This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Postgraduate Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)
Module ENGI42015: Communications Networks
Department: Engineering
ENGI42015: Communications Networks
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 4 | 15 | Not available in 2015/2016 | Durham |
Tied To
Pre-requisites
- Communicational Fundamentals (ENGI30215) or equivalent
Corequisites
- Radio and Design Communications (ENGI41915) ; Engineering Design (ENGI41030); Research and Development Project (ENGI41060)
Excluded Combinations
- None
Aims
- The course develops an understanding of the fundamental principles and main types of computer Communication networks.
Content
- Network services and layered architectures; packet and circuit switched networks; network control, flow control, routing; ethernet, wireless ethernet, token ring, ATM; Internet protocols.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- Understand how network protocols and technologies have evolved to meet service requirements
- Achieve an in-depth understanding of technologies currently in use in broadband and wide area networks, their differing characteristics and relative strengths and weaknesses
- Be aware of the challenges faced by today's networks and the approaches being used to meet these.
Subject-specific Skills
Key Skills
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Teaching by lectures and tutorials which are supported by a laboratory programme.
- Written examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of in-depth, analytical material that is covered.
- Theoretical and laboratory-based coursework contribute a formative element to the module and aid the acquisition of subject-specific and key skills.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 | 1 per week | 1 hour | 20 | |
| Tutorials | 20 | 1 per week | 1 hour | 20 | |
| Practical's | 3 | 1 per week for 3 weeks | 3 hours | 9 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 101 | ||||
| Total | 150 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 80% | Written Examination (May/June 2 hours) | 2 hours | 100% | |
| Coursework | 20% | Coursework | 100% |
Formative Assessment
One piece of coursework which will be assessed but not included in the final average.
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.