Course content

What is communication? A survey of media components (voice, music, video, text graphics, games). What is meant by a communication system architecture? Sample systems and services like the mobile communications system GSM with telephony and SMS services and the Internet with services like WWW and E-mail. Advanced services include e-commerce, location services and video transfer. How to counter threats like eaves-dropping, false messages, viruses, masquerading and sabotage.

Learning outcome

Communication technology is an important part of today’s infrastructure. The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of how this technology works and how it is applied as building blocks for the “e-Society”. Furthermore the course provides understanding of the challenges to society with respect to security and vulnerability, and on how to counter these threats.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and exercises. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Compulsory assignments

• Project
• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

The course is aimed at students from the Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Social Sciences and Technology Management, but can also be attended by others.

Required previous knowledge

Participation requires no prior education in communication technology.

Course materials

J Kurose and K Ross: Computer Networking, A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet. Addison-Wesley.
Thomas Hylland Erikssen: Øyeblikkets Tyranni. Rask og langsom tid i informasjonsalderen. Aschehoug, 2001.