CS321, Data Communications
Fall Term, 2007 (3 credits)
Section 1, MWF 9:30-10:20a.m.  Comm101
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INSTRUCTOR: Fr. Boniface Hicks, OSB           OFFICE HOURS:     MW 8:25am-9:25am
OFFICE: 101 Physics Building                        MF 10:25-11:25, Th 1:00-3pm
PHONE: 724-805-2413  or x2413                    And by appointment
EMAIL: boniface.hicks@email.stvincent.edu                 and “drop-in”.    
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:  
This course covers the basics of data communications and networking. The layered approach to data communications is used as a guide, with TCP/IP as the primary example. Course topics include local and wide area networks, network protocols, the Internet, etc. Routers and switches are examined in detail, especially Cisco ones.
 
WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
Data communications and networking form an important and growing subfield within computing. All computing professionals should have some familiarity with this area. A number of jobs require good abilities in data communications and networking, sometimes even well beyond what this course provides. Students are encouraged to study for some of the well-known, vendor-sponsored certification tests in networking, particularly the Cisco CCNA certification.
 
PREREQUISITE/CO-REQUISITE
CS 230 is listed here so that students will have (or be in the process of acquiring) some knowledge of computer hardware (CPU, multiplexers, registers, ports, etc). No knowledge of assembler language itself is needed for CS 321.
 
CORE GOALS
This course contributes especially toward the following core curriculum goals, listed in order of emphasis:
  1. •To form habits of ordered inquiry, logical thinking, and critical analysis
  2. •To develop mathematical skills and quantitative literacy
  3. •To develop effective communication skills
 
CIS DEPARTMENT GOALS
This course contributes to the following departmental goals, listed in order of emphasis. A minimum of software engineering is emphasized in this course, as this is not a software development course. Problem-solving, however, is key to this course.
  1. •The CIS graduate should demonstrate the ability to manage the complexity of a technical problem through the use of good problem solving skills and software engineering skills, as well as ethical and decision-making skills.
  2. •The CIS graduate should have a broad knowledge of the field of computing.
 
COURSE GOALS
Specific course goals include the following. These goals will be assessed through the use of assignments, projects, labs, and tests.
  1. •By the end of the course, the student should be able to explain the main features of the TCP/IP protocol suite.
  2. •By the end of the course, the student should be able to program using TCP sockets.
  3. •By the end of the course, the student should be able to trace the operation of common network activities.
  4. •By the end of the course, the student should be able to explain the operation of typical network devices.
  5. •By the end of the course, the student should be able to configure Cisco routers and switches.
 
These goals will be assessed mainly through the use of homework assignments, in-class work, quizzes and exams.  
 
TEXT: CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide, deluxe ed., by Todd Lammle, Sybex (2005).
We will follow the text for most of the course, but some supplemental materials will also be used to broaden and deepen the material covered.
 
ADDITIONAL READINGS:
Other readings may be assigned and will be available from the instructor, online or in the library.   The SVC Blackboard site will be used for this class.  It may be accessed at cms.stvincent.edu.
 
GRADING:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Final Exam: Fri, Dec 7, 9:30 - 10:20 am
40% Projects, Labs, and Other Assignments (homework)
GRADING SCALE:  
The final grading scale may be curved at the discretion of the instructor, but in order to monitor your progress during the term, you should assume the SVC grading scale as printed in the College Bulletin.  Curved grades will result in a higher letter grade than that achieved solely by the percentages above.  For example, an earned ‘B’ may become a ‘B+’.  The curve depends upon the performance of the class as a whole as well as individual in-class participation and perceived effort.  NOTE:  If a student does not attain a passing average in the exam category, that student will receive a failing grade for the course.
 
EXAMS:  
There will be two exams, which, in total, will account for sixty percent of the final grade. Exams may cover any topics discussed in class, in the text, in any additional readings and in the assignments.  Exams must be taken when scheduled.  No books, notes, electronic devices or other assistance (including other people) are to be used during exams except you may use one two-sided page of handwritten notes.  Cell phones, pagers and PDAs must be turned off during exams. If you have a need to keep a cell phone or pager on during class, please let me know.  Once an exam has begun, you are not permitted to leave the room until you hand in the exam.  If any students miss a test due to verifiable extreme circumstances, the final will be used as the grade for that exam. (See the Section labeled “DEFINITION OF EXTREME VERIFIABLE CIRCUMSTANCES”.)
 
COURSE POLICIES:
Programming involves typing code into a source file, compiling it, testing it and fixing it, if necessary.  For all programming assignments, a hardcopy of the commented program will be turned in and the source code placed on the appropriate CIS dept. network drive.  Any other assignments should be word-processed if at all possible.  If handwritten, the handwriting must be clear and legible.  Late assignments will not receive full credit since the solutions may be discussed in class the day that the assignments are due.  The percent deducted depends upon how late it is turned in.  Do not turn in any exercise or assignment on paper torn from spiral-bound notebooks or on any size paper other than 8.5x11 inch.  Multiple pages must be stapled or paper clipped together or points will be deducted from the assignment grade.  For all assignments and exams, illegible answers will not be graded and no points will be awarded.
 
If you cannot attend a class: Assignments may be placed in the appropriate network drive or emailed to me if you cannot attend a class, but will not be graded until a paper copy is submitted.  The emailed assignment must be received before the start of the class when the assignment is due.  Program source code should be submitted as plain text.  The paper copy must be submitted by the next class period or no points will be awarded for that assignment.  Assignments should be emailed only in case of some emergency and emailed assignments will not be accepted more than twice a term.  Students who are participating in sports are expected to follow the College Handbook procedures for excused absences from class and exams.
 
Students with disabilities who may be eligible for academic accommodations and support services should please contact Mrs. Sandy Quinlivan by phone (724-805-2371), email (sandy.quinlivan@email.stvincent.edu) or by appointment (Academic Affairs-directly above the post office).  Reasonable accommodations do not alter the essential elements of any course, program or activity.  
 
If assignments from two or more students are unduly similar, they will be considered to be in violation of the SVC Academic Honesty Policy, and will be treated as such under the guidelines of that policy.  “Unduly similar” in this case means that a prudent individual would reasonably conclude that the assignments were written/completed by the same person.  The assignment grades for those students involved will be severely penalized and the incident will be reported to the Academic Deans Office.  A second incident will result in failure of the course.
 
Class attendance is most strongly recommended.  Some classes will include in-class assignments, quizzes or computer lab work for which points will be awarded.  If these are missed due to an unexcused absence, they cannot be made up.  Additional points may be added to the final grade based upon class participation.  If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to get any notes, handouts and assignments.  If a medical or sport excuse is provided, you will be given the opportunity to make up missed in-class assignments or quizzes.  After 1 weeks worth of unexcused absences, 3 points will be deducted from your final grade points for each additional missed week-worth of class.
 
If a class or office hours must be canceled for any reason, I will try to contact you by email via Blackboard as soon as I know of the cancellation and post the cancellation on Blackboard.  Therefore, you should check your profile on Blackboard and make sure the email address is one you read frequently.  If assignments are due when a class has been canceled, they may be turned in at the next class without penalty.
 
Students should consult the CIS Department Policies webpage (http://cis.stvincent.edu/policies.html) for additional information regarding course and department policies.
 
DEFINITION OF EXTREME VERIFIABLE CIRCUMSTANCES
Examples of extreme circumstances are serious illnesses or the death of a family member.  Examples of non-extreme circumstances are nonrefundable airline tickets, sporting events and concerts. Unfortunately, I have encountered a number of attempts at deception, so proof of the extreme circumstance will be required, such as a note from a nurse, doctor or coach, or an obituary notice, or a receipt from a car-towing company, etc.
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