Computer Networks unit (ZAT111)

Online

Introduction

In this unit, you will learn how computer networks are constructed, how they function, and the services they provide to enable nearly every modern application and device. You will apply concepts of network communication and security using the TCP/IP and OSI models, and you will also learn about industry standards that ensure networks provide confidentiality, integrity, and availability to users, data, and systems.

You will also explore the practical tools used in industry to monitor networks, identify faults, and design complex networks in a range of environments, including those for the Internet of Things (IoT).

Summary

Unit name	Computer Networks
Unit code	ZAT111
Credit points	12.5
College/School	University College
Discipline	Pathways
Coordinator	Miss Huiting Tan
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Introductory

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Online	Semester 1

Note

Please check that your computer meets the minimum System Requirements if you are attending via Distance/Off-Campus.

Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.

Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/2/2026	16/3/2026	19/4/2026	13/6/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Identify the technical aspects of secure networking.
• Analyse network protocols, processes and security principles in computer networking.
• Communicate solutions to real-world problems
• Evaluate knowledge, practices and protocols in computer networks and cyber security

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
020113	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$2,919.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Requisites

Mutual Exclusions

You cannot enrol in this unit as well as the following:

ZAT101

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	Weekly online learning material supported by 2 hour weekly tutorials and one three hour workshop.
Assessment	AT1: Operating System Comparison (20%)|AT2: Requirement Elicitation Report (25%)|AT3: Network Design Report (25%)|AT4: Practical Networking Tasks (30%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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