MIS 320: Networks and Security Master Syllabus
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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.
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
Mason Core Learning Outcomes
- Students will understand the principles of information storage, exchange, security, and privacy.
- Students will become critical consumers of digital information; they will be capable of selecting and evaluating appropriate, relevant, and trustworthy sources of information.
- Students can use appropriate information technologies to organize and analyze information and use it to guide decision-making.
- Students will be able to choose and apply appropriate algorithmic methods to solve a problem.
Management Information Systems (MIS) Learning Goals
Students majoring in MIS concentration will master the following by graduation:
- Systems Design: Apply knowledge of information technology and business functions to assess, design, and improve business processes.
- Information Management: Develop data organization, storage, and processing solutions to support organizational needs for information management.
- Systems Analysis: Acquire an understanding of the systems development life cycle to effectively support business functions with system solutions.
BS Business Learning Goals
By the end of the BS Business program, students will master:
- Ethical Reasoning: Students will utilize ethical principles when making business decisions.
- Communication: Students will employ effective written and oral communication skills for professional business environments.
- Critical Thinking: Students will analyze, evaluate, and generate solutions using core business disciplinary knowledge.
- Global Perspective: Students will integrate global perspectives in making business decisions and recommendations.
- Data Analytics Skills: Students will apply analytical tools including AI to make data-informed decisions and recommendations.
- Concentration-Specific Knowledge & Skills: Students will utilize knowledge and skills appropriate for specialization in their concentrations.
Grading Policy
The letter grades are assigned based on the total points earned, not the percentage of possible points. No curving or rounding will be applied.
| Assignment | Value |
|---|---|
| Homework (1) | 4 points |
| Quiz (12) | 48 points |
| Exam (2) | 30 points |
| Project (1) | 18 points |
| Total | 100 points |
| Grade Scale | |
|---|---|
| A+ | 98.00 and above |
| A | 93.00 to 97.99 |
| A- | 90.00 to 92.99 points |
| B+ | 87.00 to 89.99 points |
| B | 83.00 to 86.99 points |
| B- | 80.00 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 |
Course Topics
| Week/Date | Lesson |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lesson 0: Course Orientation & Requirements Lesson 1: Internet Basics |
| 2 | Lesson 2: World Wide Web Basics |
| 3 | Lesson 3: Network Basics |
| 4 | Lesson 4: Networking Devices |
| 5 | Lesson 5: Local Area Network Technology |
| 6 | Lesson 6: Network Compliance & Laws |
| 7 | Exam #1 (Lesson 1 to 6) |
| 8 | Lesson 7: Application Layer |
| 9 | Lesson 8: Transport Layer |
| 10 | Lesson 9: Network Layer |
| 11 | Lesson 10: Network Security |
| 12 | Lesson 11: Virtualization |
| 13 | Lesson 12: Data Link Layer |
| 14 | Lesson 13: Physical Layer |
| 15 | Exam #2 (Lesson 7 to 13) |
| Project |
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