COMPSYS 725 : Distributed Cyber-Physical Systems Design

Engineering

2022 Semester Two (1225) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

Network layers and protocols. Packet switching. Broadband network principles. Low versus high bandwidth services. Network interfaces and instrumentation. Wireless networks in embedded applications. Industrial networking.

Course Overview

Knowledge of network protocols and distributed systems are becoming a pre-requisite to engineers, as all application we use/develop are part of large networks (and often distributed systems). In this course, an introduction to various network protocols will be addressed in detail. Further, a study of distributed networks will develop knowledge in the area of setting them up. Also, practical learning will happen in the form of labs and assignments that focus on real-life applications of computer networks.
Group learning: In this course, group learning will be encouraged to facilitate ako (The Māori concept of ako means both to teach and to learn, and learning is viewed as a reciprocal process). The second assignment will be group-based to tackle a real-life computer networks problem, benefitting from group-learning.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: COMPSYS 201, and 202 or SOFTENG 281 Restriction: COMPSYS 405

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Capability 5: Independence and Integrity
Capability 6: Social and Environmental Responsibilities

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Apply networking principles to design of complex network interfaces (Capability 1.1, 2.1, 2.2 and 3.1)
  2. Create functional and efficient networking solutions to complex networking communication problems (Capability 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1 and 4.2)
  3. Communicate effectively, the networking design principles (Capability 4.1, 4.2 and 5.1)
  4. Communicate the ideas for solving computer network problems to a group (Capability 3.1, 4.2, 5.1 and 6.1)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Assignments 40% Group & Individual Coursework
Final Exam 60% Individual Examination
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4
Assignments
Final Exam
Part 1 assignment is an individual one.
Part 2 assignment will involve group work with 3 people in a group.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 3 hours of lectures, a 2-hour tutorial and labs on average, while the remaining time is spent on reading, thinking, developing solutions for the assignments and preparations for the exam.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected at scheduled activities including labs/tutorials to complete/receive credit for components of the course.
Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities including tutorials/labs will be available as recordings.
The course will not include live online events including group discussions/tutorials.
Design and Delivery: The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable/block delivery. The course will be delivered in the form of weekly lectures. There will also be drop-in sessions with support from teaching staff.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Lecture slides and notes delivered throughout the course. Additional readings, lab handouts and development software for the assignments are typically provided via Canvas. 

Web links to the free third party software development tools will be provided via Canvas. 

Health & Safety

Social distancing regulations laid out by the university and department need to be followed during lectures and labs. Students are expected to adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Health and Safety section of the Engineering Undergraduate Handbook.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

The course work  percentage has been increased based on the feedback from students' from previous year'.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Published on 15/07/2022 08:41 a.m.