Code
CNCO3001
Credits
25
Graduate Attributes
Introduction
Networks power the digital world, enabling everything from everyday communication to global business operations. This unit is designed for students who are curious about how network systems are planned, built, and optimized to meet real-world demands. Whether you're studying Information Technology or Computer Systems and Networking, you’ll explore how to translate technical requirements into robust, scalable network designs. We take a practical, design-oriented approach to learning—examining real-world case studies, working through complex scenarios, and applying structured methodologies to solve design problems. You’ll learn how to assess client needs, map out network requirements, and make informed architectural decisions that balance performance, security, and cost. The unit is structured to build your confidence step by step, beginning with essential planning principles and progressing to advanced logical network design. Whether you're aiming to become a network engineer or simply want to understand how modern networks are shaped, this unit will equip you with the tools to design systems that are ready for the future.
Lecture
1 x 2 Hours Weekly
Tutorial
1 x 1 Hours Weekly
Unit Learning Outcomes
- 1 adapt and analyze the principles of Network System Design with particular emphasis on successful network management, GC1, GC2, GC4, GC6
- 2 analyze ISO network management framework, including in-depth analysis of network protocols, GC1, GC2, GC4, GC6
- 3 evaluate different theories, methodologies and standards of Network System Design, GC1, GC2
- 4 evaluate the responsibilities of network management and how it impacts user requirements and performance, GC1, GC4, GC5, GC6
- 5 contribute to a team and assess team performance professionally to design and evaluate large scale network systems, GC1, GC4, GC5, GC6
Course Learning Outcomes
- 2 Define a problem and apply creative thinking to the formulation of a solution; verify and implement the solution
- 3 Access information, evaluate and organise information relevant to computer systems networking
- 4 Document networking information to meet technical and legal requirements; communicate concepts and technical information to lay and professional personnel in written, oral and electronic forms
- 7 Apply international standards, practices and conventions appropriate to computer systems networking
Assessment Breakdown
Recent Unit Changes & Response to Student Feedback
Students are encouraged to provide feedback through student surveys (such as Insight and the annual Student Experience Survey) and interactions with teaching staff. Listed below are some recent changes to the unit as a result of student feedback. Student feedback plays a vital role in shaping this unit. Based on recent Insight survey results and direct student feedback, we have made the following improvements:- Clearer Assessment Expectations
- What students said: Some students found the assessment requirements unclear.
- What we did: We revised the assessment descriptions to include more detailed explanations of marking criteria and expectations. Additional exemplars have been provided in Tutorials to guide students.
- How this helps: You now have clearer guidelines and examples to better understand how to succeed in your assessments.
- More Accessible Learning Resources
- What students said: Some students requested more online resources and greater flexibility in accessing course materials.
- What we did: We expanded the Library Reading List with more digital resources and provided direct links to key readings in Blackboard.
- How this helps: You can now access more materials online, making it easier to engage with content at your own pace.