Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Introduction to Networks & Op Systems
Module Code	CA651
School	School of Computing
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Mark Humphrys Semester 2: Mark Humphrys Autumn: Mark Humphrys
Module Teacher	Mark Humphrys
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

To introduce students to basic concepts of operating systems and computer networks. The introduction will be highly practical, with a focus on Linux, Shell, Java, PHP and Javascript. Lectures will make use of overhead computer projection, which will allow demonstration of small programs and network calls in class. Students are expected to attend weekly lab sessions in which the lecturer will program with them and then set them tasks to do in the lab. The main project will be done in the student's own time.

Learning Outcomes

1. Use the Linux command line to automate common tasks and make network calls.
2. Write Java code to make network calls and parse network data.
3. Use the appropriate client side or server side technologies in the construction of websites and web services.
4. Run addressing, routing and pinging tools on the Internet to analyse traffic or message origins.
5. Debug header fields in email, web transfers and other network data.
6. Discuss and understand the history and possible future of the Internet and operating systems.
7. Set Linux file and directory permissions appropriately for private, shared, public and network applications.
8. Track, debug and kill processes in Linux.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	24	No Description
Laboratory	24	No Description
Lecture	18	No Description
Lab	18	No Description
Independent learning	139	No Description
Independent learning time	151	No Description
Total Workload: 374

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction to Networks.
This section covers the history of computer networks and surveys their most common applications today..

The Web.
This covers the major technologies behind websites and web applications, both client side and server side. There will be a strong focus on Web 2.0 applications that move rich functionality into the browser through constant communication with the server in the background..

Computer network layers.
This covers the "protocol stack" of computer networks, with a focus on the Internet. Basic technologies at each level will be introduced. There will be a strong practical focus..

Internet technologies.
This will cover Internet technologies, apart from those covered in the section on the Web. Here will be covered DNS addressing, email protocols, MIME types, remote login and others..

Introduction to Operating Systems.
This will cover the history of operating systems. There will be a survey of OSes in use historically and today. There will be a strong focus on the future of OSes, which may have strong ties to the Web 2.0 model discussed in the Networks section..

Introduction to UNIX/Linux.
This introduces the UNIX/Linux family of operating systems. There will be a strong focus on the power of the command line to automate tasks and make network calls. Shell and other scripting will be introduced. This section will tie stringly with the labs..

Operating Systems internals.
This will cover some of the internal workings of operating systems, with a practical focus on using this understanding to solve problems. In particular this will look at process management and the file system..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	50%	Examination Weight	50%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List