COMPUTER NETWORKING - 2025/6
Module code: COM2022
Module Overview
Computer networks are an essential part of almost all corporate computing facilities and even most domestic ones. Interoperability is the key – all components must conform to the same hardware and packet specifications in order that they can be interconnected successfully. This module introduces essential concepts about all the computer networking layering levels with some emphasis on the routing algorithms and implementation of network sensing.
Module provider
Computer Science and Electronic Eng
Module Leader
SHOJAFAR Mohammad (CS & EE)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 5
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 88
Lecture Hours: 24
Laboratory Hours: 22
Guided Learning: 11
Captured Content: 18
Module Availability
Semester 2
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
None
Module content
The module content is divided into the following areas:
- Introduction to Computer Networks; Local and Wide Area Networks
- Layers and Protocols; ISO and TCP/IP models
- Application Layer; Web services – the HTTP protocol
- Transport Layer; Addressing
- Network Layer; Routing
- Link / Physical Layer; Data communications – Ethernet, WiFi, ADSL, Physical Addressing
- The IP datagram protocol, the Address Resolution Protocol, PPP and DHCP
- The TCP protocol – flow control and retransmission methods
- Electronic mail and file transfer - SMTP, POP, IMAP and FTP.
- Network monitoring and ethical issues of monitoring network traffic
- An introduction to network security - methods, vulnerabilities and uses of encryption.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| School-timetabled exam/test | Invigilated class test (90min) | 30 |
| Examination | Invigilated Exam (2hrs) | 70 |
Alternative Assessment
An individual coursework will be provided when alternative assessment is required.
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate
· Their understanding of the communication networks over the internet and the limitations involved by implementing the sensing and testing criteria.
· Their ability to design an efficient means of computer networking considering all the pros and cons.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
· An individual class test.
· An invigilated exam.
Formative assessment and feedback:
Formative feedback is provided during the lab sessions.
Module aims
- This module provides a grounding in how computers are interconnected using a variety of networking components.
- Then, it also shows how software protocols provide access to the network from higher-level applications.
- The student should also understand in how to sense the network and how the check the parameters involved in network communications.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Appreciate how network protocols are layered and how they operate together to perform common communication functions; | KCT |
| 002 | Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the main protocols (TCP, IP, etc.); | CP |
| 003 | Understand the main operational characteristics of Ethernet and wireless networks; | K |
| 004 | Be familiar with the use of the RFC protocol specifications; | K |
| 005 | Be familiar with the use of network analyser software; | KP |
| 006 | Formulate arguments about network behaviour from an inspection of network packets. | KCT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
Teaching on this module will consist of lectures supported by practical labs.
Students will be expected to self-study in order to prepare, complete and reflect on lab exercises.
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: COM2022
Other information
Digital Capabilities
Networks are a key component of modern-day computer systems, and this module provides a solid technical grounding covering key features such as protocols, routing and security. An understanding of networks is foundational knowledge for any computer scientists and this module provides both the theory and practice of working with networks in a secure manner. .
Employability
This module provides security, network theory and software skills that are vital in today’s industry. Students are equipped with both the theory and practical skills that allow them to work with and develop for networked systems securely. These skills are highly valuable to employers.
Global and Cultural Skills
Computer Science is a global language and the tools and languages used on this module can be used internationally. This module allows students to develop skills that will allow them to reason about and develop applications with global reach and collaborate with their peers around the world.
Resourcefulness and Resilience
This module teaches both the theory and practical skills to allow students to work with Networks in a secure manner. It provides the tools to reason about complex hardware and develop solutions that take advantage of them.
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astronautics and Space Engineering BEng (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Astronautics and Space Engineering MEng | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Electronic Engineering with Computer Systems BEng (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering MEng | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons) | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Electronic Engineering MEng | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Computer and Internet Engineering MEng | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Computer and Internet Engineering BEng (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Computer Science BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Electronic Engineering with Computer Systems MEng | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Computing with Business Management BSc (Hons) | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Computer Science MEng | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.