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Module Specifications

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

Module Title Systems of Knowledge-Based Society
Module Code EE233
School School of Electronic Engineering
Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Ronan Scaife
Semester 2: Ronan Scaife
Autumn: Ronan Scaife
Module TeacherBarry McMullin
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description
The purpose of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental design principles of computer and information technologies that underpin the knowledge based society. The approach taken is to involve students in practical analysis and synthesis of simplified systems embodying the same fundamental principles.

Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the concept of a knowledge based society, and identify a range of technologies and systems which support such societies.
2. Describe and explain the fundamental concepts and principles of the stored program digital computer, and relate these to the design and operation of digital information products and services.
3. Describe and explain the fundamental concepts and principles of a digital, packet switched, communications network, and relate these to the Internet and Internet-mediated services.
4. Critically evaluate the reliability and effectiveness of web-based learning resources relating to computer and communication technologies, and communicate this professionally.
5. Collaborate in a team to complete a technology based challenge, and document and communicate the results effectively to peers.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Seminar style overviews
Group work30Computer architecture project
Assignment30Critical evaluation of learning resources
Independent learning21Background research and investigation
Moodle discussion20Learning forum across all topics and activities
Total Workload: 125

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.
Using guided discussion, this introduces the idea of a knowledge based society, and the key role played by information and communications technologies..

Computer architecture.
In this section, students will learn about the fundamental theory of the stored program digital computer, through an extended, team based, practical design activity..

Introduction to communications networks.
The conceptual design of the Internet, as an heterogenous packet switched digital network, will be introduced through role play and simulation. Critical concepts will include packet addressing and routing, and reliable, channel based, end to end communication..

The Domain Name System (DNS).
Need for domain names. Structure of the domain space. Introduction to client server architecture. Authoritative DNS servers and the distributed DNS database. Name caching and "propagation". Name registration..

The World Wide Web.
The web as an Internet application. Client server architecture. HTTP, HTML, CSS, scripting. Web server hosting..

Web indexing and search.
Thought experiments will used to motivate the problem of web search, and introduce the key concepts of spidering, indexing, searching and search result ranking. Search engine optimisation techniques will be critically examined..

Web analytics.
Students will have an opportunity to observe live web traffic logging, and use this as a basis for understanding both the strengths and weaknesses of logfile analysis. Alternative scripting approaches will be investigated and contrasted. Issues of privacy and confidentiality will be considered..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Group assignmentComputer architecture project50%Week 24
AssignmentCase study: Critical evaluation of learning resources50%Week 30
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
    Other Resources
    367, website, Kyle Miller, 0, CARDIAC Computer, http://kylem.net/pages/projects/cardiac.html, 368, website, 0, CommonCraft, http://www.commoncraft.com/, 369, website, 0, How Stuff Works, http://www.howstuffworks.com/,
    Array
    Programme or List of Programmes
    MINTBSc Marketing, Innovation & Technology
    Timetable this semester: Timetable for EE233
    Date of Last Revision25-JUL-08
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