TRUST ACADEMY
In collaboration with
MIDLANDS STATE UNIVERSITY
DIPLOMA IN NETWORKING AND PC ENGINEERING
(DNEP)
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DIPLOMA IN NETWORKING AND PC ENGINEERING (DNEP)
PROGRAMME REGULATIONS COURSE STRUCTURE AND
SYNOPSIS
1
NETWORKING & PC ENGINEERING PROGRAMME REGULATIONS, COURSE
STRUCTURE AND - SYNOPSIS
DNEP PROGRAMME REGULATIONS
1.0
PREAMBLE
1.1 Candidates wishing to study for a Diploma in Networking and PC Engineering at Trust
Academy are advised to read the Trust Academy regulations.
1.2 The programme shall address introductory theoretical, applied and practical aspects of
networking and PC engineering. The theory is treated as a tool to support sound practical
aspects of Networking and PC Engineering rather than as an end in itself. This diploma shall
be the basis for the progression to the degree programme or the worthwhile careers in ICT
industry, commerce and telecommunications.
2.0
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ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
2.1
PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
Demonstrate knowledge, techniques, skills, and use of the appropriate tools in computer
maintenance and networking applications to include basic electronics, installation,
maintenance, selection, and optimization of computer systems, computer networks and
associated hardware and software systems.
Recognize problems in computer maintenance and networking applications and develop
appropriate diagnostic solutions using creativity.
Work productively as an individual and as a member of a problem solving team in an
engineering environment.
Effectively communicate technical ideas and problem solving decisions with others.
Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior, and social responsibilities in a diverse and
global workplace.
Construct, design, install, manage and recommend network designs for organizational
needs.
Configure, install and manage both command line interface and windows environment.
Assess network resources.
CAREER PROSPECTS FOR THE DNEP GRADUATES
- Network Administrators
- Hardware Technicians
- Systems Administrators
- ICT Technicians
- Help Desk Officers
- Systems Support Officers
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3.0
ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS:
3.1
Normal entry
In order to qualify for acceptance to the Diploma in Networking and PC
Engineering, the candidate must have obtained the following qualifications:
Certificate: 5 O level passes including English Language, Mathematics and
Science (Integrated or Physical) to be enrolled for the Diploma in Networking and
PC Engineering (DNEP).
3.2
Special Entry
The following persons may apply for special entry and for permission to proceed
studying DNEP qualifications at any level with exemptions from the whole or part
of the normal entry requirements.
a) A person who has obtained from a University, College or any Learning
Institution of similar status, academic qualifications acceptable to MSU
Senate.
b) Mature Entry: 5 O level passes and a person who has attained 25 years of
age for males and 23 years of age for females and has proven work
experience of at least 2 years in an IT related field of work.
4.0
4.1
4.2
4.3
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Trust Academy shall offer tuition in collaboration with the Midlands State University in
the Diploma in Networking and PC Engineering.
Examinations shall be written and published at the end of each semester
The Midlands State University Faculty of Science and Technology Board of Studies shall
publish examinations results upon satisfaction from the work submitted by the
candidates.
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5.0
Key
DIPLOMA STRUCTURE
Core module *
LEVEL ONE - SEMESTER I
PMIS111
Introduction to the use of Computers
PMIS116
Business Communication Skills
DTEL112
Electricity and Magnetism*
DTEL113
Linear Mathematics
DNEP111
Networking Fundamentals*
LEVEL ONE - SEMESTER 2
DTEL115
Electric Circuits
PMIS114
Introduction to Computer Programming (C)*
DTEL117
Data Communication and Computer Networks*
DNEP112
Computer Maintenance a Practical Approach*
DNEP113
Linux Administration*
LEVEL TWO - SEMESTER 1
DTEL211
Electronics*
DMIS316
Computer Architecture*
DTEL213
Digital Logic Design*
DNEP211
Windows Server Administration*
DNEP212
Network Management
LEVEL TWO - SEMESTER 2
DTEL215
Work Related Learning Student Report*
DTEL216
Work Related Learning Academic Supervision Report*
DTEL217
Work Related Learning Employer’s Report*
LEVEL THREE - SEMESTER 1
CMIS212
Systems Analysis and Design
DTEL311
IT Governance
DTEL313
Operating Systems*
DTEL314
Micro Computer Technology*
DNEP311
Computer Security*
LEVEL THREE - SEMESTER 2
DTEL316
Microprocessors*
DNEP312
Routing and Switching*
DNEP313
Wireless Technology
DTEL317
Fibre Optic Technology*
DNEP314
Project*
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6.0
ASSESSMENT
6.1
The assessment of a practical subject shall be based on either written reports submitted
during the semester or according to a schedule laid down by the Faculty of Science and
Technology Regulations.
The assessment of a project module shall be based on either written reports or a project
submitted at a date determined by Trust Academy.
The assessment of a practical-theory subject shall be based on a formal theory
examination.
All other subjects shall be assessed by continuous assessment and formal theory
examinations.
Each formal examination shall normally be held during an examination period at the end
of a semester, in which the subject is completed.
The formal theory examination for a subject shall normally be of three hours duration.
A practical theory subject shall contain a practical component in the continuous
assessment. The continuous assessment may be entirely practical or contain theory and
practical components.
For each subject that contains a theory and a practical component Trust Academy shall
determine for each student a theory continuous assessment mark, a practical continuous
assessment mark, a formal examination mark, a formal practical examination mark and a
final mark for the subject.
Students(s) maybe allowed repeating failed subjects valid for a period of three (3)
consecutive semesters ONLY, thereafter the student(s) maybe required to repeat the
entire level.
The final mark will be calculated as follows:
Theory subjects: Final Mark = [(70% Examination Mark) + (30% Continuous
Assessment)]
Projects/ Research/Dissertation: [Final Mark = (60% System Presentation) + (40%
Documented report)]
The following marking scheme shall be used for all the modules.
80% - 100%
Distinction
79% - 60%
Credit
50% - 59%
Pass
40%- 49%
Fail (Supplementable)
39% and below
Fail
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10


6.11
6.12
6.13
6.14
PROVISIONS FOR PROGRESSION
In order to proceed from level 1 to level 2 a student must have passed all the core
modules
To proceed from level 2 to level 3 the student must have passed all the core modules at
level 2
To graduate, a student must have satisfied the provisions of progression at each level as
well as passed all the modules.
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7.0
NOTIFICATION OF RESULTS
Examinations results slips shall be published in accordance with the provisions of the General
regulations of the Midlands State University.
8.0
EXEMPTION POLICY
8.1
Student(s) may apply for exemptions before registration up to the end of
the first calendar month of receiving tuition. Exemption application fees
are non refundable in all cases.
8.2
Student(s) maybe exempted from studying subjects that have been passed
in programmes similar or equivalent to those on offer. However, the
student has to apply for a credit transfer. In his/ her application, the
following should be attached:
 A transcript of the subjects to be credit transferred.
 A synopsis of the subjects from the university/ college where the
subjects was studied.
 A support letter/ document from the registrar’s office of the institution
where the credits were attained.
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9.0
MODULE SYNOPSIS
PMIS111
Introduction to the Use of Computers
Information Literacy/Hardware, Software, Networks, ICT in everyday life, Environment,
Use/managing files(Operating system, File management system, Utilities, Print management),
Word processing (Document creation, Formatting Objects, Mail merge, Prepare outputs),
Spreadsheets(Managing worksheets, Formulas and functions, Formatting, Charts, Prepare
outputs), Databases (Understanding databases, Tables, reports, queries, Retrieving information,
Objects, Outputs).
PMIS116
Business Communication Skills
Definition of communication, Communication barriers – overloading, underloading of messages,
solutions to problems of overloading and underloading. Non-verbal communication – kinetics,
proximics, time, territoriality, facial expression and paralanguage. Organisational
communication – flow of communication/messages in an organization. Small group
communication – roles, leadership, conflict in groups. Oral communication, Meetings – Notice
of meeting, agenda and minutes. Graphic communication, Written communication –
memoranda, notices, business letters, press releases, reports, circulars and instructions.
Communication process – medium, encoding, channel, distortion, decoding, sender, receivers
and noise.
DTEL112
Electricity and Magnetism
Electrostatics and electric fields: electric charge, electric displacement, electric potential, Gauss’s
law, distribution of charge, capacitance. Steady electric currents: Ohms law, Kirchoff’s law,
resistance measurements, bridges and potentiometers, electrolysis. The magnetic field: magnetic
force on a moving charge, Lorentz force law, circulating charge and cyclotron, magnetic
induction, Ampere’s Biot-Savart laws, charging and discharging RC circuits, Hall effect.
ectromagnetic induction: faraday’s and Lenz’s laws, self and mutual inductance, energy.
DTEL113 Linear Mathematics
Complex numbers: geometric representation, algebra. De Moivres theorem polynomials and
roots of polynomial equations. Matrices and determinants: algebra of matrices, inverses,
definition and manipulation of determinants, solutions of simultaneous linear equations,
applications to geometry and vectors. Differential equations: separable, homogeneous, exact,
integrating factors, linear equation with constant coefficients.
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DNEP111 Networking Fundamentals
Networking essentials covers basic networking concepts such as network types, cable types,
wireless technologies, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet,
and network adapters. It discusses network models, including the ISO-OSI reference model and
all industry standard network architectures. Both peer-to-peer and server-based systems are
introduced. It covers LAN-user concepts and topologies, the basic functions of system
administration and operation.
DTEL115 Electric Circuits
Circuit theory: Kirchff’s law, loop theorem, currents in a multi loop circuits, junction theorem,
Thevenin Theorem, Norton Theorem, Maximum power theorem, AC circuit theory: Impedance,
reactance, phase diagrams, use of complex numbers in circuit theory, resonance, power factor,
half power points, AC bridges, resistance, capacitance and inductance measurements,
transformer. Three phase power systems: phase diagrams, star and delta connections,
transformers, motors, generators.
PMIS114 Introduction to Computer Programming (C)
Fundamental concepts of C programming language and basic principles and tools required to
develop programs. Sequence of topics provides a straightforward and disciplined way of
developing programs which promote good programming habits. Outlining basic structure of a C
program, data types and data representation and storage. Mastering of C keywords, operators and
programming constructs. Creating advanced storage methods (such as arrays and structures).
DTEL117 Data Communication and Computer Networks
Introduction to computer-based communications and networks: underlying concepts, basic
hardware components and operating systems, network architectures, topology and protocols,
layers, data integrity and security, transmission, switching, message routing, broadcast, remote
access, network management.
DNEP112 Computer Maintenance a Practical Approach
This course emphasizes practical application of theories covered. The laboratory sessions should
be conducted in a well equipped manner to develop and enhance the student’s skills necessary to
install, maintain, and diagnose computer systems and network as well as diagnose and
troubleshoot computer systems. Students will learn to install and replace the major hardware
components of the system, maintain and repair those components, as well as build a complete
system.
DNEP113 Linux Administration
Linux operating system, core skills in configuration and installation of the operating system on
an Intel-based computer. Effectively using, customizing, and scripting common command line
utilities. File systems, users and groups, the Bash shell, process management, text editors,
searching and organizing data, and various applications. Hardware and device configuration, file
system management, user and group administration, network configurations, kernel services,
attaching new Linux systems to a corporate network, configuring the new systems for end-users,
and troubleshooting.
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DTEL211 Electronics
Electronic devices: Semiconductor diodes, transistors, FET, UJT, BJT, MOSFETs, Rectifier
circuits, power supplies, Half and full wave rectifiers, filter circuits, series and shunt voltage
regulators, Amplifiers, Transistor biasing, stability factors. Dinary, Octal, Hexadecimal and
binary numbers: Associate codes; Binary: Binary addition, subtraction, multiplication and
division.
DMIS316 Computer Architecture
Number arithmetic. Components of a micro computer based system. Peripheral devices (input,
output, memory). Logic devices (gates types and truth tables). Logical devices (flip-flops; types
and truth tables (SR, D, JK)), application / use of flip-flops. The microprocessor unit: 8086/88
(architecture, registers, flags, machine cycles/states). 8086/88 assembly programming
(instruction set, data transfer, rotate/shift, arithmetic operations, logic operations, BIT
operations). Memory devices (SRAM, DRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, cache
memory, volatile, non-volatile).
DTEL213 Digital Logic Design
Number systems and codes, Boolean Algebra. Karnaugh maps. Combination Logic Design.
Sequential Logic Design. Single Bit memory elements. Circuits.
DNEP 211 Windows Server Administration
The course provide the knowledge required by system administrators, network administrators,
and IT (Information Technology) professionals who implement, manage and troubleshoot
network and server environments based on the Microsoft Windows Dot Net platform. Up-to-date
information on core system administration topics: Active Directory services, security, disaster
planning and recover, and interoperability with NetWare and UNIX. Microsoft Internet Security
and Acceleration (ISA) Server and scripting. Prepares students for one of following Microsoft
certifications: Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), Microsoft Certified Technology
Specialist (MCTS), and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP).
DNEP212 Network Management
This course teaches students how to plan, configure, maintain, and scale a routed network. It
focuses on using Cisco routers connected in LANs and WANs typically found at medium-tolarge network sites. IP routing concepts and routing protocols are explored in depth. Students
spend considerable time implementing laboratory networks that utilize IP routing on Cisco
routers. Topics include OSPF, EIGRP, IS-IS, BGPv4, route summarization, route redistribution,
route filtering, VLSM, NAT, and advanced Access Control Lists. After completing this course,
students will be able to select and implement the appropriate Cisco IOS services required to
build a scalable, routed network.
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CMIS212 Systems Analysis and Design
Introduction to systems analysis (Problem identification/ preliminary survey). Main functions of
the systems analyst (and roles played by the analyst). Feasibility study (economic, social,
technical, operational, -Contents of the feasibility study report). Investigation and fact finding
(interviews, questionnaire, observation, record inspection). Systems analysis (DFDs, ERDs,
decision trees and tables, prototyping). Systems design (logical and physical design).
Implementation (system testing, changeover methods- direct, phased, parallel, pilot).
Maintenance and review.
DTEL311 IT Governance
IT investment decisions, procurement & implementation of new assets, value services delivery,
risk assessment and performance measurement and aligning IT with business. IT auditing to
ensure fiduciary, compliance and security. IT Policy formulation. IT frameworks: e.g. CobiT,
ITIL.
DTEL313 Operating Systems*
Operating systems evolution and functions. Process management, system management file
system, UNIX, Windows, Linux operating systems.
DTEL314 Micro Computer Technology
Operating systems Memory management. Programming languages and techniques Application
software. Software systems security and maintenance
DNEP 311 Computer Security
The need, history and current trends, challenges, Accidental /malicious damage, viruses,
hacking, fraud, physical security, authentication procedures, backup and recovery regimes,
encryption decryption, privileges and access control.
DTEL316 Microprocessors
Designing and interfacing micro controller-based systems. Architectures of microprocessors/
micro controller hardware interfacing and programming and current development and market
trends.
DNEP312 Routing and Switching
This course introduces routing and router configuration, explores networking protocols, and
applies routing concepts within a lab environment. Topics covered include routing concepts and
theory, Cisco operating system management, variable length subnet masking (VLSM), classless
inter-domain routing (CIDR), routing protocols, and access control lists (ACLs). Routing
protocols: Routing Information Protocol (RIPv1, RIPv2), Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing
Protocol (EIGRP), and Open Shortest Path First (OSPF). Configure routers, interpret routing
tables and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
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DNEP313 Wireless Technology
The scope of the course includes medium-sized business and enterprise solutions. Fundamentals
of wireless communications, operation of stand-alone wireless access points (APs), wireless
security concepts, controller based operations. Design, install, configure, monitor and
troubleshoot wireless local area networks (WLANs). Controller based: WLAN controllers,
authentication-authorization and accounting (AAA) servers, light-weight access points, and
wireless network management software. Security: open and web authentication, 802.1 X/EAP
(extensible authentication protocol) authentications, and 802.11i/WPA/WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected
Access) encryption for the client, access point, and the WLAN controllers and the underlying
protocols for secure client support including EAP-FAST, EAP-PEAP, and EAP-TLS.
DTEL317 Fibre Optic Technology
Totally Internally Reflected, parameters of an optical fibre, dispersion, fibre types - step index
and graded index monomode and multimode, mode of transmission, waveguide equations,
modes in optical fibres, power flow, fibre material:- glass and plastic, fibre fabrication - fibre
drawing machine, VPO, VAD, MCVD, PCVD, double crucible method:-mechanical properties
of fibres- strength, fatigue, proof testing: cables, signal degradation and attenuation, scattering
losses, dispersion, radiation losses at bends, signal distortion in optical waveguides, information
capacity determination, optical sources and detectors - their characteristics and response time,
optical wave communication - FDM,PAM - sampling theory.
DNEP314 Project
Students will work on a systems analysis and design project, with a bias towards
telecommunications or data communications under the supervision of a department member up
to implementation stage, defend their project and submit a suitable report on the work carried
out.
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CONSULTATIONS
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Econet Wireless
Telecel Wireless
Powertel
Yo!Africa
Compulink
Trust Academy Academic Quality Assurance Committee
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