IFSY 340 covers the technical foundations of computer systems, including network hardware and software, data communications, the Internet, and applications software. The course explores the implications of technical choices for systems development and covers the technologies behind those choices. Homework assignments and labs supplement theory with hands-on networking and systems applications.
 

In Spring 2007 the Department of BAE adopted a Statement of Student Academic Responsibility. Here is the statement, which every student in this course will be required to sign.

In Spring 2002, the faculty  adopted a set of goals and objectives for the Information Systems major.  Here are the goals and objectives of the information systems major that this course addresses.

On March 16, 2000, the faculty approved a set of goals and objectives of the undergraduate program. Here are the goals and objectives of the undergraduate program that this course addresses.

The University has specific policies in place regarding Academic Integrity. Here are the University Standards of Academic Integrity.

• Required Textbook:
  • White, Curt M. (2007). Data Communications & Computer Networks: A Business User's Approach. 4th ed.  Boston: Thomson Learning.
  • ISBN:1-4188-3610-9
     
• Required Computer Software (available on the PCs in the Library PC Lab, or via Remote Login to the application server,  msmlab.msmary.edu):
  • MS Word 2003
  • MS Visio 2003
     

Bring your textbook with you to every class unless told otherwise:

• All assignments are posted on Blackboard. Completed work must be uploaded to the Blackboard Digital Dropbox. Exams will be taken offline, in class.

• Class Attendance
  
  Theory and practice work together in IFSY 340 to provide the student with a comprehensive overview of computer networks and operating systems. Attendance at all lectures and labs is required. Unexcused absences will result in the reduction of the student’s final grade percentage by 1 % for each unexcused absence. (E.g., one unexcused absence could lower a final grade of 97 to 96, etc.)  Students with more than 8 absences for any reason (4 weeks) will have missed too many lectures to have mastered the material and will therefore not be permitted to pass the course.
   
• Assignments
  
  All posted assignments must be completed and uploaded in the Coursework Section of the classroom Web portal by Midnight on the Sunday the assignment is due. Any homework that is uploaded late will receive an automatic 10 % markdown on the grade for that homework.
   
• Grade Progress and Help Outside of Class
  
  All grades will be posted on the web portal. Voluntary group review and work sessions can be held at times convenient to the class at the main campus of Mount St. Mary's University.
   

• Distribution of Total Requirements 

  • Exams (3 exams  @ 700  points each)	50 %	2100  points
    Homework and Quizzes (14 quizzes @ 50 points each and 14 homework assignments @ 100 points each)	50 %	2100  points
    TOTAL	100 %	4200  points

• Calculation of Letter Grade
   

  • A  = 93 – 100 %

    A- = 90 – 92 %

    B+ = 88 – 89 %

    B   = 83 – 87 %

    B- = 80 – 82 %

    C+ = 78 – 79 %

    C   = 73 – 77 %

    C- = 70 – 72 %

    D+ = 68 – 69 %

    D   = 63 – 68 %

    D- = 60 – 62 %

    F   =   0 – 59 %

© 2007 Bruce Yelovich