Important Notice:

Any student who is to take this course must have the following minimum computer/network skills, or s/he needs to make up them in the first three weeks of the semester.

1. Skillfully use at least one email client software and a good emailing style (e.g. checking email at least once a day, responding emails in time, etc.);
2. Web browser applications, such as web-based search engine;
3. ftp;
4. Basic HTML scripting;
5. Microsoft Word;
6. Microsoft PowerPoint (know how to prepare and present PowerPoint slides.)

A. Course Content:

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of data communications and computer networks. The course is designed to: 1) provide the student with a conceptual foundation for the study of data communications using the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layered architecture model; and, 2) allow the student to research and explore leading edge distributed applications, products, or services that are being used in today's business and home environments. Both technical and managerial aspects of data communications and networks will be covered. After completion of this course, the student should have an extensive knowledge of data communications technology and know how it can be used to fulfill companies' organizational and functional needs. The student should also have a broad view at the latest data communications technology, which is helpful to carrying out further research in the area.

B. Textbook:

Required Textbook:
	Business Data Communications, 4/e William Stallings Prentice Hall 2001, 558 pp. ISBN 0-13-088263-1
Optional Material:
	Business Data Communications and Networking, 7th edition Jerry Fitzgerald and Alan Dennis John Wiley & Sons ISBN 0-471-39100-X; © 2002.

C. Grading Policy:

• Two midterm exams and one final exam, total 160 points. One of the exams will be dropped, whichever with the lowest score.
• Four quiz, total 45 points. One of the quiz will be dropped, whichever with the lowest score.
• Group project 70 points
  • Three short projects, each 20 points
  • Web site 10 points
• Class participation 10 points
• Extra bonus credit up to 10 points

D. Attendance:

Attendance will be taken in group presentations only.

There will be two exams and an optional final exam. The exams will be close-book and close-notes. The first two exams are based on recent 2-3 topics lectured. The final exam is comprehensive.

You can exempt the final exam only when you meet ALL the following criteria: 1) The total scores from your two midterm exams and quiz are not less than 175 points, which is subject to change in accordance with exam outcomes; 2) You have earned at least A- in group projects; and 3) You earned total 10 points from class participation and extra bonus.

You are required to take the test in the class room at the scheduled date and time, unless you have disabling conditions. In which case, alternative place and time may be discussed. Most questions will be chosen from the questions at the end of the chapters and from the supplemental materials distributed in the class.

Make-up test may be available in the case that you could not take the test at the specific time due to medical emergencies or unexpected travel plans. If you need to reschedule a test, you must contact the instructor before the scheduled test.

No make-up test for quiz. If you have to skip a quiz you need the permision from the instructor. Then your credit from the quiz will be based on three tests, but still scaled by 45 points.

Homework assignments are available for each chapter. Submission is not required and students can self-evaluate according to the answer keys posted on the class web site. Tests are closely relevant to the assignments. Working seriously on the homeworks will guarantee you high outcomes in tests.

H. Extra Bonus Credit:

In the following cases you may earn extra credits:

I. Mini-presentations:

Mini-presentations are assigned to those experienced students. A mini-presentation normally lasts 5-10 minutes focused on a specific topic and scheduled at beginning of a class meeting. Presenters need to contact the instructor in advance to discuss the presentation topic. At most 4 mini-presentations can be scheduled through the semester

See here.