The aim of this module is to equip you with a grounding in the foundations of computing; it underpins many aspects of computer science-related degree programmes. This module aims to provide the skills needed for other modules on computer science-related degree programmes. More specifically, it introduces you through regular lectures and labs to computer systems (devices), computer networks (networks), and ethics in computing.

Firstly, you will gain knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with computing, and be exposed to the theoretical and practical aspects, including data representation, computer components, desktop virtualisation, mobile computing, traditional PCs, cloud services, etc. Moreover, this module will help you develop a sufficiently rich and detailed, generally applicable theoretical and practical knowledge of computer networks and the internet, including networking concepts, techniques and typical networking components. Additionally, this part of the module will cover how to install, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot, backup and maintain client ICT solutions.

Secondly, this module is intended to give you a chance to reflect on the social and professional impact of computer technology in modern society, by focusing on ethical and legal issues faced-by and facilitated-by computing professionals, including those related to professional responsibility and accountability, networking and the internet, intellectual property, privacy, security, reliability, and liability.

Python is an interpreted language with a simple syntax, a rich programming environment, and a powerful set of libraries. The Python programming module has no pre-requisites; it is designed for learners with no prior programming experience and avoids all but the simplest mathematics. Anyone with moderate computer experience should be able to master the materials in this course. As well as covering the basics of how one constructs a program from a series of simple instructions in Python, this module aims to teach you the basics of programming computers using Python.

You will be introduced to fundamental theories and related concepts of the Python programming language; the module will help the learner develop a sufficiently rich and detailed, generally applicable background and hands-on practical knowledge. Learners will solve problems, explore real- world software development challenges, and create practical applications. It aims to prepare you for more advanced programming at level 5.

This module introduces the techniques for data collection, summary and presentation. You will develop an understanding of basic concepts associated with the analysis and interpretation of statistical data within a business and organizational context. The module will allow you to understand the theoretical foundation of data analytics, data analytic processes and techniques. Extensive use will be made of a variety of software, e.g. Minitab, Excel etc. Indicative Content: Descriptive Statistics, Data visualisation, Probability, Normal distribution, Statistical inferences, Sampling, Hypothesis Tests, Descriptive data analytics, predictive data analysis, prescriptive data analytics etc.

This module will also provide you with skills on data analytics and basic quantitative techniques to be able to summarise and present financial data within a business and organisational context. You will be able to apply financial mathematical techniques to simple but real-life scenarios to make decisions. The module will also introduce the formulation, solution and interpretation of linear programming models and cover network models and project management. Extensive use will be made of a variety of software, e.g. Minitab, Excel, The Management Scientist etc. Indicative Content: Mathematical function to solve financial problems. Descriptive data analytics, predictive data analysis, prescriptive data analytics etc. Correlation and Simple linear regression analysis, Linear Programming Problem formulation, Graphical solution and sensitivity analysis, Network models, Project management, PERT/CPM.

This module gives an insight into the many tasks that must be carried out during the analysis and design stages of an information system development project. It provides a practical introduction to the techniques used at different stages of a project. It also illustrates how these tasks fit together within the overall project framework and how they can be managed to ensure that the aims of the project are met.

The intention of this module is to provide you with a practical, integrated overview of the Information Systems (IS) analysis and design, from project selection and inception, through the capture and analysis of user requirements, to the design of a solution that satisfies those requirements. A constrained case study will be used to take the student through the steps of the project lifecycle. The module also introduces relevant theory including- the concept and different types of IS; the impact of IS on people, organisations and society; the systems development lifecycle (SDLC) and the various forms it can take; the nature and purpose of abstraction; typical models created during systems analysis and design; the key documents produced at stages of the SDLC. Information systems depend on their databases to provide information essential for their day-to-day operations. Therefore, an understanding of database tools and technologies is an essential skill for designing and developing systems.

Databases stand as the back-end of most information systems to support the needed functionality of the IS. Database design is a fundamental and highly beneficial skill for you to master. The module lays a foundation of skills and understanding for a number of later modules. It also provides an understanding of the context in which all IS work is undertaken, and thus helps you to develop a coherent view of their future profession.

This module seeks to extend your skill and knowledge of both the selected language and wider program related concepts e.g. object-oriented development, frameworks and APIs.

A common feature of modern software development is the requirement to interact with and use existing libraries and frameworks. You will be exposed to modern frameworks and APIs to build software. In addition, you will be encouraged to use collaborative tools such as GitHub. 

By the end of the module you will be expected to write code that interacts with a pre-existing API/Framework to implement some appropriate business functionality.

Please include learning, teaching and assessment activity hours for the module in this section. The below is an illustrative example for a 15 credit module. 

Lecture: 24 hours 

Practical: 48 hours

Collaborative Activities: 40 hours 

Revision: 40 hours 

Consolidation: 148 hours

Aims to teach key concepts and techniques for designing and evaluating interactive systems to achieve successful human computer interactions.

Designing successful interactive systems involves understanding and applying the key principles of designing usable systems, but also understanding the characteristics of the user populations, the nature of their tasks and environments.

Developing interactive systems involves confronting ethical problems, not least in the need to allow for the requirements and capabilities of users. Testing and evaluating prototypes of interactive systems is a critical part of building systems without major usability problems and achieving a good user experience. For this reason, modern system development methodologies plan usability testing and iterative development of a sequence of prototypes into the development process.

Lecture: 40 hours

Tutorial: 12 hours

Practical: 12 hours

Out-of-class activities: 12 hours

Self-directed study: 176 hours

Assessment: 48 hours

In an emerging digital world, data is essential to all aspects of human life. What is of more importance is how data is efficiently stored, retrieved, and presented in a way that makes sense. using appropriate database management systems (DBMS). This module will take you through the fundamentals of DBMS, shedding light on the two broad categories of DBMS: relational (structured) and non-relational (unstructured) databases. You will understand the business and technical motivations behind the use of specific DBMS for managing information in specific situations.

Whilst unstructured DBMS will be discussed at an introductory level, the module will provide a more detailed understanding of structured DBMS, such as relational DBMS design principles, data modelling using Unified Modelling Language (UML), entity relationship diagrams, and manipulating data using Structured Query Language (SQL). The relational database design may be related to business scenarios. You may also be expected to make modifications to pre-prepared databases through redesign, allowing them to reflect on the implications.

The module will investigate the importance of Information Security in the context of Information Systems. The module will investigate the challenges to application and system developers in relation to the requirement for secure design and implementation. The module is a foundation of security foundations as required in terms of requirements analysis and the design of software. The module will provide a theoretical framework for providing security solutions with reference to secure application development.

This module consolidates and integrates knowledge gained in earlier stages of the BSc (hons) degree. You will work in teams to manage and complete a substantial project for a given scenario. The project integrates the various aspects of software development encountered on the programme (project management, analysis, design, development and testing). To develop your teamworking and project management skills, you will build on knowledge gained from previous modules, engage with programme-specific materials, and work on a more complex and substantial scenario than you have encountered before. The project will also help you to contextualise the material already covered, as well as to investigate new content.

An understanding of application architecture is an important part of the implementation of a wide range of modern technologies, including web, mobile and desktop development. This module will look at the issues surrounding the implementation of appropriate architecture e.g. security and programming considerations. It will take a hands-on approach allowing students to build software that address many of these issues.

For any interactive system, meeting the real needs of its users and providing a good user experience is as essential as its functionality. Designing effective software is not easy, and there is a lot more to it than building systems that perform to spec. This module aims to equip you with the techniques and concepts you need to design applications, not just build them: how to see the big picture – the role the system plays in larger services and in its users’ lives; how to design interfaces for smooth and effective user interaction; how to think about fitting systems to the limitations and performance characteristics of human beings, and design out sources of errors; how to consider the needs and preferences of different types of users; how to specify interaction sequences allowing for different situations; how to communicate information effectively. The other side of the design coin is evaluation – designs are never right first time. This module teaches a range of techniques for prototyping designs and evaluating the usability of interactive systems, so systems can be redesigned and refined to improve usability.

The ability to consider software design from the perspective of the user is crucial for doing full-stack development. In addition, many applied computing graduates will need to interact with clients and users, or with user experience specialists in project teams, and understand their concerns. Others will be involved in software purchasing decisions or the integration of new software into working environments. A few will want to pursue careers specialising in user experience or service design, for whom this module will serve as a taster and a foundation of their future skillsets.

The Final Year Project enables students to undertake an individual project on an approved topic of interest, that addresses significant Computing and Information Systems related problems relevant to the programme of study. The project provides an opportunity for you to integrate many of the threads of your programme of study and to extend your work beyond the taught elements through with research and self-learning.

Lecture: 8 hours

Online interactive workshop: 8 hours

Supervisor meetings: 5 hours

Self-study: 219 hours

Assessment*: 60 hours

The gaps in the socio-economic wellbeing of developed, developing and underdeveloped countries often indicate how they use emerging technologies for solving problems. As Information and Communication Technology (ICT) evolves, it offers a wide range of opportunities for closing these socio-economic gaps, particularly, from a developing country viewpoint. This module will expose you to issues that influence the adoption, implementation, uptake, and sustainability of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) in developing countries.

Lectures: 50 hours

Seminars: 30 hours

Reading: 40 hours

Collaborative: 20 hours

Reflection: 40 hours

Revision: 40 hours

Assessment: 80 hours

There continues to be a growth of databases holding personal and other sensitive information in multiple formats including text, pictures and sound. The scale of data collected, its type and the scale and speed of data exchange have all changed with the advent of ICT. Whilst the potential to breach privacy continues to increase organisations are subjected to a considerable amount of legislation governing privacy and data protection. This module examines the balance between maintaining business effectiveness, legal compliance and professional practice in the field of IT/IS.

The module will:

Address the legal, social and technological aspects of privacy and data protection.

Consider privacy enabling technologies and privacy invasive technologies.

Identify and evaluate the role of the computer professional in providing privacy and data protection.

Lecture: 40 hours

Seminar: 90 hours

Self-directed study: 90 hours

Assessment: 80 hours

This module provides you with further training on the essentials of advanced database management and programming, developing your ability to differentiate between relational databases and non-relational databases.

It develops the skills to choose a suitable database for an application from a business perspective to meet stated requirements using realistic scenarios and the ability to analyse semi-structured data and to choose an appropriate storage structure. It develops skills in database design and data retrieval using a variety of complex data structures and NoSQL programming including aggregation methods.  In addition, the module considers advanced concepts and database theory such as concurrency and recovery, ACID properties, distributed database systems, replication and the CAP theorem. It is important to understand these concepts in order to choose the most appropriate database for an application and to understand the implications. 

Practical: 20 hours

Lecture: 40 hours

Online learning: 60 hours

Reading (suggested reading is part of seminar work): 60 hours

Reflection: 60 hours

Revision: 60 hours

Aims to demonstrate a clear understanding of the theoretical principles and methodological approaches to Artificial Intelligence (AI). It will provide a theoretical perspective to the computational theory and practical experiences of those principles and techniques.

This module will cover the history of AI, basic principles of neural and evolutionary computation, search and problem solving. The techniques used in this module will provide you with a clear understanding of what problems can be solved, or not, with a computer.

Lecture: 40 hours

Online learning: 60 hours

Reading (suggested reading is part of seminar work): 60 hours

Reflection: 60 hours

Revision: 60 hours