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UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Department of Information
Technology
Computer Networks
BSCS 2 & BCS 2

Course Syllabus
Lecturer: Rebecca Asiimwe
Phone Number:+256 712-997- 544
Email: rasiimwe@techology.ucu.ac.ug

BSCS&BCS2-Comp.Networks rasii
mwe@technology.ucu.ac.ug

Introduction/ Course
Description

Computer Networks is a course needed to equip students

with techniques for building and managing data and
computer networks. It gives the opportunity for
undergraduate students to have a basic understanding of
computer networks which seem to be the fastest growing
technologies in our society today.

Computers are now found in almost every walk of life, and

although in most cases they do function as standalone
machines, in others it is necessary to exchange information
with other computers.
BSCS&BCS2-Comp.Network

This is the aspect that has led to detailed research

on the underlying structures, interfaces and data
transmission circuits that enable information
exchange. Today we see networks as the building
blocks upon which we can base today and
tomorrows ICT industry.

This course will therefore introduce the concepts,

theory, practice, design and organisation associated
with computer networks; it will also provide a
foundation for further studies in this study area.
BSCS&BCS2-Comp.Network

Learning objectives
This course aims at using lectures, exploratory reading
and labs, to enlighten students on aspects concerning
computer networks; providing them with the necessary
Knowledge & Skills set to work effectively in a network
oriented environment.
Upon completion of this course, students should be
able to:
Appreciate and demonstrate knowledge on
contemporary issues in computer networking
BSCS&BCS2-Comp.Network

Learning objectives

Understand, develop, specify, assemble, assess and manage

data and telecommunication systems, networks and interfaces
for institutions/companies that employ telecommunication.

Appreciate and apply hardware and software system design

principles and diagnostic methodologies in building computer
networks.

Install systems required for their employer's business, while

adapting to rapid changes both in the technology used to
implement advanced computer networks and their services.

BSCS&BCS2-Comp.Network

Course Content
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Overview- An introduction to Computer

Networks
Network Software: Reference Models Protocol Architecture:
Introduction to Data Transmissions
Transmission Media
Digital Data Communication Techniques
Multiplexing and Spread Spectrum
LANS

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8.

9.
10.

LAN protocol Architecture

Bridges
LAN Devices: Bridges, Hubs, Switches, Repeaters, Layer 2
Switches, Layer 3 Switches
High speed LANS

Ethernet
Token Ring
Fibre Channel

Switching and ATM

Routing in Switched Networks

Wireless LANS
WANS
Internet Protocols
Cellular Networks
BSCS&BCS2-Comp.Network

Prerequisites

Students in this class are expected to have the

necessary computer skills and should have a
basic understanding of Information and
Communication Technology and the concepts
it encompasses.
Basic principles of Mathematics are required
Basic command of English will be assumed

BSCS&BCS2-Comp.Network

Course Assessment:
Assessment Tool Date

Grade Breakdown

Test 1

Week 3- 27th Jan

10%

Assignment 1

Week 4- 3rd Feb

20%

Test 2

Week 7- 24th Feb

10%

Assignment 2

Week 8- 3rd March

Coursework

Test 3

Week 11- 24th March

Quizzes

Abrupt

5%

Attendance

5%

Final Exam

To be Communicated

50%

BSCS&BCS2-Comp.Network

** 3 tests will be administered of which a student has to do

at least 2. (Best 2 tests will be considered each
contributing 10% to your coursework grade, a total of 20%)

**One assignment will be considered which will constitute

20% of your grade

**Dates may change depending on students progress or

due to any other unpredicted events; however, changes will
be communicated in advance

**Attendance Quizzes will be appended to students

assessment

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Random quizzes will be administered throughout the

semester. Each of these quizzes will be given at the
end of any lecture and will each consist of a single
question on the material covered in that lecture or
the previous lecture.

The main purpose of these quizzes is to have them

act as a measure of attendance and to check course
content grasp. (Students are expected to attend at
least 80% of the total lectures)
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Policy on Missed
Assessments:

Please mark the test and assignment dates on your

calendar. Students who are not able to make it to
class due to unavoidable circumstances should
communicate to the lecturer in advance and should
present proof (for example, a medical slip from the
university clinic) of the matter hindering them from
attending classes or any tests on return.

Students who miss quizzes and present problems

after noticing that a quiz was done will not be
attended to.
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NB:

In order to receive a passing grade for

this course, a student should attain
greater than 35% (17.5/50) of the entire
coursework and must attain a passing
grade of greater than 35% in the final
exam.

The overall grade (Coursework + Exam)

however should be greater than or equal
to 50% for one to pass.
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Note: Plagiarism

Any attempt by a student to represent the work of

another as his or her own will lead to annulment of
his or her work.

This includes copying or substantially restating the

work of another person or persons in any oral or
written work without citing the appropriate source,
and collaborating with someone else in an academic
endeavor without acknowledging his or her
contribution. Discussions are perfectly ok, but
presenting the same work is unacceptable.
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 Knowingly

allowing another student to

represent your work as his or her own
will also lead to cancellation of both
students work.

Late

submissions will affect your grade

or will lead to cancellation of your work.
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Contact Hours
Wednesday

Friday

11:00am 3:00pm

8:30am 10:30am

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Referential Material
1.

2.

3.

4.
5.

6.

Andrew S Tanenbaum, Computer Networks, 4th Edition, NJ:

Pearson Education International, ISBN: 0-13-038488-7
D. Russell, The principles of computer networking, UK-NY: The
press syndicate of the University of Cambridge, 1997.
Wendell Odom, Computer Networking First-Step, Cisco Press,
United states of America, 2005, ISBN: 1-58720-101-1.
Kumar Ajit Singh, Computer Networks, Firewall media, New Delhi
William Stallings, Data and Computer Communications, 7/8 Edition,
New Delhi: Prentice-Hall of India.
Behrouz A. Forouzan, Data Communications and Networking, 4th
Edition, NY: Mc Graw Hill, 2007.

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Referential Material
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

12.
13.

14.

Jos Dordoigne, Networking Essentials, New Delhi:Firewall media,

2005.
Fred Halsall, Data Communications, Computer Networks and Open
Systems, 4th Edition.
Leon-Garcia, Communication Networks
Douglas E. Comer, Internetworking with TCP/IP, Principles, Protocols,
and Architecture, 5th, Edition.
James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross. Computer Networking - A Top
Down Approach Featuring the Internet, 3rd edition, Addison-Wesley,
ISBN 0-321-22735-2.
L. Peterson and B. Davie, Networks: A Systems Approach.
Christopher E. Strangio, Data Communications Basics, A brief
Introduction to Digital Data Transfer, CAMI Research Inc, Acton,
Massachusetts,2006.
Eugene Blanchard, Introduction to Data Communications. Copy left
Sept 1999- Jan 2005 (
http://www.techbooksforfree.com/intro_to_data_com/ )
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Remember:
Work hard; success is a ladder
you can not climb
with your hands in your pockets!

You are not running the race alone

Use a bit of help when you need it

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Remember

And lastly; obstacles dont have to stop you. If you run

into a wall, dont turn around and give up. Figure out how
to climb over it, go through it or walk around it. You dont
drown by falling in water. You drown by staying there. So
please be encouraged to press on no matter what, for you
know your goal. You may get weary, tired and knocked
out, but get back up again and determinedly move on for
what is ahead of you is a fortune. Let your friends into
your circle for they will or may provide the strength
needed for you to carry on.
All the best!!

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