Unit information: Computer Networks in 2012/13

Unit name	Computer Networks
Unit code	COMS12500
Credit points	10
Level of study	C/4
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Professor. Calway
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Computer Science
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

This unit aims to provide students with an understanding of computer networking, the issues involved in creating networks and how contemporary networks are composed. Starting with information theory, it shows how networks can be analysed, created, used, and how information flowing across them can be optimised and protected against loss.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, students should be able to:

• Be able to understand the concept of channels, latency, bandwidth, entropy, noise and the Shannon limit on capacity
• Be able to create and use error detecting and correcting codes, compression other data processing
• Understand the components of a modern network, and the design choices made in implementation
• Understand routing algorithms and their effect on network traffic
• Have an understanding of commonly used network protocols

Teaching Information

20h lectures, 20h labs

Assessment Information

Assessment will be based on a 2-hour written exam (100%) which will assess the students knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in the unit.

Reading and References

• Computer networks”, Andrew S. Tanenbaum & David J. Wetherall.
• Computer networks : a systems approach”, Larry L. Peterson & Bruce S. Davie.
• Principles and practices of interconnection networks” , William James Dally & Brian Towles.
• Error control coding : from theory to practice”, Peter Sweeney.