cs 5651 computer networks

CS 5651 - Computer Networks - Fall 2013

Course Syllabus

Location: HH 216 (Lecture), MWAH 187 (Lab)
Time: 3:00pm - 3:50pm MWF (Lecture),
         5:00pm - 6:50pm M (Lab)
Instructor: Pete Willemsen, TA: Sarmad Siddiqui
Office Hours:
      Mon 11am - 11:45am MWAH 143
      Wed 1pm - 2pm HH 331
      Fri 10am - 11am HH 331
TA Office Hours: TBD

Course Description

This course introduces computer networking and associated software communication protocols. Includes network reference models, layered architectures, network services, and network applications. Design of computer networking software and quality of service concepts are also covered. The goals of this course are: (1) to provide students with a solid understanding of computer network hardware and software;
and (2) to provide students with a practical and theoretical knowledge of network architecture, network programming, and network performance analysis.

Reading (Required)

Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, Sixth Edition, by Kurose and Ross

Class Requirements and Grading

There will be both programming assignments and occasional weekly homeworks in the course. There is also a weekly lab and three exams (2 mid-terms and final exam). We will be using a course Moodle for managing the courses' assignments, homeworks, labs, and activities. To access the course Moodle, go to http://moodle.umn.edu and login using your campus login information.

1. Homework Assignments (10% - Highly Recommended) - Homework problems will be assigned on the Moodle on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. You are strongly encouraged to complete these homework assignments.

2. Lab (15%) - Labs will provides hands-on experience with computer network setup, analysis, equipment, tool use, and programming. Labs may also be used to validate your programming assignments or discuss problems with the TA. Attendance and completion of labs is required for a successful lab grade.

3. Programming Assignments (30%) - There will be several programming assignments over the course of the semester. Programming assignments will focus on developing experience with programming the network and network applications.

4. Mid-Term Exams (20%) There will be three exams over the course of the semester. The final exam is one of these exams, as are two mid-terms.

5. Final Exam (25%) There will be three exams over the course of the semester. The final exam is one of these exams.

The following provides a guide for how the grades will be distributed once a final percentage is computed:

90% results in an A-
80% results in a B-
70% results in a C-
60% results in a D

Policies (by taking the class, it is understood that you have read this section!)

Missed Classes
Students are responsible for what goes on in class, including lecture material, handouts, and turning in assignments. If you are unable to attend class it is your responsibility to obtain copies of class notes and any materials distributed in class. You may always turn in copies of assignments early.

Missed Exams
No exam will be given early. Exams can be made up only in the case of extreme emergencies. You must contact the instructor 24 hours in advance in order to arrange a makeup.

Assignments
All assignments will be due by email or web drop before the beginning of class on the due date. Late assignments will be penalized 20% of the grade for each working day the assignment is late. To turn in an assignment, send an email with attachments to the instructor, or submit via a web drop (ASCII text, PDF, Word, or OpenOffice documents will be accepted).

No Incompletes
I do not give incompletes! All work must be done during this semester.

Cheating
Don't do it! It doesn't provide any benefit to you. Programming and homework assignments must be your own work. You may discuss general, high-level, or conceptual issues with other students, but should not share actual code with others. Cheating is considered to be sharing code either by copying, retyping, looking at, or supplying a copy of a file. Cheating is also considered to include the use of code supplied off the Internet. If you use Google or other search engines to look for code to help you with a programming assignment, don't do it! I do expect you to be honest and I will respect you as a colleague until I am proven to be wrong. If you are having problems with an assignment, please come talk to me or send me email.

Student Conduct
The instructor will enforce and students are expected to follow the University's Student Conduct Code (http://www.d.umn.edu/conduct/code). Appropriate classroom conduct promotes an environment of academic achievement and integrity. Disruptive classroom behavior that substantially or repeatedly interrupts either the instructor's ability to teach, or student learning, is prohibited. Disruptive behavior includes inappropriate use of technology in the classroom. Examples include ringing cell phones, text-messaging, watching videos, playing computer games, email, or surfing the Internet on your computer instead of note-taking or other instructor-sanctioned activities.

Academic Integrity
Academic dishonesty tarnishes UMD's reputation and discredits the accomplishments of students. UMD is committed to providing students every possible opportunity to grow in mind and spirit. This pledge can only be redeemed in an environment of trust, honesty, and fairness. As a result, academic dishonesty is regarded as a serious offense by all members of the academic community. In keeping with this ideal, this course will adhere to UMD's Student Academic Integrity Policy, which can be found at www.d.umn.edu/conduct/integrity. This policy sanctions students engaging in academic dishonesty with penalties up to and including expulsion from the university for repeat offenders.

Equal Opportunity
As instructor I shall make every attempt to treat all students equally, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, handicap, age, veteran status, or sexual orientation. I encourage you to talk to me about your concerns of equal opportunity in the classroom. To inquire further about the University's policy on equal opportunity, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity (6827), 269-273 DAdB.

Students With Disabilities
If you have any disability (either permanent or temporary) that might affect your ability to perform in this class, please inform me at the start of the semester. I may adapt methods, materials, or testing so that you can participate equitably. To learn about the services that UMD provides to students with disabilities, contact the Access Center (8727), 138 Kirby Plaza, or the Office of Equal Opportunity (8217), 269-273 DAdB.

Mental Health Statement
As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student’s ability to participate in daily activities. University of Minnesota services are available to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus via the UMD Health Service Counseling website at http://www.d.umn.edu/hlthserv/counseling/