course-details-portlet

IDATA2304

Computer communication and network programming

Credits 7.5
Level Intermediate course, level II
Course start Autumn 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Ålesund
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

About

About the course

Course content

Computer networks:

  • Concepts, principles and standards with emphasis on modern Internet technologies.
  • Protocols and layered model for communication
  • The most important Internet protocols and components:
    • Application layer: Web and HTTP, DNS
    • Transport layer: TCP, UDP
    • Network layer: IP, ICMP, routing, DHCP, NAT
    • Data link and physical layer: Ethernet, MAC, ARP, switching
    • Security in computer networks

Network programming:

  • Socket API
  • Distributed network services

Students will also practice concepts from previous subjects:

  • Version control (GIT)
  • Agile project work in groups

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The candidate can:

  • Understanding of the principles of how computer communication works
  • Understanding of protocols and ability to see it in an overall context of communication
  • Knowledge of network programming (sockets) and distributed network services

Skills. The candidate can:

  • Explain the standards in the field of computer communication
  • Assess different solutions for computer networks
  • Explain the key security issues of computer communication
  • Use packet sniffers (Wireshark) and packet tracer tools
  • Implement a distributed solution based on given requirement specification, with a potential commercial use

General competence: The candidate can:

  • Explain the historical development of the field of computer communication
  • Understand the importance of open standards and protocols for sustainable communication solutions
  • Students can work in a team
  • Use of AI in a reflective way

Learning methods and activities

Pedagogical methods: lectures, practical and collaborative learning activities, and project work with guidance.

Teaching partially or fully in English.

Mandatory exercises. All mandatory learning activities must be completed in due time to be allowed to take the final exam.

Compulsory assignments

  • Mandatory exervises

Further on evaluation

1) All mandatory exercises must be approved to gain access to the examination.

2) The subject includes mandatory project work in groups, which will go in depth on a set of selected topics in computer networks, for example, network programming, Internet of things, or a given communication standard/protocol.

3) Each project group must sign a work contract that clearly defines the roles, planned activities, and rules for ethical and responsible collaboration. The final report must include a work log that documents each member's continuous contribution throughout the semester. Individual grades may vary within a group based on the documented level of effort and contribution of each student.

4) Final grade is calculated from two assessment parts, both of which must be approved (E or better):

  • Report of the group project, 60%
  • Individual written exam, 40%.

5) The final grade is a letter-grade (AF).

6) The project work contains assignments that are carried out, digitally documented and submitted during the term. Both individual and group assignments may be given. Assignments are designed to help students achieve specific course learning outcomes, and formative feedback is given.

7) To retake the examination for students who have got an E or better, any assessment component (Project and written exam) can be retaken.

8) In case of a failed examination in one of the parts (either written exam or project), the failed part can be reexamined without a new examination in the approved part.

9) In re-sit examination the written exam can be replaced by an oral exam. Re-sit exam is in August.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Computer Science - Engineering (BIDATA) - some programmes

Course materials

Textbook:

Behrouz A. Forouzan: Data Communications and Networking with TCP/IP Protocol Suite, McGraw Hill; 6th edition (January 6, 2021), ISBN 978-0078022098

Reference book:

Kurose, Ross: Computer Networking - A Top-Down Approach 8th Global edition (7th or 6th edition is OK as well), Pearson (2021), ISBN: 9781292405469

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
IELET2001 7.5 sp Autumn 2021
IELEA2001 7.5 sp Autumn 2021
AIS2103 7.5 sp Autumn 2021
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Computer and Information Science
  • Telecommunication
  • Applied Information and Communication Technology
  • Computer Science

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of ICT and Natural Sciences

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2026

School exam
Weighting 40/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 3 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.
Project
Weighting 60/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Re-sit examination - Summer 2027

School exam
Weighting 40/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 3 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.