Associate Degree in Computer Networking
The Virtual University of Pakistan offers a two-year associate degree program in Computer Networking which is equal to 14 of education. This program equips students with the skills to develop networks using the latest tools and techniques. Students will learn to design, analyze, model, and simulate networks. It also develops skills in cellular and wireless communication, information and network security, intrusion detection systems, and 3G/4G networks.
It includes voice and data integration, cyber laws, and cloud computing. Computer networking is a rapidly evolving subject in which all organizations are demanding to computerize their existing systems to address the challenges of the twenty-first century.
Candidates who hold an associate degree can either continue towards their respective four-year Bachelor of Computer Science degree program, or they can apply for new admission to any four-year BS degree program (subject to meeting admission eligibility criteria and exemption/transfer policy).
Objectives
- To develop foundational networking competencies that align with market expectations.
- To gain the essential expertise and abilities needed to pursue a career in the networking industry
- To assess network performance and implement necessary improvements
- To set up, configure, secure, manage, and resolve issues with network systems
- To qualify for a range of job opportunities, such as Assistant Network Engineer, Assistant Network Administrator, Network Systems Support, Network Technician, and other related roles
Eligibility
- To be admitted to the associate degree Program, applicants must have obtained a minimum of 50% marks in their Intermediate (Part I and II)
- Deficiency courses: Students who did not pass Mathematics at the required (Intermediate) level mentioned above point can apply, but they need to complete two additional 6-credit hour Mathematics courses in the first two semesters.
- The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) O levels and School Certificate (SC) exams are equivalent to Matriculation, and grades in 6 subjects are considered.
- Additionally, the GCE ‘A’ level candidates are required to have passed 3 subjects and must provide an equivalence certificate from Inter Board Committee of Chairman (IBCC), Islamabad.
This program allows course exemption.
Degree Duration
This program is a two-year full-time course, divided into four semesters, each semester has at least 18 weeks for teaching and examinations.
Study Scheme
Semester 1
| Course Code | Subject Title | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CS101
|
Introduction to Computing |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS201
|
Introduction to Programming |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
ENG101 |
English Comprehension |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS601 |
Data Communication |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
MTH101 |
Calculus And Analytical Geometry |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
PAK301 |
Pakistan Studies |
Required |
|
2 (Theory:2), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS201P |
Introduction to Programming (Practical) |
Required |
|
1 (Theory:0, Practical:1) |
|
|
VU001 |
Introduction to e-Learning |
Required |
|
1 (Theory:1), Practical:0) |
|
Semester 2
| Course Code | Subject Title | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CS206
|
Introduction to Network Design & Analysis |
Required |
CS601 |
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS301
|
Data Structures |
Required |
CS201 |
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS610 |
Computer Networks |
Required |
CS601 |
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
ENG201 |
Business and Technical English Writing |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
MTH202 |
Discrete Mathematics |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS301P |
Data Structures (Practical) |
Required |
|
1 (Theory:0, Practical:1) |
|
|
CS201P |
Introduction to Programming (Practical) |
Required |
|
1 (Theory:0, Practical:1) |
|
|
CS610P |
Computer Networks (Practical) |
Required |
|
1 (Theory:0, Practical:1) |
|
Semester 3
| Course Code | Subject Title | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CS205
|
Information Security |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS407
|
Routing and Switching |
Required |
CS610 |
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS431 |
Wireless Communication |
Required |
CS601 |
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS604 |
Operating Systems |
Required |
CS301 |
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS311 |
Introduction to Web Services Development |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS435 |
Cloud Computing |
Elective |
|
1 (Theory:0, Practical:1) |
|
|
ETH202 |
Ethics (for Non-Muslims) |
Elective |
|
2 (Theory:2, Practical:0) |
|
|
ISL202 |
Islamic Studies |
Elective |
|
2 (Theory:2, Practical:0) |
|
|
Content |
CS604P |
Required |
|
1 (Theory:0, Practical:1) |
|
Semester 4
| Course Code | Subject Title | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CS315
|
Network Security |
Required |
CS610 |
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS432
|
Network Modeling and Simulation |
Required |
CS610 |
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS519 |
Final Project |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
STA301 |
Statistics and Probability |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS411 |
Visual Programming |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
CS420 |
Web Development for Portable Devices |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
Assessment of Study Progress
The evaluation of student’s academic progress is based on continuous assessment throughout the semester, including assignments, online quizzes, Graded Discussion Boards (GDBs), mid-term and final-term exams. The mid and final-term exams are conducted at VU’s designated exam centers and typically account for 80-85% of the total marks for a course.
Project
In the final semester of the program, students must complete a 3-credit hour project of their choosing. While students have the freedom to choose their project, it is mandatory to obtain approval from their student advisor
Degree Awarded
To qualify for the associate degree program in Computer Networking, a student is required to complete at least 69 credit hours and attain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.00 out of 4.
Fee Structure
| Degree Program | Admission Fee | Registration Fee | Security Fee | Admission Processing Fee | Semester Enrollment Fee | Per credit hour fee | Fee of Convocation | Fee payable at admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ADP |
3,000 |
2,500 |
2,000 |
500 |
1,000 |
935 |
2,000 |
11,905 |
Semester Fee
Semester fee Approximately Rs. 17000/-
Disclaimer
- The courses are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date with those taught at top universities, taking into account the needs of local industry and the job market.
- The University may change its fee structure from time to time.