This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)
Module COMP2161: COMPUTER SYSTEMS II
Department: Computer Science
COMP2161: COMPUTER SYSTEMS II
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 2 | 20 | Available in 2010/2011 | None. | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- Computer Systems (COMP1071) AND EITHER Programming and Data Structures (COMP1082) OR Introduction to Programming (COMP1011).
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combinations
- 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 | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 40 | 2 per week | 1 Hour | 40 | |
| Tutorials | 2 | 1 hour | 2 | Yes | |
| Practicals | 40 | 1 per week | 2 hours | 40 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 118 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 34% | Practical work | 100% | Yes | |
| Examination | 66% | Examination | 2 hours | 100% | Yes |
Formative Assessment
Example exercises given through the course. Additional revison lectures may be arranged in the modules lecture slots in the 3rd term.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.