Faculty of Computing Sciences and Engineering

MSc Computing

&

MSc Information Technology

Appendix 1 - Module Information Pack

Contents

1 Introduction & course codes

2 Module Template Information

2.1 Computing Induction Unit (COMP5100)

2.2 Object-Oriented Programming (COMP5101)

2.3 Computer Systems (COMP5102)

2.4 Advanced Database Systems (COMP5103)

2.5 Networks (COMP5104)

2.6 Systems Analysis and Design (COMP5205)

2.7 Management of Information Systems (COMP5206)

2.8 Real Time Systems (COMP5220)

2.9 Distributed Systems (COMP5208)

2.10 Human Factors in Systems Design (COMP5209)

2.11 E-Commerce Software (COMP5210)

2.12 E-Commerce Systems (COMP5211)

2.13 Advanced Networks (COMP5212)

2.14 Artificial Intelligence (Comp5219)

2.15 Project (COMP5314)

1. Introduction

Course Codes:

MSc IT Full Time: CC088

MSc IT Part Time: CC089

MSc Computing Full Time: CC079

MSc Computing Part Time: CC078

This document provides highlighted information from the course and module templates for all modules including the induction module and the project module.

Both of the MSc Computing and MSc IT courses consist of an induction unit, eight taught modules and a project. The induction unit does not count toward the final award.

MSc Computing	MSc IT
( Induction unit )
Object-Oriented Programming
Computer Systems
Advanced Database Systems
Networks
Systems Analysis and Design	Real Time Systems
Management of Information Systems	Distributed Systems
Human Factors in Systems Design (Option for either course)	E-Commerce Software (Option for either course)
E-Commerce Systems (Option for either)	Advanced Networks (Option for either)
Artificial Intelligence (Option for either)
Project

Four of the taught modules are common to both courses (the semester 1 modules, for full-time students).

· Object-Oriented Programming

• Computer Systems
• Advanced Database Systems
• Networks

Two more of the modules are course specific.

· "Systems Analysis and Design" and "Management of Information Systems" for Computing.

• "Microprocessor Systems" and "Distributed Systems" for IT.

Finally, there are two option modules for each course.

· "Human Factors in Systems Design" and "E-Commerce Systems" are the recommended modules for Computing.

• "E-Commerce Software" and "Advanced Networks" are the recommended modules for IT.

It is anticipated that students may wish to take the options from the other stream, this is OK where the timetable allows. E.g. a Computing student might wish to take "E-Commerce Software" module instead of "Human Factors in Systems Design", this is possible.

Students with low grades ("C-" or below) in "Object-Oriented Programming" should not consider taking the "E-Commerce Software" module. The "E-Commerce Software" module uses advanced programming techniques and as such is not suitable for those students whose skills and abilities lie at the less technical end of the spectrum.

Only the MSc Computing course is offered through FTMS. This means that FTMS students are not offered the MSc IT option modules ("E-Commerce Software" and "Advanced Networks"), and they additionally they are not offered Artificial Intelligence.

The project gives you the opportunity to show off the skills and knowledge you have acquired on the course. The project is normally the last piece of work undertaken on the course.

In line with Higher Education Funding Council guidelines, each taught module represents 150 hours of notional learning time. This means that you should normally expect to spend at least 150 hours studying for each module. This notional learning time will be made of taught session and self-directed study. The project represents 600 hours of notional learning time.

2. Module Template Information

2.1 Computing Induction Unit (COMP5100)

1. Module Characteristics

This module introduces students to a range of skills and facilities that will underpin their future studies. The module is delivered through a programme of taught sessions and directed learning, which is completed immediately prior to the commencement of the taught course.

The induction learning pack also contains recommended reading that must be completed prior to undertaking a particular taught module.

The primary content of this module is an introduction to the fundamental programming principles that will enable students to implement and test simple programs in practical sessions.

2. Generic Module Content

General induction

· Using e-mail and the Internet

• Getting started with the University networks (i.e. PC & Unix networks)
• Using command lines (e.g. DOS & Unix commands)
• Common applications
• Presentation skills and report writing
• Information retrieval skills

Programming induction

· Introduction to data and information storage

• Program structure and environment - javac compiler and java run time environment
• Primitive and reference data types
• Variables, objects and references
• Operators and expressions
• simple and compound statements - consideration of scope
• keyboard input and screen output
• control structures – sequence, control and iteration
• introduction to standard packages (Java APIs)

· implementation of functions, overloading

1. Required Prior Learning

For the programming aspects of this module, it will be assumed that students have read and absorbed the written induction material entitled 'Representation of data within the computer'. Students will also need to either be familiar with, or gain familiarity with (thorough this induction unit) simple use of computer, i.e. using the command line to create directories, change directory, delete a file, etc.

2. Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, the student should be able to:

· Explain fundamental hardware configuration & terminology.

• Explain fundamental software terminology.
• Demonstrate basic skills in, one or more basic software applications, (e.g., a word-processor).
• Use a library and other relevant resources to retrieve the information required for all other modules of the course, particularly the research paper.
• Have read and absorbed the foundation material for each taught module.

Implement and test simple programs using variables, expressions, control structures and API facilities (it expected that the language used will be Java).

2.2 Object-Oriented Programming (COMP5101)

2.2.1 Module Characteristics

This module introduces object-oriented programming to enable students to design, implement and test programs of moderate complexity. The programming language used in this module is Java, which is an object-oriented language. As well the specific topics covered on this module, students will also reinforce their understanding of fundamental programming techniques that are applicable to programming languages other than Java.

The principles of the object-oriented paradigm to be covered include: encapsulation, responsibility, delegation, messages and methods, inheritance, polymorphism and dynamic binding, objects and classes.

2.2.2 Generic Module Content

· Basic software system concepts: analysis, design, implementation and testing

· Programming paradigms: procedural, modular, data abstraction and object-oriented

· Data structures: arrays, vectors, trees, hash tables, sorting, searching, etc.

· Object-oriented programming in Java (for example): classes, object creation, class variables and methods, access control, object destruction.

· Subclasses and inheritance, overriding methods, responsibility and delegation.

· Applications, applets, and interfaces (e.g. AWT (Abstract Window Toolkit) and/or Swing), linking to other software.

· Input/output classes, object serialisation.

· Exceptions and exception handling

· Program testing and documentation.

· This is NOT an analysis and design module although basic concepts will be overviewed.

2.2.3 Required Prior Learning

Basic knowledge of fundamental programming concepts.

2.2.4 Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module students should:

1. Understand basic OO programming concepts: abstraction, encapsulation, inheritance, etc.

2. Be able to design, implement and test Java applications and applets of moderate complexity in the process making use of appropriate API facilities.

Assessment: is by 100% Coursework

2.3 Computer Systems (COMP5102)

2.3.1 Module Characteristics

This module covers the technical infrastructure upon which modern computer application systems are run at an appreciation level. The intention is to provide a sufficient level of hardware understanding to enable students to appreciate the use of computer systems in commerce and industry.

The module provides a comprehensive introduction to hardware, software, operating systems, and systems software as well as system performance measurement techniques and the process of system specification and procurement.

2.3.2 Generic Module Content

· Basic components of a computer system: Hardware: CPU, ALU, coprocessors, bus, memory, I/O devices, etc.

· Software: Operating system, compilers, editors, application software, etc.

· Important factors in overall system performance: Processor and ALU performance, effects of adding coprocessors, CPU/RAM speed comparability, Bus speed and I/O bandwidth, etc.

· Hardware requirements to support system and application software:

· System software: support for the operating system (RAM, disk, etc.), multitasking, virtual memory, window managers, network managers, etc.

· Applications software: dependent of processor performance, floating point performance (e.g. mathematical, scientific, engineering), I/O bandwidth (fileservers, database servers), video performance (window managers), etc.

· Processor and system performance enhancement techniques, e.g. CISC and RISC processors, pipelining, cache memories, special purpose processors, multi-processors, parallel-processing, etc.

· Modern system configurations: personal computers, professional workstations, mini and mainframe computers, networks, distributed environments, client/server, thin/thick clients, etc.

· Performance factors in distributed environments

· Processor and system performance benchmarks: criteria for benchmarks, standard benchmarks (e.g. MIPS, Drystone, Whetstone, SPEC, TPC, etc.), use of benchmarks when comparing real systems.

· System procurement: Requirements specifications, ITT (Invitation to Tender), short-listing of tenders, contractual arrangements, maintenance, training, etc.

· Operating systems: Memory management (Virtual memory: paging and segmentation), the process model, scheduling problems and algorithms, inter-process communication, deadlocks, security, etc.

· File management: Design issues, implementation and structure, access control, performance, and reliability.

2.3.3 Required Prior Learning

None

2.3.4 Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Describe the hardware components of a computer system and how these effect the overall performance of the system.

2. Describe those components of a computer system which are critical in particular application areas. Understand which system performance measurement techniques are relevant to particular application areas.
3. Describe the functions and components of a typical operating system both traditional and networked.

 Assessment: is by 50% Exam, and 50% Coursework

2.4 Advanced Database Systems (COMP5103)

2.4.1 Module Characteristics

This module addresses the analysis of data storage requirements and the design of complex databases to meet those requirements. The module makes extensive use of commercial and industrial case studies.

This module covers the complete lifecycle of database specification from investigation of the problem domain and construction of data models, though to mapping those models into a relational database environment. Theoretical issues relating to relational database technology, such as relational theory and query optimisation, are also addressed.

2.4.2 Generic Module Content

· Different approaches to data management: data centred approach, and data model overview.

· Typical facilities of Database Management Systems.

· Relational Data Model & Relational Database Management Systems.

· Query language for suitable database.

· Normalisation of data and Normal Forms.

· Entity-Relationship (Type) (E-R) Modelling techniques. Entity identification and characteristics of entities. Relationships type and class. Decomposition of certain types of relationship. Complex entities.

· Extended modelling notation - E-R Specialisation and Generalisation structures (ERSG).

· Mapping E-R Diagrams to the relational data model. Mapping database designs to database implementations. First and Second level design.

· Other database systems issues: integrity, security, recovery, concurrency

· Other data models. Distributed Databases.

· Modern trends in Database Systems, e.g., multimedia DBs, multidimensional DBs, OO, etc.

2.4.3 Required Prior Learning

None

2.4.4 Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Explain why the data-centred approach is important for applications requiring persistent data storage and processing, describe the principle features of a database management system and the database environment, and describe several data models and briefly explain their relative strengths and weaknesses.

2. Use database modelling techniques to design a database system for a given problem domain.
3. Implement a database design on one or more appropriate database management system making use of key fourth generation languages facilities available, and write queries on a database system using a standard query language.

 Assessment is by 70% Exam and 30% Coursework

2.5 Networks (COMP5104)

2.5.1 Module Characteristics

The main focus of this module is on the use of computer networks in supporting business functions. This module covers the topics including computer hardware, network topologies, wide and local area networks, network management & planning.

2.5.2 Generic Module Content

· Network Architecture and the need for layering: Concept of a protocol and a protocol stack.

· Standards' document terminology: services, primitives, protocol data units (PDUs), vertical and horizontal communication in protocol stacks.

· Differentiation between tele-services, bearer services and supplementary services.

· The ISO 7 layer reference model, other protocol stacks.

· Contrast of connection oriented network service (CONS) and connectionless network service (CLNS). Relative advantages of packet switching and circuit switching.

· Typical wide area network (WAN) switch architecture.

· An overview of physical layer concerns; types and characteristics of transmission media, characteristics of transmission channels, synchronous and asynchronous transmission.

· Protocol techniques: sliding window, error detection and recovery, flow control.

· LANs: typical application areas, generic protocol stack, functionality of (for example) the Medium Access Control (MAC) and Logical Link Control (LLC) layers, detailed description of (for example) 802.2, 802.3, 802.5 standards, performance issues relating to (for example) 802.3 and 802.5 standards.

· MANs: typical application areas, generic protocol stack, detailed description of (for example) 802.6 (DQDB) protocol, fairness issues relating to (for example) 802.6.

· Specific types of WANs: (for example) IP, X.25, Frame Relay and ATM protocols and network architecture. Routing and congestion issues.

· Network management: Event management. Event detection and reporting, resolution network redundancy. Configuration management. Terminal server, repeater and bridge configuration. Inventory control. Security management. Accounting management. Costing and charging. Performance management. Analysis and tuning. Capacity planning.

2.5.3 Required Prior Learning

None

2.5.4 Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the student should be able to:

1. Describe a typical network architecture and how communication takes place within the architecture. Be aware of the various types of transmission media and their respective characteristics.

2. Design and construct a protocol to operate in a simple communications environment.
3. Understand the differences between LANs, MANs and WANs, and be aware of typical application areas for these types of networks.
4. Describe in detail the most common LAN, MAN and WAN protocols.
5. Discuss the relative merits of network topologies for any application in terms of cost, reliability, flexibility, etc.
6. Appreciate the potential problems involved in managing a network and recognise the potential benefits.

Assessment is by 50% Coursework and 50% Exam

2.6 Systems Analysis and Design (COMP5205)

2.6.1 Module Characteristics

This module covers the theory and practice of systems analysis and design. Extensive use of case studies will be made to allow the application of the techniques learnt. Computer Assisted Software Engineering (CASE) tools will be used to support the use of analysis and design techniques.

2.6.2 Generic Module Content

· The processes of the systems development lifecycle and the tasks within it.

· Initiating the systems development lifecycle: strategic project selection techniques (e.g. cost benefit analysis), feasibility study, planning.

· Familiarisation with development paradigm to be used (e.g. object-orientation).

· Requirements specification: tools and techniques for information gathering (e.g. SQIRO & CRC cards), functional analysis and modelling (e.g. use case models, class diagrams), identifying and assigning functional behaviour.

· Elaboration of models, for example: in OO modelling - finding classes, creating an OO model, assigning attributes to objects & inheritance

· Using a Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tool.

· The transition into design: adapting and extending the requirements specification mapping between analysis and design concepts (e.g. ISD, STD).

· Moving into construction and interface design.

· Transition to a running system: training and documentation guidelines.

· Independent research into alternative development approaches and paradigms to those used in the taught parts of the module.

· The bigger picture: ethical issues, security, the Data Protection Act, professional issues.

2.6.3 Required Prior Learning : Awareness of object-oriented concepts (e.g. encapsulation, inheritance, polymorphism, delegation of responsibility).

2.6.4 Learning Outcomes : On completion of this module, the student should be able to:

1. Understand the role of the systems analyst/ designer, the context in which the systems development activity takes place and the professional standards that are applied to the activity.

2. Apply structured techniques to produce analysis and/or design models for a given case study problem.

Assessment is by 50% Coursework and 50% Exam

2.7 Management of Information Systems (Comp5206)

2.7.1 Module Characteristics

This module will enable students to set computing developments in a broader social, economic and business context. The basic concepts and ways of organising work in a business environment will be addressed to equip students with the skills needed for the effective management of IS/IT projects.

2.7.2 Generic Module Content

Purpose

The role of IS in society. IS dependence. How IS changes society.

The purpose of IS within organisations. Operational systems and managerial systems. The effect of new IS on organisation. Developing strategies for the take-up of new technology.

The effect of IS on work. Changes in management structure. IS, autonomy and job security.

Introduction to project management. The purpose of projects. What is an IS development project? Why do it?

People

The role of higher management in IS development and delivery. The organisation of the IS department. Is Project Steering Committees. Stakeholders in the IS development project.

Human Resource Management for IT. Roles and routes. Motivation. Characteristics of IT personnel Excellent programmers and excellent analysts. Appraisals. Controlling staff turnover. Human resource issues in outsourcing.

Marketing the IS function. The Business/IT culture Gap. User perceptions. Social context. Social process. Who are we marketing to? What are we trying to get across? Marketing techniques.

Managing IT teams. Roles in the IS development project. Approaches to teamwork. Problems with teamwork.

End-User Computing. Who are the end-users? Approaches to managing EUC. Direction, support and control. Roles and responsibilities. Information Centres. The concept of Management Developed Systems. Why managers want to develop their own systems. Advantages of their doing so.

Process

IS development project initiation. Risk assessment.

Project management: an overview of project management techniques (e.g. PRINCE). Project Monitoring and Control.

Software estimating. Software configuration management.

The nature of organisational change. Types of organisational change. Organisational change and power. The process of change management. Business Process Reengineering.

Quality management systems. Quality certification processes (e.g. ISO9001).

Security, integrity and privacy. Managing IS security. Second-order security problems. Disaster recovery. Data protection. Codes of conduct for IS professionals.

Alternative processes: Object-orientation and OT Migration. Rapid Application Development.

1. Required Prior Learning

None

2. Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, the student should be able to:

1. Understand the purpose of information systems within society, organisations and individuals work.

2. Understand the people roles necessary for the successful delivery and use of information systems.

Assessment is by 50% Coursework and 50% Exam

2.8 Real Time Systems (COMP5220)

2.8.1 Learning and Teaching Strategies

A number of practical demonstrations of genuine real time systems will be set up and presented as part of the teaching programme. This will include making available a range genuine components, such as transducers, actuators, single board computers etc.

A series of short tutorial questions will be used to reinforce the lecture content.

More detailed tutorial questions, using real scenarios, will be used to exercise the students ability to analyse complete problems, and develop rational overall solutions.

The course work will consist of two parts.

A detailed Real Time Problem that requires analysis, specification and solution. (75%)
Use of a real simulation package (for the PIC family of microcontrollers), to be used to develop and test a programme. (25%)

This module can also be offered via multi-media, as the wholelecture content is available on 24 hours of pre-recorded videotapes, and the tutorials have been designed for relay by email.

2.8.2 Required Prior Learning

No prior knowledge of engineering, instrumentation or electronics is required. A basic understanding of computational techniques is advisable.

2.8.2 Module Syllabus

1. Hardware and software requirements for real time systems

2. Real time executives. Structure, operation and implementation

3. Data handling and parameter passing between asynchronous functions

4. Timing, sampling, interfacing, signal processing

5. Control loops, PID, on/off control, digital filtering. What they are, why they are used and how they are implemented

6. Interrupts, Handling unpredictable asynchronous events. Software implications.

2.8.4 Module Learning Materials

BABU J, real time personal computing, Prentice Hall,
COOLING J, software design for real time systems, Chapman & Hall,

Assessment is by 70% Exam and 30% Coursework

2.9 Distributed Systems (COMP5208)

2.9.1 Module Characteristics

This module develops an understanding of the problems involved in allowing processes to communicate with each other and in the design of a distributed system and the potential benefits.

This module covers topics such as: processes and inter-process communication and distributed systems types, features and design issues.

2.9.2 Generic Module Content

· Design Issues for Distributed Systems - transparency, flexibility, performance, reliability, scalability.

· System Models.

· Processes - implementation, heavyweight and threads.

· Traditional Interprocess Communication (IPC) mechanisms - semaphores and shared memory, pipes, message passing, event counters.

· Distributed IPC - the client server model, message passing using sockets, remote procedure call, interface definition languages, naming and binding. For example: RMI and JNI in Java.

· Group communication.

· Synchronisation in distributed systems - clock synchronisation, mutual exclusion, deadlocks.

· Distributed operating system structure - threads, processor allocation, the kernel, microkernels.

· Distributed file systems – Design and implementation, for example: NFS and AFS.

· Shared Data and Transactions - concurrency control, recovery, atomic transactions, security and reliability, serialisation.

· Security.

· Distributed Shared Memory and Objects (e.g. CORBA)

2.9.3 Required Prior Learning: None

2.9.4 Learning Outcomes: On completion of this module the student should be able to:

1. Describe the different mechanisms available to enable processes to synchronise and communicate on both uniprocessor and multiprocessor systems.

2. Design and construct reliable software involving co-operating processes on both uniprocessor and multiprocessor systems.
3. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of distributed systems over uniprocessor systems.
4. Critically evaluate the design issues involved in building distributed systems.

 Assessment is by 70% Exam and 30% Coursework

2.10 Human Factors in Systems Design (COMP5209)

2.10.1 Module Characteristics

Technological change continues to progress at an ever-increasing rate. Human evolution, in contrast, is much slower. In the race to design and develop complex interactive systems for use in the workplace, and the home, interactive systems designers often overlook this fact. Often this leads to the design of systems that do not match the users needs or capabilities.

This module introduces and explores the Human Factors issues that need to be considered when designing interactive systems.

Students taking this module will develop skills that will enable them to design effective and usable interactive systems. They will also be able to evaluate the appropriateness of different designs.

In the race to the marketplace, the winners will be those who can deliver systems that people can use.

2.10.2 Generic Module Content

· Overview of Human Factors definition and issues.

· Approaches to Human Factors in Systems Design (e.g. DIADEM, HUFIT, STUDIO).

· The systems development life cycle and the Human Factors Dimension within existing methods

· Design principles and practices.

· Participative Design, power & influence in the design process.

· Human & organisational factors of system design.

· Task analysis and usability.

· The role and implications of psychology computing design.

· Prototyping techniques and their implications for Human Factors.

· Workplace design: legislation, standards and directives.

2.10.3 Required Prior Learning: None

2.10.4 Learning Outcomes: On completion of this module, the student will be able to:

1. Recognise and describe the different approaches to incorporating human factors into systems development.

2. Explain the need for human factors to be incorporated into the design process.
3. Describe and apply a human factors framework for evaluating designs.
4. Discuss and critically evaluate the range of tools and techniques available to support human factors input. (E.g. STUDIO HUFIT).

Assessment is by 50% Coursework and 50% Exam

2.11 E-Commerce Software (COMP5210)

2.11.1Module Characteristics

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to the key technologies used in e-commerce applications, including their design and implementation.

The specific topics covered may vary from year-to-year to reflect developments and innovations in this fast-moving field. In broad terms, the module will address topics ranging from core world-wide web (WWW) standards and technologies through to the design and construction of transactional e-commerce applications.

2.11.2 Generic Module Content

Basic web technologies and current standards (e.g. HTTP, HTML & CSS, XML).

Multi-tier e-commerce application architectures (e.g. three-tier and N-tier applications).

· Client-side processing (e.g. JavaScript) and server-side processing (e.g. servlets and/or CGI).

• Active page technology (e.g. Java Server Pages).
• Integration with enterprise data (e.g. JDBC, ODBC).

Authentication, confidentiality, integrity, and non-repudiation.

Applications and implications of the eXtensible Markup Language (XML).

1. Required Prior Learning

An understanding of object technology, and suitable programming skills.

2. Learning Outcomes

After completing the course the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate skills in the design and construction of a basic e-commerce application (e.g. a simple servlet based system requiring XML/XSL processing).

2. Understand the roles and significance of the range of software components and architectures involved in the construction of e-commerce applications.

Assessment is by 40% Coursework and 60% Exam

2.12E- Commerce Systems (COMP5211)

2.12.1 Module Characteristics

This module provides an information systems management grounding for the management and support of e-commerce information systems within an organisation. E-commerce is taken to cover both externally focussed systems and internal, Intranet-based information providing systems. The module looks at IS strategy issues, the provision of information and the support of such systems. Aspects concerning the analysis and design of the e-commerce systems appear in other modules.

This module follows the process of e-commerce information systems development. In order to develop a site, a strategy must be established. The module looks at the strategy process and discusses some possible models for determining types of involvement. The benefits of e-commerce are explored and strategies for identifying the benefits are examined.

2.12.2 Generic Module Content

Classifications and features of different types of e-commerce system (e.g. extranet (business-to-business), intranet (employee-to-business), and internet (customer-to-business)).

Strategic models of e-commerce & e-commerce strategies.

Evaluation of e-commerce information systems & sites.

E-commerce in the organisation:

· Management information and the organisational intranet.

• Types of management support systems.
• Knowledge management.
• Group decision support.

Managing e-commerce services.

1. Required Prior Learning

None

2. Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, the student will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of e-commerce system types, strategies and their role in the provision of information to the decision making process in general

Assessment is by 50% Coursework and 50% Exam

2.13Advanced Networks (COMP5212)

2.13.1 Module Characteristics

This module focuses largely on very high-speed networks, which carry integrated multi-service traffic such as voice, video and data. A recurring theme is how the network can provide the necessary Quality of Service requirements for the various types of traffic. The recent emerging developments in networks, for both fixed and cellular technologies, are considered and the role each of these can play in providing a suitable broadband intra/internet infrastructure is discussed. The protocols for each of these technologies is developed and contrasted with the conventional connectionless architecture of the Internet. The problems of network interconnection are also covered.

Other recent developments are also covered. For instance, the importance of the signalling network in supporting the principle of Intelligent networks and how the Internet Community is proposing similar principles. These concepts play a central role in the GSM Cellular network.

2.13.2 Generic Module Content

· Transport layer protocols: traditional transport layer functions and protocols, example transport layer protocols, protocols to support multi-media services and/or multi-casting.

· Higher Layer protocols.

· Integrated service networks and associated technologies and issues in LANs, WANs, and MANs.

· Internetworking: Addressing Issues, functionality of bridges, routers and gateways.

· Recent developments and future trends, for example; Intelligent networks, wireless LANs, mobile communications, active networks.

Required Prior Learning: A basic knowledge of packet switched networks and network protocols.

Learning Outcomes: On completion of this module the student should be able to:

1. Evaluate and select the most suitable method for interconnecting networks.

2. Understand integrated services provision in LANs, MANs, WANs.
3. Demonstrate skills in the design and implementation of protocols for a multi-service, multi-media environments.
4. Critically evaluate recent developments in network technologies.

Assessment is by 70% Exam and 30% Coursework

2.14 Artificial Intelligence – Theory and Practise (COMP 5219)

2.14.1 Module Characteristics

This module develops students' knowledge of Artificial Intelligence by providing some theoretical foundations of the subject area, and underpinning this by practical implementation of a number of AI problem solving techniques.

2.14.2 Generic Module Content

Introduction to AI: History, Symbolic-Sub-Symbolic debate, Philosophy of AI
Introduction to ANNs and appropriate software
Perceptrons
Multi Layered Perceptrons
Backpropagation and Applications of ANNs
Overview of other ANN paradigms
Expert Systems & existing (successful or otherwise) ES applications
Processes involved in Expert System development: Knowledge Acquisition, Knowledge Representation
Search techniques
Machine Learning

Intelligent Databases

2.14.3 Required Prior Learning

None

2.14.4 Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

1. Have a critical appreciation of the subject area, and its development (Exam)

2. Understand a number of Artificial Intelligence methods and techniques, with particular emphasis on Neural Networks and Expert Systems (Exam and Coursework)

3. Select the most appropriate methods and techniques for solving AI problems (Exam and coursework)

4. Show competence in the use of AI software (Coursework)

Assessment is by 50% Coursework and 50% Exam

2.15Project (COMP5314)

2.15.1 Module Characteristics

This module provides the opportunity to develop and to demonstrate skills acquired from the taught course in the solution of a real practical problem. The module typically involves the analysis, design and implementation of a computer system.

The project would be expected to draw on the content of several of the taught modules. Support is provided through a Project Management Panel.

The module includes an introduction to some of the necessary project skills required to run a one-person project and present the results of the project in the most favourable way.

Project skills sessions will take the format of workshops in which students will have the opportunity to practice a particular skill.

Deliverables include a dissertation and an oral presentation/viva.

2.15.2 Generic Module Content

Apart from technical issues, other modules cover:

· Project management techniques

• Feasibility studies,
• Cost benefit analyses,
• Software evaluation,
• Documentation,
• Interviewing skills, etc.

The project skills aspects will include:

· Personal time management

• Project management
• Project selection
• Written and verbal communication
• Giving demonstrations

Required Prior Learning: The project module is normally the last module studied. The project may reflect and build on the entire breadth of material studied by the student.

Learning Outcomes: The undertaking and completion of a significant, practical systems based project.