CS3270 Fundamentals of Computer Networks and the Internet

Course Duration: 1 Semester

Credit Units: 3

Level: B3

Medium of Instruction:  English 

Prerequisites: Nil
 
Precursors:  
CS2161 Fundamentals of Web Technology /or
CS2172 Fundamentals of Computing /or
CS2331 Problem Solving and Programming /or
CS2360 Java Programming /or
CS2362 Computer Programming for Engineers and Scientists /or
CS2363 Computer Programming /or
CS2372 Fundamentals of Programming /or equivalent  

Equivalent Courses: Nil

Exclusive Courses: Nil

Course Aims:
This course aims to provide an introduction to the major concepts in computer networks, including the structure and main protocols of the Internet. Students will come to understand basic data communication and the techniques of building computer networks. They will also develop an appreciation of the evolution of the Internet and how it has scaled to become the premier interconnection network of the world.

Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
 

No.	CILOs	Weighting (if applicable)
1.	Identify and describe the key technologies used in communication networks especially in local area networks and the Internet.	20%
2.	Solve simple analytical problems in data transmission and network configurations.	15%
3	Apply the concepts of layer architecture in assessing the placement of network devices, protocols and services	20%
4.	Describe the structures and protocols used in computer networks and justify their designs in the context of a global network.	20%
5.	Analyze the application of network technologies in designated scenarios and explain how these technologies support real-life applications.	25%

Teaching and learning Activities (TLAs):
(Indicative of likely activities and tasks students will undertake to learn in this course. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course)

ILO #	TLA
1 (identify technologies)	Readings on technologies.  Selected chapters from text / reference books will be recommended for each topic to help students participate in lecture discussions and bring questions they want answered. Lectures. Concept and general knowledge of computer network technologies and the Internet are discussed. Tutorials. Questions provide practice in identifying technologies used in LAN and the internet. Quiz.  A midsemester quiz will check students' achievement of the learning outcomes. This will provide timely feedback on learning progress. Individual assignment on analysis of networks requires identification of features of networks. Survey.  For the applications reported in the survey, students are required to identify the technologies used by the application correctly.
2 (solve analytical problems)	Lectures. Analysis of communication problems in networks is demonstrated. Tutorials. Designed cases /questions practice analysis. Quiz.  See above Individual assignment on analysis of networks.  Students are required to answer analytical questions on network communication.
3 (apply layer architecture and technology concepts)	Readings on application of layer technology Lectures. Concepts in placement of network devices, protocols and services technology are discussed. Tutorials. Designed cases /questions about layer architecture are discussed with students. Quiz.  See above Individual assignment on layer architecture.  Students are required to answer questions on application of layer technology. Survey.  Students are required to apply the layer architecture in describing the applications found in the survey.
4 (describe structures and protocols)	Readings on structures and protocols Lectures. The structures and protocols used in computer networks are discussed. Tutorials. Designed cases /questions on the structures and protocols are discussed with students. Quiz.  See above Individual assignment. On structure and protocol.   Students are required to answer questions on the structures and protocols used in computer networks. Survey.  For the applications reported in the survey, students are required to describe the structures and protocols, if applicable, used.
5 (analyse applications of technology)	Survey. Students conduct a survey on the applications of network or communication technologies used in their daily lives.  This activity not only stimulates students’ interest in the subject matter but also helps them relate what they have learnt to the real world

Assessment Tasks/Activities:
(Indicative of likely activities and tasks students will undertake to learn in this course. Final details will be provided to students in their first week of attendance in this course)

• Coursework (30%)
  Quiz, survey and written assignment
  
• Examination (70%)
  1.5 hours, closed book.

For a student to pass the course, at least 30% of the maximum mark for the examination must be obtained.