COMP SCI 1013 - Introduction to Computer Systems, Networks and Security

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2024

This course is designed for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Information Technology. This course provides a basis in the core IT skills of computer system organisation and design, applied computer networking, and fundamental concepts in computer and network security. The course covers computer architecture, low level machine representations, local area networking, wide area networking, cyber hygiene, cyber security, and ethical professional practice.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code COMP SCI 1013
    Course Introduction to Computer Systems, Networks and Security
    Coordinating Unit Computer Science
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 10 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Restrictions Only available to Bachelor of Information Technology students.
    Assessment Exams, written assessment, programming assignments, presentations, quizzes.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Md Mokammel Haque

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Understand the modular nature of computer systems, including how programs and data are represented and executed.
    2. Understand the fundamentals of intellectual property and the different types of software licenses.
    3. Understand internet architecture, protocols and the entities responsible for daily operations.
    4. Identify key security, confidentiality, and ethical issues in computer system and networks.
    5. Develop reasoning skills for ethical concerns in cybersecurity activities.
    6. Apply knowledge in both theoretical and practical aspects of computer systems, networks, and security.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 2, 3, 4

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    4, 5, 6

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    2, 6

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    2, 5

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    4, 5

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    1-6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Students will need access to a computer capable of and configured for running virtual machines.

    All required learning resources for this course will be provided online via the MyUni platform.
    Recommended Resources
    Bryant, R. E., & O’Hallaron, D. R. (2011). Computer systems: a programmer’s perspective. Prentice Hall.

    Kurose, J., & Ross, K. (2010). Computer networks: A top down approach featuring the internet. Peorsoim Addison Wesley.

    Amoroso, E. G., & Amoroso, M. E. (2017). From CIA to APT: An introduction to cyber security. Independently published.
    Online Learning
    All assessments, notices and course materials are located on the Canvas (MyUni) site. Students are expected to check the forum on a regular basis for announcements relating to the course.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The course incorporates three primary educational activities to facilitate a rounded learning experience:

    1. Weekly Lectures: In these sessions, the lecturer presents the theoretical foundations of the course content. These lectures aim to equip students with essential knowledge and a robust conceptual framework.

    2. Weekly Practical: These are hands-on sessions held in a laboratory setting, where students apply theoretical concepts through practical activities. Tutors are available to provide guidance and support, enhancing the learning experience.

    3. Bi-weekly Workshops: These sessions occur every other week and focus on reinforcing students' understanding of theoretical and conceptual material. Through discussions and problem-solving exercises guided by tutors, students engage deeply with the course content, improving their comprehension and analytical skills.

    These structured activities are designed to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring students gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    You are expected to spend 10 hours per week on the course. This includes:
    1. attending all of your enrolled classes,
    2. up to 2 hours per week on lecture preparation / review,
    3. up to 5 hours per week on the assignments and workshop preparation, and
    4. any remaining time working on the following week's material.
    Learning Activities Summary
    • W1 ~ W4 - Computer System
      • Understand fundamental concepts of computer system organisation and design
      • Prac sessions: build, setup, and debug a computer system
    • W5 ~ W8 - Networks
      • Understand computer networks model, standard protocols, and network services
      • Prac sessions: set up a local network and servers
    • W9 ~ W12 - Security
      • Understand authentication systems, encryption algorithms, and best practices for securing a network
      • Prac sessions: try encryption tools and cybersecurity simulation.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Task Weighting Individual/Group Formative/Summative Due Hurdle Learning outcomes
    Workshop submission 15% Individual Formative Weekly 1-6
    Practical submission 25% Individual Formative Weekly 1, 3, 4, 6
    Essay / Report 20% Individual Summative W4, W8, W12 1-6
    Final exam 40% Individual Summative Exam period Min 40% 1-6
    Assessment Detail
    The course assessment is structured as follows:

    1. Summaries (15%):
      - Frequency: Due weekly at 11:59 PM every Friday.
      - Attendance Requirement: Attendance is mandatory; failure to attend will result in a cap of 50% on achievable marks for this component.

    2. Weekly Practical (25%):
      - Frequency: Due weekly at 11:59 PM every Friday.
      - Attendance Requirement: Attendance is monitored; non-attendance will limit the maximum achievable marks to 50% for each practical.

    3. Essays / Reports (20%):
      - Due Dates: Weeks 4, 8, and 12, at the end of each block.
      - Details: These assignments aim to assess understanding through written submissions, spread across the semester.

    4. Final Exam (40%):
      - Scheduling: Exam period
      - Format: Centrally invigilated, in-person examination.
      - Exam Type: Open resource, allowing non-electronic materials such as notes and textbooks.

    Overall, the assessment formats are designed to evaluate both the practical skills and theoretical understanding of students, with strict attendance policies impacting potential grades.
    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.