Prerequisites: Completion of the following requirements:
Bus 10, 20, 21, 91L and English 1B, Bus 92 and Bus 93, and Bus 110. Bus 92, 93 and 110 must be completed with C or better.
Catalog Description:
Introduction to data communications and telecommunications.
Emphasis on the concepts, architectures, components, protocols
and standards for message movement within information networks.
Uses the network design process to develop understanding of business
and information technology perspectives. 3 credits.
Detailed Course Description:
Data communications and telecommunications involves rapidly growing and changing technologies dedicated to moving voice, data, graphics and video between linked locations. Conceptual understanding of the technologies underlying the communication process is critical to understanding and being able to effectively address business communication needs. Satisfying business needs with appropriate technological solutions is a complex process demanding creativity and inspiration for success.
Concepts of signaling, waveform and bandwidth are
used to introduce the student to the principles that underlie
the complex electronic/optical technologies of modern communications.
Quantitative analysis involving communication codes and data
flows is used to develop student awareness and comprehension of
the reality of message movement across a network. The student
studies the varied components of today's technology-based communications
systems and performs a group term project in which he/she explores
the complexities involved in designing communications networks
needed to achieve business goals and objectives.
Prerequisite Concepts and Skills:
Successful completion of this course requires that students possess the following knowledge and skills:
1. Completion of lower-division business pool requirements providing:
2. Ability to use word-processing and presentation software to create reports and spreadsheet software to build business costing models (Business 91L)
3. Ability to understand and use the various systems
development methodologies (Business 93)
Learning Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to
1. Describe the basic forms of data communication and telecommunications and discuss alternative approaches to using communications technology in business.
2. Understand and discuss the history and development of the use of data communications and telecommunications in the business world.
3. Quantitatively analyze and discuss the flow of message movement through a communications system.
4. Research and write a concise report describing and discussing how to apply specific communication technologies to a specific business situation.
5. Develop cost modeling design tools for analyzing communication systems using Lotus 123 or Excel.
6. Understand the complexities involved in designing
communications networks needed to achieve business goals and objectives.
Instructional Materials:
1. Textbook -- may vary with instructor.
2. Course Reader, including all course assignments and the term project.
3. Lotus 123 and Excel spreadsheets for design tool development