UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD School of Computing Informatics and Media Department of Computing Programme/course title: Computing Awarding and teaching institution: Teaching institute: University of Bradford Namal College Final award: BSc Honours [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level H] Programme titles: Computing (top up) Programme accredited by: n/a Duration: 1 year full time; 2 years part-time UCAS code: n/a Date produced: January 2011 Programme aims The BSc (Hons) Computing is a one-year course for students who have completed a Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) or equivalent qualification and wish to earn an honours degree in computing. The course provides a final one-year programme of computer science and related subjects with the flexibility to combine a range of core and optional modules in academically coherent fields including networks and the web, software engineering, information systems, system administration and multimedia computing. The BSc (Hons) Computing will enable students to develop their knowledge, practical skills and understanding of computer systems from both hardware and systems software perspectives. The BSc (Hons) Computing is offered by the Department of Computing, one of oldest such departments in the United Kingdom, and now part of the School of Computing, Informatics and Media (SCIM) in the University of Bradford. The Department includes a large number of undergraduate and postgraduate courses concerned with the understanding, design, and exploitation of computation and computer technology, as well as a vibrant research environment with opportunities to join one of the research teams and progress on to postgraduate taught courses or research degrees on completion of the first degree. The BSc Computing has been developed to complement the other undergraduate courses in the School by providing a course that extends the knowledge and skills of graduates from advanced diploma programmes and those who have successfully completed all but the final year of similar degrees from other institutions. Learning outcomes For students wishing to enter graduate level employment or obtain a degree from a UK institution, the BSc (Hons) Computing provides a course that extends the knowledge and skills of graduates from advanced diploma programmes, as well as those who have successfully completed all but the final year of similar degrees from other institutions. The degree will develop the following: 1
credits semester level Networks and the Web Software Engineering Information Systems System Administration Multimedia Computing Computer Science Knowledge and Understanding of underlying principles, current developments and issues in the design of computer systems and software. Discipline Specific Skills in the use of computing for the design of real-life systems dealing with different applications and the identification and evaluation of research methodologies and frameworks. Personal and Transferable Skills are developed as a core thread throughout the proposed modules, requiring written and oral presentation, analysis, problem solving, team working, and time management. The Curriculum All students on the full-time BSc Computing take 120 credits which include the 40- credit Project offered by the Department of Computing in semesters 1 and 2, plus 40-60 credits chosen from existing modules offered by Computing and/or the Department of Creative Technology (also in SCIM) arranged in the fields of networks and the web, software engineering, information systems, systems administration, and multimedia computing ) in semesters 1 and 2. Any remaining credits from a total of 120 for the year will be taken from any available combination of the above modules not taken as part of a field core options. Students following the part-time route will normally study half the number of credits per year, with the programme of study agreed by negotiation. NOTE: prior to admission, students will be advised as to which field best suits their previous qualifications and/or experience, as well as career aspirations. This will include consideration of how students previous education and/or experience meets the demands of those modules with formal pre-requisites (see also below). *** Modules with formal pre-requisites Fields code title CM-047K Final Year Project 40 1&2 CM-0518D Concurrent and Distributed Systems 20 1 O O O O CM-0606D Decision Support Systems 20 1 O O O O CM-0616D Deploying Web Technologies** 20 1 O O O O O CM-0504D Information Engineering** 20 1 O O O CM-0615D Advanced Database Systems** 20 2 O O O O CM-00M CY-017M Computer Graphics Digital Image Processing 10 10 2 O O O CM-02D Formal Methods 20 2 O O O CM-04D Systems Administration 2** 20 2 O O CM-0D Web Engineering 20 2 O O O Options: The designation of modules as core () or optional (O) depends on the field chosen. Once you are offered a particular field, then modules within that field will be considered as your 2
core modules. Any remaining credits required for your total of 120 will then be taken as options from those indicated. An alternative module may be substituted in place of an option on request, subject to timetabling. Please note that, while every effort will be made to accommodate your choices, it may not be possible to permit every possible combination of optional modules, due to timetabling constraints. The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures. Teaching, learning and assessment strategies Students on the BSc (Hons) Computing degree will experience a range of teaching and learning environments. Concepts, principles and theories are generally explored in formal lectures, demonstrated in laboratory classes, and practised in associated tutorials and seminars. Practical skills are developed in labs. Professional and personal skills are developed through discussion, presentations and an extensive individual project which involves problem solving, design and evaluation. Each 10-credit module on the course requires 100 hours of study. Some of these hours will be formally timetabled lectures, laboratories, seminars, tutorials and workshops, while others will involve carrying out private study by students. Methods of assessment are similarly varied and students progress will be assessed using a mix of formal examinations, presentations, reports, laboratory tests, coursework assignments, and projects. The appropriate method is chosen to reflect the particular learning outcomes of each module. To be eligible for a classified Honours award, you must achieve at least 40% in 100 credits and 5% in the other the other 20 credits. The class and division of the Honours degree that you are awarded is based on the overall weighted marks that you receive for each stage. Stage 2 contributes 0% and stage 70% to the award. (Stage 2 credit will be imported from your prior certified learning experience where a credit-bearing modular framework exists). Regulations Summary Comprehensive information on the University s Regulation Governing Undergraduate Awards is at http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/qa_hbk/undergrad_regs_.html Admission requirements This BSc (Hons) Computing is available as a one-year course to those who have completed, or expect to complete, an appropriate HND in a computing subject with at least 2 distinctions and merits. Entry is direct to stage of the degree programme. Level of entry is dependent upon performance in, and relevance of, the Higher National qualification or Advanced Diploma undertaken. A relevant Foundation Degree passed with distinction, or the successful completion of three years of a four year undergraduate honours degree programme, may be accepted in lieu of an HND.
Appropriate, relevant equivalent overseas qualifications will also be considered. Candidates whose first language is not English will also be expected to possess an University approved English Language qualification such as IELTS at 6.0 or TOEFL at 550 (paper based test), 220 (computer based test) or 8 (internet test) Note that a candidates suitability for the degree course and field will be assessed prior to any offer of admission being made to the BSc (Hons) Computing. The assessment of pre-requisite knowledge for each of the fields will include the consideration of a full transcript of marks for each candidate to assist in determining whether the candidates previous education and/or experience meets the demands of those modules with formal pre-requisites. If necessary, a candidate also may be asked to produce full syllabus details of each module taken and/or any other additional information that may help inform the consideration of admission. Student support and guidance All students admitted to Namal College will go through a process of induction. Ongoing support for students is provided in the form of one-stop facilities located in the main building of the College, open all day during term time, with limited daily opening hours during non-term time. All students on the BSc Computing are allocated a personal tutor who will provide both academic and pastoral support. The Staff Student Liaison Committee gives the opportunity for students to give formal feedback to the Course Tutor and/or Namal College about curricular issues and the general running of the programme. In addition, Namal College will provide library and computing services. Arrangements are being made to provide registered students with 24/7 access via the College intranet http://www.namal.edu.pk which will have links to useful information, including: Courses and modules Course Tutors contact information Student Handbook Learning & Behaviour Agreement Course Timetable Examination timetable Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Coursework submission record E-mail Archives Students on the BSc Computing will also be provided with links to the University of Bradford internal website, its virtual learning environment, Blackboard, and the SCIM intranet http://www.inf.brad.ac.uk/internal/computing/module_catalogue/bc.php. Contact Details For further information please feel free to contact either MDIS or University of Bradford: Namal College School of Computing, Informatics and Media 4
P.O. Box 22 GPO Mianwali, Pakistan Tel: +92 459 816816-17 www.namal.edu.pk University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford West Yorkshire BD7 1DP Tel: +44 (0)1274 2596 Fax: +44 (0)127425972 E: UGAdmissions@inf.brad.ac.uk www.inf.brad.ac.uk Disclaimer The details of this Programme Specification and information contained therein are subject to change in accordance with the University of Bradford s course approval, monitoring and review procedures. 5