Networks and Platform Technologies Course Descriptor

Course Summary

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of computer networks. The course content includes network architectures, network topologies, network protocols, layering concepts (for example, ISO/OSI, TCP/IP reference models), communication paradigms (point-to-point vs. multicast/broadcast, connectionless vs. connection oriented), and networking APIs (sockets). It also covers the construction of distributed programs, with an emphasis on high-level protocols and distributed state sharing. Topics include design patterns, transactions, performance trade-offs, security implications, and reliability. It uses examples from real networks (TCP/IP, Ethernet, 802.11) and distributed systems (Web, BitTorrent, DNS) to reinforce concepts and provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge of networks and platform technologies using industry-standard cloud-based technology e.g. using ServiceNow training. 

Course Aims

• Train students with the fundamentals of computer networks and platform technologies.
• Train students with the design principles behind distributed systems that leverage the network.
• Train students on the architecture, algorithms, and protocols of the Internet.
• Allow students to engage in hands-on projects to learn how to build and understand Internet applications.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Professional Skills

Teaching and Learning

This is an e-learning course taught throughout the year.

This course can be offered as a standalone short course.

Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include: 

• Online lectures
• Online discussion 
• Online assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Students are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Students are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.

The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:

● Learning and teaching (5 days x 8 hours) = 40 hours 

● Independent study = 110 hours 

Indicative total learning hours for this course: 150 hours

Assignments (see below) will be completed as part of private study.

Assessment

Formative

Students will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide students with developmental feedback. 

Summative

All summative assessments will be assessed in accordance with the assessment aims set out in the Programme Specification.

Feedback

Students will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Students will also attend a formal meeting with their Mentor. These reviews will monitor and evaluate the student’s progress.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to students; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books

Peterson, L. and Davue, B., (2012), Computer Networks: A Systems Approach, Amsterdam; London: Morgan Kaufmann

Kurose. J. and Ross, K., (2005), Computer Networking: a top-down approach featuring the Internet, Addison-Wesley

Tanenbaum, A. S., (2002), Computer Networks, Prentice Hall

Journals

Students are encouraged to consult relevant journals on computer networks and platform technologies. 

Electronic Resources

Students are encouraged to consult relevant electronic resources on computer networks and platform technologies. 

Indicative Topics

• Networks
• Distributed Systems
• Platform Technologies