Study information

Computers and the Internet - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEComputers and the Internet CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECM1413 MODULE CONVENERDr Johan Wahlström (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 91
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module is designed to equip you with the foundational information you need to understand and work in business and technical fields requiring the use of computers and networking technologies. Computing technology has a diversity of applications, so this module is suitable both for computer science students and for those pursuing other study disciplines. On this module, you will acquire useful knowledge of computer systems, computer networks and information systems analysis and design.

AIMS - intentions of the module

By the end of the module, you should be well placed to make use of an extensive range of hardware and software. In addition, you will have gained the knowledge and skills to enable you to analyse existing computer-based information systems and to design and develop web-based applications from informal specifications. 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
 
1  outline the major components of operating systems, computer architectures and computer networks;
 
2 compare and contrast different operating system architectures;
 
3 compare and contrast different computer architectures;
 
4 compare and contrast different network architectures;
 
5 implement a computer program to demonstrate operating system calls;
 
6 implement a network program to demonstrate network protocols;
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
 
7 interpret an informal requirement specification;
 
8 systematically analyse information and make appropriate design choices.
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
 
9 express information at various levels of abstraction;
 
10 use an operating system to manage a computer and a computer network;
 
11 write a basic technical report incorporating the design, implementation and testing of computer systems.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

computer operating systems: structure (monolithic, layered, modular, micro-kernel), file management (files, directories), process management (fork/exec), processor management (scheduling), memory management (allocation,free);

 - computer architectures: Von Neumann processor architectures (CISC, RISC), caching (caches, virtual memory), pipelining, input/output devices (polling/interrupts), storage technologies (disk, solid-state);

- computer networks: interconnection (LAN, WLAN), devices (switches, routers), organization (client-server/peer-to-peer), protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP);
 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 30 Guided Independent Study 120 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 20 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 10 Workshops
Guided independent study 120 Guided independent study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Laboratory Worksheets 10 hours 1,5,6,11 Written and oral
       
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 0 Written Exams 100 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam (Closed Book) 100 1 hour - January Exam  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 Written, on request

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
Exam Written exam - 1 hour All August Ref/Def period
       
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by written exam only. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 40%. For deferred candidates, the exam mark will be uncapped.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE: College to provide hyperlink to appropriate pages

Additional Reading Resources

A. Silberschatz, P. B. Galvin and G. Gagne, "Operating Systems Concepts (Eighth Edition)", John Wiley, 2009, ISBN 978-0470233993

A. S. Tanenbaum and T. Austin, "Structured Computer Organization (Sixth Edition)", Pearson, 2012 ISBN 978-0273769248

J. F. Kurose and K. W. Ross, "Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (Six Edition)", Pearson, ISBN 978-0273768968, 2012

L. L. Peterson and B. S. Davie, "Computer Networks: A Systems Approach (Fifth Edition)", Morgan Kaufmann, ISBN 978-0123851383, 2011

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Stallings, W Computer Organization and Architecture: Designing for Performance 9th Pearson 2012 978-0273769194
Set Stallings, W Operating Systems: Internals and Design Principles 7th Pearson 2011 978-0273751502
Set Comer, D.E. Computer Networks and Internets 5th Pearson 2008 978-0135045831
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 1 (NQF Level 4) AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 25th October 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Computer architecture; operating systems; computer networks; web technologies.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.