MIS 320 Master Syllabus

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MIS 320: Networks and Security Master Syllabus


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Course Website: Canvas


Textbook and Course Site

  • This course uses open educational resources (OERs). 
    • There is no textbook to purchase. 

Course Description

Introduces students to fundamentals of networking technologies and their role in businesses. Emphasis is on understanding the business implications of different networking technologies and solutions. Students learn to identify and understand the business requirements and bring together the different technological components to design the required communication solutions. Also focuses on the types of security threats to the business network infrastructure, and approach to tackling such threats through business practices combined with appropriate technological solutions. Offered by ISOM. A third attempt requires academic advisor approval. Limited to two attempts. 


Course Overview

Computer network is one of the information system components needed to effectively support business operations. Benefits that computer networks may provide include: 

  • Cost reduction by sharing resources and downsizing the desktop computers 
  • Improved reliability by having multiple sources of supply 
  • Increased storage capacity 
  • Improved consistency 
  • Reduced errors and redundancy 
  • Overcoming geographic separation 
  • Centralized management 
  • Distributed processes 
  • Controlled security 
  • Shared data/information/knowledge 

Hence, a computer network is an essential component of every business’s infrastructure. Professional workers, managers, and business owners are expected to have basic understanding of computer networks in order to effectively utilize computer networks in solving business problems and support business operations. MIS professionals, including those who are not directly involved in maintaining the operation of computer networks, must be in possession of computer networking knowledge and skills, such as network architecture, topology, standards, protocols, devices, virtualization, performance monitoring, and security mechanisms. 


Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, student should be able to 

  • Discuss network architectures and technologies as well as their applications in businesses 
  • Describe the principles, functions, and standards of communication networks 
  • Explain the OSI 7-layer reference model as well as the related standards/protocols/applications 
  • Evaluate and select appropriate network devices to satisfy the business requirements 
  • Assess and manage the network security related risks 
  • Apply basic techniques in monitoring network operations and security 
  • Create, review, evaluate, and refine network security policies and procedures 

Management Information Systems (MIS) Learning Goals 

  • Apply knowledge of information technology, operations, and business functions to assess, design and improve business processes. 
  • Effectively manage projects, including information technology projects. 
  • Understand the overall systems development life cycle and be able to recommend IT solutions. 

BS Business Learning Goals

  • The social, global, ethical, and legal contexts of business and will be able to reflect on the role of the individual in business. 
  • The ability to apply knowledge of professional skills necessary for success in business including effective business writing. 
  • Technical and analytic skills appropriate for success in business. 
  • The ability to apply knowledge of core business disciplines including accounting, finance, information systems, management, marketing, and operations management. 

How research in the business disciplines contributes to knowledge and how such research is conducted. 


Grading Policy

Assignment Value
Homework (1)  2 points
Quiz (11) 33 points
Exam (2)  40 points
Project (1)  25 points
Total 100 points
Grade Scale
A 93 to 100 points
A- 90 to 92.99 points
B+ 87 to 89.99 points
B 83 to 86.99 points 
B- 80 to 82.99 points
C+ 77 to 79.99 points
C 70 to 76.99 points
D 60 to 69.99 points 
F Below 60 points

Reading Assignments 

Students are required to study the course materials posted via MIS 320 Canvas course website.


Topical Outline

Week/Date Lessons Assignments
1 Lesson 1: Internet
  • Complete Homework 
  • Complete Quiz #1 (Lesson 1) 
  • Start working on the Project 
2 Lesson 2: World Wide Web
  • Continue working on the Project 
  • Complete Quiz #2 (Lesson 2) 
3 Lesson 3: Computer Networks
  • Continue working on the Project 
  • Complete Quiz #3 (Lesson 3) 
4 Lesson 4:  Application Layer 
  • Continue working on the Project 
  • Complete Quiz #4 (Lesson 4) 
5 Lesson 5:  Transport Layer
  • Continue working on the Project 
  • Complete Quiz #5 (Lesson 5)
6 Lesson 6:  Network Layer 
  • Continue working on the Project 
  • Complete Quiz #6 (Lesson 6) 
7 Exam #1
  • Complete Exam #1
8 Lesson 7:  Networking Devices 
  • Continue working on the Project 
  • Complete Quiz #7 (Lesson 7) 
9 Lesson 8: Local Area Network Technology
  • Continue working on the Project 
  • Complete Quiz #8 (Lesson 8)
10 Lesson 9: Compliance Laws 
  • Continue working on the Project 
  • Complete Quiz #9 (Lesson 9) 
11 Lesson 10: Virtualization 
  • Continue working on the Project 
  • Complete Quiz #10 (Lesson 10) 
12 & 13

Lesson 11: Data Link Layer 

Lesson 12: Security in Computer Networks 

  • Continue working on the Project 
  • Complete Quiz #11 (Lesson 11 & 12) 
14 Exam #2
  • Complete Exam #2
15 Project
  • Complete the Project 

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