University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 1

Planned timetable: TBC

This module has two main themes: Networking and Distributed Systems. In the Networking theme it covers the networking protocol stack and related technologies, highlighting distributed systems issues such as concurrency and routing where appropriate. Topics include layered architectures; the protocol concepts; physical communication: wired and wireless; data link protocols; reliability; resource utilization; efficiency; LAN, MAN, WAN and PAN interfaces; Network tools: common commands and programming interfaces; security threats services and mechanisms. In the Distributed Systems theme, topics covered include: application level protocols: client-server; concurrency and causality; mutual exclusion; message passing; failure modes & recovery.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact:

Scheduled learning hours: 25

Guided independent study hours: 125

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews:

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 40%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 60%

Personnel