DeCal

About the Course:

People are more connected now than at any point in history.  In no area is this more obvious than in the realm of computing, with such revolutions as the Internet facilitating instantaneous communication with anyone else on the globe.  But what underlying technology enables all of this, and how is it all secured?  This course will begin with a basic overview of computer hardware and then delve deeply into the core concepts of networking, focusing on the details of what enables devices on a network (including the largest network in the world: the Internet) to exchange data.  This includes an overview of network topologies, devices, and protocols, as well as the fundamentals of routing.  We will then examine the various technologies involved in securing these networks and the data they carry, covering such topics as firewalls, VPNs, and cryptography.  Finally, we will explore modern security risks faced by all of today’s networked machines and their users, as well as what can be done to combat them.  Coverage of other topics is possible, subject to sufficient time and requests from students.  While this course will be taught in a way that should prove accessible to computer users of all skill levels, a keen interest or curiosity in these topics is mandatory, as this is not an average DeCal.  This course will cover a great deal of material in some depth, and could become overwhelming if you are not motivated by your own general interest in the subject matter.

How to Enroll:

***As of this writing, there is a glitch in TeleBEARS for this course which makes it appear in Calendar view as taking place from 7-830AM.  This is incorrect and I am working to get it resolved, but the class does in fact take place in the evening, from 7-830PM.***

The first meeting will be on Tuesday, February 5. 

This course is NOT intended for CS majors, who will most likely encounter these concepts in other classes with an added focus on the programming and mathematical elements associated with them.  While CS majors are certainly welcome to take the course, the DeCal is intended for students interested in learning and understanding these concepts without needing a programming or mathematics background.  As indicated, the course will still go into some depth, though in such a way as to be accessible to all students, regardless of year, major, or level of computer skills.  Think of this DeCal as somewhere between Physics 10 (Physics for Future Presidents) and a "true" Physics course in terms of level of detail, though of course not in terms of content.