SYLLABUS		FALL, 2009
BSAD 146A	Business Data Communications
INSTRUCTOR(s): David Novak - PROFESSOR INFO PHONE: 656-4043 OFFICE: 310 Kalkin OFFICE HOURS: MW 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. or by Appointment E-MAIL: david.novak@uvm.edu		COURSE INFO: MEETS: TR 10:00-11:15 LOCATION: 002 Kalkin

Pre-requisites:

Prereq: BSAD 141; Minimum Junior standing; Students required to bring laptop w/BSAD software to all classes; Required course specific fee of $20; CE students should register for BSAD 146 Z1.

Goals & Objectives:

The primary objective of this course is to provide you with a basic understanding of data communications and networking technologies through readings and lectures supplemented with hands-on experience utilizing the laptop computers. The course will introduce you to technical aspects of data communications such as network topologies, media, and architectures. We will also discuss the OSI model and various networking protocols focusing on the TCP/IP stack. Successful completion of the course will give you a very solid foundation for pursuing a generic networking certification such as A+ or Network+. This is not a certification prep class, but the material on the certification exams is consistent with the material we will cover in class. So, I encourage you to get certified at the end of the semester.

Course Content:

We will utilize laptop computers in class for a variety of hands-on exercises. Students will work in small groups for these exercises. Supplemental material may be provided in the form of handouts and/or URLs through the class web site. This is an introductory networking class. You need not have taken any programming or other networking prerequisites.

I am working with John Ritter from the BSAD IT staff to incorporate hands on exercises focusing on: user accounts and Windows security, directory services and domains, home networking, and backup and recovery issues into the course. You will be responsible for this material.

Books & Materials

Network+ Certification, 4th edition, by Zacker, Microsoft Press

ISBN: 978-0-470-06763-5

Paperback

Grading:

Grading Comments:

If I make a mistake in assigning a grade, or you wish to discuss a particular grade with me, you must do so within two week days (not class meeting times) after that particular assignment has been returned. I will not change any grade after the two-day grace period. You are responsible for collecting your assignments when they are returned. Failure to collect an assignment in a timely manner does not constitute an exception to the policy.

I suggest you keep a copy of ALL returned work, so you can check your grade with me if need be. I cannot change a grade or even discuss a grade change with you, if you do not have a copy of the work.

Exam Comments:

There will be two exams during the regular semester and also a final exam. The final is cumulative.

If you are unable to take an exam at the given time, arrangements must be made prior to the exam. My general policy is NO MAKEUPS. The best course of action is not to miss exams!!! If there is an emergency such as a major illness be prepared to provide documentation to Student Services and then we can work something out.

Quiz policy:

Quizzes are designed to a) reward people for attending class, and b) keep you up to date with the material.

THERE ARE NO MAKEUP QUIZZES. You are either there and take the quiz, or you are not there and receive a zero on the quiz. There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy.

There will likely be about 10-12 quizzes during the course of the semester. You may drop ONE quiz grade.

Attendance Policy:

Class attendance is strongly encouraged. You are responsible for all material and announcements discussed during class. If you miss class, you should get the notes from someone else in the class. I do not lend my personal class notes out to be copied.

Extenuating circumstances such as a serious illness or a family emergency constitute an exception to this policy. I will deal with these situations on an individual basis. If some emergency arises, you need to contact me as soon as possible prior to missing class if at all possible.

Since this class consists of in-class demos, in-class assignments, and in-class pop-quizzes, you are advised to attend every class and to BE ON TIME. I will not reschedule / delay assignments or give you a private tutoring session if you are late to class or miss class.

John Ritter, who is a senior IT staff member and possesses the MCSE and MCP + Internet will be guest lecturing on certain Windows specific topics. You are responsible for this material and there will be assignments based on the hands on exercises given in class. There are no make up periods for these lectures.

Additional Comments:

Homework is due before class starts on the due date. Once class begins, I reserve the right to refuse to accept additional homework. Homework can always be turned in early.

You must write your name on your homework if you want to receive credit. You must also staple your work if needed. Do not fold edges over, tape pages together, or use other ingenious (but ineffective) ways of attaching pages together. You will receive a zero on the assignment if you do not follow these guidelines.

You MUST show your work. I want to see any underlying assumptions and all work associated with each homework problem. I should be able to easily determine how you obtained each and every answer. You will not receive credit for the problem if you do not show your work.

I encourage you to work together on your homework assignments, but each student MUST submit a separate homework assignment unless I specify otherwise. I expect groups of students who choose to work together on homework to contribute equally. I suggest that each student complete each homework assignment on their own and then get together with group members clarify any misunderstandings.

Students may not copy homework. This is a direct violation of the honor policy. Cheating is a serious offense and can result in severe disciplinary action by the university. If you work with others, your answers should NOT be identical this indicates copying.

Homework will be returned in class as soon as it is graded. If you are not in class the day your homework is returned, come by my office to pick it up. It is YOUR responsibility to find me and pick up your work if you miss class.

All uncollected homework and exams will be discarded the day of the final exam.

Academic Honesty

The principal objective of the policy on academic honesty is to promote an intellectual climate and support the academic integrity of the University of Vermont. Academic dishonesty or an offense against academic honesty includes acts that may subvert or compromise the integrity of the educational process. Such acts are serious offenses that insult the integrity of the entire academic community.

Offenses against academic honesty are any acts that would have the effect of unfairly promoting or enhancing one's academic standing within the entire community of learners which includes, but is not limited to, the faculty and students of the University of Vermont. Academic dishonesty includes knowingly permitting or assisting any person in the committing of an act of academic dishonesty.

The policy distinguishes between minor and major offenses. Offenses purely technical in nature or in which the instructor does not perceive intent to achieve advantage are deemed minor and handled by the instructor. Major offenses are those in which intent to achieve academic advantages is perceived. A full statement of the policy can be found in the Cat's Tale. Each student is responsible for knowing and observing this policy.

Classroom Code of Conduct

Faculty and students will at all times conduct themselves in a manner that serves to maintain, promote, and enhance the high quality academic environment befitting the University of Vermont. To this end, it is expected that all members of the learning community will adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Faculty and students will attend all regularly scheduled classes, except for those occasions warranting an excused absence under the policy detailed in the catalogue (e.g., religious, athletic, medical).
2. Students and faculty will arrive prepared for class and on time, and they will remain in class until the class is dismissed.
3. Faculty and students will treat all members of the learning community with respect. Toward this end, they will promote academic discourse and the free exchange of ideas by listening with civil attention to the comments made by all individuals.
4. Students and faculty will maintain an appropriate academic climate by refraining from all actions which disrupt the learning environment (e.g., making noise, ostentatiously not paying attention, and leaving and reentering the classroom inappropriately).
5. Food and drink are not allowed in classrooms.

Instructors will inform students of any special/additional expectations.