Master of Science in Data Communication and Networks

Course details

This Masters degree programme consists of 7 modules and one individual project and the complete programme consists of 180 credit points.


MODULE TITLE CREDIT POINTS % EXAMINATION % COURSEWORK
Multicast and Multimedia Networking 15 75 25
Wireless, Mobile and Ad-hoc Networking 15 70 30
Radio and Mobile Communications 15 60 40
Operations Management 15 60 40
Distributed Systems Security 30 100 0
Broadband Networks and Data Communications 15 60 40
Operations Research 15 60 40
Msc Individual Project 60 0 100
Entry Requirements

An honours degree (at least 2:2 or above) in an engineering discipline or an appropriate science or any other related discipline where the subject content does not overlap with this programme to any substantial extent. In addition to the requirements stated above, students entering the programme and whose first language is not English or students whose medium of instruction on their qualifying programme was not English will be required to demonstrate a proficiency in English to IELTS score of 6.0 or an equivalent recognized qualification.

Module

Multicast and Multimedia Networking

How do we deal efficiently with applications that have to send the same data to many different destinations? How can a network mix, applications with very different quality of service requirements? This module addresses these and other problems that must be solved if we are to integrate the gamut of diverse network applications onto a single network infrastructure. It exposes students to some of the most important developments in computer networking. By the end of the module, you will be familiar with most of the important issues and ideas in applying high-speed network technology to applications with diverse quality of service requirements.

Wireless, Mobile and Ad-hoc Networking

How can we cope with users and computers that move from place to place, and yet wish to remain in contact with the net? This module looks at a range of wireless communications technologies, and addresses some of the problems of mobile ad-hoc and wireless networks. It exposes students to some of the most important developments in computer networking. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.

Radio and Mobile Communications

This module starts by reviewing modulation (AM, FM, FSK, PSK, QAM) and then moves on to modulation techniques for digital signals such as GMSK, TDMA and CDMA together with spread spectrum techniques FHSS and DSSS and error control techniques appropriate for radio links. Modulation, transmission and communications protocols are also studied in the context of GSM, 3G/UMTS, 3GPP LTE and 4G cellular radio systems. Radio propagation topics such as fading models and multipath effects are studied with emphasis on mobile communications. Antennas are studied in the context of mobile radio networks (base station and portable antennas). Various aspects of radio receivers and transmitters are included, such as superhet and zero I.F. receiver techniques, radio frequency mixers, amplifiers and frequency synthesis (PLL and DDS).

Operations Management

This module will cover the fundamentals and strategic aspects of operations management and will enable the students to develop their understanding of operational processes, techniques, planning and control systems. Students will examine case studies relating to both manufacturing and service operations to support lectures and guided learning.

Distributed Systems Security

A range of topics will be covered in this module. The detailed content will vary according to current research directions. Case studies will be used throughout. Issues will be considered in relation to each topic as appropriate. These pervasive issues are: models, design, standards, protocols, and performance. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.

Broadband Networks and Data Communications

This module studies data communications via cable, optical fibre and wireless concentrating on the lower three levels of the OSI 7 layer model; the Physical Layer, Data Link Layer and Network Layer. Topics include line transmission via twisted pair cables, serial data encoding principles, error control codes and modulation techniques for baseband, DSL and fibre. Local access networks such as Passive Optical networks, DSL and wireless will be investigated both in architectures and MAC protocols. Switched Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and G/EPONs will be covered with an introduction to TCP/IP.

Operations Research

What makes the diffrence between a good decision and a bad decision? A good decision is one that uses analytical decision making, and is based on logic and considers all available data and possible alternatives.Engineers and managers are decision makers, thus to achieve their goals, they must understand how decisions are made and know of which decision-making tools to use. To a great extent the success or failure of human resources and management depends on the quality of their decisions. Therefore, this module determines that with the use and implementation of good operations research decision-making tools, then the process of decision making should be made easier.

MSc Individual Project

The Masters Project is a key integrating feature of the programme. It is designed to challenge and develop critical thinking skills at a post-graduate level. It provides the student with the opportunity to bring together and apply much of what they have learnt both in their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Potential projects are identified with the support of staff across the school covering a wide range of appropriate areas. Some will be based in industry, others based within our own laboratories. Students are supported through the delivery of an initial short course training programme designed to equip them with the necessary project management, research methodology, investigation tools and analysis skills necessary to undertake a Masters level project. They will also be allocated and supported by individual project supervisor. It is expected that the project will require 600 hours of student effort and will result in a worthwhile and practical contribution to the chosen subject area.Programme Delivery

Day/ Evening/ Week end classes taught by University of Hertfordshire Fly-in faculty members and BMC Lecturers with Academic and industry experience.

Assessment and Grading System

Each module is assessed by course work and final exam. The weighting of course work and final exam varies. Please refer to the program structure for more details. The overall pass mark for each module is 50%.

The degree classification is calculated based on the average score of best 150 credits.

Distinction: 70% to 100%
Commendation: 60% to 69%
Pass: 50% to 59%
Expected date of release of Assessment result

Assessment results will be available to the students within 3 months upon completion of the last assessment for that assessment cycle. Appeal (if any) on assessment results must be lodged within 7 days after the release of assessment results.

Specimen Certificate

Datacomm