Session types

The course is structured into three types of sessions:

• T1) 13 class sessions of 2 hours (large group)
• T2) 12 class sessions of 1 hour (small groups)
• T3) 12 laboratory sessions of 1 hour (smaller groups)

Attendance will not be monitored in any of these types of sessions, nor will it form part of the assessment criteria. Anyone who disrupts the class or fails to respect the other people present will be asked to leave the in-person session, and the degree coordinator will be notified.

The UAB virtual platform (Campus Virtual, https://cv.uab.cat/) will be used as the means of communication between the teaching staff and the students, as well as among the students enrolled in the course.

Theory sessions (short and long)

The T1 and T2 sessions will be organized around 9–10 case studies (missions), designed to comprehensively develop the competencies established in the course objectives. The activities initially planned for this purpose are:

• Explaining and resolving questions related to the course contents associated with each mission.
• Discussion of the solutions to these missions, and feedback on them.
• Open discussions on the practical and social implications of the topics covered.

Some sessions will be "analogue" sessions, during which the use of laptops, mobile phones, etc., will not be permitted in order to encourage students' attention.

Laboratory sessions

The laboratory sessions will be structured around 2 to 4 computer-based practical problems or challenges, allowing students to work on all course contents and extend them using real networking tools and environments.

The intermediate challenges are optional, and only the final challenge will be compulsory (and only this final challenge must be fully functional). Feedback on the intermediate challenges will focus on resolving the problems encountered, with the aim of helping students prepare for the mandatory final challenge.

The laboratory classrooms will provide the necessary digital equipment, and the use of personal computers will be permitted.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Evaluation Criteria and Assessment Activities

The only assessment criterion for the course is the demonstrable achievement of the conceptual and applied competencies. This will be assessed exclusively through the following evaluation activities:

• A1: Midterm quizzes.
• A2: Final exam.
• A3: Final exam resit.
• A4: Laboratory submission and lab validation exams.
• A5: Laboratory resubmission and lab resit exam.

Each exam assesses all concepts covered up to the date of the assessment. Students must obtain at least 4.5 in A2 or A3 to pass the course.

The laboratory component distinguishes between optional submissions (which receive informational feedback only) and the mandatory final submission. In addition to the final laboratory submission, laboratory validation exams will be held. Students must obtain at least 4.5 in A4 or A5 (and a global score of 5.0 or higher) to pass the laboratory component.

Assessment System

The course consists of two independently assessed components: theory (exams) and laboratory.

• A score of MAX(A2, A3) >= 4.5 is required to pass the theory component (regardless of A1), and therefore the course.
• A score of MAX(A4, A5) >= 4.5 is required to pass the laboratory component, and therefore the course.
• If the theory or laboratory component does not reach 4.5 (after rounding to the nearest tenth), the final course grade will be the lesser of 4.0 and the greater of Options A and B shown below. In cases of academic misconduct, the final grade will be the lesser of 3.0 and the greater of Options A and B.

If both components are passed, the final course grade will be whichever of the following options is more favorable:

• Option A: 0.20·A1 + 0.45·MAX(A2, A3) + 0.35·MAX(A4, A5)
• Option B: 0.65·MAX(A2, A3) + 0.35·MAX(A4, A5)

The A1 grade is the arithmetic mean of the midterm quizzes held during class or during the midterm assessment week. Between two and four quizzes will be scheduled. Their dates will be announced at the beginning of the course together with the rest of the assessment calendar.

If the more favorable option between A and B is 4.9, 5.9, 6.9, 7.9, 8.9, or 9.9, the final grade will be rounded up to the next whole number (5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0).

Honors distinctions (Matrícula de Honor) will be awarded strictly according to the final grade (with a minimum of 9.0 in the final exam or its resit) and at the discretion of the teaching staff.

There is no single final assessment option.

Assessment dates will be published on the Virtual Campus and may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Any modifications will be communicated through the same channel, which is the official means of communication between the teaching staff and students.

Grades for each assessment activity will be published in accordance with UAB regulations. Exams will be graded using a common rubric, which will be provided as part of the formative feedback. Exam reviews will be held in person, with the date, time, and location announced through the Virtual Campus.

Resits and Failing Grades

The final exam (A2) may be retaken through A3, with the higher of the two grades being retained. There is no separate resit for A1 (its recovery is automatically incorporated through A2 and A3).

The laboratory component may be recovered through either a new submission or a written examination, at the discretion of the laboratory instructor. The exact method will be announced at the beginning of the course.

• Without prejudice to disciplinary measures and in accordance with the academic regulations, any academic misconduct will result in a grade of 0 for the corresponding assessment activity, with no possibility of resit. If this prevents the student from passing the course, the course will be failed with no possibility of recovery during the same academic year. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:
• Copying all or part of assignments, reports, or any assessed activity.
• Allowing others to copy your own work.
• Submitting group work that was not fully completed by all listed authors.
• Unauthorized use of AI tools (such as GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, or similar).
• Presenting third-party materials as one's own, including translations or adaptations.
• Possession or use of communication devices during individual examinations.
• Talking during individual examinations.
• Copying or attempting to copy during examinations.
• Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials unless explicitly permitted.

In summary, plagiarism, cheating, or similar actions in assessed activities will result in failing the course without any possibility of compensation.

The use of AI technologies for completing assessed activities is prohibited in this course. Any work containing AI-generated content constitutes a breach of academic integrity and may result in partial or total grade penalties, or more severe disciplinary sanctions.

If the course is not passed because the minimum required grade is not achieved in one or more assessment activities (see previous section), the final course grade will be the lesser of 3.0 and the weighted average.

Only students who do not complete any assessed activity will receive the grade "Not Assessed" ("No evaluable").