Computer Systems and Networks

Overview

You will acquire theoretical knowledge and engineering skills in:

• Parallel and Distributed Systems
• Computer Security and Dependability
• Computer Systems Engineering
• Communication Networks

Programme description

The Computer Systems and Networks programme at the Chalmers University of Technology instills a set of essential skills that prepare you to work in Information and Computing Technology (ICT).Courses in Computer Networks, Fault Tolerant Computer Systems, Parallel and Distributed Systems, Computer Architecture, Computer Security, and Real-Time Systems are taught by internationally recognised faculty in Computer Science and Engineering.

In addition to academic training in skills related to algorithm design, programming languages and computer systems engineering, you will gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies and have opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research.This programme is the first within Chalmers to provide the necessary preparation to contribute to ubiquitous computing, cyber-physical systems, and other rapidly growing areas in the expanding ICT industry. If you are interested in becoming a technology expert in these and other areas, the programme provides excellent background for pursuing doctoral studies.

Why apply

You will learn the design methodologies used to construct computer systems and networks. Such methodologies include Fault-Tolerant Distributed Algorithm Design, Concurrent Programming, Computer Systems Engineering, Systems Programming, and Secure and Dependable Systems Design. The coursework is designed to develop both your theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.
For example, you will learn how to:

• design a system based on new and existing components (Systems Engineering)
• understand low-level hardware/software interaction, develop systems and applications (Programming)
• analyse performance and system design limitations (Distributed Computing) and
• assess, evaluate, and design systems, programs and applications to increase security and dependability (Systems Design).

Rather than concentrating on a single aspect of computer systems and networks, the courses provide the broad, practical and up-to-date experience required by major ICT companies who develop computer systems and networks.

Career opportunities

The programme has been carefully designed to be relevant to a growing industrial and governmental ICT sector. In particular, the healthcare, e-commerce, aerospace, automotive, and telecom industries all rely on secure, dependable, safe, and energy-efficient computing systems and communication networks.

The programme gives you the opportunity to combine academic training with engineering work experience, a combination that opens up diverse career paths, such as becoming:

• the Chief Technology Officer who takes responsibility for the company’s technological development plan and influences its competitiveness in the market

• the Systems Architect and Designer who builds computer systems and design networked applications and protocols

• the Project Manager responsible for driving specific projects by choosing technical directions and leading people

• the Software Engineer who develops systems and run-time software that interfaces to the hardware platform

• the Security and Network Specialist who oversees company computer resources to ensure that sensitive data and services are only accessible to authorized users.

Research connections

The faculty behind the programme has an established track record of academic, industrial and scientific accomplishments in the following research areas:

• Computer Security
• Dependable Real-Time Systems
• Distributed Computing and Systems
• Computer Architecture
• Computer Communications and Computer Networks

As a student, you will be invited to take part in such research through seminars, thesis projects, and other individual and group projects. Past research collaborations including master-level students have yielded many innovations and accompanying scientific publications. Moreover, many of these students have been accepted to Ph.D. studies at Chalmers and other leading institutions worldwide.