MODULE DETAILS

Module 1: Physical Media

NOMINAL DURATION IN HOURS

3 weeks (36 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 the basic principles of optic fibre and copper cabling as used in Industrial data communication systems. It is not a cable installation course, and does not have a hands-on troubleshooting component, although it does address the basic concepts of troubleshooting.

MODULE PURPOSE

The purpose of this module is for participants to gain an overview of the basic principles of both optic fibre and copper cabling as used in Industrial data communication systems. 

PREREQUISITE AND/OR CO‑REQUISITE MODULES

None

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

Assessors must:

• hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and
• be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and
• be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.

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 will 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.

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Identify the basic attributes of fiber optic transmission
2. Outline the process for the testing of fiber optic systems
3. Determine the basics of copper media and structured cabling

Learning Outcome 1

 Identify the basic attributes of fiber optic transmission

Assessment Criteria

1.1   Identify fibre optic architecture components:

(a) Fibre types

(b) Commonly used connectors

(c) Splicing methods

(d) Optical sources and detectors

1.2   Explain the procedures for designing a fibre optic link

with software

Learning Outcome 2

Outline the process for the testing of fiber optic systems

Assessment Criteria

2.1  Explain the following fibre testing methods:

(a) Continuity testing

(b) Insertion loss testing

(c) Optical Time Domain Reflectometry

 Learning Outcome 3

Examine and discuss the basics of copper media and structured cabling

Assessment Criteria

3.1 Examine and discuss cables and connectors under the following headings:

      (a) Noise and crosstalk

      (b) Cable types

      (c) Connectors

      (d) Ingress Protection ratings

3.2 Design a basic structured cabling system

Delivery mode

Online and/or face-to-face