Course Specification

LONDON METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY Course Specification template

The University’s course specification template has been developed to fulfil three main functions; it shall act:

 as a source of information for students and prospective students seeking an understanding of a course and as a basis for gaining feedback on the extent to which the opportunities for learning were successful in promoting the intended outcomes

 to ensure that there is clarity concerning the aims and intended learning outcomes for the course for the University during the approval and periodic review process

 to provide information for external examiners, professional, statutory and regulatory bodies and employers as to the skills and other transferable abilities developed by the course

Section One: ABOUT THE COURSE

1 Name of course and highest award Computer Networking MSc 2 Level of highest award (according to

FHEQ)

Level 7 (PG)

3 Possible Interim Awards PG Certificate in Computer Networking (60 Credits), PG Diploma in Computer Networking (120 Credits) 4 Awarding/validating institution London Metropolitan University

5 Teaching institution(s) London Metropolitan University 6 Total credit for course (for highest award) 180

7 Faculty responsible Life Sciences and Computing

8 Mode of attendance Autumn start Full Time/Part Time

Spring start Full Time / Part Time

Other NA

9 About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning.

Please include details of access to learning facilities, including flexible/open-learning spaces within the Faculty.

The course is designed to equip its graduates to work at a professional level in areas of Communications, Networking and Telecommunications industries or for entering Mphil/PhD research program.

The course is supported by a number of specialised laboratories in general electronics, Microwave and Satellite communications, Computer Aided Design, Embedded Systems and Digital Systems, Opto-electronics and Audio. Students in each of the specialized modules spend a considerable part of the module in these laboratories providing an opportunity to practice what they learn in the formal lecture/seminar session in investigating (using an industry’s standard simulation package), design and implement, evaluate and test and document a variety of real-world examples in Networking and Communications systems. These sessions are performed individually or as part of a group.

In addition, the University was one of the first Cisco Academy in UK. It is equipped with four up-to-date Cisco laboratories supporting CCNA, CCNP, Security and Wireless laboratories.

Tutorial exercises and short phase tests are used to provide students with feedback on their progress. Summative assessment of students’ knowledge base and their understanding is incorporated into formal in-course tests/exercises/case studies and a final unseen examination.

Students have access to the innovative Graduate centre to meet and discuss their courses. The campus library has recently undergone a successful refurbishment offering specialised group study areas as well as access to a comprehensive range of textbooks, journals and online learning resources. There are also open areas on the ground floor of the Tower building and the green lounge at Benwell Road offering open study areas. These areas all have access to IT facilities with several terminals at each one.

The Course is IET Accredited (CEng Status). All students joining the programme become Student Member of the Institute of Engineering & Technology (the IET). The membership provides students access to one of the largest on-site and on-line library in the world as well as automatic invitation to seminars/conferences in the areas of their course. Students have access to number of professional on-line lectures in specialized areas of Electronics,

Communications and Networking. The membership also enables students to be automatically transferred to the class of Member of the IET, once they are graduated from the course. Being a member of the IET has significant merits both in academia and in the industry. It provides students with the opportunity to become eligible for the Charted Engineering (CEng) Status after a few years of work experience.

10 Course aims. Course aims are broad statements of intent and should be written to show how the content of the course meets the aims. Where a course sits within a framework the course aims should incorporate framework aims.

Main educational aims of the course

1. To provide students with an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the principles of and developments in computer networking.

2. To build upon the knowledge that they may have acquired at the undergraduate level and/or through professional experience to specialise in wired and wireless networking.

3. To provide students with knowledge of analytical and practical techniques for evaluating, planning, designing and implementing a variety of computer networks in different applications.

4. To enable students to evaluate the structures and processes of broadband networks.

5. To provide students with knowledge of modern communication techniques applied to the design of networking devices.

6. To provide students with an in-depth knowledge and appreciation of the importance and the necessity of network security.

7. To develop the practical and theoretical skills essential for professional network designed to adapt to a rapidly changing technology.

8. To enable students to research, design and critically appraise specific systems.

9. To provide an awareness of the newly developing opportunities in communications and computer networking.

10. To provide extensive practical experience in analysis, design, implement, generate and critical evaluation of tests results to investigate the performance behaviour of typical computer network structures.

11. To allow students to acquire knowledge appropriate to their interests and career, complimenting and enhancing the knowledge, skills and professional perspectives from their previous education and work related experience.

12. To identify and evaluate critically current research and advances in areas of Computer Networking

13. To understand and critically discuss the professional, legal and ethical, economical and global environmental issues and their impact relevant to computer networking.

11 Course learning outcomes. Learning outcomes are statements of what a student is expected to understand or be able to do after completing the process of learning.

Knowledge and understanding

1. Comprehensive knowledge of selecting appropriate modulation schemes and application of traffic and coding theory to provide solutions to practical networking issues.

2. Describe and analyse transmission systems that are currently used for data, voice and video over LAN and WAN broadband networks.

3. Critical Evaluation and performance of a current wired / wireless network / communication systems and design high performance networks using current technologies with consideration to the future needs of business.

4. Apply advanced tools and techniques that may be used when developing and managing computer networks.

5. Critical awareness of current issues in networking technology and new and future developments.

6. Discuss the professional, legal and ethical, economical and global environmental issues through the development of Broadband Networks and its impact

Cognitive/intellectual abilities

1. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of current and future techniques/technology used to increase the capabilities of computer networks.

2. Select appropriate analysis and design procedures to solve problems in creative and innovative manner

3. Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively

4. Analyse, specify, design, implement and evaluate the performance behaviour of various computer network scenarios.

5. Assess critically published academic papers and produce original work of a standard and in a form suitable for publication.

Transferable skills

1. Use initiative and take responsibility to plan, organise and implement a programme of work.

2. Communicate effectively orally and in writing to specialists and non-specialist audiences.

3. Think critically in respect of their own and others’ work.

4. Ability to work and study Independently and/or as member of a team Subject-specific practical skills

1. Select and use appropriate computer based tools for analysis and synthesis.

2. Select, configure and use appropriate test equipment.

3. Locate and retrieve appropriate information from electronic sources

12 Indicative learning and teaching hours for the course. Learning hours comprise face-to-face and virtual contact hours plus self-managed and directed learning and time spent on placements.

Please give an indication of the percentage of anticipated learning hours for the course at each level, taking into account core modules and indicative options. Students should note that these figures may change depending on the exact combination of options taken.

Method Description and percentage of learning hours

Scheduled learning and teaching

activities Level 7

Lecture: 6(modules)x12 (weeks) x 2 (hours/week) = 144 hours

Tutorial/workshop: 6(modules)x12 (weeks) x 2 (hours/week) = 144 hours

Total = 288 hours

Guided independent studies Level 7

Unsupervised work and/or lab-based study, coursework assignment and exam preparation:

6 (modules) x 152 hours = 912 hours Project: 600 hours

13 Describe the arrangements for promoting reflective learning/personal development planning on this course

One of the core modules in MSc courses is the FCP002 (Research and Development Skills) which is taken all students. It is during this module that students are expected to select their project.

Students are also assigned to their project supervisor(s) and together with the module team, students undergo a process of evaluating their knowledge, managing, leading, evaluating, reasoning, and reflecting upon their learning, and ethically undertaking their project work.

Part of the FCP002 module is also to allow students to develop a personal development portfolio.

14 Description of course and its structure. Around 150 words, written to be accessible to a lay audience, to be used for marketing purposes. Identify the course’s distinctive features (and unique selling point). What is the pattern of delivery?

 The course consists of 6 taught modules and a final dissertation. The taught modules provide students with the theoretical and practical skills required to pursue a career as network

professionals who may be responsible to design, implement and administer high performance computer network infrastructure. The final dissertation facilitates independent research and development of a computer networking / communications-related, substantial piece of work monitored and assessed by a supervisory team.

 Modules run either in the mornings in the afternoon. Each module is organized as 1 hour or 2 hours of formal lectures/seminars followed by 3 hours or 2 hours of practical Hands-on

workshops and tutorials

 Specialized Cisco, communications and embedded systems Laboratories – Open access to all students

 Free Memberships for Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET)

 High employability rate. Students who have completed the course have been employed by Cisco and a number of large Networking cooperation

15 Teaching site(s) for course

north [click to select location] [click to select location]

16 PSRB accreditations (where relevant) IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) CEng Accredited

17 Exemptions from Professional Body examinations (where relevant)

IET Education requirement for CEng status 18 Principal QAA Subject Benchmark Statement

(where relevant)

Engineering Council, and IET on Postgraduate qualifications in Engineering are met 19 Other external reference points

20 Expected length of course Full Time 1 year minimum

Part Time 2 years minimum

Other (please specify) NA

21 Admissions requirements, to be demonstrated through certificated or experiential learning (around 30 words)

Applicants should have at least a second-class honours degree in Electronics and Communications, Computer Science, Computing or a closely related discipline, or a Pre-Master in Computing and Technology. Graduates without a relevant degree will need evidence of computer-based experience or computer studies as part of their study.

In addition,

The University’s minimum entry requirements to postgraduate taught courses apply and are summarized below:

 Students shall provide evidence of English language skills demonstrated by:

o a pass in English Language at GCSE at grade C or above, or o level 3 communications key skills unit, or

o IELTS test at band 6.0 or above with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component, or o TOEFL (IBT) with a score of 87 or above, with at least 21 in Reading, 22 in

Listening, 23 in Speaking and 21 in Writing, or

o for Home/EU students only - a pass in the University’s English language test (the Password Test), or

o for International Students only - equivalent as judged by the authorised admitting officer in accordance with the advice of the University’s International Office.

 Applicants seeking entry on the basis of formal certified educational, vocational and professional qualifications shall provide original evidence of a UK Honours undergraduate degree in a related subject.

 Alternative certification will also be acceptable as the basis for entry, in the form of:

o Pre-Masters qualifications gained through successful completion of a short course of study designed to equip a student for study on a particular Masters course, for which he or she meets the minimum entry requirements aside from a lack of some subject specific knowledge and/or skills required for the course;

o Other qualifications judged by the admitting officer/course leader to be of equivalent standard to the minimum entry requirement.

22 Details of organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad available during the course (if applicable)

External speakers are utilised to enhance delivery and maintain currency of laboratory practice within the fields’ studies on this course.

23 Other external links providing expertise/experience available during the course The followings external links provide experience and support:

 Cisco Academy: A number of modules in the course are linked to the Cisco CCNA

certification as shown in the course structure. Students follow the same curriculum and final examinations offered by Cisco. The specific learning outcome of the course/modules are also covered and assessed by in-house practical work shop examinations and forms part of the assessment for each of the modules.

 IET (institute of Engineering and Technology). As the course is IET Accredited, the learning outcome of the course is closely mapped to those required by this institution. The Institute visits the University periodically (3 to 5 years) to monitor the coverage and assessments of the learning outcome of the course.

 ILG (Industrial Liaison Group) and the Communications Technology Research Group:

Changes and modification to the course is also discussed with the relevant members in ILG

and the research group to ensure the appropriateness of the course contents.

24 Arrangements on the course for careers education, information and guidance

The resources of the Careers Service are available to all Students, who, as Postgraduates, may already be pursuing defined career goals. Students are also made aware of the advantages of IET membership (special membership seminars are organized by IET early at the start of the semester), its careers information and the employment opportunities advertised in its

publications.

The Faculty ’s World of Work (WOW) Agency offers opportunities to enhance employability skills, gain real experience and 'earn while you learn' through placements into real client-driven projects - working with business and industry.

25 Career, employability and opportunities for continuing professional development. Around 35 words, written in language which is as accessible as possible to a lay audience, to be used for

marketing purposes. Should include examples of potential career destinations and how the skills and abilities gained through the course contribute to career development.

The employment market has an abundance of posts which incorporate the key areas of this course:

e.g. Networking, Broadband Communications Systems, Wireless Networks (WiMAX, WiFi), Fibre Optics, Digital & Mobile Communications and Microwaves. Careers range from the traditional telecommunication professionals to Network design engineer, network developer, and marketing and technical support.

There are many exciting graduate employment opportunities available including:

 Network Engineer

 Network Management

 Network Designer

 Network Security

Section Two: COURSE STRUCTURE AND ASSESSMENT 26 Course assessment strategy

A range of assessment methods is employed throughout the course. The method of assessment for each module is clearly described in the individual ‘Module Guide’ which is made available to the students at the start of the semester. Every module has dedicated Web site providing students with comprehensive learning/teaching material including Workshops exercises.

Module leaders use this site regularly to communicate with their students including providing general feedback, guidelines on how to write technical report/ effective presentations and keeping logbooks. Modules employ a combination of the following forms of assessments:

 Case study reports and presentations

 Laboratory workbooks/logbooks

 Unseen examinations

 Part seen examinations

 Individual vivas

Modules run either in the mornings (9.00-13.00) or in the afternoon (14.00-18.00). Each module is organized as either 1 hour or 2 hours of formal lectures/seminars followed by 3 hours or 2 hours of practical Hands-on workshops and tutorials. External speakers from relevant industries/professional Institutes (such as IET) are invited when possible to deliver lectures.

The Communications Technology is a member of University Academy of a number of companies (such as Xilinx, ARM, Texas Instruments, Digilent and Cisco) and therefore the workshops and hands-on elements of the modules apply some of the most up to date technologies to enhance the relevant topics covered during the lecture/seminar sessions.

The details of the workshops and the way each module is assessed are described in the individual

module specification.

28 Mapping matrix of modules delivering the course learning outcomes

Course learning outcome (list all) Met by module aim/learning outcome (list all relevant module titles) Knowledge and understanding

1. Comprehensive knowledge of selecting appropriate modulation schemes and application of traffic and coding theory to provide solutions to practical networking issues.

2. Describe and analyse transmission systems that are currently used for data, voice and video over LAN and WAN broadband networks.

3. Critical Evaluation and performance of a current wired / wireless network / communication systems and design high performance networks using current technologies with consideration to the future needs of business.

4. Apply advanced tools and techniques that may be used when developing and managing computer networks.

5. Critical awareness of current issues in networking technology and new and future developments.

6. Discuss the professional, legal and ethical,

economical and global environmental issues through the development of Broadband Networks and its impact

CT7141, CT7143, CT7140, CT7153, CT7152, FC7P01

Cognitive/intellectual abilities

1. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of current and future techniques/technology used to increase the capabilities of computer networks.

CT7141, CT7143, CT7140, CT7153, CT7152

FC7002, FC7P01

2. Select appropriate analysis and design procedures to solve problems in creative and innovative manner 3. Deal with complex issues both systematically and

creatively

4. Analyse, specify, design, implement and evaluate the performance behaviour of various computer network scenarios.

5. Assess critically published academic papers and produce original work of a standard and in a form suitable for publication.

Transferable skills

1. Use initiative and take responsibility to plan, organise and implement a programme of work.

2. Communicate effectively orally and in writing to specialists and non-specialist audiences.

3. Think critically in respect of their own and others’

work.

4. Ability to work and study Independently and/or as member of a team

CT7152, FC7002, FC7P01

Subject-specific practical skills

1. Select and use appropriate computer based tools for analysis and synthesis.

2. Select, configure and use appropriate test equipment.

3. Locate and retrieve appropriate information from electronic sources

CT7141, CT7140, CT7153,CT7152, FC7002, FC7P01

29 Which modules are core-compulsory and thus required to be taken to gain specific awards? Please specify if there are any combinations of modules that a student is required to take to gain either the highest level of award or one of the interim awards listed in section3.

The course conforms to both the University’s Postgraduate Scheme and the University Academic Regulations.

PG Diploma Postgraduate Diploma: All modules except the project

PG Certificate Postgraduate Certificate: Any combination of modules to 60 credit points

Section Three: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

30 Courses shall conform to both framework and University Academic Regulations. Where a course in addition has course specific regulations which have been formally approved by the University, these should be included below.

"IET accreditation and the MSc is awarded according to the following additional course regulations.

Failing to achieve this will result in the award of “MSc Communications Technology”, according to the normal regulations. The final award will be determined at the end of the course."

Failing to achieve this will result in the award of “MSc Communications Technology”, according to the normal regulations. The final award will be determined at the end of the course."

In document Course Handbook MSc Computer Networking (Page 27-35)