COMP1321Digital Infrastructures/ArchitecturesModule OutlineSemesters 1&2 2015/16

Module Tutors: Richard HensonContact details: r.henson@worc.ac.uk, CH1005, int tel: 5397Academic Liaison Librarian: Stephanie Allen (s.allen@worc.ac.uk)Time: Wednesday 1515-1815Venue: LG022Verified by: Peter MoodyElectronic copy available: http://staffweb.worc.ac.uk/hensonr and Blackboard

ABOUT THE MODULE

1. What will I be able to do when I have passed this module?On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:

1. Describe a range of digital platforms and networks and explain the context for use of each platform

2. Apply tools involving digital hardware and digital logic to solve real world problems

3. Explore the contents of a digital storage medium using computer forensic software and extract information that could be used as evidence

4. Apply networking principles to provide connectivity between digital devices on a range of platforms that can be used for sharing data and control of processes

5. Use penetration testing software, in accordance with relevant standards and legislation, to identify vulnerabilities in a digital network

2. How will this module enhance my future employability?

This module will enable you to develop and enhance the following which are highly sought by employers:

Application of relevant knowledge: you will build a knowledge base in this subject area and will be able to apply it to real-world situations

Research and problem solving: you will be able to develop and apply principles of research and problem-solving, that can be brought to bear on real world situations involving hardware platforms, peripherals, networking, and applications such as computer forensics and cybersecurity

Team working: you will work in a team some practical activities, and teams will have to work co-operatively to achieve the desired goal.

Self-awareness: through teamwork, completing assignments, and carefully studying feedback obtained, you will become aware of relevant strengths and weaknesses, and can take action regarding any apparent weaknesses.

3. How is this module relevant to my overall course?Each module and each level of your course progressively builds toward higher order skills and capabilities that you will need to achieve the best results in life. If you do not understand how this module fits into the overall course, do discuss with your tutors/ course leaders.

4. How is this module assessed?

The assessment for this module is based on two assignments, as below. Further details of the assessment items and submission requirements will be notified during the module sessions.

Assessment Weighting Learning outcomes assessed

Submission date Return Date

Assignment 1: Report 3000 words (50%)

1, 2, 3 3pm, 14/1/16 11/2/16

Assignment 2: Practical Task/Report

3000 words (50%)

4, 5 3pm, 12/5/16 10/6/16

Indicative Schedule

Semester 1UMS Wk

w/c Topic Learning activities Preparation & Challenges

4 21/09/2015 Induction Week

5 28/09/2015

History of Computers: from stone age to digital age; from massive mainframes to smart phones

Investigations of early computers and their applications, and effects of miniaturisation & computerisation on computing

Murdocca & Heuringch. 1

6 05/10/2015

Digital Logic & Logic Gates

Use of the SAM simulator to demonstrate how CPU can do calculations

Newman et alch. 2

7 12/10/2015

Computer Architecture; Memory and Storage

More sophisticated use of SAM to use “registers” for storing data within CPU

Newman et alch 3, 4

8 19/10/2015

How CPU works, data representation, the fetch-execute cycle, machine language

Demonstration of fetch-execute cycle, instruction sets, and machine code/assembly language

Murdocca & Heuringch. 2

9 26/10/2015

Motherboards, memory, and i/o: architecture from Altair to Arduino & Raspberry Pi. Guest Speaker

Exemplar CPU families, and application of strategies for getting input & output data to/from the CPU for very rapid processing

Blundell ch. 4Newman et al, ch. 4

10 02/11/2015

Data Storage and Filing Systems, structuring data for saving to and retrieving from storage media (building on COMP1211);

Use of tools to investigate how a file is stored on a hard disk, and how such software can be used for forensic purposes

Newman et al, ch. 8Murdocca & Heuringch. 8

12 09/11/2015 Forensic computing, and a more detailed look at the way contents of a hard disk can be used to obtain evidence for courts. Guest

Using tools to directly interact with data on a hard disk to gather evidence to support criminal cases, and illegal computer use

Carrier: whole book relevant

speaker11 16/11/2015 WBS Future Week and Awards Ceremonies

13 23/11/2015

Peripherals Practice in connecting input and output devices to motherboards in a variety of ways, and using software “drivers” to allow CPU to control those peripherals

Blundell, chs. 8, 11

14 30/11/2015

Embedded Systems: use of computers in everyday appliances. Programming Embedded Systems

Demonstration and practice of writing programs for upload to ROM storage; programs then used via user interface to move “turtles”

Insam, Arduino website

15 7/12/2015

More detailed look at embedded systems and the real world, and the relentless demand for programming…

Exercises in writing programs that can be used with chosen CPUs to control a range of different operations and enough programming and uploading/testing exercises to keep you occupied until semester 2 starts…

Insam, Arduino website Raspberry Pi website

16 14/12/2015 Christmas vacation17 21/12/201518 28/12/201519 04/01/2016 Activity Week20 11/01/2016 Activity week – assignment 1, 14th January 2016, 3 pm21 18/01/2016 Assessment week for Semester 1 modules

Specific support for your assignments is also provided via Richard Henson’s website http://staffweb.worc.ac.uk/hensonr and other on-line resources available via his website.

Semester 2:

UMS Wk

w/c Lecture Seminar Reading

22 25/01/2016 WBS Future Week

23 01/02/2016

Communications between two digital devices

Practical attempts to prepare two devices for linking together and then physically connecting them, using different ports and different software installation methods

Irving ch. 3

24 08/02/2016

Multiple devices, multiple paths and Routing; TCP, IP, and network protocols

Naming, addressing (ie IP), and physically connecting computers so they can exchange data

Irving ch. 3

25 15/02/2016

Client-Server and Peer-Peer networks

Elevating status to server and domain controller; connecting computers to domains

Irving ch. 3

26 22/02/2016

Standards and Network standards; software layers, protocol stacks and "abstraction",

Checking for network connectivity between computers by systematically checking at different layers

Irving ch 4, 6, Suehring ch. 1, 2

27 29/02/2016

OSI Model and interconnected networks

Linking domains together, and passing data between domains

Comer ch. 15, 20,

28 07/03/2016

The Physical layer: transmission media, network hardware, cabling, wireless, and connection systems

Using crossover cables, hubs, routers, etc. to connect computers together which use different protocols at different OSI layers

Irving, ch 4, 5

29 14/03/2016

Servers, resources, and system management

Installation of software for server to fulfil essential network management roles

Comer, Irving ch. 10

30 21/03/2016 Easter Break31 28/03/2016

32 04/04/2016

File/resource/service security and user administration

tbc Suehring, ch 8Cheswick et al ch 2, 3, 4

33 11/04/2016

Groups and controlling the user desktop with Active Directory

tbc Suehring, ch. 8

34 18/04/2016

Network management with active directory

Practice on managing users and resources with active directory and group policy

tbc

35 25/04/2016Network security testing

Suehring, ch. 8

36 02/05/2016*

Principles of Ethical Hacking & Non-invasive Penetration Testing

Cheswick et al,ch. 5, 6, 7

37 09/05/2016 Hand in - Assignment 2, 12th May, 201638 16/05/2016 Assessment & marking week…

5. What are the learning resources I should refer to for this module?

Recommended Text s Blundell, B. G. (2007) Computer Hardware Thomson Learning (also available as e-book)Patterson D & Hennessy J, 2013, “Computer Organisation & Design”, Morgan-Kaufmann

Seminal Articles – see RH’s website http://staffweb.worc.ac.uk/hensonr

Essential reading (Students will be expected to read relevant chapters from selected works for particular sessions)

Blundell, B. G., Khan, N., Lasebae, A. and Jabber, M. (2007) Computer Systems and Networks Thomson Learning

Bradford, R. (2007) The Art of Computer Networking Prentice Hall (e-book)Carrier B, (2005), File System Forensic Analysis., PearsonCheswick, W R; Bellovin, S M; Rubin, D , (2003), “Firewalls and Internet Security: repelling the wily hacker”, 2nd editionComer, D. (2014) Computer Networks and Internets (6th edition) PearsonComer, D. (2006) The Internet Book: Everything You Need to Know about Computer Networking and How

the Internet Works (4th edition) Prentice HallDerfler, F. and Freed, L. (2004) How Networks Work (7th edition) QueInsam M, 2003, TCP/IP embedded Internet applications, NewnesGralla, P. (2006) How the Internet Works (8th edition) Que

Hillis, W.D. (1999) The Pattern on the Stone, Basic Books Howe, D. (2011) FOLDOC (Free On-Line Dictionary Of Computing) online at http://foldoc.org/ (accessed

5.9.12)Irving, P. (2010) Computer Networks (3rd edition) LexdenMurdocca M & Heuring V, 2007, “Computer Architecture and Organisation”, WileyNewman, R. M., Gaura, E. and Hibbs, D. (2008) Computer Systems Architecture (revised edition) LexdenOdom, W. (2004) Computer Networking First-step Cisco PressSiddhartha R, (2012), SAMS teach yourself C++ in one hour a day, 7th EditionSportack, M. A. (2004) TCP/IP First Step, Cisco Press.Suehring, S, (2008), Administering Windows Networks, WileyWhite, R. and Downs, T. E. (2014) How Computers Work (10th edition) QueWhite, C. M. (2008) Data Communications and Computer Networks (5th edition) Thomson

Further reading: HowStuffWorks, Inc. (2015) “Howstuffworks: Computer” online at (accessed 18.9.15) http://computer.howstuffworks.com/

Previous feedback from this module indicated That students were very supportive of this module, and the opportunities presented through it. Students were not happy having to share resources with other students in semester 2, because their settings were altered. The whole setup has been changed for 2015-16 so that the networks exercises in semester 2 are done virtually (using packet tracer software) in one of the main labs.

Harvard Citing and Referencing GuideAvailable at http://www.worc.ac.uk/ils/documents/Harvard_referencing.pdf

Procedures for Dealing with Exceptional Mitigating Circumstances Available at http://www.worcester.ac.uk/registryservices/679.htm

Professional Code of Practice and ConductIn order to enhance your future employability as well as the quality of your learning experience, this module seeks to encourage professional behaviour in class, which echoes professional standards in the workplace. Full details of the School’s Professional Code of Practice and Conduct can be found on Blackboard.

SustainabilityThe University of Worcester is committed to following a complete carbon management programme and reducing its carbon footprint. You are asked to respect this and are encouraged to recycle and minimise the use of disposable items. We aim to reduce paper output and therefore module resources will, where possible, be available in electronic format only.

6. Key Questions to help you achieve good results?

Throughout the year, it is important for students to ask themselves the question – is my potential being fulfilled? (see below. You might want to tick the answer column at the right)

Am I challenging myself and others around me?Have I prepared early and managed my assessment workload?Have I prepared for my seminars and lectures to contribute to the learning experience for my peers and tutors?Have I adequately used and understood feedback through discussions with my academic tutor, other tutors?Do I understand what the expectations are of me at this level? (Each level from 1st year UG to PG is different)When in doubt, did I seek guidance/clarification - about the module, assessment, the year, in a timely manner?

What Students love about this module: Students were very enthusiastic about the range of computer systems, networks, forensics, and security topics covered, and the availability of hand-on practical facilities.

Previous feedback from this module indicated

Harvard Citing and Referencing GuideAvailable at http://www.worcester.ac.uk/ils/documents/Harvard_referencing.pdf

Procedures for Dealing with Exceptional Mitigating Circumstances Available at http://www.worcester.ac.uk/registryservices/679.htm

Professional Code of Practice and ConductIn order to enhance your future employability as well as the quality of your learning experience, this module seeks to encourage professional behaviour in class, which echoes professional standards in the workplace. Full details of the School’s Professional Code of Practice and Conduct can be found on Blackboard.

SustainabilityThe University of Worcester is committed to addressing sustainability in its broad sense as reflected in the University Strategic Plan (to 2018) as an area of Distinction and in its national reputation in the top five of the People & Planet University League - http://peopleandplanet.org/green-league-2013/tables. Do consider this in the actions taken in the modules and generally in campus life.

APPENDIX - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Learning & Teaching Issues:

Q: How will this module be taught?A: Sessions will consist of a range of tutor and student inputs and demonstrations, followed by a workshop. These may include: group discussions, presentations, practical activities, reflective summaries, peer and tutor feedback. In addition, links from RH’s website will enable discussion outside the formal class hours and form a repository for all module materials. You will be expected to practice the skills learned and participate in private research between the formal sessions. There will be tutorial sessions where guidance can be sought.

Q: What resources are available to support this module?A: The range of sources includes:

The Blackboard Learning System – where you will find module, course and other useful information from your tutors, student academic representatives (StARs) and librarian. You will find a link from the module blackboard page to RH’s website

RH’s website: like many academics, I keep my own website. This is easily accessible using the URL (http://staffweb.worc.ac.uk/hensonr) , or more simply by typing the tutors name into Google.

Software – all software required for this module will be available to download and downloading instructions will be given.

Library Resources - The University of Worcester Library’s Summon search engine provides you with free access to search several million books, journal and newspaper articles, conference papers, dissertations and more through a single search box. See http://www.worc.ac.uk/ils/documents/summon_guide.pdf for a guide to this facility. You will not find these resources through a freely available search engine, such as Google. It is important that you access these resources and read them critically, so that you are informed about, and can debate, key academic arguments. Used wisely and appropriately, Library resources, both print and electronic, will enhance your learning and help you improve your results. Make sure you use them!

Q: What equal opportunities arrangements are available?A: If you have any particular or additional learning needs, please feel free to speak with the module tutors, who will be pleased to help you. University of Worcester is committed to ensuring that disabled people, including those with learning difficulties, are treated fairly. Should you have any disability or condition that the tutor should know about, tutors will make every effort to accommodate any particular needs, so long as they are made aware of them. You will find additional useful information on the Disability and Dyslexia webpages at http://www.worcester.ac.uk/student-services/disability-and-dyslexia.htm

Assessment & Feedback:Q: Will assessment criteria be made clear in advance? Yes. Worcester Business School introduced grading matrices to ensure that every module provides at least a full page of guidance but also a full page plus additional written comments of feedback to help you to improve. If in doubt speak with your academic tutor as they can see all your results over the years.

Q: How do I know that assessment arrangements and marking have been fair? There are well established procedures to ensure all students are treated fairly – all assessments are written by module leaders before the start of year, checked by an independent academic staff, made available to external examiners, grading matrices and assessment briefs are provided very early in advance of deadlines to students. In terms of marking, we have e-submission and anonymous marking. There are also many processes that are in place - a sample of work is moderated by a different academic than the marker, many staff choose to blind pre-moderate the same sample of scripts also, a sample of scripts are sent to the External Examiner (from another university) and then they are considered by an exams board. These are only some examples to assure you that the process is fair.

Q: How prompt is feedback on my work? Students receive feedback all the time in class, in emails in group discussions etc. They also receive on submitted work as the University requirement is that you receive back in 20 working days from the time you submit. Q: How will I get feedback about my work? Feedback can take many forms, but each can be used to improve your performance. Some of the different types of feedback include:

Generic feedback from tutors covering particular strengths/weaknesses found in the work of a particular student group (by email, in class, electronic forms (e.g. videos, blogs, narrated slides etc).

Comments from other students about your work (peer feedback) written and spoken (in class, 1-1, in groups).

Verbal comments from your tutor/peers associated with your work (while discussing in class (e.g. ideas you are thinking about), in seminars/ groups (e.g. Q&As, debates), 1-1 conversations).

Written comments from your tutor (by email answering questions, on the virtual learning website (e.g. Blackboard) providing responses to student queries, usually attached to your assignments).

A: You will receive feedback throughout the module via give details as appropriate (eg formative assessments, group discussions, mock exams, seminar activities, etc, etc). Marks and comments on your coursework assignments are normally provided electronically via SOLE within 20 working days of hand-in date.

Please refer to the link below to the Student Feedback Charter with some good ideas on how to improve your grades using feedback:http://www.worcester.ac.uk/registryservices/documents/StudentFeedbackCharter.pdf

Q: How can I learn to improve?A: The following resources will help you to optimise your grade potential:

Your assignment feedback, which will help to clarify areas you can improve in future assessments.

Your Academic Tutor is the only person who can see how your studies are progressing across all modules and years. They can locate strengths across modules and areas for improvement. They will work with you to develop strategies to address any of these areas. Module tutors can only see their own module. You should arrange to meet regularly with your Academic Tutor. You will have time at Induction to meet your tutors and also be sent reminders over the academic year. Ensure you get the full benefit of this important aid to your learning.

The Study Skills Advice Sheet available at ‘Using feedback to improve your work’ offers some helpful tips and checklist. This is available at http://www.worcester.ac.uk/studyskills/documents/Using_feedback_to_improve_your_work_2012.pdf

Q: What advice do you have about how to write, reference and present my work in order to obtain the best possible grade?A: You will be graded on the quality of your writing as well as the content. This will include

The ability to present your material in an appropriate format (report, essay etc) The ability to present your work in grammatically correct English (sentences, paragraphs,

apostrophes etc) The correct use of references based on the Harvard system – see guide available at

http://www.worcester.ac.uk/ils/documents/Harvard_referencing.pdf A hard copy of this guide is available in the Library.

Poor English and referencing can lose you up to two grade points per assignment (this will not apply to students having support from the Disability & Dyslexia Service).

Academic support is available to you. See http://www.worcester.ac.uk/studyskills/

There is also a Writer in Residence who is available to support student with their writing skills. See http://www.worcester.ac.uk/your-home/11932.html

International Students can also contact the Language Centre for appointments on a 1-1 basis. See link http://www.worcester.ac.uk/your-home/language-support.html

Q: Why is it important to reference?A: It is important that work you submit is entirely your own. This is why you must clearly identify all sources, including the internet, and communicate your thoughts in your own words/diagrams/images rather than reproducing the material of others. Failure to do so may lead to an allegation of cheating. The use of online collaborative encyclopædias such as Wikipedia is not acceptable.

Student Responsibilities:

Please refer to the link below to the University Student Charter which underpins this section:http://www.worcester.ac.uk/registryservices/documents/StudentCharter.pdf

Q: Why is it important to attend ALL sessions for this module?A: Attendance and participation are essential elements of ‘being a student’ and there is a very high correlation between high levels of participation and achievement, consequently, the following requirements operate.

You are expected to attend and participate in every session. An attendance register will be taken at each session If you cannot attend for any genuine reason (e.g. illness) you are expected to e-mail the

module leader Persistent non-attendance will require an explanation, in person, initially with the module

leader.

Q: What will I be expected to do for this module?A: In addition to the formal contact hours you will be expected to engage in approximately seven hours of independent study each week for this module. This is an essential part of your degree. In this module this will typically involve:

Reading for lectures, case study work, reading for seminars, or other activities set by the tutors

You must do any pre-set work for seminars – if you do not do this you may be excluded from the seminar which will then count as a non-attendance.

You should include time to produce your assignments including - planning, drafting, consulting with your tutors or other students (if a group assignment), writing-up/production, confirming sources and references (to avoid any possibility of plagiarism), checking and finalising your work for submission.

It is essential, therefore, that you plan time in your weekly schedule for independent academic study and assignment preparation.

Q: Why is it important that I hand my work in on time?A: It is essential that you submit your work, in order to be able to pass the module. Work which is submitted late will be subject to grade penalties:

Late but within 5 days of the due date - the grade will be capped at the minimum pass grade (unless a claim of mitigating circumstances is made and upheld).

Later than 5 days but within 14 days of the due date - work will not be marked unless a claim of mitigating circumstances is made and upheld.

Q: How do I get advice about my studies, choices, my personal development? Each student is allocated an academic tutor who knows the subject area. In the first year at undergraduate level, it will be with a tutor who teaches in the first year to ensure they are familiar with the issues you might be encountering. It is very important that you keep in touch with them during your time at University as they see your overall progress across modules, years and they will write your reference. If you need support to enhance your personal skills, your communications abilities, and

general development, do seek their support. They will contact you too and reminders will be sent out but only you know when you need some guidance at a particular time.

Module Organisation & Management Issues:

Q: How do I contact the module tutors?A: E mail the module leader /named person on module outline document rather than individual tutors directly. Provided you have emailed from your university address you should expect to receive a reply within 3 working days. If this is not the case, please email wbs@worc.ac.uk to chase your enquiry.

Q: How can I communicate my views about the module?A: Module tutors will welcome your comments throughout the module. You will also be asked to complete a module feedback sheets for each module . Students also now have the opportunity to provide feedback on their whole experience across modules and the entire university in the University Student Survey (for first, second and Masters level students). Final year undergraduates complete the National Student Satisfaction Survey (NSS) which produces a league table of your course compared to most other Universities across the United Kingdom. The results of these will influence how the module is run and suggestions, as well as praise, are always welcomed. Your tutors will tell you at the start of the module how feedback from a previous occurrence (if there was one) has influenced the current delivery. You can also access fuller details on Blackboard in the folder marked ‘‘Tutor Responses to Your Module Evaluation Questionnaires’. There will also be a Course Management Committee meeting each semester including student representatives, teaching staff, and Library Services advisers. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss issues related to the course and receive comments from students. The minutes are posted on Blackboard.

Q: Where can I find Student Handbooks?A: The most useful handbook is your Course Handbook which is available on Blackboard. Other handbooks which you may find useful include:

The University Student Handbook (via SOLE) The Overseas Exchange Handbook (via SOLE) The New Student Guide (via SOLE) The Masters Programme Handbook (via SOLE)