module specification

CT7002 - Introduction to Networks (2025/26)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2025/26
Module title Introduction to Networks
Module level Masters (07)
Credit rating for module 20
School School of Computing and Digital Media
Total study hours 200
 
52 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
100 hours Guided independent study
48 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Examination 10%   Weekly tests based on the material covered
Practical Assessment 40%   Final practical examination based on a real life scenario
Examination 50%   Two-hour unseen written examination
Running in 2025/26

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Friday Morning
Spring semester North - -

Module summary

This module introduces the architectures, models, protocols, and networking elements that connect users, devices, applications and data through the Internet and across modern computer networks - including IP addressing and Ethernet fundamentals. By the end of the course, students can build simple local area networks (LAN) that integrate IP addressing schemes, foundational network security, and perform basic configurations for routers and switches.

Student will:

· Explain network technologies.

· Explain how devices access local and remote network resources.

· Describe router hardware.

· Explain how switching operates in a small to medium-sized business network.

· Design an IP addressing scheme to provide network connectivity for a small to medium-sized business network.

· Configure initial settings on a network device.

Implement basic network connectivity between devices.

Prior learning requirements

n/a

Syllabus

Basic Switch and End-Device Configuration

Computer Network Protocols and Models

Physical Layer

Data Link Layer

Ethernet Switching

Network Layer

Address Resolution

Basic Router Configuration

IPv4 Addressing

Transport Layer

Application Layer

Network Security Fundamentals

Understanding of the professional, legal, social and ethical framework regarding Information

Security

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

Module is delivered once a week in a four-hour session. Usually two-hour lecture is followed by two hours of laboratory work. Students are provided with access to the on-line curriculum (Netacad ) and are encouraged to read the material prior to lecture sessions. On the completion of lectures on specific topics students take regular in class tests for which they get an automated and/or in-person feedback. Lectures are heavily supported by hands-on relevant laboratory work such as Device Audit and Hardening, AAA and Site-to-Site VPN configurations. Students are encouraged to keep a logbook and record the summary of their practical work for reflective learning. Students are required to regularly complete advanced labs to assess their understanding.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

· LO1. Develop a strong theoretical and practical grounding in all aspects of networking, understand how computer networks work, and the principles behind them , with a particular focus on local area networks (LANs)

· LO2. Develop the practical skills needed to configure network devices such as routers and switches.

· LO3. Understand the data protocols used in networks and understand data flow.

· LO4. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills using real equipment and network simulators.

Bibliography