Students who are concerned about not meeting the prerequisites for this course are encouraged to contact the course coordinator before registering.
Overview
Computer Science 347: Computer Networks is designed to teach the essential principles and technologies of computer networking. Different from computer network courses for professional certifications, this course is focused on the theories and technologies enabling today’s computer networks. After a general introduction to computer network concepts, terminologies, and brief history, computer networking is taught using a top-down approach, in reference to the Internet protocol stack, and ends with wireless and mobile networks.
To accommodate the needs of students who do not have a programming background, there are no coding requirements in this course.
Outline
COMP 347 consists of the following seven units:
Unit 1: Introduction to Computer Networks, the Internet, and the World Wide Web
Unit 2: The Application Layer and Network Applications
Unit 3: The Transport Layer
Unit 4: The Network Layer: Data Plane
Unit 5: The Network Layer: Control Plane
Unit 6: The Link Layer and Local Area Networks
Unit 7: Wireless and Mobile Networks
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to
explain the fundamental concepts of computer networks and communicate with computer networking professionals using the proper technical terms.
use the concepts of layered models and network principles and technologies to explain how computer networks and their components work and to explain various performance issues such as delays and quality assurance.
explain and analyze various network standards and protocols.
use computer network principles and technologies to solve network related problems.
design new network protocols for network services to meet specific requirements.
apply the principles and technologies obtained from the course to the analysis, design, implementation, and management of computer networks.
Evaluation
To receive credit for COMP 347, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent), including a grade of 50 percent on each assignment, and at least 50 percent on the final examination. The weighting of these grades is as follows:
Activity
Weight
Assignment 1
20%
Assignment 2
20%
Assignment 3
20%
Participation
10%
Final Examination
30%
Total
100%
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2021). Computer networking: A top-down approach (8th ed.). Pearson. (eText)
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the COMP 347 challenge, you must achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on the examination and 50 percent on the project.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.