Plymouth University Faculty of Science and Engineering School of Computing Electronics and Mathematics Programme Specification MSc Network Systems Engineering Programme codes: 2359 (Sept), 2938(Jan) September 15
1. MSc Network Systems Engineering This programme provides a comprehensive understanding of networked systems and services, in the context of converging computing and telecommunications technologies. Final award title: MSc Network Systems Engineering 180 Level 7 credits Intermediate award titles: Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) 1 Level 7 credits Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) 60 Level 7 credits UCAS code JACS code N/A I1 2. Awarding Institution: Plymouth University Teaching institution: Plymouth University 3. Accrediting bodies The previous version of MSc Network Systems Engineering was accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) at a level contributing to the Chartered Engineer (CEng) accreditation. Please consult the IET website for more details http://www.theiet.org/academics/accreditation/. Students must pass the individual MSc project at the first attempt in order to be eligible for IET accreditation. Due to the substantial changes from the previous version, the IET are awaiting an approved version before considering accreditation of this version. The previous version of MSc Network Systems Engineering was also accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) or Chartered Institute for IT (CITP) at the level of Further Learning and CEng (partial fulfilment). Please consult the BCS website for further details http://www.bcs.org. Due to the substantial changes from the previous version, the BCS are awaiting an approved version before considering accreditation of this version. Dates of re-accreditation: IET in 15 and BCS in 17 2
4. Distinctive Features of the Programme and the Student Experience This programme is aimed at network engineers who already have a practical computer networking background at the level of CCNA and who are interested in further specialised academic study with the aim of obtaining advanced technical positions in the networking industry. The course provides the knowledge, tools and context necessary for such specialisation and is underpinned by an individual research project. Distinctive features include the following: The course focuses on developing key employability skills for its graduates. Modules are designed to develop team-working skills highlighted by employers as essential. The course provides a mix of theory and practice intended to prepare students for positions of responsibility. Teaching is supported by research in the Centre for Security, Communications and Network Research. E-learning resources are provided for each of the modules along with entitlement to use Lynda Training videos. Accredited by the BCS and the IET. 5. Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Group(s) Computing 6. Programme Structure The programme is usually only offered as a full-time course. The course lasts for 12 months and leads at the end of this time to the award of Master of Science (MSc). All modules are core, thus ensuring that all students are guaranteed a consistent experience in semesters of their coverage of the key discipline area. The programme consists of the following modules. 3
September intake Semester 1 (60 credits) Semester 2 (60 credits) Project Period SEC503 ( Credits) Intrusion Analysis and Incident Management NET504 ( Credits) Servers, Datacentres and Cloud NET502 ( Credits) Multimedia Networking NET503 ( credits) Monitoring and Simulation NET501 ( Credits) Advanced Routing and Switching FTGS507 ( Credits) Professional and Research Skills with Entrepreneurship BPIE500 (0 credits) Masters Placement Preparation PROJ513 (60 Credits) MSc Project (September) After the first year of study, students may choose to undertake a second year consisting of the BPIE328 Masters Industrial Placement module. This runs for a 48 weeks typically starting between July and September and although the interim project report must be submitted by the usual deadline, the final completion of the project is postponed until after the placement ends. Progression to the placement requires satisfactory academic performance, normally a pass in all taught modules, and the University must approve placement plans which students must submit by a deadline set each year, normally in early July. January intake Semester 2 (60 credits) NET501 ( Credits) Advanced Routing and Switching NET504 ( Credits) Servers, Datacentres and Cloud FTGS507 ( Credits) Professional and Research Skills with Entrepreneurship BPIE500 (0 credits) Masters Placement Preparation Summer PROJ514 (60 Credits) MSc Project (January) Semester 1 (60 credits) SEC503 ( Credits) Intrusion Analysis and Incident Management NET502 ( Credits) Multimedia Networking NET503 ( credits) Monitoring and Simulation 4
After the first year of study, students may choose to undertake a second year consisting of the BPIE328 Masters Industrial Placement module. This runs for a 48 weeks typically starting between December and March and although the interim project report must be submitted by the usual deadline (in August), the final completion of the project is postponed until after the placement ends. Progression to the placement requires satisfactory academic performance, normally a pass in all taught (autumn and spring) modules, and the University must approve placement plans which students must submit by a deadline set each year, normally in early November. Students considering this option should be aware that most placement opportunities commence in summer and that it will be more difficult to find a position that starts in spring. 7. Programme Aims The School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics shares the values of Plymouth University and supports its mission through the provision of a range of courses relevant to the theory and practice of Information and Communication Technology. 1. To be informative and challenging, and to establish a knowledge base suitable for a career in Information and Communication Technology. 2. To give students with a variety of qualifications an opportunity to realise their potential. 3. To enrich curriculum content and teaching quality through the professional and/or research expertise of staff and through links with external organisations. 4. To encourage and support students whilst they develop and apply subjectspecific and generic skills that will facilitate life long learning and continuing professional development. 5. To produce graduates and postgraduates who can make a significant contribution to their chosen profession. In addition, the programme has the following specific aims: 1. To provide a knowledge of the technologies for effective provision and management of network services. 5
2. To produce a high level awareness of the issues arising from the convergence of computing and telecommunications technologies. 3. To provide a broad grounding in network architectures, protocols and related standards, and a detailed understanding of the underlying technologies. 4. To provide an understanding of the computing issues related to communication networks, network design and network management. 5. To provide an ability to follow a career in the networking industry or in academic research. Programme Intended Learning Outcomes 8.1. Knowledge and understanding On successful completion graduates will have developed knowledge of: 1. Essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relevant to networks and security at a level beyond CCNA. 2. Personal, professional and management techniques that are relevant to engineers. 3. The ways in which complex robust, secure and scalable IT services are supported by networks. 8.2. Cognitive and intellectual skills On successful completion graduates will have developed the ability to: 1. Plan, conduct and report a programme of original research. 2. Critically evaluate designs, technologies and services for complex networks 3. Integrate, evaluate and analyse information from a variety of sources. 4. Select and apply suitable computer based methods for modelling, analysing and solving engineering problems. 8.3. Key and transferable skills On successful completion graduates will have developed the ability to: 1. Communicate at an improved level in a variety of forms. 2. Critically review literature so as to identify avenues and limitations for further development in an area of study. 3. Set goals and identify resources for continuing professional development. 8.4. Employment related skills On successful completion graduates will have developed: 1. The exercise of initiative and personal responsibility. 6
2. A systems approach to decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations. 3. The independent learning ability required for continuing professional development. 8.5. Practical skills On successful completion graduates will have developed the ability to: 1. Troubleshoot complex networks. 2. Set up test facilities to gather data concerning network performance and quantitatively analyse and document experimental results. 3. Model and evaluate systems through simulation. 4. Provision services on virtual servers. 9. Admissions Criteria, including APCL, APEL and DAS arrangements Normal entry requirements for the programme are a lower second class honours degree (2:2) or better, in a computing, electronic engineering, or similar background along with evidence of a computer networking background at the level of CCNA. Applicants with substantial industrial experience in lieu of formal qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. No graduates of BSc Computer Systems and Networks or BSc Computer Networking from Plymouth University will be accepted. The programmes adhere to the University regulations and guidelines for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) and Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) for Masters programmes. Evidence of prior learning and experience from applicants is welcome. Due to the range and mixture of prior qualification and experience applications presenting such evidence will be considered on an individual basis by the Admissions Tutor in consultation with the programmes team. Students are required to produce evidence of English language ability. This will normally be the equivalent of GCSE Grade C or above in English language or IELTS average score of 6.5 or above with a score of at least 6.0 in the written component. The University Secretariat provides advice on, and maintains oversight of, the acceptability of any qualification from overseas offered for entry. 7
10. Progression criteria for Final and Intermediate Awards The MSc award requires 1 taught credits and 60 credit project, i.e., a minimum of 180 credits with a minimum mark of 50%. The PgCert award requires a minimum of 60 taught credits with a minimum mark of 50%. The PgDip award requires a minimum of 1 taught credits with a minimum mark of 50%. The MSc award only, is categorised into three specific grades: MSc with Distinction: This award is achieved by a student earning a mark of 70% and above, on both the overall programme, as well as the dissertation/major project. MSc with Merit: This award is achieved by a student earning a mark of 60% and above, on both the overall programme, as well as the dissertation/major project. MSc: This award is achieved by a student earning a mark of 50% and above, on both the overall programme, as well as the dissertation/major project The programme adheres to the University's Postgraduate Taught Regulations: http://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/extexam/pages/academic-regulations.aspx 11. Exceptions to Regulations None 12. Transitional Arrangements Due to the nature of implementation of the University curriculum enrichment project initiative, no students can be accepted in January 15. Students having to retake failed modules from academic year 14-15 or earlier, will be offered a suggested replacement, as suggested in the table below. In many cases, this will involve a credit replacement for a 10 credit module. CNET531 Network Security 10 SEC502 CNET527 Computer Systems and Networks Network Security & Penetration Testing NET501 See below 8
CNET532 CNET536 Intrusion Detection Prevention and Response Voice and Video over IP 10 SEC503 CNET525 System Security 10 SEC504 CNET537 Network Monitoring 10 NET503 CNET535 Network Simulation 10 NET503 ELEC506 FTGS501 FTGS502 PROJ501 PROJ503 Notes Multimedia Communication Networks & Design Personal and Professional Skills Research Skills & Project Development MSc Project (September) MSc Project (January) Intrusion Analysis and Incident Management 10 NET502 Multimedia Networking ELEC506 10 FTGS507 10 FTGS507 60 PROJ513 Secure Systems Architectures & Mechanisms Monitoring and Simulation Monitoring and Simulation Multimedia Communication Networks & Design Professional and Research Skills with Entrepreneurship Professional and Research Skills with Entrepreneurship MSc Project (September) 60 60 PROJ514 MSc Project (January) 60 Table of Transition Arrangements There is no equivalent for the content of the CNET527 module. The entrance requirements have now been raised to require a higher level of networking preparation so NET501 assumes knowledge of CCNA material. In the event of a student having to retake this module, additional support would be provided. 9
13.1. ILOs against modules mapping Intended Learning Outcomes Knowledge and understanding On successful completion graduates will have developed knowledge of: 1. Essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relevant to networks and security at a level beyond CCNA. 2. Personal, professional and management techniques that are relevant to engineers. 3. The ways in which complex robust, secure and scalable IT services are supported by networks. Cognitive and intellectual skills On successful completion graduates will have developed the ability to: 1. Plan, conduct and report a programme of original research. 2. Critically evaluate designs, technologies and services for complex networks 3. Integrate, evaluate and analyse information from a variety of sources. 4. Select and apply suitable computer based methods for modelling, analysing and solving engineering problems. Relevant core modules / commentary Knowledge and understanding in Network Systems Engineering is acquired though lectures, practical work using either simulators or real devices and through independent study. All modules are relevant to the development of knowledge and understanding, but the specific learning outcomes are particularly addressed by the following modules: 1. NET501, NET502, NET503, NET504, SEC503 2. FTGS507, PROJ513/4 3. NET501, NET502, NET504 Cognitive and intellectual skills are advanced in all parts of the programme and are especially clear in the project related modules FTGS507 and PROJ513. 1. FTGS507, PROJ513/4 2. NET501, NET503, NET504 3. NET502, NET503, SEC503 4. NET502, NET503 10
Practical skills On successful completion graduates will have developed the ability to: 1. Troubleshoot complex networks. 2. Set up test facilities to gather data concerning network performance and quantitatively analyse and document experimental results. 3. Model and evaluate systems through simulation. 4. Provision services on virtual servers. Key and Transferable skills On successful completion graduates will have developed the ability to: 1. Communicate at an improved level in a variety of forms. 2. Critically review literature so as to identify avenues and limitations for further development in an area of study. 3. Set goals and identify resources for continuing professional development. Employment Related skills On successful completion graduates will have developed: 1. The exercise of initiative and personal responsibility; 2. A systems approach to decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations; 3. The independent learning ability required for continuing professional development. Practical aspects of the course appear throughout all modules with laboratory sessions always taking the major part of contact time. The project will contain a substantial practical element, but the precise focus will depend on the exact topic chosen. 1. NET501 2. NET501, NET502, NET504, SEC503 3. NET503 4. NET504 Key and transferable skills are recognised as a way to improve students academic performance, enhance their employment prospects and equip them for lifelong learning. Guidance in key and transferable skills is most apparent in the FTGS module, but all modules support these goals. 1. All modules 2. FTGS507, PROJ513/4 3. FTGS507, PROJ513/4 Developing students employment-related skills are recognised as a way to link their academic performance to their future careers, thereby enhancing their employment prospects and equipping them for lifelong learning. All modules implicitly provide support for these goals, but FTGS507 covers each of the LO s explicitly. Students have the opportunity to undertake a placement year and this is strongly encouraged. 11
13.2 Assessment against modules mapping Module Credit E1 T1 C1 P1 NET501 Advanced Routing 50% 50% and Switching NET502 Multimedia 50% 50% Networking NET503 Monitoring and 50% 25% 25% Simulation NET504 Servers, Datacentres 50% 25% 25% and Cloud SEC503 Intrusion Analysis 30% 70% and Incident Management FTGS507 Professional and % 60% % Research Skills with Entrepreneurship PROJ513/4 Project 60 100% 12
NET501 NET502 NET503 NET504 SEC503 FTGS507 PROJ501/3 13.3 Skills against Modules Mapping TYPE 1 - HEI APPLICATION FOR BCS ACCREDITATION Section B.2.4 - Table Mapping Core Modules to the Accreditation Criteria NOTE: For Integrated Masters programmes, this form must be completed for final year modules only. All sections of the separate Undergraduate form should be completed for modules in years 1-3. Specialist & Integrated Masters final year mapping HEI: Plymouth University Programme : MSc Network Systems Engineering Date: October 14 Core Modules/ Accreditation Criteria (full wording for each criterion is availble in Appendix IV of the Accreditation Guidelines) Core requirements for accreditation 7.1.1 Critical review of literature 7.1.2 Development of the self-directed learner 7.1.3 Respond to opportunities for innovation 7.1.4 Participate in the peer review process 7.1.5 Undertake risk management 7.1.6 Use appropriate processes 7.1.7 Investigate and define a problem 7.1.8 Apply principles of supporting disciplines Masters level requirements for CITP Further Learning 8.1.1 Systematic understanding of knowledge of the domain with depth in particular areas 8.1.2 Comprehensive understanding of essential principles and practices notes 13
8.1.3 Understand and particpate in the profressional, legal and ethical framework 8.2.1 Produce work informed by research at the forefront 8.2.2 Tackling a significant technical problem Additional requirements for CEng 9.1.1 Systematic understanding of knowledge at the forefront in development and implementation of systems 9.1.2 Comprehensive understanding of the state of the art techniques 9.1.3 Understand and particpate in the profressional, legal and ethical framework in systems, software or information engineering 9.2.1 Develop and apply new technologies 9.2.2 Show originality and innovation 9.2.3 Evaluation of commercial risk Additional requirements for CSci 10.1.1 Systematic understanding of knowledge at the forefront in computing science research 10.1.2 Comprehensive understanding of the scientific techniques 10.1.3 Understand and particpate in the profressional, legal and ethical framework in computing science 10.2.1 Critical awareness of current research issues, problems and/or insights 10.2.2 Quantitative and qualitative research methods 10.2.3 Evaluation of scientific risk 14
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