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COMP20320

Academic Year 2026/2027

Computer Networking (COMP20320)

Subject:
Computer Science
College:
Science
School:
Computer Science
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Professor John Murphy
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module introduces the OSI stack to students, and goes through the various layers in detail. The topics covered include: Network Types, functions, topologies, transmissions, switching, routing, management, reference models, architectures, protocols and standards; network user applications; flow and congestion control strategies; design and implementation considerations; use in Internet systems. There will be a few hot topics included each year.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Understand the different parts of the OSI stack
2. Be familiar with most of the main topics in networking
3. Have practical experience of the fundamental challenges in networking

Indicative Module Content:

Network Basics, Internet, Physical and Datalink Layers, Datalink Flow and Error Control, Routing

The United Nations identified seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as core to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and UCD contributes in general to SDG 4 Quality Education. Further SDGs explored within this module if relevant are listed below. A scale of 1 - 5 indicates the extent to which the SDG is covered.


Goal Name Description Coverage

Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all 1

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation 1
 

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

72
Lectures

24
Laboratories

24
Total

120

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is based around an introduction to networks that is broad and is assessed by continuous assessment throughout the term along with a final exam. If students are permitted to use generative AI tools in assignments or the exam, that will be indicated in the assignment specification.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
COMP10040 - Intro to Comp Architecture

Incompatibles:
COMP30040 - Networks and Internet Systems


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade Component repeat (in-module) Offered
Exam (In-person): This will cover the whole of the module content End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
45
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: First of the in-class tests Week 4 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
10
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Second of the in-class tests Week 7 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Third of the in-class tests Week 10 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
25
 No

As part of UCD's student support, under the Additional Consideration policy, extensions may be available for the following assessments in the module: Assignment (including essay/poster), Portfolio, Reflective Assignment, Report(s), and Individual Project.


Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The grading is made available for each of the elements as soon as possible post event to help them prepare for the next.

Name Role
Mr Cormac Murray Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 2 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 14:00 - 15:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 2 Week(s) - 2, 4, 6, 11 Mon 14:00 - 15:50
Autumn Laboratory Offering 2 Week(s) - 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 Mon 14:00 - 15:50
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