Course Syllabus
Local Area Networking - CO233
2 credit hours
Winter 2012

INSTRUCTOR
Katie VanderMeer
Office:  212 ATC
Phone:  234-3991
Fax:  234-3665
E-mail: kvandermeer@grcc.edu
Office Hours: Check my website. http://www.katievandermeer.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Computer Local Area Networks (LAN) are thoroughly studied. Students learn the different topologies, terminology and theories that pertain to the field of networks.  Operating systems briefly discussed include UNIX and Windows servers.   Students will study exam objectives for CompTia's Network+ exam.  Hands on experience will be gained by working with networked PCs.

The Network+ Certification Exam
The Network+ Certification Exam is designed to certify the knowledge of networking technicians with 18 to 24 months of experience in the information technology industry.  Ideally, you will have an A+ certification or equivalent knowledge before you pursue this certification.  However, it is not mandatory.

The Network+ exam will test your skills and knowledge as they relate to the IT industry.  The subject area is separated into two groups:  your knowledge of networking technologies, and your knowledge of networking practices.  Although you will be tested in two areas, there is only one comprehensive test.

COURSE FOCUS
Primary focus will be to discuss networking commands, equipment, and topologies used to assemble, integrate, and use a local area network.  All homework assignments, class presentations, student records, and other helpful links can be found at http://www.katievandermeer.com and BlackBoard.

STUDENT CONTRIBUTION AND MATERIALS
Attendance is critical in this class.  This class will consist of lab and lecture.  

The required textbook for this course is:

Title:  Network+ Guide to Networks:  5th Ed.
Publisher:  Course Technologies
Author:  Tamara Dean
ISBN #:  1-423-90245-9

ABSENCE AND STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY
You are expected to attend all classes.  Absences are discouraged because interaction with the class is an integral part of learning computer networking.  Attendance will be taken daily.  If you are late you need to inform the instructor so you can be added to the attendance list.  Un-excused absences from tests and project presentations may result in a score of 0 for that test.  Two un-excused absences may result in being dropped from the course.  If an emergency prevents you from attending class, it is your responsibility to obtain notes from a classmate and study them for understanding.  The responsibility for obtaining and completing all missed work rests solely upon the student.

STUDENT ETIQUETTE / ACADEMIC HONESTY
Whenever you are in the classroom, please set your beeper to silent (vibrate etc.) operation, and turn off your cellular phone if possible.  If your circumstances warrant special consideration, please let me know.  Unless otherwise specified, do not use class time to surf the web.

GRCC holds to high ideals of academic and personal honesty and expects every student to do likewise.  Dishonest acts like cheating, lying, and plagiarism will not be tolerated.  (Grand Rapids Community College catalogue).  There is a big difference between two students working together on a project, and a student simply copying work from another.  In this class no credit will be given for work that has been copied from another source.

AUDIT
If you wish to audit the course (take it for no credit), you must notify me of your intent within the first two weeks of the class.  An audit means you do not get a grade of "V" or receive credit for the classes attended and are exempted from taking tests, examinations, or writing term papers.  You may still participate in all other activities.

WITHDRAWAL/INCOMPLETES
The "withdrawal" process is used to correct enrollment problems or because of unexpected or unusual events of catastrophic impact. The student must initiate all drops.  A student may drop a class and receive a "W" until the date of 70% of class completion.  There is no penalty to a student's GPA when receiving a "W".  If student does not drop before the 70% date and stops attending classes, instructor may assign a WP (Withdraw-Passing), WF (Withdraw-Failing), or NS (No-Show--never came to class at all).  There is no penalty for a WP, WF, or NS -- however instructor has the right to assign a grade based on work completed if attendance stops during the final 30% of the class.

In other words -- if you want to drop, do so before the 70% date through the Registrar's Office.  I cannot give you a W.  However, if you don't, I can give you an A, B, C, D, E, WP, WF, or NS based upon graded and missed work.

I do not assign incomplete grades.  You must finish the course by the end, withdraw, or take a WF.

TUTORS AND LAB HOURS
The College maintains a staff of both professional and student tutors.  These people are available to help at no charge to you.  When utilizing tutors be prepared for appointment, bring books, disks and notes, and read assignment prior to meeting.  You should attend class regularly and pay attention as these tutors are there to assist you with difficulties, not to do your homework for you.  You may contact them in room 215 of the Applied Technology Center.  In general, the labs are open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.  On Saturday, they are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.  On Sunday, the lab is open from 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

DISABLED STUDENTS
All students with disabilities must register with disability services http://www.grcc.edu/disability. A variety of services are available for your assistance.

CHILDREN IN THE CLASSROOM
The college prohibits children in the classroom, and unattended children on campus.

CAMPUS POLICE
The College maintains a campus police staff to help you with any problems.  They are located on the 4th floor of the Main Building near the elevators.  You can call them at 234-4010.  If you are in doubt whether to call, please call.  Campus Police can also help with medical problems, car problems, or escorts.

GRADING AND EVALUATION
Students will be graded on the basis of total points earned for the assigned projects. Homework and quizzes will not be accepted if more than 2 weeks past the due date.

Grading within the course will be computed using the following criteria:
Based on 514 points

Course evaluation will be determined using the following scale:

Percent

Grade

Percent

Grade

93-100

A

73-76

C

90-92

A-

70-72

C-

87-89

B+

67-69

D+

86-83

B

63-66

D

80-82

B-

60-62

D-

77-79

C+

0-59

E

COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the end of this course, you will know...

 

SCHEDULE

All schedules are tentative and subject to change

Wednesday

 

 

Wednesday

 

January 11

Introduction to Class
Chapter 1 Lecture

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January 18

Lab Day
Warriors of the Net

Certification Information
Chapter 1 Assignments Due

January 25

Chapter 2 Lecture

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February 1

Chapter 3 Lecture
Chapter 2 Assignments Due

February 8

Lab Day
Chapter 3 Assignments Due

INCLUDES IN CLASS LAB- WIRE CRIMPING

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February 15

Chapter 4 Lecture
Chapter 4 Assignments Due
INCLUDES IN CLASS LAB - WIRESHARK

February 22

Chapter 5 Lecture
Chapter 5 Assignments Due
Midterm Announcement

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February 29

Midterm Exam Due

March 7

NO CLASS - SPRING BREAK

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March 14

Chapter 6 Lecture
Chapter 8 Lecture -- Read on your own
Chapter 9 Lecture

March 21

Lab Day
INCLUDES IN CLASS LAB - OPEN SOURCE PROJECT AND WINDOWS SERVER PAPER
Chapter 6 Assignments Due
Chapter 8 Assignments Due

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March 28

Lab Day
INCLUDES IN CLASS LAB - OPEN SOURCE PROJECT AND WINDOWS SERVER PAPER cont...
Chapter 9 Assignments Due

April 4

Chapter 10 Lecture

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April 11

Lab Day
Chapter 10 Assignments Due

Final Exam Announcement

April 18

Final Exam Due
Last day of class

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**Tests and homework are subject to change