CS420 Network Programming
CS420 Network Programming
Syllabus | International University of Sarajevo - Last Update on Sep 09, 2025
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Computer Sciences and Engineering
Amal Mersni
Course Lecturer
Course Objectives
-
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Describe the layered architecture of computer networks and explain the procedures and devices that provide network connectivity.
- Explain the purpose and characteristics of software-defined networking, virtualization, and automation concepts that support the digitalization of networks.
- Apply Python programming and Linux fundamentals.
- Use software development and design best practices .
- Create a secure REST API.
- Employ leading technologies to deploy and safeguard apps and data in the cloud environment.
- Compare software testing and deployment methods in automation and simulation environments.
- Evaluate the various Cisco platforms for collaboration, infrastructure management, and automation.
Learning Outcomes
After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Course Materials
Required Textbook
- 1. Cisco DevNet Associate Course Resources: DevNet Associate v1.0 (DEVASC).
- 2. CCNA Cisco Academy Networking Program: Introduction to Networks v7.0 (ITN) and Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation v7.0 (ENSA).
- 3 Cisco Networking Academy Course: Programming Essentials in Python Course v2.0 (PCAP).
- 4 Cisco Networking Academy Course: NDG Linux Unhatched.
Additional Literature
Edelman, Jason, Scott S. Lowe, and Matt Oswalt. Network Programmability and Automation: Skills for the Next-Generation Network Engineer. " O'Reilly Media, Inc.", 2018. Chou, Eric. Mastering Python Networking . Packt Publishing Ltd, 2017.Teaching Methods
This course employs a range of teaching and learning methods such as Lectures with presentations and notes , in-class examples and discussions , interactive Activities, video demonstrations, syntax-checker
Practical skills and hands-on experience tasks for engaged learning and continuous feedback on progress
Weekly Topics
| Week | Topic | Readings / References |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Course Introduction | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources |
| 2 | Reviewing Network Fundamentals | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources |
| 3 | Advanced Networking topics | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources |
| 4 | Network Virtualization | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources |
| 5 | Introduction to Network Automation | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources |
| 6 | Network Controllers | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources |
| 7 | Software Defined Networks First Quiz | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources |
| 8 | Midterm | |
| 9 | Scripting with Python for Networks | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources |
| 10 | Linux Fundamentals for Networks | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources |
| 11 | CML- Quick Start to Network Automation Workshop | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources |
| 12 | Understanding and Using APIs | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources |
| 13 | Data Models and Automation protocols | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources |
| 14 | Application Deployment and Security Second Quiz | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources |
| 15 | Cisco Platforms and Development | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources |
Course Schedule (All Sections)
| Section | Type | Day 1 | Venue 1 | Day 2 | Venue 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS420.1 | Course | Tuesday 09:00 - 11:50 | A F2.14 - Amphitheater II | - | - |
| CS420.1 | Tutorial | Thursday 18:00 - 19:50 | B F1.25 Computer Lab | - | - |
| CS420.2 | Tutorial | Wednesday 09:00 - 10:50 | B F1.25 Computer Lab | - | - |
Office Hours & Room
| Day | Time | Office | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 14:00 - 16:00 | A F1.6 | |
| Thursday | 13:00 - 14:00 | A F1.6 | (Internship consultations , internship application forms) |
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Assessment Components
Final Exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4
Midterm exam
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3
Hands-on labs
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4
Quizzes
AI: Not AllowedAlignment with Learning Outcomes : 1 2 3 4
IUS Grading System
| Grading Scale | IUS Grading System | IUS Coeff. | Letter (B&H) | Numerical (B&H) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 44 | F | 0 | F | 5 |
| 45 - 54 | E | 1 | ||
| 55 - 64 | C | 2 | E | 6 |
| 65 - 69 | C+ | 2.3 | D | 7 |
| 70 -74 | B- | 2.7 | ||
| 75 - 79 | B | 3 | C | 8 |
| 80 - 84 | B+ | 3.3 | ||
| 85 - 94 | A- | 3.7 | B | 9 |
| 95 - 100 | A | 4 | A | 10 |
Late Work Policy
Information about late submission policies will be shared during class and posted in this section. Please check back for official guidelines.
ECTS Credit Calculation
📚 Student Workload
This 6 ECTS credit course corresponds to 150 hours of total student workload, distributed as follows:
Lecture Hours
42 hours ⏳ (14 week × 3 h)
Hands on labs
20 hours ⏳ (10 week × 2 h)
Home Study
45 hours ⏳ (15 week × 3 h)
Midterm exam study
15 hours ⏳ (3 week × 5 h)
Final exam study
28 hours ⏳ (4 week × 7 h)
150 Total Workload Hours
6 ECTS Credits
Course Policies
Academic Integrity
All work submitted must be your own. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in disciplinary action according to university policies. When in doubt about citation practices, consult the instructor.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to adhere to the attendance requirements as outlined in the International University of Sarajevo Study Rules and Regulations. Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may impact academic performance and eligibility for assessment. Mandatory sessions (e.g., labs, workshops) require attendance unless formally exempted. For detailed policies on absences, documentation, and penalties, please refer to the official university regulations.
Technology & AI Policy
Laptops/tablets may be used for note-taking only during lectures. Phones should be silenced and put away during all class sessions. Audio/video recording requires prior permission from the instructor.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage: The use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini) varies by assessment component. Please refer to the AI usage indicator next to each assessment item in the Assessment Methods and Criteria section above. Submitting AI-generated content as your own work, where AI is not explicitly allowed, constitutes an academic integrity violation.
Communication Policy
All course-related communication should occur through official university channels (institutional email or SIS). Emails should include [CS420] in the subject line.
Academic Quality Assurance Policy
Course Academic Quality Assurance is achieved through Semester Student Survey. At the end of each academic year, the institution of higher education is obliged to evaluate work of the academic staff, or the success of realization of the curricula.
Learning Tips
Be prepared to contribute thoughtfully during class discussions, labs, or collaborative work. Active participation deepens understanding and encourages critical thinking.
Complete assigned readings or prep materials before class. Take notes, highlight key ideas, and jot down questions. Aim to grasp core concepts and their applications—not just facts.
Use course frameworks or methodologies to analyze problems, case studies, or projects. Begin early to allow time for reflection and refinement. Seek feedback to improve your work.
Don’t hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Use office hours, discussion boards, or peer networks to clarify concepts and stay on track.
Syllabus Last Updated on Sep 09, 2025 | International University of Sarajevo
Print Syllabus
Referencing Curricula Print this page
| Course Code | Course Title | Weekly Hours* | ECTS | Weekly Class Schedule | ||||||
| T | P | |||||||||
| CS420 | Network Programming | 3 | 2 | 6 | ||||||
| Prerequisite | SE308 | It is a prerequisite to | - | |||||||
| Lecturer | Amal Mersni | Office Hours / Room / Phone | Tuesday: 14:00-16:00 Thursday: 9:00-11:00 , 13:00-14:00 (Internship consultations , internship application forms) |
|||||||
| amersni@ius.edu.ba | ||||||||||
| Assistant | Ismar Aganovic | Assistant E-mail | ||||||||
| Course Objectives | By the end of the course, students will be able to: Describe the layered architecture of computer networks and explain the procedures and devices that provide network connectivity. Explain the purpose and characteristics of software-defined networking, virtualization, and automation concepts that support the digitalization of networks. Apply Python programming and Linux fundamentals. Use software development and design best practices . Create a secure REST API. Employ leading technologies to deploy and safeguard apps and data in the cloud environment. Compare software testing and deployment methods in automation and simulation environments. Evaluate the various Cisco platforms for collaboration, infrastructure management, and automation. |
|||||||||
| Textbook | 1. Cisco DevNet Associate Course Resources: DevNet Associate v1.0 (DEVASC). 2. CCNA Cisco Academy Networking Program: Introduction to Networks v7.0 (ITN) and Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation v7.0 (ENSA). 3 Cisco Networking Academy Course: Programming Essentials in Python Course v2.0 (PCAP). 4 Cisco Networking Academy Course: NDG Linux Unhatched. | |||||||||
| Additional Literature |
|
|||||||||
| Learning Outcomes | After successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: | |||||||||
|
||||||||||
| Teaching Methods | This course employs a range of teaching and learning methods such as Lectures with presentations and notes , in-class examples and discussions , interactive Activities, video demonstrations, syntax-checker. Practical skills and hands-on experience tasks for engaged learning and continuous feedback on progress. | |||||||||
| Teaching Method Delivery | Face-to-face | Teaching Method Delivery Notes | ||||||||
| WEEK | TOPIC | REFERENCE | ||||||||
| Week 1 | Course Introduction | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources | ||||||||
| Week 2 | Reviewing Network Fundamentals | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources | ||||||||
| Week 3 | Advanced Networking topics | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources | ||||||||
| Week 4 | Network Virtualization | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources | ||||||||
| Week 5 | Introduction to Network Automation | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources | ||||||||
| Week 6 | Network Controllers | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources | ||||||||
| Week 7 | Software Defined Networks First Quiz | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources | ||||||||
| Week 8 | Midterm | |||||||||
| Week 9 | Scripting with Python for Networks | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources | ||||||||
| Week 10 | Linux Fundamentals for Networks | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources | ||||||||
| Week 11 | CML- Quick Start to Network Automation Workshop | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources | ||||||||
| Week 12 | Understanding and Using APIs | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources | ||||||||
| Week 13 | Data Models and Automation protocols | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources | ||||||||
| Week 14 | Application Deployment and Security Second Quiz | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources | ||||||||
| Week 15 | Cisco Platforms and Development | Slides, Netacad platform, and online resources | ||||||||
| Assessment Methods and Criteria | Evaluation Tool | Quantity | Weight | Alignment with LOs | AI Usage |
| Final Exam | 1 | 40 | 1,2,3,4 | Not Allowed | |
| Semester Evaluation Components | |||||
| Midterm exam | 1 | 30 | 1,2,3 | Not Allowed | |
| Hands-on labs | 10 | 10 | 1,2,3,4 | Not Allowed | |
| Quizzes | 2 | 20 | 1,2,3,4 | Not Allowed | |
| *** ECTS Credit Calculation *** | |||||
| Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | Activity | Hours | Weeks | Student Workload Hours | |||
| Lecture Hours | 3 | 14 | 42 | Hands on labs | 2 | 10 | 20 | |||
| Home Study | 3 | 15 | 45 | Midterm exam study | 5 | 3 | 15 | |||
| Final exam study | 7 | 4 | 28 | |||||||
| 0 | ||||||||||
| Total Workload Hours = | 150 | |||||||||
| *T= Teaching, P= Practice | ECTS Credit = | 6 | ||||||||
| Course Academic Quality Assurance: Semester Student Survey | Last Update Date: 21/09/2025 | |||||||||