Computer Science 108: Introduction to Networking Course – Online Video Lessons | Study.com

Course Objective

The course objective is to introduce students to the foundations of computer networking. Students will learn about basic network standards, different network types, topologies, hardware, troubleshooting strategies and security methods.

Grading Policy

Your grade for this course will be calculated out of 300 points. The minimum score required to pass and become eligible for college credit for this course is 210 points, or an overall course grade of 70%. The table below shows how your overall grade will be calculated.

Possible Points
Quizzes100
Proctored Final Exam200
Total300

Quizzes

Quizzes are meant to test your comprehension of each lesson as you progress through the course. Here’s a breakdown of how you will be graded on quizzes and how they’ll factor into your final score:

• You will have 3 attempts to take each quiz for a score.
• The highest score of your first 3 attempts will be recorded as your score for each quiz.
• When you’ve completed the course, the highest scores from your first 3 attempts at each quiz will be averaged together and weighed against the total possible points for quizzes. For instance, if your average quiz score is 85%, you’ll receive 85 out of 100 possible points for quizzes.
• After your initial 3 attempts, you can take a quiz for practice as many times as you’d like.
• You will need to pass each quiz with a score of at least 80% to earn course progress for the lesson. However, it is not necessary to earn 80% within the first three quiz attempts.

Proctored Final Exam

The proctored final exam is a cumulative test designed to ensure that you’ve mastered the material in the course.

• You’ll earn points equivalent to the percentage grade you receive on your proctored final. (So if you earn 90% on the final, that’s 90 points toward your final grade.)
• If you’re unsatisfied with your score on the exam, you’ll be eligible to retake the exam after a 3-day waiting period.
• You can only retake the exam twice, so be sure to use your study guide and fully prepare yourself before you take the exam again.

Items Allowed on Study.com Proctored Exam for Computer Science 108: Introduction to Networking:

• Blank scratch paper
• Pen or pencil

Items NOT Allowed on Study.com Proctored Exam for Computer Science 108: Introduction to Networking:

• Office programs, web browsers, or any programs other than Software Secure (including Study.com lessons)
• Textbooks (digital or physical)
• Mobile phones, headphones, speakers, TVs, or radios
• Notebooks or notes
• Any calculators

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:

• Define and describe the different types of networks, topologies, and protocols
• Explain the OSI model and define each layer and its function: physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation, application
• Explain the TCP/IP model and define services and protocols provided in the model
• Define the key components of computer networks, including hardware and software components
• Describe network types and their features, including local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN)
• Define wireless networks and explain their function and use, including hardware, software, and standards used
• Describe uses and applications for wireless networks, including VLAN; describe options for remote access
• Explain the importance of network security, and describe solutions to prevent unwanted access to networks and network resources
• Describe the use of voice over IP (VOIP) and video-over-IP, including protocols and quality of service (QoS) assurance.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Course Format

Computer Science 108: Introduction to Networking consists of short video lessons that are organized into topical chapters. Each video is approximately 5-10 minutes in length and comes with a quick quiz to help you measure your learning. The course is completely self-paced. Watch lessons on your schedule whenever and wherever you want.

At the end of each chapter, you can complete a chapter test to see if you’re ready to move on or have some material to review. Once you’ve completed the entire course, take the practice test and use the study tools in the course to prepare for the proctored final exam. You may take the proctored final exam whenever you are ready.

How Credit Recommendations Work

This course has been evaluated and recommended by ACE for 3 semester hours in the lower division baccalaureate degree category. To apply for transfer credit, follow these steps:

• If you already have a school in mind, check with the registrar to see if the school will grant credit for courses recommended by either ACE or NCCRS.
• Complete Computer Science 108: Introduction to Networking by watching video lessons and taking short quizzes.
• Take the Computer Science 108: Introduction to Networking final exam directly on the Study.com site.
• Request a transcript to be sent to the accredited school of your choice!
• Check out this page for more information on Study.com’s credit-recommended courses.

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Course Topics

Category Objectives
Computer Networking Fundamentals Define the elements of a computer network; describe different types of networks; assess the uses of computer networks; identify networking careers.
Networking Standards & the OSI Model Describe OSI standards and define each level of the OSI model.
Transmission & Networking Media Differentiate between analog and digital signaling; define throughput/bandwidth; describe the various types of cabling/media that are used in networking.
The Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol Model Describe the components of TCP, UDP, IP protocol; contrast IPv4 and IPv6; describe DNS and application layer protocols, such as Telnet and FTP.
TCP/IP Mail Services & Network Troubleshooting Recognize several TCP/IP mail services, including SMTP, MIME, POP and IMAP; describe tools that are used to troubleshoot network issues (ipconfig, netstat, etc.).
Network Topologies & Ethernet Standards Describe the components of bus, ring, star, hybrid and logical topologies; compare types of backbone networks; define the concept of switching; assess Ethernet standards.
Network Hardware Describe the functions of network interface cards; assess the uses of repeaters, hubs, switches, routers and gateways.
Wide Area Networks Define the components of a wide area network (WAN), as well as the topologies it uses; define T-carriers; describe broadband and optical networks.
Wireless Networking Explain the fundamentals of wireless networks; define wireless LAN (WLAN) components; describe the protocols that are used in wireless networking.
Virtual Networks Recognize the components, uses and functions of VLAN; compare remote access options; define the concept of cloud computing and assess its advantages and disadvantages.
Network Security Identify various types of network security risks; describe several network protection methods, including encryption and authentication.
Voice & Video Communication Over IP Define VOIP; examine related transport protocols; describe VOIO and video-over IP Quality of Service (QoS) assurance methods.