| Unit name | Advanced Networks |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EEMEM0010 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Hussain |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
“Computer Networks and the Internet” or equivalent |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
Networking forms the backbone of global communication, underpinning the seamless operation of services across commerce, healthcare, education, and virtually every facet of contemporary life. It is therefore imperative to take a deep dive into contemporary and future networks and understand as well as analyse advanced network protocols and technologies. This unit prepares students to effectively navigate the dynamic networking landscape with critical insight and expertise including softwarisation and intelligence in the networks. The knowledge and skills from this unit are instrumental in addressing the complex challenges presented by ever-expanding complex networks as well as resource-constrained networks. Additionally, the unit's exploration of modern data centre networking technologies is crucial because data centres serve as the foundation for cloud computing, big data analytics, and the digital services that power our daily lives. As a result of this unit, students will be better prepared to meet the evolving demands of the digital landscape and will possess the adaptability to anticipate and respond to future trends in network design and implementation.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This unit is mandatory for relevant PGT programmes of study and optional on undergraduate programmes. This unit will provide a deeper dive into the network technologies and the intricate details of the services, procedures, and protocols used in advanced networks. Furthermore, this unit will provide the students with a holistic picture of the large-scale heterogenous networks including resource-constrained networks as well as data centre networks which is required by a holder of MSc degree in Communication Networks and Signal Processing discipline. This unit will also prepare you for conducting cutting-edge research in the networking technologies domain.
An overview of content
In this unit, students will engage with the dynamic field of network technology, gaining expertise in the design and management of sophisticated network systems. The unit aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how advanced routing techniques and Quality of Service (QoS) protocols contribute to the seamless operation of different services vital to our interconnected world. Students will also tackle the challenges of optimizing networks with limited resources in the era of IoT and mobile computing. They will also explore the transformative impact of softwarisation, visualization, and artificial intelligence on the flexibility and efficiency of network infrastructure. The unit will further provide insights into the strategic design principles of interconnection networks and the complex architectures of modern data centres, which are the powerhouses behind cloud computing and large-scale data services.
By the end of this unit, students will have acquired not only the theoretical knowledge but also practical skills, preparing them to contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of network technology.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will gain a deep understanding of both mainstream and resource-constrained networks, preparing them to handle a variety of networking environments and challenges. Students will also develop an ability to critically analyse and evaluate complex network protocols and architectures, which is essential for problem-solving and innovation in the field of networking. The students will, furthermore, learn to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, particularly in the design and analysis of large-scale networks like data centres, enhancing their practical and technical competencies.
Learning Outcomes
Having completed this unit, students will be able to:
The unit will incorporate synchronous activities with optional asynchronous activities (watching video lectures), including live lectures, open office hours for Q/A sessions, worked example classes, self-directed exercises, and independent reading on the topics covered within the unit.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
During the course of the teaching block, the students will have the opportunity to attempt live, instant-feedback quizzes. Students will receive instant feedback upon submission of these quizzes for reflective self-improvement. There will be dedicated
in-class challenge/response sessions, and additional, optional Q&A opportunities during open office hours. Those activities will directly contribute to the preparation for the unit’s summative assessment.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
The unit will be assessed by a single exam. The exam will assess all Learning Outcomes.
When assessment does not go to plan
Re-assessment takes the same form as the original summative assessment.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EEMEM0010).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
