UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Programme Title: Awarding Body: Teaching Institution: Final Awards: Intermediate Awards: Mode of Study: Computer Science Staffordshire University Staffordshire University BSc (Hons) Computer Science. CertHE, DipHE BSc Computer Science Full Time UCAS Codes: QAA Subject Benchmarks: Computing JACS Code: Professional/Statutory Body: BCS The Chartered Institute for IT Date of Production: April 2013 Date of Revision: If you require this document in a larger text or a different medium please contact us. 1

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME Computer Science is a technical award with a broad focus - it aims to produce graduates who are proficient in software development as well as having a sound understanding of the structure and operation of computers and the interface between computers and their environment. As a Computer Scientists you can expect to have the technical knowledge, skills and background to design, create and support many types of computer systems. A typical career could be as a Systems Developer, Technical Support Engineer or Embedded Software Specialist. Recognising the importance of employability, enterprise and entrepreneurship within a global context, the award aims to embed the facilitation of your attainment of the Staffordshire Graduate attributes and the assessment of that attainment as an important element of the award. The quality of the student experience underpins the success of all aspects of the award, and so the award aims to provide you with an enriching experience that will support and facilitate your personal, academic and professional development throughout your period of study with us. Thus laying a solid foundation for you to continue your development on a life long basis. The following bullet points summarise the range of aims for this award. To produce Computer Science graduates who are fitted to undertake employment in industry, commerce or public service as computing professionals, or, for those with suitable degree classification, to undertake programmes of further study or research in appropriate institutions. To produce Computer Science graduates who are experts in the entire development lifecycle, and who have the theoretical and practical skills to develop robust, large-scale systems that are engineered solutions to real world problems. To produce Computer Science graduates who have proficiency in a range of programming languages and system design methods and techniques, and who can apply their skills in all areas of the computing industry. To produce Computer Science graduates who are immediately suitable for job titles such as Systems Developer, Technical Support Engineer, and Embedded Software Specialist. To provide a course of study in Computer Science that is up-to-date, appropriate, and facilitated by well-qualified staff. To provide an enriching experience for the student that supports and facilitates personal, academic and professional development throughout the programme, laying a foundation for life-long continuing development. To provide a sound general education in Computing that also enhances the student s general education, including transferable skills To enable each student to achieve the highest award within his or her overall ability. To give a practical emphasis with theoretical underpinning to each student s studies. On sandwich awards only, to enable each student, by means of a one-year period of supervised work in an industrial, commercial or public service setting, 2

to gain relevant experience in the computing profession, and as far as possible gainfully to exploit that experience during Level 6 studies. To embed within the programme the inculcation and assessment of attributes and ethos of the Staffordshire Graduate, and to produce Computer Science graduates who exemplify these qualities. (see: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/why_staffs/staffordshire_graduate) What is distinctive about this programme? This award has been developed to allow those students that have an interest in the more technical aspects of computing. Whilst it contains a large amount of studies surrounding the hardware and programming of computers it also includes an appropriate amount of study the covers professionalism and the important characteristics that make up The Staffordshire Graduate. The Staffordshire Graduate The attributes that are associated with the concept of the Stafford Graduate represent a set of qualities that the University passionately believes are necessary for success in the 21 st century. As a Staffordshire Graduate, you will be a critical and reflective learner with a global perspective and prepared to contribute in the world of work. Our drive within this award has always been to produce graduates who are confident, knowledgeable and practically orientated in the field to compete within a global sphere. As a Staffordshire Graduate, you will be well equipped to join industry and to further your knowledge through the use of life long learning or to continue your studies within academia as a Post Graduate student. We have endeavoured to ensure that the modules you will study will prepare you well for whichever route you choose to take at the end of the award. The academic knowledge which your will acquire during your award will be at the leading edge of Computer Science which will enable you to confidently work within a large range of situations. You will gain confidence in a variety of communication skills such that you will be able to present a wide range of information succinctly in a manner suitable for the audience. Whilst the Computer Science award is available with or without a placement opportunity, the University recognises and strongly recommends that every student choose the sandwich version as we have found that students that undertake a placement will enhance the attributes of a Staffordshire Graduate and help when you decide to either seek employment or continue your studies. 3

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES Level 6 At the end of your studies you should be able to: Knowledge & Understanding Demonstrate a systematic understanding of computing concepts and principles, building on those covered at Certificate and Intermediate Level, showing the acquisition of coherent and detailed knowledge, at least some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of computer science research and development, in particular: techniques for the design and implementation of complex hardware and software systems, including real-time systems Learning Develop lines of argument and evaluate possible approaches, tools, techniques, platforms and solutions based on knowledge of underlying computing concepts and principles, while understanding the uncertainty, ambiguity and limitations of this knowledge Enquiry Initiate and carry out projects within computing Ethically gather information pertaining to computing problems, possible solutions, and the success of these solutions, from existing or potential users and/or organisations using software engineering techniques Find, critically evaluate, manage, apply, and understand information from a range of sources, acknowledging the cultural, ethical, economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information. Analysis Critically discuss current research in Computer Science, and evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete) to draw conclusions Problem Solving Develop appropriate questions and strategies to achieve a safe, reliable, effective and user-friendly solution (or identify a range of solutions) to a computing-based problem Plan and carry out a large and complex computing project which may involve computing hardware, system software, communication and interfaces Communication Communicate ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and nonspecialist audiences in a variety of forms Write a structured formal report using appropriate referencing, and techniques for documentation. Application Apply computing concepts, principles and techniques, including those at the forefront of Computer Science knowledge, in the process of creating complex hardware and software systems. Reflection Building on the understanding of professional and self-development issues 4

gained at Certificate and Intermediate Level, work in a professional manner, recognising the legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology, being guided by the adoption of appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices. 5

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, MODULES AND CREDITS Semester 1 Semester 2 CESCOM10075-4 Hardware & Computer Systems* (30 Credits) CESCOM10077-4 Introduction to Analysis and Design* (30 Credits) CESCOM10083-4 Introduction to Software Development (30 Credits) CESENG20086-4 Maths for Computing (15 Credits) Award Option (15 Credits) *This module explicitly focuses on significant elements required for the achievement of the STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES. Below is a list of possible options that you may choose, please select one as soon as possible during Welcome Week and complete the Module Registration form that you will find within your Information Pack. If you need some help with your choice, please do not hesitate to speak to the Award Leader for advice. Award Options Semester 2 CESCOM10070-4 Dynamic Data Interchange CESCOM10082-4 Introduction to Security Technologies CESCOM10084-4 Introduction to Virtualisation CESCOM10095-4 Social Media for Business 6

Semester 1 Semester 2 CESCOM10100-5 Advanced Programming Languages for Computer Systems. (30 Credits) CESCOM10131-5 Professional Computing.* (30 Credits) CESCOM10214-5 Systems Programming with C++ (30 Credits) Award Option (30 Credits) *This module explicitly focuses on significant elements required for the achievement of the STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES. Below you will find a list of possible options from which you can choose one as your Award Option for. When choosing your options, you must make reference to the Module Descriptors as some modules will have prerequisites 1 and others may list disqualified combinations 2. Before making a choice, it is recommended that you consider the option possibilities at Level 6 as those available at L6 may influence your L5 choice. Again, as when you were choosing your option, if you need any advice, please do not hesitate to ask the Award Leader. Award Options CESCOM10229-5 Biometrics CESCOM10103-5 Building Web Applications CESCOM10109-5 Engineering Software Applications CESCOM10110-5 Enterprise Software Applications CESCOM10114-5 Further Maths and Algorithms CESCOM10117-5 Good Practice in the Workplace CESCOM10128-5 Networking Fundamentals CESCOM10129-5 OO Application Engineering CESCOM10134-5 Project & Risk Management Soft & Agile Methods CESCOM10139-5 Virtual Computing CESCOM10141-5 Web and Mobile Application Development 1 This is where you must have studied and passed a lower level module in order to qualify to take a higher level module 2 This may occur if two modules have too many similarities. 7

Level 6 Semester 1 Semester 2 CESCOM10157-6 Final Year Project* (45 Credits) Award Option (15 Credits) CESCOM10173-6 Real Time and Safety Critical Systems* (30 Credits) CESCOM10164-6 Interface and Distributed Computing Techniques (30 Credits) *This module explicitly focuses on significant elements required for the achievement of the STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES. Below is a list of possible options that you may choose, please select one. You will normally be asked to select your option during the second semester of the academic year before you start Level 6 (during your Placement if you are following a the sandwich version of the award. As before, you will need to consult the Module Descriptors to ensure that you can meet the entry requirements. If you need some help with your choice, please do not hesitate to speak to the Award Leader for advice. Level 6 Award Options Semester 1 CESCOM10245-6 Further Biometrics* CESCOM10152-6 Emerging Technologies Research* 8

HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED? Teaching and Learning We use a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies and these will differ from module to module depending on the module subject. Generally, there will be a number of lectures and practicals (lab based sessions, usually in the Octagon building) and/or tutorials (theory based sessions, usually in the Beacon building). You will also be involved in presentations and seminars and will be expected to carry out selfdirected learning. The sandwich (placement) year allows you to apply and extend your skills in industry. Some of your assignments will require specialist software. Details will be available from the module leader, but generally, the specialist labs in the Octagon are available in the evenings and at weekends although times and opening arrangements vary. The Nelson library offers 24-hour access but some specialist software may not be available in the library. To find out which software is available in which labs please check: http://www.fcet.staffs.ac.uk/current_students/labs.htm Whilst you are studying the Computer Science award you will be experiencing a number of learning and teaching strategies that will include, but not be limited to: Formal Lectures These are normally held within one of the University s lecture theatres where a member of the academic staff will present one of more topics within a particular module. As a student, you will be expected to attend these lectures, make notes and then review the material after the lecture. Tutorials During these sessions, you can expect to experience a number of different learning and teaching strategies being used that could range from a series of discussion to paper exercises. In all cases the material will be relevant to the module and often supporting the topics covered in earlier lectures. Practical laboratory sessions These will be held within one of the many laboratories that we have within the University. The actual work carried out will be dependent upon each module and, as with tutorial sessions, will often be based upon topics covered within lectures. In most cases, you can expect that the work will be programming exercises that have been developed to help you understand aspects of the language or development environment being covered by the module. Directed Study Here, lecturers and tutors may direct you go undertake independent or group work that is both relevant to the module and the assessment that is part of the module. 9

It may be that you are required to undertake some research etc. that will be used in a following lecture or tutorial. You may often find that you are required to carry out this work outside of the module s normal contact time as part of your Self-Managed time (see below). Self-Managed Study This is the time that you can use to continue the module s work in your own time, be it writing up lecture notes, preparing for lectures / tutorials / practical sessions or just reading around the various topics that are included within the modules that make up your award. You will also use this time for revision, if you have test and / or examinations as well as working on any coursework that you have been given. This list is non exhaustive. Virtual Learning Environment Faculty policy is that all modules have a presence on the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment. The minimum content for each presence consists of the module handbook and links to the module specification and other background material. Many modules also use Blackboard as a repository for lecture slides, tutorial sheets, supplementary materials, assignment specifications, and sample examinations. The Blackboard assessment facility is used for both formative (practice) assessment and summative (actual) assessment, and as a means of recording assessment results and giving feedback to you. Assessment You can expect to experience a selection of the following assessment methods: Individual coursework assignments Group work assignments Individual presentations Group presentations Demonstrations (e.g. of a piece of code that you have written) Written reports Laboratory log books In class tests End of module examinations As above, this list is non exhaustive. 10

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Entry Requirements (including IELTS score) What qualifications would I need to join this programme? The entry requirements for the award are normally: Individually assessed on qualifications, skills and experience. However, a typical three A level or BTEC National Diploma offer will be 260 UCAS tariff points, plus a GCSE Maths at Grade C or above. Overseas applicants will also be asked to provide evidence that they are competent to study at this level in terms of English language usage if English is not their first language. At least IELTS 6.0 or equivalent is required. Disability Statement Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses_and_study/disabled_students/index.jsp AWARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION The following award specific regulations apply: Industrial placement The industrial placement normally requires the completion of 48 weeks in relevant supervised work experience taken between level 5 and level 6. However, exceptionally for placements in School environments (where the nature of the employment precludes the completion of 48 weeks), the completion of 36 weeks is acceptable. Normally if you are enrolled on a sandwich award, you must pass the sandwich year to progress to level 6. However, in exceptional circumstances the completion of the industrial placement may be deferred until after the completion of level 6. Where this occurs you will still be required to pass an industrial placement before you can be awarded a sandwich degree. If you fail the industrial placement period, you will only be allowed one further attempt. The referral attempt must normally occur within 18 months. Failure at the referral attempt will mean that you cannot further progress on a sandwich award. You would have to transfer onto an appropriate non-sandwich full-time award in order to continue. The placement period is not compensatable. 11

To be eligible for the award of an Honours degree with a sandwich, you must pass the industrial placement period. Transfer between a sandwich award and a non-sandwich award You may opt to transfer from a non-sandwich award to an appropriate sandwich award at any time. You may transfer from a sandwich version of your award to a non-sandwich version, at any time up until the end of week 2 of the first teaching block of level 5. However, after week 2 of the first teaching block of level 5, the transfer is only permitted if one or more of the following criteria are met, 1) you are unable, for valid reasons e.g. extenuating circumstances, to undertake or complete an industrial placement; 2) having attempted the industrial placement, you have failed it; 3) you have BOTH been unable to secure a placement 12 months after the start of level 5, AND have a portfolio of evidence that shows that you have made a bona fide attempt to obtain a placement. The decision as to whether the portfolio of evidence shows that you have made a bona fide attempt is at the discretion of the Academic Placements tutor. Further information about the award can be found in the relevant Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes information about optional modules, learning outcomes at levels below honours, student support, and academic regulations. =================================== 12

THE STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21 st century. The Staffordshire Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world of work. The table below indicates where, within your award, these characteristics are addressed: Within the table, a number of attributes will be assessed as part of the student s placement (if they choose the sandwich route). There placement assessment is carried out jointly by the employer and visiting academic. AWARD TITLE: BSc Computer Science Characteristic Work-ready and employable Award Module(s) including level and Method of Assessment number of credits The subject discipline of this award focuses on the development of knowledge and skills that are directly relevant to employment within the computing industry. Thus most subject specific modules across the award contribute to the development of subject discipline specific knowledge and skills that support employability. The modules identified below are those modules that focus on the development of generic and transferable knowledge and skills that prepare you for employment and a future career. Introduction to Analysis and Design The student will be required to produce both a useful artefact as well as a supporting document. The module will also consider the importance of time management This module will include the production of CVs, both team and individual working, management of teams, self management, interview concepts and techniques. 13

Level 6 Project As part of the Computing Project the students will demonstrate their ability to work on a large and complex piece of work where they will have to balance a wide set of priorities in order to be successful. Understanding of enterprise and entrepreneurship Understanding of global issues and their place in the global economy Within this award, the students will experience a wide range of technologies and issues that are associated with enterprise and entrepreneurship as most of the aspects of computing have been generated by entrepreneurship driving the development of enterprise systems and organisations. Thus students opting to follow the sandwich version of the award will also have the benefit of seeking a placement opportunity within a company / organisation that utilises such systems and attitudes. Introduction to Analysis and Design Level 6 Project Within this module the students will be introduced to the concepts and terminology associated with this attribute. The students will also be introduced to relevant examples from industry that they will utilise within the module s assessment. The students will consider a range of strategies that are relevant to this attribute and will reflect upon them as part of the modules assessment. The students will be required to reflect upon the range of aspects within their project and consider how each may be utilised to assist with entrepreneurial development etc. As the very nature of computing now encompasses the whole globe, the students will naturally encounter many issues that have global impact. 14

Communication skills Also, those students that opt to follow the sandwich version of the award will have the opportunity to seek a placement within a company / organisation that works within a global environment and needs to consider the global economy and issues that are relevant. Hardware and Computer Systems and Introduction to Analysis and Design Level 6 Real Time and Safety Critical Systems Within the first module the students will be introduced to the concept of cloud computing and how it may be necessary to include global issues when utilising the features that it offers. Within the second module, the students will be introduced to the concepts of interface design and how global issues can affect its development. Within this module the students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of these concepts by the production of a report based upon research into appropriate and inappropriate attempts to address globalisation issues (ideally from outside of computing as this will encourage students to look beyond their chosen field). The students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of this concept by drawing upon the examples considered at Levels 4 & 5 and to develop a globalisation strategy that is relevant to HCI issues associated with Real Time and Safety Critical system applications. Those students that opt to follow the sandwich version of this award will gain valuable experience of the importance of good communication skills within the workplace whilst 15

they are employed during their placement year. The students will be introduced to (and Introduction to Analysis and Design required to demonstrate) basic academic report as well as 1:1 and small team presentation skills. L4 Hardware & Computer Systems This module includes aspects of effective (30 Credits) Level 6 Project Presentation skills Introduction to Analysis and Design communication and academic writing The students will be required to demonstrate detailed report writing skills and correct / appropriate use of appendices within both individual and team based assessments. They will also be assessed in their ability to verbalise topics covered within the module to a small audience and to respond adequately to questions that follow the presentation. The student will be assessed on their ability to produce a large and complex report as relevant documentation for their chosen project. They will also be assessed on their ability to verbalise complex scenarios and respond to searching and challenging questions. The students will be required to demonstrate their ability to produce and present a given topic that utilises a standard presentation tool such as PowerPoint The student will be assessed in their ability to utilise the advanced features available within a presentation package 16

The ability to interact confidently with colleagues Level 6 Project (such as PowerPoint) such that any features used enhance the overall presentation rather than to impair it. Alternatively, the students will be able to demonstrate their ability to present a suitable topic without the use of a presentation package. The student will be assessed on their ability to select an appropriate mode of presentation and to use it effectively to present large and / or complex concepts effectively. Students that opt to follow the sandwich version of this award will, as part of their placement, have an opportunity to develop and demonstrate their abilities when communicating with work colleagues. Introduction to Analysis and Design Level 6 either... Emerging Technologies and Concepts or Further Biometrics The students will be assessed by use of a assessment that requires team work which will include effective interaction with other students in order to complete and submit a worthy piece of work. The students will be introduced to and assessed on their use of intermediate team working techniques such as per review and the use of a defined team structure and management techniques. The students will be assessed on their ability to work on a complex assignment where it is essential that they cooperate with each other in order to achieve a valued result. They will be required to include advanced team management techniques. 17

Independence of thought Introduction to Analysis and Design Skills of teamworking Level 6 Project Within the module s assessment, the students will be required to consider a common issue within computing and to offer an outline solution. Within this module that students will be required to consider a contemporary issue within the field of computing and be assessed on their ability to produce a critical evaluation. As part of their individual project, the students will be assessed on their ability to consider a large and complex problem and then to produce a solution. They will also be assessed on their ability to produce a reflective critical analysis that has been produced independently of other students. Students opting to follow the sandwich route will have an opportunity to experience and develop this attribute whilst employed during their placement year. The students will be assessed on their Introduction to Analysis and Design ability to produce a solution to a team Level 6 either... Emerging Technologies and Concepts or Further Biometrics based assessment. The students will, within the module s assessment, demonstrate their abilities to understand the dynamics associated with team working and techniques available to assist its management. The assessments will require that the students are able to utilise the dynamics of team working when producing and presenting complex concepts with critical reflection that lead to recommendations. 18

Ability to carry out inquiry-based learning and critical analysis Skills of problem solving and creation of opportunities Introduction to Analysis and Design Level 6 Project Introduction to Analysis and Design Level 6 Project This module will include a requirement that the students reports should conclude with a section that critically reviews the development process that they have used to produce the required artefact. The students will be required to demonstrate use of enquiry based learning to review and present given topics. As part of their chosen project, the students will be required to demonstrate their ability to the discovery and use of complex analysis, modelling and development tools / environments in order to complete their project. They will also be required to produce a critical reflection of their use. The students will be required to demonstrate their ability to understand a basic problem and to develop an acceptable solution. As part of the overall assessment strategy, the students will be required to demonstrate their ability to accept an intermediate problem and to develop a acceptable solution with an explanation of the technique that they employed. The whole nature of the Final Year Project is that the student will be assessed on their ability to demonstrate that they are able to accept a large and complex undertaking and to develop an acceptable 19

Technologically, digitally and information literate solution together with a reflective critical review / evaluation. They will also be required to demonstrate that they are able to identify and verbalise potential opportunities that their solution may offer if it were extended / enhanced / modified. This award is an award within the subject area of computing and thus involves the use of technology and digital systems at an advanced level throughout the award. It thus covers the requirements for technical and digital literacy. The following modules address areas of development of information literacy within the award. Introduction to Analysis and Design Level 6 Project Within this module the students will be using computer technology in order to successfully complete the module assessments. Within this module the students, in addition to L4, will be utilising the technology and packages for research, presentations etc. The students will be utilising computer technology to execute most of the elements within the project: including research; analysis; modelling; implementation; testing; evaluation and presentations. In order to successfully complete their chosen project, the students will also have to demonstrate an understanding of the potential limitations that the various aspects of computer technology may impose. 20

Able to apply Staffordshire Graduate attributes to a range of life experiences to facilitate life-long learning Level 6 Project This attribute will not be formally assessed during thought there will be opportunities within a variety of modules to encourage the students to consider the concepts in readiness for Levels 5 & 6 The module will include assessments where the student will be able to demonstrate their understanding an introduction to the concepts and their ability to utilise basic reflective practises to guide future learning and development. The students will be expected to include a section within the project report and final presentation where they will demonstrate their ability to reflect critically on both their project and there learning experience at University. How they have maximised the potentials offered and how they might continue their studies at a post graduate / professional level. They will also reflect upon their project such that they will be able to verbalise how its potential may be realised should the development continue. 21