MODULE DETAILS

Fundamentals of ICT and Networking for Biomedical Engineers and Technicians DBEICT611

Nominal duration: 60 hours total time commitment

This time commitment includes the structured activities, preparation reading, and attendance at each webinar, completing exercises, practical assessments and proctored assessments.

It is also expected that students spend additional time on readings, personal study, independent research and learning, practicing on remote labs and required software and working on any projects and assignments.

This module covers fundamental characteristics of computer networks, TCP and OSI data communication models, wireless communications, and the functions of healthcare networks.

MODULE PURPOSE

The purpose of this module is for participants to develop broad knowledge of the fundamentals of networking and data communication relevant to biomedical engineering.

MODIFICATION HISTORY

Ver 2.0

PREREQUISITE AND/OR CO‑REQUISITE MODULES

Modules that must be delivered and assessed before this module:

N/A

Modules that must be delivered concurrently with this module:

N/A

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1.    Outline the fundamental characteristics of computer networks

2.    Explain basic principles and security considerations of the OSI and TCP data communications models

3.    Outline the core features of TCP/IP and related protocols

4.    Outline the basic features of wireless communication

5.    Identify and evaluate the clinical and management functions of healthcare networks

LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Learning outcomes specify what students will be able to do as a result of the learning.

Assessment criteria provide the criteria by which achievement of the learning outcomes will be judged.

1

Outline the fundamental characteristics of computer networks

1.1

Outline core benefits of networking computers

1.2

Identify and summarise the basic features of the following computer network types:

a)    LAN

b)    WLAN

c)    WAN

d)    CAN

e)    VPN

1.3

Explain the following terms and concepts:

a)    IP address

b)    Nodes

c)    Routers

d)    Switches

e)    Ports

f)     Network cable types

g)    IoT

h)    Cloud services

1.4

Outline the generic functions of the following network interconnecting devices:

a)    Repeaters

b)    Hubs

c)    Bridges

d)    Switches

e)    Routers

f)     Gateways

1.5

Identify and explain physical and logical network topologies

2

Explain basic principles and security considerations of the OSI and TCP data communications models

2.1

Explain the functions of the layers of a communication model, specifically:

a)    The 7-layer OSI model

b)    The 4-layer TCP model

2.2

Evaluate network security risks and propose suitable solutions for securing these networks

3

Outline the core features of TCP/IP and related protocols

3.1

Define TCP/IP

3.2

Compare the features of IPv4 and IPv6.

3.3

Outline the functions of the common TCP/IP application layer protocols:

a)    Management protocols

b)    Domain Name System (DNS)

c)    Remote communication protocols

d)    File transfer protocols (FTP)

e)    Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP)

f)     Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

4

Outline the basic features of wireless communication

4.1

Outline the regulatory structure and frequency allocation for wireless communications

4.2

Explain the basics of modulation and spread spectrum

4.3

Outline the architecture and attributes of wireless networks

4.4

Outline the basic attributes of mesh networks

5

Identify and evaluate the clinical and management functions of healthcare networks

5.1

Explain the importance of real time connectivity in the health care sector

5.2

Identify and explain how various clinical systems and non-clinical systems, such as patient monitoring, pharmacy and medical imaging operate over a hospital-wide or area-wide network

5.3

Outline salient features of clinical medical record systems

5.4

Compare, using examples, features of clinical information systems

DELIVERY MODE

Online and/or face-to-face

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, structured assessments, samples and questioning. This will include short answer questions on the knowledge content, the use of remote and virtual labs, and writing tasks to apply the learning to academic tasks.

CONDITIONS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessor Requirements:

Assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the standards for registered training organisation (RTOs) current at the time of assessment.

Assessors must also hold a tertiary qualification in engineering or related field.

The RTO must also ensure that trainers and assessors keep their industry knowledge up to date through ongoing professional development.

Assessment Conditions:

Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this module. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required.

The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Assessments may be open book assessment and may be completed off campus. Invigilation software will be used for some assessments to ensure authenticity of work completed.

Model answers must be provided for all knowledge-based assessments to ensure reliability of assessment judgements when marking is undertaken by different assessors.