Server. You will also need a basic understanding of networking concepts in general. Resources such as Websites, textbooks may be used.
In order to be deemed competent in this task you will need to demonstrate knowledge and skills in all areas of the course.
TASK 2 - System Configuration Task (Due Dates: Refer to Teaching Schedule)
For this assessment task you will be asked to plan and develop a small Windows Server network. Some of the task will require that you work in pairs or in a small team. You will be given broad specifications of the requirements for the installation and configuration of your server, but will need to plan and experiment with the exact setup.
Initially you will need to consult with your client, in this case the teacher, and will receive feedback as to the suitability of your setup. Your system design will need to be fully documented, with tables, diagrams and screen shots all recommended. After final testing and re-configuring the network, you will be expected to submit your revised design, together with any important
In order to be deemed competent in this task you will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in all elements of both competencies in this course. Therefore you will need to:
- Clarify organisational procedures & client requirements
- Plan the network setup per the requirements
- Prepare for the installation
- Install the server and client operating systems
- Configure network drivers & printers etc
- Configuring the Windows desktop etc
- Set up appropriate folder security etc
- Build and configure the server eg set up any required server roles
- Test and re-configure the server if required
- Finalise and document the network design
Work for each major stage of the project (outlined below) should be submitted or demonstrated on the due date, as per the Teaching Schedule. You will be expected to submit and retain soft copies of any documents required. In some cases printouts may be required. Stages of the project are:
- System Design
- System Setup
- System Documentation
You will receive feedback or confirmation at each stage in relation to client requirements. In many cases changes or modifications will be required. It is therefore vital that any design documentation and demonstrations be completed in a timely manner.
Assessment Matrix
N/A
Other Information
Submission Requirements
Assessment tasks need to be submitted via Blackboard.
You should:
- Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. If your performance in the assessment is affected by unexpected circumstances, you should consider applying for Special Consideration. Information on the process and application forms is available at http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ls0ydfokry9rz website.
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Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
- When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of work for assessment is available on blackboard.
- Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.
Resubmission Guide:
Once a student has submitted an assessment task, a resubmission may be granted if deemed NYC. On resubmission, a student will not receive a grade higher than CAG (Competency achieved).
Marking Guide (Competency):
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is based on current industry needs and the focus on preparing you for the workplace. Because VET courses are informed by practical application of knowledge and skills, they are based on a system known as ‘competency based training’ (CBT).
So when you are assessed in VET it is about whether you are competent to do the job, as well as having a firm grasp on the knowledge and skills required to do that job, as opposed to traditional curriculum based education settings that are often based on knowledge retention.
You need to demonstrate you are competent in each element of the unit of competency you are studying.
You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you whether you are competent or not and how well you are performing. Once competent in all elements of the unit you receive a competency grading.
Please refer to the Final Grades table below.
Marking Guide (Grading):
After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit; this gives you the opportunity to have the level of your performance formally recognized against industry standards and employability skills.
The grading will include the following criteria:
1. LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE, INITIATIVE, ENTERPRISE AND PERFORMANCE OF WORK TASK
We are looking for a high level of ability to complete all tasks independently as per the specifications given to in class. You should endeavour to demonstrate a high level of initiative in your approach to installing your system and designing, building and testing your server. Problem-solving in particular will require considerable amount of resourcefulness.
2. DEMONSTRATED BREADTH OF UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND A WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE LEARNING
We are looking for depth of understanding of the key concepts and knowledge required installing a Windows system and planning, configuring and troubleshooting your server. You will also need a basic understanding of networking concepts in general. You should be prepared to research topics to improve your understanding.
3. TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND PROBLEM SOLVING
We are looking for proficiency in the various skills required of a Windows Server administrator and ability to address organisational requirements. You should aim to consistently demonstrate your skills in each of the class exercises as well as in the final assessment task.
You also need to be able to overcome the various problems which that can arise configuring and testing a small Windows Server network. You will need to demonstrate a degree of perseverance, and be able research possible solutions via the Web.
4. WORK ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND SELF MANAGEMENT
You should aim to attend all class sessions and complete all class exercises and assessment tasks you are assigned in a timely manner. Course documents should be stored on your home drive or a USB device. An organised folder structure is highly recommended.
It will be very advantageous to prepare for and review class materials using suggested resources, such as the recommended textbook or Websites indicated by your teacher.
5. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE NETWORKING, LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND TEAMWORK
We expect to see contributions to relevant discussions in class and with your partner. For a many of the practical tasks, such as the final assessment task, you will need to work effectively in pairs or teams, and manage your work to complete these tasks as required. You will also need to liaise with your team leader (in this case your teacher) in order to ensure that all requirements have been met.
Final Grades Table:
CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment
Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview