Serves as an entry level programming module, and aims to introduce the skills required to write simple structured programs in a high-level language and assess these skills in practical situations. Future modules in the technical computing programmes assume knowledge of basic programming principles and an ability to create simple structured programs. The core principles considered key in this module are those which underpin a practical ability to write code: data and data structures, structured code, subroutines, parameters, loops, input/output and files. The emphasis however, is on the creation of simple programs based on common patterns found in software – data items, collections of items, iteration over collections and persistence. An introduction to encapsulation and object-based programming is also covered. Different deliveries of the module, to students on different degree programmes, use different programming languages, as is appropriate for the degree in question, and different delivery modes including, for the majority of full-time undergraduate students, a long thin delivery over two trimesters.

Introduces the student to the fundamental concepts related to Network Security. The following network security concepts are analyzed in detail: security in ethernet network infrastructures, firewalling, proxies, network encapsulation, network authentication and network authorization. The module covers concepts related to symmetric and asymmetric cryptography, PKI protocols, key exchange and digital signature. Typical vulnerabilities are studied from the hackers’ point of view and then from the Administrators perspective so that these vulnerabilities can be either stopped or prevented. The module is complemented with labs where the concepts explained in lectures can be put into practice in order to get deeper understanding on the fundamentals of how security in IP networks is implemented. 

Module introduces one of the most important professional and fundamental modules taught in the computing curriculum. The user interacts with the computer system, during the design and development and use of the computer applications. The module builds upon previously presented concepts. The module will provide understanding of the principles behind the design of centralized and distributed operating systems observing how these principles are put into practice in real operating systems.  It will also look at solved and open problems and issues in OS design as well as recent trends.The module will provide students with an introduction to the concepts, structure and mechanisms of Operating Systems. The main topics covered by the module include: Basic Principles, Kernel, Input/Output, File Management, Network File Systems, Memory Management, Scheduling and Dispatch, Concurrency and Synchronisation, Security and Protection.       

Monitoring and Automation introduces aspects such as Networks are managed and monitored using a variety of methods, including dedicated network management and monitoring protocols such as SNMP and IPFIX; standard management APIs or configuration databases through a variety of programming languages; web-based configuration systems; and more ad-hoc approaches via scripted use of command line tools.  This module begins by examining a range of network management and monitoring protocols and tools (CLI, GUI and web-based), and then looks at how programming approaches can be used to automate network management tasks, including shell scripting, python programs and a number of network management APIs.

Is research-informed and exposes students to the latest, start-of-the-art knowledge and developments in the field. The module will be delivered by research active academic staff from UWS. Leaders in research from other institutes or industry will also be invited to present seminars and/or lectures. Experiments on developed testbeds will be arranged to enhance the hands-on skills of the students and also to enhance the width and depth of knowledge presented in lectures. In addition, this module complements the Research Design & Methods module by incorporating specific research and ethics issues in the context of the future computing technologies. Students will be encouraged to engage with existing research ideas and projects presented in this module as the basis for the assessment in the Research Design and Methods module. It is anticipated that such engagement will be developed into the student’s MSc project, thereby providing a coherent pathway through the PhD and into the MSc.

This module introduces the technology of computer networks at a level suited to students intending to study the area in depth. It begins by looking at the applications of networks, and the devices and protocols required for them to operate. After examining the OSI layered networking model, it examines each layer in turn, taking a top-down approach. Time is spent on the network layer, including routing and IP addressing, protocols used in typical LANs, and the cabling and infrastructure for them to work.

The module makes use of Cisco Networking Academy teaching materials, and is designed to give students the opportunity to progress towards CCNA certification.