COMP SCI 7039 - Computer Networks & Applications
North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code COMP SCI 7039 Course Computer Networks & Applications Coordinating Unit Computer Science Term Semester 1 Level Postgraduate Coursework Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 2.5 hours per week Assumed Knowledge COMP SCI 7082 or COMP SCI 7201 Assessment written exam, programming and written assignments Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Dr Cheryl Pope
The course coordinator for Computer Networks and Applications is:
Dr. Cheryl Pope, 8313-5833, room 4.31 Innova21
cheryl@cs.adelaide.edu.au
The other lecturer for this course is:
Dr Damith Ranasinghe, 8313-0066, room 4.29 Innova 21
damith.ranasinghe@adelaide.edu.auCourse Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
The learning objectives for Computer Networks and Applications are:
1. To understand the way protocols currently in use in the Internet work and the requirements for
designing network protocols.
2. To be able to capture and analyse network traffic.
3. To have a grounding in the theory of basic network performance analysis
4. To begin to develop the ability to identify soundness or potential flaws in proposed protocols
5. To understand the current architecture of the Internet and know the entities involved
with the day to day running of the Internet and the process involved with development of policy and new
protocols.
6. To understand and be able to explain security and ethical issues in computer networking.
7. To be able to implement key networking algorithms in simulationUniversity Graduate Attributes
This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:
University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s) Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,4,5,6 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1,5 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 5,7 Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4,6 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 5,7 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 4 A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 4,6 An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 6 -
Learning Resources
Required Resources
The prescribed textbook for the course is:
Computer Networking: a Top-Down Approach, Sixth Edition (Fifth is acceptable), Kurose and Ross, 2012. ISBN-10: 0132856204 • ISBN-13: 9780132856201
Available from Unibooks with limited copies also available from the library.Recommended Resources
Students will be required to write reports of varying length, as well as computer programs. Students should have access to guides to writing essays, as well as books on Java programming such as Big Java, by Horstmann. A C reference manual may also be helpful.Online Learning
The Computer Networks and Applications website is located on the School of Computer Science’s Moodle forum, http://forums.cs.adelaide.edu.au/course/category.php?id=4
The website includes links to all assessment items. Students are expected to check the forum on a regular basis for announcements relating to the course. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
The course aims to introduce students to fundamental concepts in Computer Networking and Applications, building to an understanding of the structure and function of the Internet, and the construction of networks in general.
Lectures will focus on theory and problem solving. Tutorials will extend lectures and provide an opportunity for discussion and feedback. Practical and lab work will reinforce theoretical concepts through their application. All material covered in the lectures, labs, practical assignments, tutorials and assigned reading are assessable. Students are expected to be able to explain what they have learned and apply their knowledge.Workload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
Computer Networks and Applications is a three-unit course. We expect that students will spend approximately 10-12 hours a week working on the course. This will consist of 2 hours of lectures a week, 1 tutorial in the odd weeks, approximately 1-2 hours of tutorial preparation, up to 1 hour of pre-lecture preparation a week viewing podcasts or reading, 1 hour a week spent completing networking labs, and up to 7 hours a week spent completing practical assignments.
The work spent on practical assignments is likely to be closely associated with an assignment deadline, rather than spread out evenly across the semester. You should allow yourself enough time to understand, start and complete the assignments to a high level.Learning Activities Summary
Topic
Description
Introduction to Networking
An overview of networking, history and the multi-layer model.
Application Layer
A discussion of Client/Server and Peer-to-Peer models, examples of existing application layer technologies and Socket programming
Transport Layer
Discusses the issues in multiplexing reliable and unreliable connections across potentially unreliable fabric, including discussions of UDP and TCP.
Network Layer
Discusses network routing, compares and contrasts link-state and distance vector routing, introduction to IP and IPv6
Data Link Layer
Covers error detection and correction, sharing a medium, local area networks, commonly used protocols, and Layer 2.5 protocols
Security
Discusses principles of cryptography, the use of digital signatures and a number of secure applications. Also discusses the use of security at the Transport and Network layer, as well as ethical issues potentially arising in security environments. -
Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
The assessment for this subject consists of three components with the following weightings:
Exam – 70%
Practical Assignments – 20%
Networking Labs – 10%
Students enrolled in COMP SCI 7039 and DEFSCI 7042 will be required to submit additional work related to assignments that reflects the expectation of deeper analysis by postgraduate students. The exact requirements will be advised in the assignments.Assessment Related Requirements
Students are required to obtain at least 40% in the exam and 40% in the combined practical and lab components and 50% overall to pass the course.Assessment Detail
Final Exam - There will be a 2 hour examination at the end of the course, consisting of questions that will assess your knowledge of networking protocols, principles and practices. Students in COMP SCI 7039 and COMP SCI 7042 will not undertake the same examination as the students in COMP SCI 3001, although they will be of the same length. Materials permitted in the examination are limited to paper translation dictionaries.
Practical Work - Each student will be expected to successfully complete practical assignments, addressing programming and comprehension issues in Computer Networking. Work must be the student’s own and students will be required to submit their work for plagiarism detection, where indicated. Students in COMP SCI 7039 and DEFSCI 7042 will submit additional work, in the form of reports or literature reviews.
Lab work – Lab work is comprised of both wireshark network packet capture labs and hands on network configuration and testing labs. Wireshark labs have online associated quizzes that must be completed for credit. Hands on configuration labs will be marked off by the lab supervisor.Submission
All work will be submitted through the School of Computer Science’s electronic submission forums, including the Course Forum on Moodle and the School’s web submission gateway. All programs are to be submitted in the programming language specified, and any text reports are to be submitted as PDF files.
While students are required to use the School’s SVN repository, we will not mark any work unless it is handed in through the correct method, as designated in the assignment handout.
Extensions to due dates will only be considered under exceptional medical or personal conditions and will not be granted on the last day due, or retrospectively. Applications for extensions must be made to the course coordinator by e-mail or hard copy and must include supporting documentation – medical certificate or letter from the student counselling service.
Late hand-ins will have their mark capped, based on how late they are.
1 day late – mark capped at 75%
2 days late – mark capped at 50%
3 days late – mark capped at 25%
more than 3 days late – no marks available.
At least one item of work will be returned, with grading and feedback, prior to week 7.
The final examination will be scheduled by the examinations office. You will be able to access your exam schedule through Access Adelaide. You are expected to be available during the supplementary examination period (check University dates). If you are offered a supplementary and are unable to attend for any reason, you will not be able to arrange an alternative supplementary and there is no further opportunity for supplementary work.Course Grading
Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:
M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme) Grade Mark Description FNS Fail No Submission F 1-49 Fail P 50-64 Pass C 65-74 Credit D 75-84 Distinction HD 85-100 High Distinction CN Continuing NFE No Formal Examination RP Result Pending Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.
Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
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Student Feedback
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.
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