COURSE OR HONOURS SUBJECT TITLE: BSc Hons Information Technologies with/without DPP/DPP(I)/DIAS with CertHE and AB exit awards (FT)

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1 UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION COURSE OR HONOURS SUBJECT TITLE: BSc Hons Information Technologies with/without DPP/DPP(I)/DIAS with CertHE and AB exit awards (FT) BSc Hons Information Technologies with AB exit award (PT) PLEASE NOTE: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he or she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the specific learning outcomes, content and the teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found at and in the Student Handbook. 1 AWARD INSTITUTION/BODY: University of Ulster 2 TEACHING INSTITUTION: University of Ulster 3 LOCATION: Magee Campus 4 ACCREDITED BY: N/A 5 FINAL AWARD: Bachelor of Science 6 MODE OF ATTENDANCE: Full-time and Part-time 7 SPECIALISMS: Computing 8 COURSE/UCAS CODE: G501 9 DATE WRITTEN/REVISED: Effective from EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE COURSE The overall aim of the course is to provide a broadly-based education in information and communication technologies which will produce graduates equipped to apply best practice in the application of computing and information systems in organisations. In support of this, the course has the following objectives: - to provide a systematic study of the theory and principles of programming and software engineering, and Information Technologies and their role in organisations. - to develop an ability to analyse computing problems and formulate practical solutions to these problems, coupled with the ability to critically evaluate the approach and techniques used. - to provide opportunities for the development of practical skills in applied computing in a business/industrial context (DPP/DPP(I) only). - to develop key skills and enterprise competencies to support the student s progression into a career in the computing industry or further academic study.

2 11 MAIN LEARNING OUTCOMES The following reference points were used to inform the development of the programme and its learning outcomes: the University s Vision and core strategic aims, teaching and learning strategy and policies; current research or other advanced scholarship carried out by academic staff; the QAA Computing subject benchmark statement (2007); requirements of the British Computer Society; national and University qualifications and credit frameworks BSc Hons Information Technologies with DPP/DPP(I)/DIAS The course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning. Successful students will be able to: 11.1K KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE SUBJECT K1 K2 K3 K4 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of programming fundamentals, databases, human-computer interaction and web development; Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business information systems and web-based computing; Appreciate the need for an engineering approach to the development of information systems in organisations; Demonstrate a sound knowledge of professional issues in information systems engineering. Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, tutorials and practical Assessment Methods: Placement report assessment (DPP/DPP(I) only), workbooks, project vivas, reports and dissertation. 11.1I INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 Abstract and model data and facts pertaining to the requirements of an information system for the purposes of comprehension, analysis, specification and communication; Formulate design specifications for constructing information systems and apply problem-solving skills in their specification and implementation; Analyse and evaluate the extent to which an information system meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development; Relate professional, legal, moral and ethical issues to the engineering and use of information systems; Justify and communicate the technical and organisational rationale for a particular software solution.

3 Assessment Methods: Placement report assessment (DPP/DPP(I) only), workbooks, project vivas, reports and dissertation. 11.1P PROFESSIONAL / PRACTICAL SKILLS P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 Specify, design, construct and test computer-based information systems; Deploy best practice engineering processes, techniques and tools for the development and documentation of information systems; Work as member of a team, recognising the different roles within a team and the different ways of organising them; Communicate technical information to technical, management, user, and academic audiences; Operate computing equipment effectively, based on an understanding of ICT; Solve software problems in a business/industrial context (DPP/DPP(I) only). Assessment Methods: Placement report assessment (DPP/DPP(I) only), workbooks, project vivas, reports and dissertation. 11.1T TRANSFERABLE SKILLS T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 Learn in both familiar and unfamiliar situations making effective use of information retrieval skills and learning resources; Communicate effectively, using various media and with a variety of audiences; Apply numeracy in both understanding and presenting cases involving a quantitative aspect; Effectively use general information technology facilities; Manage one s own learning and development including time management, organisational skills and awareness of entrepreneurship issues; Appreciate the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for life-long learning. Assessment Methods: Placement report assessment (DPP/DPP(I) only), workbooks, project vivas, reports and dissertation.

4 11.1 PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOME MAP BSc Hons Information Technologies with DPP/DPP(I)/DIAS Please Note: The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme. MODULE OUTCOMES TITLES LEVEL CODE K1 K2 K3 K4 I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 Compulsory Business Information Systems 4 COM112 Systems Analysis and Design 4 COM178 Programming I 4 COM136 Programming II 4 COM139 Computer Information Systems 4 COM192 Technologies Database Systems 4 COM162 Internet and Multimedia 5 COM414 Authoring Professional Issues 5 COM417 Visual Programming 5 COM321 Object Oriented Modelling 5 COM419 Web Database Development 5 COM336 Computer Networks and 5 COM320 Operating Systems Interactive Interface Design 5 COM350 Placement (DPP/DPP(I) only)* 5 COM367 Research Studies and Project 6 COM529 Management Final Year Project 6 EEE521 Systems Security 6 COM535 Interactive Web Development 6 COM621 Network Operating Systems 6 COM581 Knowledge Management 6 COM540 *Note: The Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS) is a University level module. Part-time students are not required to take the DPP/DPP(I)/DIAS.

5 11.2 Certificate in Higher Education in Information Technologies The course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning. Successful students will be able to: 11.2K KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE SUBJECT K1 K2 K3 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of programming fundamentals, databases, human-computer interaction and web development; Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business information systems and web-based computing; Be aware of professional issues in information systems engineering. Assessment Methods: Coursework and written unseen examinations. 11.2I INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES I1 I2 I3 Abstract and model data and facts pertaining to the requirements of an information system for the purposes of comprehension, analysis, specification and communication; Formulate design specifications for constructing information systems and apply problem-solving skills in their specification and implementation; Relate professional, legal, moral and ethical issues to the engineering and use of information systems. Assessment Methods: Coursework related to case studies and projects, written unseen examinations, workbooks, presentations. 11.2P PROFESSIONAL / PRACTICAL SKILLS P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 Specify, design, construct and test computer-based information systems; Deploy best practice engineering processes, techniques and tools for the development and documentation of information systems; Work as member of a team, recognising the different roles within a team and the different ways of organising them; Communicate technical information to academic audiences; Operate computing equipment effectively, based on an understanding of IT. Assessment Methods: Problem-based coursework, workbooks.

6 11.2T TRANSFERABLE SKILLS T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 Make effective use of information retrieval skills and learning resources; Communicate effectively, using various media; Apply numeracy in both understanding and presenting cases involving a quantitative aspect; Effectively use general information technology facilities; Manage one s own learning and development including time management, organisational skills and awareness of entrepreneurship issues. Assessment Methods: Coursework, reports.

7 11.2 PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOME MAP Certificate in Higher Education in Information Technologies Please Note: The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme. MODULES OUTCOMES TITLES LEVEL CODE K1 K2 K3 I1 I2 I3 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 Business Information Systems 4 COM112 Systems Analysis and Design 4 COM178 Programming I 4 COM136 Programming II 4 COM139 Computer Information 4 COM192 Systems Technologies Database Systems 4 COM162

8 11.3 Associate Bachelor s Degree in Information Technologies with DPP/DPP(I)/DIAS The course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning. Successful students will be able to: 11.3K KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE SUBJECT K1 K2 K3 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of programming fundamentals, databases, human-computer interaction and web development; Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business information systems and web-based computing; Demonstrate a sound knowledge of professional issues in information systems engineering. Assessment Methods: Coursework and written unseen examinations. Placement report assessment (DPP/DPP(I) only). 11.3I INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES I1 I2 I3 Abstract and model data and facts pertaining to the requirements of an information system for the purposes of comprehension, analysis, specification and communication; Formulate design specifications for constructing information systems and apply problem- solving skills in their specification and implementation; Relate professional, legal, moral and ethical issues to the engineering and use of information systems. Assessment Methods: Coursework related to case studies and projects, written unseen examinations, workbooks, presentations. Placement report assessment (DPP/DPP(I) only). 11.3P PROFESSIONAL / PRACTICAL SKILLS P1 P2 P3 Specify, design, construct and test computer-based information systems; Deploy best practice engineering processes, techniques and tools for the development and documentation of information systems; Work as member of a team, recognising the different roles within a team and the different ways of organising them; P4 Communicate technical information to academic audiences; P5 Operate computing equipment effectively, based on an understanding of IT; P6 Solve software problems in a business/industrial context (DPP/DPP(I) only). Assessment Methods: Placement report assessment (DPP/DPP(I) only), problembased coursework, workbooks.

9 11.3T TRANSFERABLE SKILLS T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 Make effective use of information retrieval skills and learning resources. Communicate effectively, using various media; Apply numeracy in both understanding and presenting cases involving a quantitative aspect; Effectively use general information technology facilities; Manage one s own learning and development including time management, organisational skills and awareness of entrepreneurship issues; Appreciate the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for life-long learning. Assessment Methods: Placement report assessment (DPP/DPP(I) only), workbooks, reports.

10 11.3 PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOME MAP Associate Bachelor s Degree in Information Technologies with DPP/DPP(I)/DIAS Please Note: The matrix displays only the measurable programme outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme. MODULE OUTCOMES TITLES LEVEL CODE K1 K2 K3 I1 I2 I3 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 Business Information Systems 4 COM112 Systems Analysis and Design 4 COM178 Programming I 4 COM136 Programming II 4 COM139 Computer Information Systems 4 COM192 Technologies Database Systems 4 COM162 Internet and Multimedia Authoring 5 COM414 Professional Issues 5 COM417 Visual Programming 5 COM321 Object Oriented Modelling 5 COM419 Web Database Development 5 COM336 Computer Networks and Operating 5 COM320 Systems Interactive Interface Design 5 COM350 5 COM367 Industrial Placement (DPP/DPP(I) only)* *Note: The Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS) is a University level module. Part-time students are not required to take the DPP/DPP(I)/DIAS.

11 12 STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD The full-time course is normally of four years duration. Entry is normally into Level 4. Entry is permitted into Level 5 in exceptional circumstances. Years 1, 2 and 4 are spent at the university and Year 3 is spent on placement for the DPP or DPP(I) award or on an intercalary year for the DIAS award. Levels 4 and 5 (years 1 and 2) consist of a set of compulsory modules enabling students to achieve the basic competencies in information and communication technologies. Year 1 consists of 120 credit points at Level 4, and Year 2 consists of 120 credit points at Level 5. Full-time students normally spend Year 3 on placement, working in some aspect of the software industry for a minimum period of 25 weeks, or studying abroad. On satisfactory completion of the placement period the student is eligible for the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP). Students who complete their industrial placement abroad, receive the award of Diploma in Professional Practice (International). In exceptional circumstances, at the discretion of the Dean, students may be allowed to proceed to Level 6 without completing placement. Those students would not receive the award of DPP or DPP(I). A student who satisfactorily completes Year 3 in study abroad is eligible for the award of Diploma in International Academic Studies (DIAS). The final year of the course consists of 120 compulsory credit points. A 30-credit point project module runs overs semesters 1 and 2. The project enables the student to engage in a substantive piece of work comprising both theoretical and practical elements at an advanced level. Semester one comprises a compulsory 10-credit point module and two compulsory 20-credit point modules. Semester two comprises a further two 20-credit point modules. All modules are at Level 6. Part-time students enter the programme directly at level 5 and are not required to undertake the DPP/DPP(I)/DIAS placement/intercalary year. Satisfactory completion of each pre-final year of the course is normally a prerequisite for progression to the subsequent year (i.e. a candidate must pass all modules in each year of study in order to proceed to the next. Satisfactory completion of Year 4 leads to the award of the degree with Honours. Pass requirements and Honours classifications are detailed in Section 16. Full-time students who, for whatever reason/s, are unable to satisfy the University requirements for a Level 5 or Level 6 qualification, but who have passed all elements at Level 4, will have fulfilled the learning outcomes commensurate with the Certificate in Higher Education exit award (CertHE in Information Technologies). Any students who, for whatever reason/s, are unable to satisfy the University requirements for a Level 6 qualification, but who have passed all elements at Level 5, and optionally the DPP/DPP(I)/DIAS year, will have fulfilled the learning outcomes commensurate with the intermediate level Associate Bachelor s Degree (either the AB in Information Technologies or the AB in Information Technologies with DPP/DPP(I)/DIAS). The language of instruction is English.

12 Module Title Credit Level Credit Points Module Status Awards Business Information Systems Systems Analysis and Compulsory Compulsory Cert HE in Information Technologies Design Programming I 4 20 Compulsory (for full-time students only) Programming II 4 20 Compulsory Computer Information 4 20 Compulsory Systems Technologies Database Systems 4 20 Compulsory Internet and Multimedia Authoring Professional Issues Compulsory Compulsory Associate Bachelor s Degree in Visual Programming 5 10 Compulsory Information Object Oriented 5 20 Compulsory Technologies Modelling Web Database 5 20 Compulsory Development Computer Networks and 5 20 Compulsory Operating Systems Interactive Interface 5 20 Compulsory Design Industrial Placement (DPP/DPP(I))* 5 60 Compulsory Associate Bachelor s Degree in Information Technologies with DPP/DPP(I)* Research Studies and Project Management 6 10 Compulsory BSc Hons Final Year Project 6 30 Compulsory Systems Security 6 20 Compulsory Interactive Web 6 20 Compulsory Development Network Operating 6 20 Compulsory Systems Knowledge 6 20 Compulsory Management * or with DIAS if intercalary year Information Technologies with DPP/DPP(I)*

13 13 SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING Students and their learning are supported in a number of ways: An Induction Programme for new students (all years) is held throughout the first weeks of each semester. This Induction Programme includes talks by the Courses Coordinator, the PDP Coordinator, the Placement Tutor, and includes tours of the Library. The Courses Coordinator is available at specified hours for advice. A Course website provides an electronic version of the Student Handbook (including a link to this document), an electronic notice board with daily notices and links to other on-line resources (Academic Affairs, Careers, Library, timetables etc). Students are supported by extensive library and other learning resources. The School of Computing and Intelligent Systems is resourced by a number of state-of-the-art computer laboratories with a wide range of software. New software is introduced as required per semester. All modules have an associated website with on-line learning support material (module specification, lecture notes, useful web links etc). Every student is allocated an account and has full (24 hours, 7 days a week) access to the computing laboratories and the Internet. Each student is allocated a personal Studies Advisor who is available for academic and academic-related advice. Placement units are dedicated to preparing students for placements and finding placement opportunities for students. Students are visited on placement by academic staff. Course notice board. Personal Development Planning. Student Handbook containing details of the following university services: Career Development Centre Information Services Department Student Support Department Sport and Recreation Department International Office (for international students) Students Union Chaplaincy 14 CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION Applicants must satisfy the University s general entry requirements as set out in the prospectus or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). The initial offer standard may vary from year to year. See prospectus entry. Year 2 Entry: Direct entry to Year 2 is only possible for suitably qualified candidates. Entry to the part-time course is at Level 5 (Year 2) only.

14 15 EVALUATING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING Quality and standards are evaluated and improved by the following means: Mechanisms for the review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcome standards: University processes for the periodic revalidation of courses. Professional body periodic review. Annual review through the University Programme Management System. Student survey on the quality of teaching. Internal moderation of assessment. Review of external examiner feedback at module level, during Examination Boards and in annual reports. The Peer Supported Review process. Staff appraisal. Review of employer views through annual feedback surveys of placement employers and at meetings of the Faculty Industrial Liaison Panel. Student performance data and career progression. Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality: Staff Student Consultative Committee. Course Committee. Board of Examiners. Faculty Academic Affairs Committee. University Teaching and Learning Committee. Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of their learning experience: Student-Staff Consultative Committee. Student representatives on Faculty committees. Student Focus Groups. Student questionnaires at module level. Placement reports. National Student Survey. Staff development includes: Updating in the subject through research and scholarship. Membership of the Higher Education Academy. Consultancy. Technology Transfer. University Staff Development programme. In addition, there are University and Faculty strategies for teaching and learning.

15 16 REGULATION OF STANDARDS Assessment rules Pass mark for all modules is 40%. Honours classification derives 100% from Level 6. The following percentages shall be used to determine candidates overall gradings: 1 st class: Overall mark of at least 70%. 2:1: Overall mark of at least 60% and less than 70%. 2:2: Overall mark of at least 50% and less than 60%. 3 rd class: Overall mark of at least 40% and less than 50%. The award of DPP/DPP(I)/DIAS requires an overall mark of 40% for a Pass. To be eligible for the above diplomas candidates must have passed the corresponding module (placement module or intercalary module) and have successfully completed the associated degree. To be eligible for the award of the Diploma in Professional Practice (International) candidates must have completed placement outside the UK and Ireland. The results of candidates shall be graded by order of merit as Pass with Distinction, Pass with Commendation and Pass. The following shall be the minimum percentages used in determining the overall gradings of candidates: Pass with Distinction 70% Pass with Commendation 60% Pass 40% The results of candidates for the CertHE and AB exit awards shall be as follows: External examiners Pass with Distinction 70% Pass with Commendation 60% Pass 40% There is one external examiner. External examiners are academic subject or professional experts appointed from outside the University. Their key functions are to contribute to the assurance of the standards of the award and the fair treatment of students. They are involved in the moderation and approval of assessments and the moderation of the marking undertaken by internal examiners.

16 17 INDICATORS OF QUALITY RELATING TO TEACHING AND LEARNING The outcome of the QAA Institutional Audit (2010) to which the Computing Discipline was a major contributor: judgement of broad confidence. Programme accreditation by BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT. Various teaching staff are members of the Higher Education Academy and the University of Ulster Centre for Higher Education Practice. A number of the current Faculty staff have received University recognition for innovation and excellence in Teaching. New staff and some existing staff have attained the University PgCHEP (Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice). Research Assessment Exercise 2014 Ulster has strengthened its position in the top 25% of UK universities for Computer Science research power with 65% world-leading or internationally excellent. 90% of Ulster s Computer Science research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.