Winter 2026 Computer Networks and Security SFWR ENG 4C03)
Instructor: Rong Zheng
Email: rzheng@mcmaster.ca
Lecture time: TuWeFr 12:30pm – 1:20pm
Class Room : HSC 1A1 ( WeFr ), TSH B128 (Tu)
Tutorial: Mo 9:30AM - 10:20AM (31) , Th 3:30PM - 4:20PM (50), Fr 2:30PM - 3:20PM (47) , Mo 11:30AM - 12:20PM (67)
Office Hours: Wed . 5 – 6pm
Avenue: http://avenue.mcmaster.ca/
TAs:
Yunkai Yu (yu284), Imran Chowdhury (chowdi13), Xinyu Ma (ma209), TBD
Textbook (no required) :
James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ross, "Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet", 8th ed. Pearson Education (51 USD)
Synopsis :
Computer networking is a rapidly advancing field. The Internet is already an integral part of society. It is important for computer scientists and computer engineers to be familiar with the fundamentals as well as practices of computer networking. This graduate course will emphasize on the algorithms, protocols and performance evaluation of the Internet. Topics include TCP/IP protocol stack, routing, congestion control, wireless networks and selected materials in network security.
Grading :
Online quizzes (5+1): 25% typically due in one week )
5 Assignments: 35% totoal
Final: 40%
2% bonus for those ask GOOD questions/answer questions totally no less than 10 on Avenues
2% bonus for classroom participation: for students who ask meaningful questions or answer questions in class totally no less than 10 over the term (fill a form after the class)
MSAF policy:
M iss ed quizzes with MSAF approvals will be counted toward the total quiz grade
Late submission policy:
a deduction of 10% of the maximum mark available from the actual mark achieved by the student shall be imposed upon expiry of the deadline;
a further deduction of 5% of the maximum mark available from the actual mark achieved by the student shall then be imposed on each of the next subsequent days;
Academic Dishonesty
You are expected to exhibit honesty and use ethical behavior in all aspects of the learning process. Academic credentials you earn are rooted in principles of honesty and academic integrity.
Academic dishonesty is to knowingly act or fail to act in a way that results or could result in unearned academic credit or advantage. This behaviour can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: "Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty"), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university.
It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various types academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, located at
http://www.mcmaster.ca/academicintegrity
The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:
Plagiarism, e.g. the submission if work that is not one's own or for which other credits has been obtained .
Improper collaboration in group work.
Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.
MOSS will be used for plagiarism detection for programming assignments in this course.
Generative AI policy
It is prohibited to use generative AI for quizzes and for answering questions in assignments.
For programming assignments, the use of generative AI should be limited to conceptual understanding and simple helper functions. It is prohibited to use AI-generated code that constitutes the main logic or design of the assignment.
If AI tools are used in any way in assignments, students must provide attribution by disclosing: 1) tools used, 2) extract prompts or instructions, 3) AI generated content
Faculty Notices
"The Faculty of Engineering is concerned with ensuring an environment that is free of all discrimination. If there is a problem, individuals are reminded that they should contact the Department Chair, the Sexual Harassment Officer or the Human Rights Consultant, as the problem occurs."