BSc (Hons) Computer Networks

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BSc (Hons) Computer Networks

Programme Specification

Primary Purpose:

Course management, monitoring and quality assurance. Secondary Purpose:

Detailed information for students, staff and employers. Current students should refer to the related Course Handbook for further detail.

Disclaimer:

The University of Portsmouth has checked the information given in this Programme Specification and believes it to be correct. We will endeavour to deliver the course in keeping with this Programme Specification but reserve the right to change the content, timetabling and administration of the course whilst maintaining equivalent academic standards and quality.

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Programme Specification

1. Named Awards

BSc (Hons) Computer Networks BSc Computer Networks

DipHE Computer Networks CertHE Computer Networks

2. Course Code (and UCAS Code if applicable) C2365S 3. Awarding Body University of Portsmouth 4. Teaching Institution University of Portsmouth 5. Accrediting Body IET UK-SPEC (IEng)

6. QAA Benchmark Groups Engineering

7. Document Control Information Updated July 2015

8. Effective Session 2015-16

9. Author

R Khusainov, N Savage, C Nguyen, EJM Geddes, TG Morgan, M Filip

10. Faculty

Faculty of Technology

11. Department

School of Engineering

12. Educational Aims

The course aims to equip students to work as professional engineers and consultants in the design, configuration and management of computer networks. The main focus is on the underlying

principles and practice of computer and data networks. There are optional choices from closely related topics, including network applications and security, as well as foreign languages.

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teamwork, which will be a major factor in students’ subsequent careers. Opportunities to develop a range of keys skills also enhance students’ career potential making them attractive to a wide variety of employers seeking to recruit computer networks professionals.

A distinctive feature of the course is a strong emphasis on hands-on experience of networks, which is a key part of the learning process. This is achieved through a wide use of Problem-Based

Learning (PBL) as a mechanism for developing knowledge, understanding, and practical skills. Students work on sizeable continuous assignments throughout an academic year that are aligned with the theoretical material being covered. PBL provides solid practical grounding for theoretical studies informing design and development work. The PBL activities are supported by excellent laboratory facilities, including a bespoke networking laboratory. The laboratory provides multi-platform network suites with a variety of vendor equipment (Cisco and HP), and a Cloud Computing facility. Students gain experience of different operating systems (Windows, Linux and Unix) as well as virtualisation environments. The course culminates in an individual project, which allows our students to bring together many strands of their course.

Developing an understanding of the business context of the Internet, its technologies and

applications, is a further course aim. This is enhanced by the one-year sandwich placement option, with both UK and other European opportunities.

The course is accredited by the IET. It fully satisfies education requirements for professional

registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) further benefiting career prospects of our graduates.

13. Reference Points

The major reference points were the University of Portsmouth Curriculum Framework 2012, the University policy on Key Skills, subject Benchmark Statements, Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ), the QAA UK Quality Code for Higher Education and the University of

Portsmouth Policy on Placement Learning. In particular the programme has been designed with the QAA’s Engineering benchmark and the Engineering Council’s UK-SPEC in mind. The core elements of the engineering benchmark, interpreted in the context of computer network engineering, are:

Underpinning Science and Mathematics (US): Knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles underpinning relevant current technologies, including basic electronic engineering and data communications, and their evolution; knowledge and understanding of mathematics necessary to support application of key engineering principles in networked computer systems, data

communications, and network and computer technology.

Engineering Analysis (E): Ability to monitor, interpret and apply the results of analysis and modelling in order to bring about continuous improvement; ability to apply quantitative methods and computer software relevant to computer networks and software engineering, frequently within a

multidisciplinary context; ability to use the results of analysis to solve engineering problems, apply technology and implement engineering processes; ability to apply a systems approach to computer networking problems through know-how of the application of the relevant technologies.

Design (D): Knowledge, understanding and skills to: define a problem and identify constraints; design solutions according to customer and user needs; use creativity and innovation in a practical context; ensure fitness for purpose (including operation, maintenance, reliability etc); adapt designs to meet their new purposes or applications, with particular focus to computer network systems and software.

Economic, Legal, Social, Ethical, and Environmental Context (S): Knowledge and understanding of commercial and economic context of engineering processes; knowledge of management techniques which may be used to achieve engineering objectives within that context; understanding of the requirement for sustainable development; awareness of the framework of relevant legal

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Engineering Practice (P): Solution of computer network and technology problems to meet specified technical requirements as well as time and resource constraints. Understanding of and ability to use relevant materials, equipment, tools, processes, or products; Knowledge and understanding of workshop and laboratory practice; engineering project management methods, including planning, monitoring, control and reporting; use of technical; Ability to use and apply information from technical literature; Ability to use appropriate codes of practice and industry standards;

Understanding of the principles of managing engineering processes; Awareness of quality issues and their application to continuous improvement.

The abbreviations in parentheses are used for cross-reference purposes in the learning outcomes.

14. Learning Outcomes .

A. Knowledge and Understanding of:

1. Internet applications, high level programming for networks, design and use of inter- and intra-network software systems, security systems, operation and configuration of intra-networked computers. (US, E, D, P)

2. Mathematical methods appropriate to the analysis and design of computer networks. (US) 3. The role of computing and simulation in the analysis and solution of problems. (D, P, E) 4. Practical design of Internet-based systems. (D, P)

5. The business context of engineering and technology: commercial, legal, contractual and statutory frameworks. (S)

6. Professional and ethical responsibility. (S)

7. (Sandwich placements) Technological practice and the roles of technologists in industry (P). Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods

Knowledge (1, 2, 3) is acquired through lectures, design projects, network and computer laboratory work. Directed reading, study guides, tutorial questions, worked examples and design problems support individual learning. Practical design considerations (4) are learned through lectures, project work, practical exercises and simulations. The business, industrial, and professional contexts (5, 6) are mainly understood through lectures, engineering applications and group project. Sandwich students (7) learn through experience and observation on an industrial placement for one year. Assessment

Testing of core knowledge is through a mix of unseen examinations, assignment work and tests (some of which are computer based).

Project and laboratory work are assessed by observation, logbooks and submission of reports.

B. Cognitive (Intellectual or Thinking) Skills, able to:

1. Select and apply appropriate knowledge of network hardware and software principles to model and analyse Internet systems. (US, E, P)

2. Select and apply appropriate mathematical methods to analyse networked systems. (E) 3. Select and apply computer-based design and simulation techniques. (P, E)

4. Design, build and test Internet systems and subsystems to meet specified requirements. (D, P) 5. Assess computer network systems from commercial and statutory viewpoints, including

assessment of risks. (S)

6. Solve problems in a systematic and manageable manner. (P) Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods

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Assessment

Cognitive skills are assessed through examination, assignment work and project reports.

C. Practical (Professional or Subject) Skills, able to:

1. Use standard and specialist laboratory instruments and network analysis tools, conduct experiments and report on them. (P)

2. Apply relevant mathematical methods in developing solutions to problems in computer networks. (US, E)

3. Use computer-based simulation and design tools. (D, E)

4. Design, configure/construct, test and evaluate computer network systems and distributed applications. (D, P. E)

5. Search a range of sources for information pertinent to technical and professional tasks. (P)

6. Plan, manage and undertake a significant engineering project, taking into account constraints. (D, P, S)

Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods

Experimental and project work are used to develop skills in using laboratory instrumentation (1) and in the design and configuration of networks (4). Analytical and design exercises develop the ability to apply mathematics appropriately (2). Use is made of simulation software to synthesize and evaluate complex designs (3). The ability to research, plan and manage project work (5, 6) is acquired through individual projects and group projects.

Assessment

Laboratory work, simulation work and projects are generally assessed by submission of logbooks and reports and by observation.

D. Transferable (Graduate and Employability) Skills, able to:

1. Manipulate and present information. (D, S)

2. Analyse scientific information in the solution of problems. (US, E)

3. Use information technology to handle text and data and for simulation and design. (E, D) 4. Develop solutions in a creative manner, sometimes based on inadequate information. (D, P) 5. Communicate effectively in a variety of formats. (D, S)

6. Work effectively as an individual and as part of a team to achieve goals. (D, S) 7. Communicate in a foreign language (where languages are studies as electives). Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods

The emphasis is generally on learning through individual and team-based practical and project work, through written reports and through verbal presentations (1, 2, 3, and 5). Scientific and mathematical techniques (1, 2) and familiarity with IT systems (3) are fundamental to the nature of the course. Problem solving (4) is developed through laboratory sessions and group and individual projects. Teamwork (6) is particularly developed in group project work.

Assessment

These skills are particularly assessed through individual and group design activities and projects and their associated reports and verbal presentations. The abilities to solve problems are also assessed in assignments and examinations.

15. Course Structure, Progression and Award Requirements This is a 3 year full-time or 4 year sandwich course.

The course includes of a mix of lectures, experimental work and design projects. It makes extensive use of the School’s computer suites and network laboratories and some use of the electronics laboratories. Whilst the majority of units have a focus on the course technology, professional studies units develop study skills, group working and an understanding of business.

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40-credit individual project, which may be carried out within the School or in industry. Scheduled small group tutorials ensure that contact is maintained between students and their personal tutors.

The course as a whole is highly career-focused, with the technical content and opportunities to develop analytical and design skills being the major factors contributing to this. Practical work uses network and software systems that are widely used in industry and this familiarity eases the transfer of graduates into employment. The content of the course is periodically discussed with our Industrial Advisory Board. The industrial placement, which is usually taken between the second and final year of a sandwich course is strongly recommended, and the School has a number of exchange

arrangements, which provide overseas industrial placements.

16. Employability Statement

Students are introduced to career development, commercial context and business topics throughout the course to provide the employment context for their studies. Students are also expected to build and maintain a professional development record, which reflects the professional development guidelines (www.pd-how2.org) of four key professional bodies. It includes the University’s personal development profiling activities, but more importantly, builds a clear evidence base for the student’s technical and professional competencies. The small group tutorial system provides additional support for careers and PDR activities.

Institution Wide Language Programme (IWLP) units are available at level 5 for those students who are interested in supplementing their employment prospects with foreign language skills.

The optional sandwich year is dedicated to gaining real-world professional experience, and students are given help in identifying placements through the Faculty’s Student Placement and Employability Centre and through the School’s Industrial Liaison Officer.

The School operates an Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) to remain up to date with current

employment trends and requirements. The distinguishing emphasis of the course on the hands-on experience ensures that graduates from the course become capable practitioners in the design, development, and application of computer networks.

17. Support for Student Learning

 The Course is managed by a Course Leader.

 At the start of each academic year, all students participate in an extensive induction programme relative to their stage of study. This includes introduction to the University and its facilities, as well as relevant course aspects.

 Each student is assigned a personal tutor, responsible for pastoral support and guidance.  Students are visited during the placement year, and are required to maintain a logbook of work

experiences and competencies gained.

 University support services include careers, financial advice, housing, and counselling.

 The Academic Skills Unit (ASK) provides support for developing fundamental academic skills, including thinking, writing, and organisational skills.

 The Additional Support and Disability Advice Centre (ASDAC) serves the needs of disabled students.

 Extensive computing and network laboratory facilities support students’ practical work.  The University provides excellent library facilities.

 The University of Portsmouth has consistently been awarded an excellent rating for student support and guidance in a number of Quality Assurance Agency inspections.

 Student course and unit handbooks provide information about the course structure and University regulations.

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 Feedback is provided for all assessments, including typed written feedback on all submitted coursework.

 Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a part of all awards. 18. Admissions Criteria

A. Academic Admissions Criteria

Standard University rules apply. In addition, a UCAS tariff of 220-280 is expected, to include 140 points from a minimum of 2 A levels or equivalent in Science or Technology subjects. English language proficiency is required at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

Other qualifications are accepted including access courses and equivalent overseas awards. This process is regulated by the University of Portsmouth Recognition and Accreditation of Prior Learning, Policy, Procedures and Guidance

(http://www.port.ac.uk/accesstoinformation/policies/accreditationofpriorlearning/filetodownload,1103 7,en.pdf).

B. Disability

The University makes no distinction in its admissions policy with regard to disability and will

endeavour to make all reasonable adjustments in order to make it possible for students to study at Portsmouth on a course of their choice.

19. Evaluation and Enhancement of Standards and Quality in Learning and Teaching

A. Mechanisms for Review and Evaluation

 Course Leader’s Annual Standards and Quality Evaluative Review.  Head of School’s Annual Standards and Quality Evaluative Review.  Unit and Course Level student feedback considered at Board of Studies.

 Unit Assessment Board consideration of student performance for each programme.

 Annual Standards and Quality Reports to Board of Studies, including consideration of Subject and Award External Examiner Reports.

 Periodic Programme Review.

 Student Representatives and Student/Staff Consultative Committees.  National Student Survey.

 Staff Performance and Development Review.  Peer Review and Development Framework.  Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee.

B. Responsibilities for Monitoring and Evaluation

 Unit Co-ordinators for unit content and delivery.  Course Leader for day-to-day running of course.

 Board of Studies with overall responsibilities for operation and content of course.  Head of School.

 Associate Dean (Academic).  Associate Dean (Students).  Quality Assurance Committee.

 Unit, Award and Progression Board of Examiners.

C. Mechanisms for Gaining Student Feedback

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 Student Staff Consultative Committees.

 Unit and Course level student feedback questionnaires.

 University participates in external student surveys, e.g. National Student Survey (NSS),

Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES) and International Student Barometer (ISB).

D. Staff Development Priorities

 Academic staff undertake activities related to research, scholarship, teaching and learning and student support and guidance.

 Annual staff performance and development reviews match development to needs.  Managers undertake a variety of management development programmes.

 All academic staff are encouraged to seek Higher Education Academy membership.  Academic staff new to teaching are required to undertake Initial Professional Development

Programme (iPROF).

 Support Staff are encouraged to attend short courses in areas such as minute taking, and specific IT packages.

20. Assessment Strategy

The students are exposed to a wide variety of assessment strategies at all levels, encompassing such methods as traditional closed-book examinations, open-book examinations, computer based tests, video and oral presentations, programming and design projects, reports, on-line course work in a Wiki based environment, and laboratory experiments. In many areas of the curriculum -

encompassing both hardware and software related assessment, and particularly in areas of system and network configuration and management – the students are also assessed via logbook records of their activities. This has the advantages of developing students’ professional practice,

encouraging early and continuous engagement with the subject material, and affording opportunities for informal feedback on their work. The students also undertake assessment as individuals, in pairs, or in small groups, as appropriate to the nature of the material being assessed.

There is a significant amount of practical work in the course, and the culmination of the students learning results in the final year individual project, undertaken as the major activity during year 3 of the course.

21. Assessment Regulations

Standard university rules apply (see Assessment and Regulations).

22. Role of Externals

Subject External Examiners who will:

 oversee unit assessment and usually attend Unit Assessment Boards;  review unit assessment strategy;

 sample assessment artefacts;

 present reports to Unit Assessment Boards.

Award External Examiners (usually also a Subject External Examiner) who will:  oversee and attend Award/Progression Boards;

 scrutinise and endorse the outcomes of assessment;

 ensure that the standard of the award is maintained at a level comparable with that of similar awards elsewhere in the United Kingdom.

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23. Indicators of Standards and Quality

A. Professional Accreditation/Recognition

The course is fully accredited for IEng under UK-SPEC by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

B. Periodic Programme Review (or equivalent)

The provision previously in the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, now within the School of Engineering, had its Periodic Programme Review in December 2012. The result was that the fitness for purpose of the curriculum was confirmed and the annual monitoring and review processes were identified as effective.

C. Quality Assurance Agency

QAA Higher Education Review, March 2015, judgements about standards and quality meet UK expectations (for full report see Higher Education Review of the University of Portsmouth, March 20151).

D. Others

The School of Engineering is an IET Academic Partner.

24. Other Sources of Information

Other sources of information may be found in  Course Approval Document.

 Student Handbook.

 University of Portsmouth Curricula Framework.  University of Portsmouth Undergraduate Prospectus.  Assessment Regulations.

 University of Portsmouth (http://www.port.ac.uk/) and (http://www.port.ac.uk/eng)websites.  Course Unit Tables.

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Unit Assessment Map

UNITS

COURSEWORK

EXAMINATION

Level Name Code Credit Delivery Core/ Option Total % Type of Artefact Duration/ Length Weighting % Total % Open/ Closed Duration (hrs) Weighting % 4 Writing and research in the workplace ENG400 _P21383 20 Sep-Mar Core 100% Peer assessment 30%

Portfolio 3000 words 70%

4 Introduction to Technology Concepts ENG413 _P21955 20 Sep-Mar Core 40% Laboratory report 1000 words 40% 60% Open 1.5hrs 60% 4 Fundamentals of computer systems ENG420 _P21386 20 Sep-Mar Core 50% Group activity 1000 words 25% 50% Closed 1hr 50%

Group activity 1000 words 25%

4 Introduction to algorithms and programming ENG421 _P21387 20 Sep-Mar Core 50% Project 1500 words 25% 50% Closed 1.5hr 50%

Project 25%

4 System administration and internetworking ENG450 _P24343 20 Sep-Mar Core 50% Log book 1500 words 50% 50% Closed 1hr 50% 4 Concepts of data communication networks ENG451 _P21382 20 Sep-Mar Core 20% Laboratory work 20% 80% Closed 1.5hr 80%

5 Group design project ENG500 _P21399 20 Sep-Mar Core 100% Peer assessment 20% Portfolio 4000 words 80%

5 Data networks, protocols and analysis ENG541 _P21391 20 Sep-Mar Core 30% Computer based test 1hr 20% 70% Closed 2hr 70% Computer based test 1hr 10%

5 Network services administration and _{virtualisation} ENG550 _P24342 20 Sep-Mar Core 60% Log book 3000 words 60% 40% Closed 1hr 40% 5 Switched network architectures ENG551 _P21394 20 Sep-Mar Core 100% Computer based test 1hr 50%

Log book 50%

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5 Network Simulation and Traffic Management ENG555 _P23531 20 Sep-Mar Option 70% Assignment 70% 30% Closed 20mins _viva 30% 5 Institution-wide language programme IWLP _VARIOUS 20 Sep-Mar Option 50% Listening coursework 25% 50% Closed 1hr 50%

Speaking coursework 25% 5 Work-based learning U20630 40 Sep-Mar Option 100% Log book 3000 words 100%

6 Individual Bachelor's project ENG600 _P21407 40 Sep-Mar Core 100% Project 10000 words 100%

6 Performance and security of network _applications ENG623 _U21412 ₂₀ _Sep-Mar _Option 50% PBL Assignment 50% 50% Open 1hr 50% 6 Network Design ENG649 _P23530 20 Sep-Mar Core 60% Logbook 2000 words 20% 40% Closed 1hr 40%

Assignment 40%

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Unit Learning Outcomes Map

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UNITS LEARNING OUTCOMES

Level Name Code Credit Delivery Core/ Option A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 C6 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 4 Writing and research in the workplace ENG400

P21383

20 Sep-Mar Core x x x x x

4 Introduction to Technology Concepts ENG413

P21955 20 Sep-Mar Core x x x x x 4 Fundamentals of computer systems ENG420

P21386 20 Sep-Mar Core x x x x x x x x x 4 Introduction to algorithms and programming ENG421

P21387

20 Sep-Mar Core x x x x x x x x x 4 System administration and internetworking ENG450

P24343 20 Sep-Mar Core x x x 4 Concepts of data communication networks ENG451

P21382

20 Sep-Mar Core x x x x x x x x x x

5 Group design project ENG500

P21399 20 Sep-Mar Core x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 5 Data networks, protocols and analysis ENG541

P21391

20 Sep-Mar Core x x x x x x x 5 Network services administration and

virtualisation ENG550 P24342 20 Sep-Mar Core x x x x x x x x x x x 5 Switched network architectures ENG551

P21394 20 Sep-Mar Core x x x x x x x x x x x 5 Network routing architectures ENG553

P21396

20 Sep-Mar Core x x x x x x x x x x x

6 Individual Bachelor's project ENG600

P21407 40 Sep-Mar Core x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 Network Design ENG649

P23530

20 Sep-Mar Core x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

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6 WAN and VLAN solutions ENG653 P21420

20 Sep-Mar Core x x x x x x x x x x x x x 6 Network operations and management ENG657

BSc (Hons) Computer Networks