s PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION Final PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION Course summary Final award Intermediate award Course status Awarding body Faculty School Location of study/ campus Partner institution(s) BSc(Hons) Software Engineering / BSc Computing CertHE Computing, DipHE Computing Validated University of Brighton Faculty of Science and Engineering Computing Engineering and Mathematics Moulsecoomb Name of institution Host department Course status 1. SELECT 2. 3. Admissions Admissions agency Entry requirements Include any progression opportunities into the course. UCAS Applicable for 2013 entry. Check the University's website for 2014 entry requirements. 300 UCAS points (BBB) The UCAS tariff may be obtained by a variety of U.K. level 3 or international qualifications equivalat to three GCE at Advance level. In addition to the required UCAS tariff all candidates must have GCSE passes or its equivalant including Maths and English at grade C or above. Start date (mmm-yy) Normally September Preference is given to students who can demonstrate, e.g. through their personal statement on the UCAS application, an informed interest in studying software engineering. Direct entry to level 5 or 6 for FdSc/FdA graduates is possible if candidates meet the Computing division's conditions for direct entry (see Appendix A), the prerequisites for studying the modules at the entry level, and have graduated from a course with comparable learning outcomes to this award Entry to degree programme for FdSc/FdA graduates is detailed in appendix A Sep-12 Page 1 of 16
Mode of study Mode of study Duration of study (standard) Maximum registration period Full-time 3 years Select 8 Years Part-time Other: 6 Years Select 8 Years Sandwich 4 years Select 8 Years Distance Select N/A Select N/A Course codes/categories UCAS code G600 Contacts Course Leader (or Course Development Leader) Admissions Tutor Gulden Uchyigiti Gulden Uchyigit and Assessment External Examiner(s) Board(s) (AEB/CEB) Name Place of work Date tenure expires Dr. Paul Hanna University of Ulster 2015 AEB / CEB Approval and review Approval date Review date Validation May 2003 1 May 2009 2 Programme Specification September 2012 3 September 2013 4 Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 1 (if applicable): Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 2 (if applicable): Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 3 (if applicable): BCS N/A 5 1 Date of original validation. 2 Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years). 3 Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved (normally September). 4 Date programme specification will be reviewed (normally approval date + 1 year). If programme specification is applicable to a particular cohort, please state here. 5 Date of most recent review by accrediting/ approving external body. Page 2 of 16
PART 2: COURSE DETAILS AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES Aims The aims of the course are: To develop Software Engineer professionals who have a broad range of knowledge from a mixture of computer science and software Engineering specialism. To enable students to develop the abilities expected of any graduate, including being able to: o o o Think logically and imaginatively Carry out research effectively using a range of methods and sources Communicate clearly in both spoken and written English through different media, including digital communication technologies. To instil a professionalism characterized by: o the competent practice of appropriate professional skills o an understanding of the theories and models that underpin the application of those skills o the identification of appropriate technologies and methods necessary to design, develop and deliver products and services, related to the current Software Engineering technologies that satisfy client needs. o an understanding of the context, including the ethical and legal imperatives, in which professional activities are undertaken. To produce graduates with: Knowledge and expertise in Software Engineering technologies. With in-depth understanding of the underlying principles which enables them to adapt their skills to future demands. Learning outcomes The outcomes of the main award provide information about how the primary aims are demonstrated by students following the course. These are mapped to external reference points where appropriate 6. Level 4/ CertHE Knowledge And understanding Level 4/CertHE Intellectual Skills: Level 4/CertHE Professional and practical skills: Level 4/CertHE Transferable skills: Level 5 & 6 / Intellectual Skills 1. Structure of software 2. Databases data types and structures, 3. Software components of computer systems 4. professional, legal and ethical issues 5. Hardware Systems Architecture 6. human-computer interaction and usability 7. Mathematical concepts 8. Problem analysis and problem solving 9. Evaluation 10. Research 11. Software Development 12. Data analysis, database design/ implementation 13. System modelling 14. Web page Construction 15. Hardware analysis 16. Information gathering 17. written and oral presentations 18. Working in and managing groups. 19. Problem Solving 20. Systems analysis 21. (Hardware/software). 22. Research ability 6 Please refer to Course Development and Review Handbook or QAA website for details. Page 3 of 16
Level 5 & 6 /Transferable Skills Level 5 & 6 /Knowledge & understanding QAA subject benchmark statement (where applicable) 7 23. System design proposal 24. Expert knowledge 25. Hardware/ software analysis of systems 26. Design and implementation of systems 27. System evaluation & testing 28. Information gathering 29. Research methods 30. Team working 31. Project management 32. Databases 33. Artificial intelligence 34. Project Planning & implementation 35. Software design and implementation 36. Formal specifications 37. Implementing projects. 38. Communication technology 39. Computer networks 40. Interactive systems The QAA benchmark for computing, 2007 - http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/statements/computi ng07.pdf PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODIES (where applicable) Where a course is accredited by a PSRB, full details of how the course meets external requirements, and what students are required to undertake, are included. Currently seeking accreditation by the British Computer Society (BCS) LEARNING AND TEACHING Learning and teaching methods This section sets out the primary learning and teaching methods, including total learning hours and any specific requirements in terms of practical/ clinical-based learning. The indicative list of learning and teaching methods includes information on the proportion of the course delivered by each method and details where a particular method relates to a particular element of the course. The information included in this section complements that found in the Key Information Set (KIS), with the programme specification providing further information about the learning and teaching methods used on the course. Learning and teaching strategy and methods Full-time students normally study 60 CATS points each semester. The standard model of weekly teaching for a module is a one hour lecture outlining the scope of the subject and a one hour tutorial or practical class. Some modules are taught in two hours of studio classes, combining formal teaching with demonstrations and practice. Other modules are undertaken through mainly independent learning, directed through occasional lectures, tutorials and crits. Students learn independently during the academic year, through guided activities such as reading, practical skills development and completion of assessed coursework. For each module, they are expected to spend on average five hours per week on independent study. Learning and teaching method Levels 4 and 5 % of student effort per module/per semester 7 Please refer to the QAA website for details. Page 4 of 16
Lectures 13 Tutorial, seminar or practical lab-class 13 Independent study 74 Level 6 Lectures 8.5 Tutorial, seminar or practical lab-class 8.5 Independent work on individual project 33 Independent study 50 At level 4, in semester 1, module CI164 is taught through small group tutorials (6-10 students) facilitated by the students personal tutor. Students are supported through the induction process for the course, acquire the study skills necessary for succeeding as an undergraduate and practice professional skills relevant to their award. At level 6, the individual project accounts for 40 CATS points. Students work independently and are supported by a supervisor who they meet regularly to discuss issues relating to their project. The project enables students to extend and deepen their knowledge and skills within the field of their award and to practice the self management of a major intellectual and practical challenge. Work-based learning The optional placement for full-time students is undertaken between Levels 5 and 6 and normally lasts around 48 weeks. Part-time students do not normally take the placement. Module CI282 is used to assess the placement year: the assessment includes reflection on the placement and how it has helped the student to develop professionally. E-Learning All modules require the use of computer-mediated communication and digital management of content, by both students and staff. Extensive use is made of studentcentral, the university s Managed Learning Environment (MLE) for delivery of learning and teaching material and as a communication channel. Online submission and assessment are used where appropriate. In addition, some modules make use of a range of e-learning tools such as websites, social media and blogs, that may be hosted on the computing division s servers. A number of modules, particularly those involving learning web technologies, are supported by online resources and open source software. Students are provided with access to these through the module areas on studentcentral and social bookmarking tools. Professional accreditation This course is seeking accreditation by the British Computer Society (BCS). Faculty sustainable development plan The University of Brighton is committed to the principles of sustainable development. The products of the computing industry are largely intangible, but require material and energy in the form of computers and data networks for their storage and activation. Greater impact on ecological sustainability may be made by the informational content of business computing systems, through their support for increased efficiency in utilisation of natural resources, or conversely by encouraging increased consumption. The University Sustainability Policy s Key Principles are inherent in the topics covered and the teaching approach adopted on this course. Open technologies and standards are used where appropriate; the principles of universal and accessible design are built into the course. The capabilities described in these principles are developed in students i.e. - critical thinking and problem solving - a participatory, value-driven and inter-disciplinary approach - understanding local situations and global implications - action-orientation These are all required attributes for working as a reflective, ethical computing professional. ASSESSMENT Assessment methods This section sets out the summative assessment methods on the course and includes details on where to find further information on the criteria used in assessing coursework. It also provides an assessment Page 5 of 16
matrix which reflects the variety of modes of assessment, and the volume of assessment in the course. The information included in this section complements that found in the Key Information Set (KIS), with the programme specification providing further information about how the course is assessed. All modules conform to the School s current assessment policy as specified in the document titled CEM Assessment Policy. In particular, a variety of assessment methods are used to assess students knowledge and skills. These methods include: s: demonstration of knowledge and analytical skills. Projects: research skills, problem analysis and problem solving, solution building and evaluation. Portfolios: demonstration of the ability to apply knowledge, problem analysis and problem solving, integration of techniques to carry out tasks. Reports: demonstration of analytical and communication skills. Web-pages: as for reports, but also skills in information design and presentation. Presentations: knowledge and communication skills Computer based assessment (particularly in the early programming work): knowledge and problem solving skills Tests (short usually in class, but may for convenience be in the exam periods): knowledge and understanding. The coursework schedules are published at the start of the academic year to ensure that student will be able to plan their time to facilitate the orderly completion of course work. Work-based learning on the optional year in industry is overseen by an academic supervisor who visits the student at their place of work and discusses their progress with a representative of the employer. Supervisors are responsible for around 3 or 4 placement students, enabling them to have a broad view of the roles and tasks carried out by undergraduates in the workplace. The industry year is assessed by module CI282 Placement Learning through evidence of engagement with the acquisition of a placement, including a CV a monthly log documenting work and progress a final report written by the employer a reflective report on the experience and student s professional development, including an updated CV or portfolio of work Assessment matrix Learning outcome Assessment methods Modules Number of credits Level 4/ CertHE Knowledge And understanding 1. Structure of software, portfolio, viva CI101, CI116 40 2. Databases data types and structures, 3. Software components of computer systems Test, examination, portfolio Test, examination, portfolio, D&D, viva, presentation CI101, CI102,CI135 60 CI101, CI102, CI116, CI135, 60 Page 6 of 16
4. professional, legal and ethical issues Blog, report, project, crit, presentation CI135, CI164,CI152 30 5. Hardware Systems Architecture 6. human-computer interaction and usability Portfolio of practical lab activities. Project, crit, portfolio, report, D&D CI1XY,CI143 10 CI116, CI135, CI141,CI143 7. Mathematical concepts Coursework, examination CI107 10 Level 4/CertHE Intellectual Skills: 30 8. Problem analysis and problem solving Coursework and CI101, CI102, CI143, 50 9. Evaluation 10. Research Report, Coursework and CI152, CI164,CI116 Report, Coursework & portfolio. CI152,CI164,CI116 30 30 Level 4/CertHE Professional and practical skills: 11. Software Development Assignment, demonstration of program, Coursework and CI101,CI102,CI116 50 12. Data analysis, database design/ implementation 13. System modelling Portfolio, Coursework demonstration and CI101,CI102, CI116, Coursework and CI102,CI143, CI116 40 50 14. Web page Construction 15. Hardware analysis Level 4/CertHE Transferable skills: Lab based demonstration Viva and projects.. Lab based portfolio, Viva and 16. Information gathering Coursework, reports. CI135 CI116 10 CI152, CI164, CI101,CI102 70 17. written and oral communication Presentation, Coursework, and CI152, CI164, CI116, CI101, CI102 70 18. Working in and managing groups. Group assignments, reports, Presentation. CI164, CI135 30 Level 5 & 6 / Intellectual Skills 19. Problem Solving Project, report, viva CI301 40 20. Systems analysis 21. (Hardware/software). Projects, portfolio and Ci209,CI334,CI227,CI228 60 22. Research ability Reports, presentation, projects. CI222,CI301 60 23. System design proposal Coursework and CI209,CI334,CI228 60 24. Expert knowledge Project, viva, reports and CI334,CI301,CI346 80 Level 5 & 6 /Transferable Skills Page 7 of 16
25. Hardware/ software analysis of systems 26. Design and implementation of systems Lab assignments portfolio, and Coursework and CI209, CI334 20 CI209,CI228,CI227,CI284,CI301 27. System evaluation & testing Coursework and CI301,CI334,CI209 80 28. Information gathering Coursework and CI222 20 29. Research methods Coursework and CI222,CI301 60 30. Team working Group assignments, reports, Presentation. CI228,CI233, CI334 40 31. Project management Reports and Viva CI222, CI301 60 Level 5 & 6 /Knowledge & understanding 32. Databases Projects, Coursework and CI204 20 33. Project Planning & implementation Reports. CI301,CI222 40 34. Software design and implementation Lab assignments, Tests and 90 CI228,CI284 60 35. Formal specifications Coursework and CI231,CI311 20 36. Implementing projects. Coursework, presentation, Report. CI301 40 37. Communication technology Lab activity portfolio, and CI334 20 38. Computer networks Tests, Coursework and CI334 20 39. Interactive systems Coursework and CI304 20 SUPPORT AND INFORMATION Institutional/ University Course-specific Additional support, specifically where courses have nontraditional patterns of delivery (e.g. distance learning and work-based learning) include: All students benefit from: University induction week Student Handbook: the University and you Course Handbook Extensive library facilities Computer pool rooms E-mail address Welfare service Personal tutor for advice and guidance In addition, students on this course benefit from: The school s Student Support and Guidance Tutor, who provides support throughout level 4 and in exceptional circumstances for level 5 and 6 students School, course and module areas on studentcentral The help and guidance of the Faculty Placement Unit in finding an optional paid internship between levels 5 and 6; support from the Placement Unit and an academic supervisor during the year working in industry Watts second floor computer suites with access to hardware and software required for specialised modules Page 8 of 16
PART 3: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS COURSE STRUCTURE This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study and progression points. Course Leaders may choose to include a structure diagram here. The main aim of the course is to produce graduate specialist who are able to create complex software applications or maintain existing software using good engineering practice in different roles in software engineering industries. The ethos of the course is to combine a sound technical foundation in software development technologies underlying the creation of software for systems and user s application for industrial and commercial organisations. These organisation require competence and skills in software production as a prerequisite. LEVEL 4 - students study a broad foundation of computing, computer science and software engineering subjects covering the following areas Programming. Introduction to data bases Introduction to website development Introduction to requirement analysis Human-Computer Interaction Mathematics Computer in context Embedded Architecture & Programming professional, legal and ethical issues academic and professional skills LEVEL 5 students apply their foundation knowledge to more specialised areas of Software Engineering discipline, including - Intelligent systems Project planning and control Object-oriented software design &implementation System components Data Bases II Formal underpinning and specifications User Experience Design LEVEL 6 students progress direct from level 5, or may choose to spend a year on placement in industry (see below). The curriculum in the final year consolidates and deepens the knowledge of students in software engineering discipline by studying specialised modules in software engineering. Students work independently to plan, research and carry out a major project, which strengthens and extends their knowledge and skills in a chosen area. Students also study a further 40 CATS points of elective modules that explore more specialised areas relevant to a career in software engineering. At all levels of the course there are opportunities for students to engage with local or national software engineering firms, either through in-house sessions with visiting speakers, or through extra-curricular meetings and other events taking place in Brighton & Hove. Students who successfully complete the three years of study combine specialist knowledge with a broad competency in relevant technologies are equipped to start a career in software engineering industries working in a variety of roles. Page 9 of 16
Optional industry placement Students are encouraged to spend a year working in industry between levels 5 and 6. The Faculty Placement Unit initiates the process of finding a placement at Placement Day, held during Induction Week for students progressing to level 5 and direct entrants. The Unit supports students throughout the year, helping them to prepare a CV, to find and apply for jobs. Students undertaking the placement year study CI282, through which they can gain 20 CATS points of credit for successfully completing the placement, assessed through coursework in which interns reflect on and document their experiences and professional development. Each student is visited at their workplace by an academic supervisor at least once during the placement year. Subject benchmark statement The Computing Benchmark Statement was used as the input to the design process for the course and informed the review of the course in 2009. The benchmark statement is available at: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/statements/computing07.pdf Page 10 of 16
Modules Status: M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award) C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award) O = Optional (optional modules) Level 8 Code Status Module Credit 4 CI01 C Programming 20 4 CI102 C Introduction to databases 20 4 CI107 C Mathematics 10 4 CI116 C Embedded Architecture and programming 10 4 CI135 C Introduction to website development 20 4 CI141 C Human computer Interaction 10 4 CI143 C Introduction to requirement analysis 10 4 CI152 C Computers in context 10 4 CI164 C Professional & study skills 10 5 CI204 C Databases II 20 5 CI222 C Project planning and control 10 5 CI227 C Web technologies 10 5 CI228 C Object oriented software design & implementation 20 5 CI231 C Formal underpinnings and specifications 20 5 CI233 C Integrated group project 10 5 CI282 O Placement learning 20 5 CI283 C Operating Systems 10 5 CI284 C Data Structures & Algorithms 10 6 CI301 M The individual project 40 6 CI304 O Usability evaluation 20 6 CI315 C Object oriented design & architecture 20 6 CI316 C Verification & validation 10 6 CI312 O Computer graphic algorithm 10 6 CI320 O Intellectual property law & IT 20 6 CI322 O 3 D dynamic modelling 20 6 CI328 O Internet Games design & development 20 6 CI329 O Project management 20 6 CI330 O Data management 20 6 CI334 O Mobile Engineering 20 6 CI341 O Project management 10 6 CI360 O Mobile application development 20 6 CI346 C Programming languages concurrency and client server computing 20 8 All modules have learning outcomes commensurate with the FHEQ levels 0, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. List the level which corresponds with the learning outcomes of each module. Page 11 of 16
B.Sc.(Hons) Software Engineering course structure Normal point of entry LEVEL 4 Semester 1 Semester 2 CI101 Programming CI102 Introduction to data bases CI135 Introduction to website development CI143 Introduction to requirements CI107 Mathematics analysis CI152 Computers in Context CI116 Embedded Architecture & Programming CI164 Professional & study skills CI141 Human computer interaction Progress to LEVEL 5 Possible direct entry from Foundation degree Semester 1 Semester 2 CI204 Databases II CI227 Web Technologies CI228 Object oriented software design & implementation CI231 Formal underpinnings and specifications CI284 Data Structure & algorithms CI283 Operating Systems CI222 Project planning and control CI233 Integrated group project CI282 Placement learning for students doing an optional year working in industry Progress to LEVEL 6 Possible direct entry from Foundation degree Semester 1 Semester 2 CI301 The individual project CI315 Object Oriented design & architecture CI316 Verification & Optional module validation CI346 Programming languages concurrency and client server computing Students choose 30 CATS points of options Page 12 of 16
AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION Award type Award* Title Level Eligibility for award Classification of award Total credits 9 Minimum credits 10 Ratio of marks 11 : Class of award Final BSc Software Engineering (Hons) 6 Total credit 360 Minimum credit at level Levels 5 and 6 (25:75) Honours degree of award 120 Final BSc Computing 6 Total credit 300 Minimum credit at level Select Not applicable of award 60 Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level Select Select of award Select Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level Select Select of award Select Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level Select Select of award Select *Foundation degrees only Progression routes from award: Award classifications Mark/ band % Foundation degree Honours degree Postgraduate 12 degree (excludes PGCE and BM BS) 70% - 100% Distinction First (1) Distinction 60% - 69.99% Merit Upper second (2:1) Merit 50% - 59.99% Lower second (22) Pass Pass 40% - 49.99% Third (3) 9 Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award. 10 Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award. 11 Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g, dissertation) must be in the corresponding class of award. 12 Refers to taught provision: PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters. Page 13 of 16
EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section. The examination and assessment regulations for the course should be in accordance with the University s General and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses (available from staffcentral or studentcentral). Specific regulations which materially affect assessment, progression and award on the course e.g. Where referrals or repeat of modules are not permitted in line with the University s General and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses. Exceptions required by PSRB These require the approval of the Chair of the Academic Board 1. The course regulations are in accordance with the University's General and Assessment Regulations (available from the school office, website or the Registry) and the undergraduate modular framework CEM undergraduate framework 2. Students who meet the University requirements for an ordinary award will be awarded a BSc Computing 3. At level 6 modules may be referred but cannot be repeated or replaced. N/A Document template revised: 2010 Page 14 of 16
APPENDIX A Conditions for direct entry to an honours degree in computing from a foundation degree and an HND 1. Conditions for direct entry to an honours degree in computing from a foundation degree in computing awarded by the University of Brighton and taught at a partner college The table below sets out the conditions for progressing from an FdSc Computing to an honours degree in computing with which the FdSc is aligned, as specified in the Foundation Degree in Computing Programme Specification 2010. Progression from FdSc to level 6 of a linked honours degree in computing Students may opt to do the placement year before progressing to level 6 Progression FdSc to level 6 of a linked honours degree in computing after a bridging course After successful completion of level 5, 240 CATS points Conditions: Pass all modules at the first attempt AND achieve 70% in level 4 AND complete the FdSc with a Project gaining a Distinction, OR Achieve 60% in level 5 with a project gaining a Distinction Entitlement is to transfer to level 6 of the honours degree with which the FdSc is aligned (or to BSc Computing) i.e. FdSc Networked Systems at CCB with BSc Software Engineering FdSc Games Development at SDC with BSc Computer Science (Games) FdSc Internet Systems Architecture at UCH with BSc INET (UCH) FdSc Networking at UCH with BSc Software Engineering FdSc Information Systems at Northbrook with BA Information Systems FdSc Games Design at Northbrook with BSc Digital Media Development After completion of level 5, 240 CATS points Conditions 13 : Undertake a minimum of 40 CATS points of modules as a part-time student, of which 20 CATS may be workplace based in order to fulfil the prerequisites of final year modules Direct entrants may be considered as a placement student if their workplace is approved as suitable and their employer is agreeable (the Faculty Placement Unit s role being limited to approving a placement which has been found directly by the student) Direct entrants may be required to complete the whole level 5 of the chosen degree especially if holding a bare pass at FdSc, or wishing to change to a course to which the FdSc is not aligned. Some students may decide to study the whole of level 5 for financial reasons. If a student entitled to do a limited set of bridging modules opts for full level 5 study they must achieve the full conditions for passing level 5 of their chosen Honours degree to progress to Level 6. The bridging element will consist of modules taken from level 5 of the honours degree to provide students with the extra knowledge required to undertake level 6 of the chosen honours degree. 13 The decision whether to allow a candidate to progress to level 6 after successfully completing a bridging course will be made by the Course Leader of the computing honours degree which the candidate has applied to study. The modules studied as the bridge will also be determined by the Course leader, as will the number of CATS points the candidate is required to pass. Document template revised: 2010 Page 15 of 16
Students who are already in a suitable work environment with a computing role are likely to continue with the bridging year (if necessary), and are expected to choose to study the final year of the Honours degree in a continuing part-time mode. This will take a further two or three years after the award of FdSc. 2. Conditions for direct entry to an honours degree in computing from a foundation degree not awarded by the University of Brighton and an HND Direct entry to level 5 or 6 for FdSc/FdA graduates is possible if candidates meet the conditions for direct entry to a computing honours degree (see above) AND the prerequisites for studying the modules at the chosen entry level AND have graduated from a course with comparable learning outcomes to the chosen honours degree. Applications will be considered on their merits by the Course Leader and candidates may be interviewed before an offer is made. Applications for direct entry to level 5 or 6 from candidates with an HND qualification will be considered by the Course Leader on their merits. Document template revised: 2010 Page 16 of 16