This unit will be offered in semester 2, 2003 first time. Currently, in the distance learning versions of MBS, MMC and MIT courses, there is no data communication and network unit, which teaches how to analyse, design and research network based solutions.In each of these courses, there is a sound argument for offering students in-depth knowledge of designing data communication systems and protocol implementation for required end applications e.g. multimedia, trading system, real-time applications etc. based on advanced network technologies.In this unit students will apply their knowledge about OSI layers, network security, multimedia communication, mobile network architecture, mobile network operation, IP based wireless communication, bluetooth, WLAN and WAP to analyse, design and develop communication systems.Reasons for this changeGSCIT proposes to change the teaching mode of this unit from off-campus learning only to off-campus and on-campus learning. The purpose of this change is to satisfy the ESOS on-campus offering requirement for international students, in particular for on-campus honours and MIT (minor thesis) programs.MIT (minor thesis) was recently introduced and has become a preferred replacement for Honours by some international students. GSCIT has about 3 to 5 international Honours and MIT(minor thesis) students studying in Gippsland campus every year. Since GSCIT only offers off-campus learning for the MIT program and the requirement of ESOS to have on-campus offerings for all on-campus courses, GSCIT is currently barred from enrolling any international students who wish to study on-campus into the MIT (minor thesis) program because of the ESOS requirement.The proposed change does not increase the lecture, staff or library requirement.This change also addresses the new requirement to enroll honours students for the individual on-campus units in Callista.