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CS3270 Fundamentals of Computer Networks and the Internet
Part I
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
Part II
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):
(state what the student is expected to be able to do at the end of the course according to a given standard of performance)
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
| No. | CILOs | Weighting (if applicable) | | 1. | identify and explore 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 explore how these technologies support real-life
applications. | 25% |
Teaching and learning Activities (TLAs):
(designed to facilitate students’ achievement of the CILOs)
Teaching pattern:
Suggested lecture/tutorial/laboratory mix: 2 hrs. lecture; 1 hr. tutorial
| 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 mid-semester 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 various features of networks | | | 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. | | 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. | | | 5 (analyse applications of technology) | Case Study. Students explore the applications of network or communication technologies 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. The students will also have an opportunity to apply their knowledge to formulate creative solutions in the case study. | |
Assessment Tasks/Activities:
(designed to assess how well the students achieve the CILOs)
A. Weight of ILOs to Assessment Tasks | | Quiz | Assignments | Exam | Total for course (approximate) | | CILO 1 | Ö | Ö | Ö | 20% | | CILO 2 | Ö | Ö | Ö | 15% | | CILO 3 | Ö | Ö | Ö | 15% | | CILO 4 | | Ö | Ö | 35% | | CILO 5 | | Ö | Ö | 15% | | | 15% | 15% | 70% | 100% |
B. Assessment Criteria of Each ILO | ILO No | Criteria | Remarks on weighting | | 1 | Clarity and correctness in describing and identifying the given technologies will measure measurement this CILO. | 20% | | 2 | Solution of simple analytical problems using equations and concepts in data transmission systems and simple network configurations. Appropriate application of equations to new scenarios. | 15% | | 3 | Correct recognition of the role of network devices and properly placement of the devices in the correct layers within the layered architecture. | 20% | | 4 | Describe the structures and protocols used in the computer networks. Demonstrate ability to see the overall picture i.e. the interaction between protocols and structures not only within a particular protocol layer but potentially across multiple layers: Provide an integrated picture of the network protocols and structures. | 20% | | 5 | Demonstrate a comprehensive analysis of the applications of network technologies in given scenarios. Provision of a clear explanation and justification on how these technologies can be applied in real-life application. | 25% |
Grading of Student Achievement:
l Coursework (30%)
n Quiz, survey and written assignment
l Examination (70%)
n 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.
Part III
Keyword Syllabus:
Networking concepts. Network components and structure. Protocol layers. Data links. Error control. Link layer protocols. LAN: technology and performance. Wide area networks. Network technologies. Internet structure. Addressing and naming. Transport services and protocols. (TCP/IP). Internet connections, PPP. Domain Name Sevice (DNS), Application protocols, Telnet, FTP, e-mail protocols, SMTP/POP, HTTP. Mobile networks.
Related Links
Department of Computer Science
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