Programme Specification

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE Programme Specification This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section Awarding Institution / Body University of Central Lancashire 2. Teaching Institution Burnley College, Carlisle College, Runshaw College 3. School CEPS 4. External Accreditation 5. Title of Final Award Foundation Degree in Science in Computer Technology 6. Modes of Attendance offered Full Time/Part Time 7. UCAS Code 8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s) QAA Computing Foundation Degree Benchmark 9. Other external influences Cisco Educational Initiative, Microsoft Certification Programme 10. Date of production/revision of this form January Aims of the Programme To equip students with the personal and transferable skills necessary for employment in the IT support industry To enable students to understand the operation of modern computer systems To develop the skills required for configuring, supporting and maintaining Personal Computers and networks in the workplace To enable students to use the Internet to deliver dynamic and multimedia applications via a browser interface

2 To prepare students for further study at level Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods A. Knowledge and Understanding A1. Explain how modern Personal Computers operate A2. Explain how a local area network operates A3. Summarise how the Internet and its associated components inter-operate in order to transfer data reliably from one computer to another Lectures and directed learning help students acquire knowledge. Student centred learning is used where appropriate resource material is available, particularly for topics relating to vocational qualifications. Understanding is reinforced through tutorial and practical work. A hands-on approach is taken to ensure the development of practical skills Each module is assessed by a combination of end of year examination and coursework. Coursework is a combination of paper based case studies and practical work with network equipment B. Subject-specific skills B1. Configure, support and maintain Personal Computers on a network B2. Set up, configure, administer and maintain a secure and efficient local area network B3. Use the Internet to deliver dynamic and multimedia applications via a browser interface B4. Set up, configure and maintain data communications routing hardware B5. Maintain and support a modern business IT system B6. Use a range of techniques to ensure security and integrity of stored data Practical skills are developed progressively during the course. Initially the focus is on the acquisition of basic skills through small laboratory exercises. Subsequently more complex techniques are developed through case studies, practical work and extended exercises. Practical work is designed to provide real-life experience. A variety of methods are used to assess practical skills. These include laboratory exercises, development of case studies and written reports. C. Thinking Skills [The first 3 are subject-specific skills] C1. Use a range of problem solving skills C2. Evaluate ideas and techniques. C3. Evaluate local area network faults and find solutions C4. Demonstrate an appropriate range of cognitive skills appropriate for progression to level three Intellectual skills are developed through practical work, tutorials, seminars and coursework assignments. Evaluation of ideas is common to many modules. Thinking skills are extended through troubleshooting exercises. Intellectual skills are partly assessed through formal examinations and partly through coursework and practical project work. include paper based examinations, computer based tests, evaluations within a portfolio of work, and practical problem solving. D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development D1. Demonstrate the personal and transferable skills necessary for a career in the IT support industry D2. Select and apply appropriate learning skills to a range of situations D3. Develop a realistic career strategy through personal development planning D4. Work effectively as part of a team Communications skills are developed through the range of contextualised problems and case studies.

3 Much of the practical work will involve solving network problems with an open mind. Work based skills will be developed in a real or simulated workplace environment Evaluation of case studies, production of reports including diagrams, spreadsheets and other supporting materials where appropriate. 13. Programme Structure 14. Awards and Credits Level Level 5 Level 4 Module Code CO2858 CO2558 CO2559 CO2562 CO2561 CO2755 CO2753 CO2563 CO2451 CO1558 CO1557 CO1556 CO1555 Module Title Work Placement Either Network Management Server Management Or WAN Technologies Switching Basics Plus 3 from Database Systems Software Applications End User support Advanced Programming in C++ Network Fundamentals Network Support Router and Routing Basics Computer Sys Essentials Credit rating Foundation Degree in Computer Technology Requires 240 credits including a minimum of 100 at Level 5 Foundation Certificate in Computer Technology Requires 1 credits CO1851 CO1552 CO1652 CO1451 Choice of 2 from: Practitioner Skills Web Applications Systems Analysis & Design Structured Programming in C++ CO1352 Optional Module for Year 2 Project Management Burnley, Carlisle, Runshaw Colleges are approved to run all of the above modules. 15. Personal Development Planning Students are introduced to Personal Development Planning (PDP) during induction at the start of the first year. Following an introductory lecture, students conduct PDP activities with their personal tutors. Students assessments of their own skills are developed in the Practitioner Skills module. Students are encouraged to audit their skills; set goals and produce a Progress Plan. In a progression meeting students consider matching their skills to their target course. Students also develop a CV. At the start of the second year, students are re-introduced to PDP through induction. PDP activities are conducted through meetings with the second year tutorial team. PDP is also developed and assessed as part of the year 2 Placement Project. Personal Advisers are a key point of contact for students and ensure they take advantage of the available opportunities. They help students compile an e-portfolio to record the experiences and skills they gain while at college. They guide students to sources of help and advice where required. They work closely with Personal Tutors to provide support and advice to students. Problems identified by academic staff are followed up very quickly by personal advisers, who can help the students to identify problems and decide appropriate actions. Throughout the course, students will be expected to maintain a Progress File, which documents their

4 development. It also helps students to define and focus their educational and professional goals by enabling them to reflect on their progress, and make informed decisions about their progression. It help them to identify where to place extra emphasis in their studies by highlighting the aspects of the course that they need to concentrate upon to successfully complete their studies. Personal tutors will help students to get the most out of this process, though it is largely driven by the student. it helps students to decide whether to undertake for further studies at the end of the course, or enter employment 16. Admissions criteria Minimum of 160 UCAS tariff points at A2 or BTEC National Diploma Pass Pass Merit AND 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including Maths and English Qualifications equivalent to the above. Key skills in Mathematics level 2 will be accepted as an alternative for GCSE Mathematics 17. Key sources of information about the programme Fact Sheet Student Handbook

5 LEVEL 5 LEVEL 4 Module Code Module Title Comp, Core (C) or Option (O) Programme Learning Outcomes Other skills relevant to Knowledge and understanding Subject-specific Skills Thinking Skills employability and personal development A1 A2 A3 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 C1 C2 C3 C4 D1 D2 D3 D4 CO2858 Work Placement C CO2755 Database Systems O CO2753 Software Applications O CO2563 End User support O CO2562 WAN Technologies O CO2561 Switching Basics O CO2559 Server Management O CO2558 Network Management O CO2451 Advanced Prog. In C++ O CO1352 Project Management O CO1851 Practitioner Skills O CO1652 Systems Analysis & Design O CO1558 Network Fundamentals Comp CO1557 Network Support Essentials Comp CO1556 Router & Routing Basics Comp CO1555 Computer Sys Essentials Comp CO1552 Web application development O CO1451 Structured Prog. in C++ O Note: Certain options MUST be taken in pairs, since they relate to vendor qualifications. The two option pairs are: CO2558 and CO2559 for the Microsoft route CO2561 and CO2562 for the CISCO route.