32520 Systems Administration
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): (32547 UNIX Systems Programming AND (32524 LANS and Routing OR 49202 Communication Protocols))
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 31338 Network Servers
Recommended studies:
Students must be competent users of basic operating system operation before commencing this subject.
Description
Through this subject students gain an understanding of the design principles and implementation issues for the deployment of network servers based on Windows and Linux operating systems. Techniques and skills for system administration are developed through a comprehensive sequence of laboratory activities in combination with mini-lectures and design tasks.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Design basic network infrastructure and services. (C.1) |
|---|---|
| 2. | Demonstrate skills in deploying and administering Windows and Linux based network servers. (D.1) |
| 3. | Demonstrate the attitudes and record keeping methods required to be a system administrator. (E.1) |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
- Design Oriented: FEIT graduates apply problem solving, design thinking and decision-making methodologies in new contexts or to novel problems, to explore, test, analyse and synthesise complex ideas, theories or concepts. (C.1)
- Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)
- Collaborative and Communicative: FEIT graduates work as an effective member or leader of diverse teams, communicating effectively and operating autonomously within cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural contexts in the workplace. (E.1)
Teaching and learning strategies
Students are required to use the online media before attending the combined tutorial/lab as this is essential for completing the labwork. Students will collaboratively develop a threaded case study during the tutorial, applying and extending the work done in the labwork component. The initial labs will develop core skills and knowledge for network servers and this will be directly applied to the relevant case study. The lab worksheets initially assist students in practice based exercises but will progressively require more research and self-directed learning towards the end of session.
Students progressively develop an engineering journal which will be used in the practical skills tests.
Students will have the choice to develop their own case study which can optionally be industry or community aligned.
Online audio lectures, study by the students themselves plus lab practice with onsite support from staff will be accommodated together to maximise the effectiveness and the outcomes of study.
Content (topics)
1. Features, installation, and deployment of network servers.
2. Design, implementation and integration of network server infrastructure.
3. Basic directory services
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Networking Skills Test
| Intent: | The skills test will provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate their system administration skills, record keeping techniques and research skills to dig deeper for basic network configuration. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 and D.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 20% |
Assessment task 2: Quiz
| Intent: | The quiz will test theoretical and design aspects of the curriculum. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
Assessment task 3: Final Skills Test
| Intent: | The assignment will provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills learning outcomes and evaluate their techniques learned from the lab sessions. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): C.1, D.1 and E.1 |
| Type: | Examination |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
Assessment task 4: Learning Journal
| Intent: | The use of a learning journal (also called an Engineering journal) will encourage students to keep good logbooks for systems under their control and to foster reflective learning by conducting further research on related knowledge. This should be developed over the entire semester and will be used in the skills test and assignment. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs): E.1 |
| Type: | Journal |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 10% |
Minimum requirements
In order to pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.
Recommended texts
Linux: Any LPIC-1 certification guide. Recommended texts include:
Christine Bresnahan, Richard Blum, LPIC-1 Linux Professional Institute Certification Study Guide: Exam 101-500 and Exam 102-500, 5th Edition, 2019, Newark: John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated (also available online via UTS library)
Christine Bresnahan, Richard Blum, LPIC-2: Linux Professional Institute Certification Study Guide: Exam 201 and Exam 202, 2nd Edition, 2016, Wiley Press
Sander van Vugt, Red Hat RHCSA 8 Cert Guide: EX200, 2nd edition, 2021, O'Reilly press (also available online via UTS library)
Windows:
Sara Perrott, Windows Server 2019 & PowerShell All-in-One For Dummies, 2019, FHoboken, New Jersey : For Dummies (also available online via UTS library)
Thomas Lee, Windows Server 2019 Automation with PowerShell Cookbook - Third Edition, 2019, Packt Publishing (also available online via UTS library)
References
Linux Professional Institute Certification
- LPIC1: Junior level Administrator part 1 (Exam 101)
- LPIC1: Junior level Administrator part 1 (Exam 102)
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS)
- 70-642 Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure
Other resources
Please refer to Canvas for all administrative announcements. Canvas will be used to disseminate resources relevant to the subject.
You are expected to check Canvas for any news regarding the subject on a daily basis.