Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024 (archived)
Module ENGI4527: Communications Networks 4
Department: Engineering
ENGI4527: Communications Networks 4
| Type | Tied | Level | 4 | Credits | 10 | Availability | Available in 2023/24 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
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| Tied to | H100 |
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Prerequisites
- ENGI3451
Corequisites
- As specified in programme regulations.
Excluded Combination of Modules
- As specified in programme regulations.
Aims
- This module is designed solely for students studying Department of Engineering degree programmes.
- To provide an overview and explain some of the challenges facing designers of communications networks.
- To provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of key networking technologies used in modern communication networks.
- To understand the principles underpinning the design of communications networks.
- To provide a firm foundation for a broad range of careers in communications networks.
Content
- Layered architectures
- Data link layer protocols
- Local area networks (LANs) and personal area networks (PANs)
- Network layer protocols
- Transport layer protocols
- Network Security
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge:
- An understanding of the fundamentals of communications networks.
- An appreciation and understanding of the operation of current widely used communications technologies and protocols.
- An understanding of the importance of security in communications networks.
Subject-specific Skills:
- An awareness of current technology, analysis methods and industrial practises along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.
- An in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialised and advanced technical and professional skills, an ability to perform critical assessment and review and an ability to communicate the results of their own work effectively.
- An ability to understand the design of complex engineering systems.
Key Skills:
- Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
- Specialised numerical skills appropriate to an engineer.
- Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.
- Problem solving skills.
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- The module content is delivered in lectures and is reinforced by problem sheets, equipping students with the required problem solving capability.
- Students are able to make use of staff 'Tutorial Hours' to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis. These are sign up sessions available for up to one hour per week per lecture course.
- Written timed examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and allow students to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 21 | Typically 1 per week | 1 Hour | 20 | |
| Tutorial Hours | As required | Weekly sign-up sessions | Up to 1 Hour | 10 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 70 | ||||
| Total | 100 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Examination | Component Weighting: 100% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Written Examination | 2 hours | 100% | No |
Formative Assessment:
N/A
■ 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