IOS-1 IT and Network Foundations

IOS-1 IT and Network Foundations

  • Course description
    • Course Code
      IOS-1
    • Level of Study
      5.1
    • Program of Study
      IT Operations and Security
    • Credits
      15
    • Study Plan Coordinator
      Justine Moodley
Teaching Term(s)
2027 Spring
About the Course

The course provides knowledge of how computers, operating systems and networks work, and skills to configure, secure and troubleshoot them. It gives students the foundation that the rest of the programme builds on. The course also introduces the study methods needed for online study, including using AI as a study tool, checking its output against reliable sources and showing clearly where and how they have used AI in their work.

Students learn about computer architecture, file systems, virtual machines and containers. They work with network models, protocols and IP addressing, and configure switches and routers. The course also covers Linux administration and how access control and user permissions protect networks and Linux systems, as well as how IT work is organised and the role of IT in the digital society. Students collaborate with peers in online teams on shared tasks.

Course Learning Outcomes
Knowledge

The candidate:

  • has knowledge of how computers, operating systems, file systems and networks work, including network models, protocols, IP addressing, virtualisation and containers
  • has knowledge of how access control lists, user permissions and a secured web server protect networks and Linux systems
  • is familiar with how IT work is organised, including teamwork and project work in online teams, and the use of AI as a work and study tool
  • can use study techniques and reliable sources to update their knowledge, and check what AI tools tell them
  • understands the role of IT in the digital society
Skills

The candidate:

  • can apply knowledge of networks and operating systems to find and fix faults in a network and in Linux systems
  • can apply relevant tools and techniques to configure switches and routers, and to manage users, files, services and containers in Linux
  • can apply Bash scripting to automate simple tasks in Linux
  • can find reliable information relevant to a technical problem, and check explanations from AI tools against it
General Competence

The candidate:

  • understands the ethical principles of using AI as a study and work tool, including honesty about their own work
  • can build working relations with peers in online teams and collaborate on shared tasks
Learning Activities

Students use a combination of written content, videos and practical learning activities designed to help them achieve the course learning outcomes.

Industry Relevance
Course content, learning activities and tools reflect industry standards and are developed in collaboration with industry partners and experts from the field.
In this course students will learn how to work as part of an IT-team. The course also includes guest contributions from industry professionals, delivered through live or recorded sessions.

Practical Work
The course includes regular practical activities where students apply their knowledge and practise relevant skills.
Students engage in practical learning activities from the first lesson and throughout the course.

Collaboration
Collaboration is facilitated through the LMS and Teams, and students are encouraged to work together for peer support and shared learning.
Students are introduced to the importance of collaboration in professional IT environments and how to work effectively in online teams.The Coursework requirement is delivered as a group work.

Guidance
Teachers are available for guidance at scheduled times. Students are encouraged to share work in progress and use feedback from teachers and fellow students to develop their work further.
Guidance is provided through written and video-based step-by-step guides. Students receive formative feedback on their coursework requirement, which helps them develop their work and prepares them for the Course Assignment.

Work requirements and Assessment

This course has one coursework requirement, graded Approved / Not Approved.

Assessments
Form of assessmentGrading scaleGroupingDuration of assessment
Course Assignment
Grade A-F
Individual
1 Week(s)
Reading List

Teaching materials, reading lists, and essential resources will be shared in the learning platform and software user manuals where applicable.