School of Engineering and the Built Environment Glasgow Caledonian University MSc Advanced Computer Networking Programme Specification Document Session 2015-16
Programme Specification Pro-forma (PSP) 1. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. Programme Title: Advanced Computer Networking 2. Final Award: MSc Advanced Computer Networking 3. Exit Awards: PgC Computer Networking / PgD Advanced Computer Networking 4. Awarding Body: Glasgow Caledonian University 5. Approval Date: May 2002 (Original); April 2008 (Re-approval ); May 2013 (Re-approval) 6. School: School of Engineering and the Built Environment 7. Host Division/Dept: CCIS 8. USAS : N/A 9. PSB Involvement: BCS 10. Place of Delivery: Glasgow Caledonian University 11. Subject Benchmark Statement: Computing 12. Dates of PSP preparation/revision: July 2015 2. EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME The aim of this programme is to provide students with the theoretical and practical skills necessary to pursue careers as network professionals. It is concerned with the design, implementation and administration of high performance computer network infrastructures and includes an examination of the methods, techniques, tools and technologies used to develop such infrastructures. The programme aims are: To provide a comprehensive and balanced programme of computing skills; To develop well trained and well educated people, who will be capable of developing quality networking infrastructures; To provide competence in relevant methodologies and in appropriate software laboratory skills; To develop a knowledge of and competence in the principles of design, implementation, and administration of high performance computer networking infrastructures; To develop a critical approach to the evaluation of networking systems; To develop a student s ability to work independently; 1
4. PROGRAMME STRUCTURES AND REQUIREMENTS, LEVELS, MODULES AND CREDITS The programme is designed to be non-progressive and students do not require to pass at a particular level to progress to the next. However, there is a prerequisite for the MSc Project module. The students require to pass the Proposal element of the Research and Project Methods module as a prerequisite to undertaking the MSc Project. Each full time academic year consists of two teaching Trimesters followed by a third Trimester (over the summer period) devoted to the project. The teaching Trimesters each consist of 45 credits. In addition the Research and project methods module runs over trimester 1 and 2. Seven modules are taken in all. The programme is offered in the full-time and the part-time modes. The following illustrates the Full-time September start Programme Structure: Trimester 1 Title Credits Delivery MMI123706 Advanced Routing MMI123704 Switching MMI123175 Network Troubleshooting and 15 SHEM 7 to 12 Maintenance - Trimester 2 Title Credits Delivery MMI123173 Fundamentals of Simulation of Computer Networks MMI123170 QoS and VoIP MMI123171 Network Perimeter Security 1 15 SHEM 1 to 6 Trimester 3 Title Credits Delivery MMI123177 MSc Project * 60 SHEM N/A * Students carry out the Project from June to September of the same year to graduate in November. 2
Full time January start Structure Trimester 2 (Jan-May) Title Credits Delivery MMI123173 Fundamentals of Simulation of Computer Networks MMI123170 QoS and VoIP MMI123171 Network Perimeter Security 1 15 SHEM 1 to 6 Trimester 1 (September-Jan) Title Credits Delivery MMI123175 Network Troubleshooting and 15 SHEM 7 to 12 Maintenance MMI123706 Advanced Routing MMI123704 Switching Trimester 3 (February May) Title Credits Delivery MMI123177 MSc Project * 60 SHEM N/A * Students carry out the Project from February to May of the following year to graduate in July. 3
The Part-time delivery structure for MSc Advanced Computer Networking is presented below: Trimester 1 Year 1 Title Credits Delivery MMI123706 Advanced Routing MMI123704 Switching Trimester 2 Year 1 Title Credits Delivery MMI123173 Fundamentals of Simulation of Computer 15 SHEM Networks MMI123170 QoS and VoIP Trimester 1 Year 2 Title Credits Delivery MMI123175 Network Troubleshooting and 15 SHEM 7 to 12 Maintenance Trimester 2 Year 2 Title Credits Delivery MMI123171 Network Perimeter Security 1 15 SHEM 1 to 6 Trimester 3 Year 2 + Trimester 1 Year 3 Title Credits Delivery MMI123177 MSc Project * 60 SHEM N/A * Students carry out the Project from June to December of the same year and graduate the following 4
June or from Jan to September of the following year and graduate in November. EXIT AWARDS Students who accumulate at least 60 Credits from the Programme they are enrolled on will be awarded the generally named PgC in Computer Networking. Students who accumulate at least 120 Credits from the Programme they are enrolled on will be awarded the named PgD in Advanced Computer Networking. Students who accumulate at least 180 Credits from the Programme they are enrolled on will be awarded the named MSc in Advanced Computer Networking. PROGRAMME DURATIONS Full Time: PgD 2 Trimesters (9 Months); Full Time: MSc 3 Trimesters (1 Year) Part Time: PgD 4 Trimesters (18 months) Part Time: MSc 6 Trimesters (24 months) 5
8. ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS Assessment rules: Overview of assessment details are provided in the Programme Handbook with the Programme-specific aspects detailed. Full assessment regulations are available from the University Assessment Regulations document via the University web-site (to be read in conjunction with the programme-specific regulations listed below). The Glasgow Caledonian University Assessment Regulations http://www.gcu.ac.uk/media/gcalwebv2/theuniversity/gaq/gaqfiles/university%20assessment%20regul ations%202012_13.pdf apply to this programme with the following approved exceptions: Programme specific variations: Students must pass MMI123178 to be allowed progression to the dissertation stage. Pass mark for all taught modules is set at achieving an overall aggregate in the module of 50%; if the module has both an exam component and a coursework component, then the student must attain a minimum of 45% in both elements; in a case where there is an exam and courseworks (plural), then the minimum of 45% is still required in both elements, but for the courseworks, the students aggregate mark over the two or more coursework submission is considered. The pass mark for the MSc project will be 50%. Summary of classification of marks: Distinction is awarded at an overall average of 70% with no mark less 55%. This will be based on performance across all modules taken. Thus to be awarded the MSc with distinction, the Assessment Board will look at the student's profile across PgC/PgD and MSc stages. In addition, to be awarded the MSc with distinction, the MSc Project mark normally requires to be a minimum of 70%. Distinction will only be considered on the basis of a candidate s performance in their first attempt in all modules. 6
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