Faculty of Computing Engineering and Technology

MODULE HANDBOOK 2015-16

Module title: Introduction to Computer and
Network Architectures (Computer Networks)

Module code: COCS40663

Module leader (Staffordshire University): Martin Slade / Janet Francis
Telephone: (01785) 353310, Room K342
Email:

Stoke-On-Trent College: Ivailo Chakarov

Telephone: (01782 208208 ext. 3300) Room T47
Email:


Module Content

Content will focus on:
ICT Systems
Differences between systems, software and enterprise solutions.
Different conceptual views of a system
Hardware,
Operating system building blocks
System functions and characteristics
Memory management and protection
Memory types - static and dynamic:
OS access and security issues
Processor types:
Busses: Disk Drives, Removable Media:
I/O techniques - Serial / Parallel: Peripherals - Mice, Keyboards, Printers, Modems, Scanners
Basic Networking - Topologies, Protocols, Wireless:
Multimedia Aspects - Sound, MIDI, FM Synthesis, MP3, Video, VR, 3D Graphics.
Health and safety and personal risk assessment for working with IT equipment
Networks,
The OSI model (layers 1-7)
Network design and documentation
Ethernet routing and switching
Introduction to WANs and routers, architecture, CLI and configuration
TCP/IP, Routing in WANs, Network Troubleshooting
Aspects of network security

Module Specification

The module specification can be found at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/current/student/modules/showmodule.php?code=COCS40663

Lecture/Tutorial /Laboratories Guidance

Classes will consist of a mixture of lecture/tutorial/practical. The actual content of these sessions can be found on the module website.

Student Centred Learning Guidance

Students will be advised on a weekly basis of any further study requirements.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, be they lectures, tutorials or laboratory sessions. Please note that under the regulations of the University you may be withdrawn from your module if you miss more than 4 consecutive sessions as detailed in Section 1.3 of the Undergraduate Modular Framework (http://www.staffs.ac.uk/images/ugrad_mod_fram_tcm68-12695.pdf).

Staff will ensure that attendance is monitored in the module.

Teaching Plan

See session plan for your group

Module Assessment

This module is assessed by:

A CASESTUDY length 3000 WORDS weighted at 50%. A PORTFOLIO weighted at 50%.
A PORTFOLIO weighted at 50%, Learning Outcomes 1-3.
A portfolio of exercises some theory based and some requiring reflection of use and applicability of theoretical concepts in the work environment of the learner (circa 3000 words)
A CASE STUDY length 3000 words weighted at 50%, Learning outcomes 4-6
This case study will examine a networking requirements and design of a solution.

Learning Outcome
1) DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMPONENTS WHICH ARE COMMONLY USED IN CONTEMPORARY ICT/TELECOMMS SYSTEMS AND THE WAY THEY ARE CONFIGURED TO SERVE A NUMBER OF PURPOSES AND HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES RELEVANT TO ICT SYSTEMS. / Application
Knowledge & Understanding
2) DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF THE FUNCTIONALITY AND CAPACITY OF AN ICT SYSTEM AND HOW CHANGES TO THE CONFIGURATION WILL AFFECT THE SYSTEM'S OVERALL PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES. / Analysis
Knowledge & Understanding
Learning
3) EVALUATE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS AND ROUTES TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF AN ICT SYSTEM AND PRESENT OBJECTIVE DATA TO CONTRIBUTE TO DECISION MAKING. / Analysis
Communication
Learning
Problem Solving
4) DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE OSI MODEL, TCP/IP MODEL AND IP ADDRESSING WITH SUBNETTING. / Knowledge & Understanding
5) DEMONSTRATE UNDERSTANDING OF THE FUNCTIONALITY AND CAPACITY OF A TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AND HOW CHANGES TO THE CONFIGURATION WILL AFFECT THE SYSTEM'S OVERALL PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES. / Analysis
Knowledge & Understanding
Learning
6) EVALUATE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS AND ROUTES INCLUDING TOKEN RING, FDDI, ETHERNET AND THE CREATION OF PHYSICAL AND LOGICAL NETWORK TOPOLOGIES TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF A TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AND PRESENT OBJECTIVE DATA TO CONTRIBUTE TO DECISION MAKING. / Analysis
Learning

Please note that you will need to achieve at least 20% in each component of assessment, with an overall average of 40% in order to pass the module.

Please see Student Handbook regarding late submission, ill health, and extenuating circumstances.

For module schedule and deadlines see group schedule from Tutor at


http://www.chakarov.com/showmodule.php?id=22


Module Monitoring and Feedback

You will have the opportunity to provide feedback on this module at the end, by completing a module feedback survey.

Resources

Course documentation including your group schedule, lecture material, tutorial notes and any additional supporting material will be accessible electronically on:

http://www.chakarov.com/showmodule.php?id=22

Recommended Texts

Communications and Networking: An Introduction, John Cowley, 2007, Springer, ISBN: 1-84628-488-0
Network Fundamentals, Dye et al, 2011 Cisco Press, ISBN-10: 1587133482