Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module COMP2161: COMPUTER SYSTEMS II

Department: Computer Science

COMP2161: COMPUTER SYSTEMS II

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Computer Systems (COMP1071) AND EITHER Programming and Data Structures (COMP1082) OR Introduction to Programming (COMP1011).

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To extend students understanding of the principles and major influences of the overall functions and performance of large scale computer systems.

Content

  • Distributed systems.
  • Real-time systems.
  • Advanced databases.
  • Software and system architectures.
  • Networks.
  • Concurrency.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • To obtain an intuitive understanding of the programming principles and applications used to solve typical computing problems such as concurrency and real time application.
  • To gain a detailed understanding of the difficulties encountered with setting up, and technologies used to support large computer networks.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:

      Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

      • Lecturing demonstrates what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
      • Problem classes through practicals provide assessment (both formative and summative) to guide students in the correct development of their knowledge and skills.
      • Tutorials provide active engagement and feedback to the learning process.
      • The end of year examinations assess the knowledge acquired and the ability to use this knowledge to solve problems.

      Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

      Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
      Lectures 38 2 per week 1 Hour 38
      Tutorials 2 1 hour 2
      Practicals 19 1 per week 2 hours 38
      Total 200
      Preparation and Reading 122

      Summative Assessment

      Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 34%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      coursework 100%
      Component: Examination Component Weighting: 66%
      Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
      two-hour examination 100%

      Formative Assessment:

      Example exercises given through the course.


      Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University