BSc (Hons) Computer Science with Foundation Year

This module is designed to provide students with an understanding of fundamental computing concepts and allow them to use these effectively and efficiently.  The module will allow you to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for both completing your degree and succeeding at your chosen field of work. It is designed to be both easy to follow for students with little or no knowledge of the computing concepts to be covered but also to provide additional benefits for students that already have previous experience in the field of computing. The topics that are covered include Logic and Boolean algebra, Truth tables, Computer Architecture,  Number Systems , Command line management of a computer,  Data processing, Digital Communications , Computer Security and Databases.

This module will enable you to develop skills in the creation of interactive 3D applications and environments. Interactive 3D is the ability to interact and connect with the 3D digital content and worlds in the same way as the real world. For example, architects can visualise and walkthrough their building designs, doctors can practise surgery, we can see and customise products we are buying, and instructors can simulate a home and educate people about cybersecurity risks within the home. We are now in a world where interactive 3D content is the norm. We all need some understanding of this technology as workers, creators, and customers. We are going to explore the technology that powers interactive 3D content (i.e., games technology) and the skills that are important for the creation of interactive 3D experiences. Through the exploration of interactive 3D applications, you will also develop the academic skills needed to successfully study in higher education. This includes literature searching, academic writing, critical analysis, referencing and working in groups.

This module focuses on how modern software applications are built and structured, with an emphasis on understanding how different layers of hardware and software exchange data over the web via HTTP services. You will also be introduced to database concepts and technologies. You will learn to apply them to the development of modern software applications.

This module provides you with an introduction to an industry standard object-oriented programming language (e.g., Java, C#, or C++). The module will give you an introduction to fundamental programming in an oriented programming language and an understanding of object-oriented programming, common data structures and algorithms.

In this module you will be introduced to the fundamental principles common to modern programming languages so that you are well prepared to learn to write programs in a variety of languages. Principles include: problem solving, algorithm design and construction (sequence, selection, iteration, object and activity diagrams), variables, data types, assignment operators, logic, the fundamentals of object orientation (objects and classes, attributes and methods, encapsulation), programming pragmatics (style, testing, debugging), and simple data structures (arrays and lists).

This module integrates the subject material studied in other level 4 and 5 modules and gives students experience of developing a software artefact in a team. Working effectively as part of a team is a key skill in the modern world of software development and IT. You will learn about team roles, collaboration techniques, software development techniques, project management tools and techniques, documentation, the commercial and economic context of development and information security.

A full stack developer is a person who develops both front end and back-end software. This module introduces you to a range of tools and techniques for full stack web development. The lecture material covers the technologies involved in the production and support of secure, dynamic websites using a server-side scripting language and a database. They also code the design and implementation of a front-end interface. During workshop sessions, you have the opportunity to practice lecture-taught material to develop your own website.

This module introduces students to the core principles of object-oriented design and programming, using industry methods and techniques to model, analyse, design, and develop software solutions. Students will build upon foundational programming knowledge to explore advanced concepts, such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism, through the lens of the Java programming language. Key industry-standard methodologies, including version control, testing, and software documentation, will be explored. A special focus will be placed on integrating modelling practices, to design system architectures and visualize object-oriented structures effectively. Additionally, students will address security considerations in software design to ensure robust and resilient systems.

This module explores a range of cloud technologies and culminates in a system being developed for and deployed to cloud infrastructure.

This is a technically orientated module where you will learn the principles of a modern networked environment, and how this extends to the internet. It is a practical orientated view of networks with many opportunities to set up and configure typical network equipment such as switches and routers as used in real networks.

This module provides an overview of various tools, techniques and applications of artificial intelligence. Through a series of lectures and workshops students will have the opportunity to examine the technologies and implement a practical software AI solution.  The student's portfolio will also offer the chance to research current innovations in the subject and understand why AI is considered to be a disruptive technology.

This module looks at different data processing and mining techniques and state-of-the-art data processing and mining tools. The topics include: introduction to data mining and knowledge discovery process, data collection and processing with various data types from variety of sources, social web mining. You will look at a variety of techniques and trends in data mining.

Learn how to create games and interactive applications/experiences using an industry standard programming language, game engine and formal development process. You will develop skills in topics, such as (indicative list): games/app programming, input, physics and animation systems in a game engine, artificial intelligence (AI) for games/apps, mathematics for games/apps and interactive game/app design.

In this module you will start by looking at the Professional issues related to working in the Computing and IT industry. You will consider professional conduct and the social, legal and ethical implications related to the profession – in-line with BCS guidelines. In the first semester you will also start to consider the subject of your final year project. Following discussions with staff members you will produce a project proposal document and start a literature review on your chosen topic. You will be assigned a project supervisor who will meet with you at regular intervals to provide you with feedback on your work as it progresses. In your second semester you will continue to work individually on the main part of your final year project with regular meetings with your supervisor. This supervisor plus another member of staff will assess your project.

This module builds on your full-stack development journey from the second year by providing an in depth understanding of full-stack web application development and emphasises the importance of architectural patterns and Service Oriented Architectures in full-stack Web Development. It also takes a look at current and emerging full-stack web development technologies.

This module builds on your games and interactive application development journey from the second year by providing an in depth understanding of more sophisticated game and interactive application development topics and related technologies. You will develop skills in topics, such as (indicative list): artificial intelligence (AI) for games/apps, multiplayer games/apps, mobile games/apps, mathematics for games/apps and games/app programming.

This module focuses students on the current and emerging area of artificial intelligence and machine learning in both domestic and commercial life. Areas covered vary on research interests, but may include Robotics, Digital Entertainment and Industries, such as Automotive and Supply chain. Students will be able to focus on a portfolio of work in their chosen course area supported by lectures and supporting tutorials.

This module builds on High Performance Computing and Database modules to provide understanding and knowledge of the essential concepts, theories and practices of Big Data. This will include Distributed System, latest advances and techniques in processing and managing big data.

Intelligent systems are advanced computer system that use artificial intelligence (AI) to perceive and respond to the world around them. The aim of intelligent systems is to automate intelligent behaviours that traditionally only human beings have been able to perform. Intelligent systems can take many forms, such as autonomous vacuum cleaners, robot delivery drones and personalized suggestions on web sites. They can fill many roles in society, such as factory automation, medical care, education, recognition, and transportation. This module provides you with an understanding of intelligent system theory and concepts and an awareness of the issues involved in creating intelligent systems. You will also have the opportunity to develop intelligent systems.

This module focuses on the design, implementation, and testing of applications for mobile environments. It gives you a good understanding of the issues, tools, techniques, and technologies involved. It also gives you approaches to handling these issues, and the skills necessary in developing for contemporary mobile computing platforms. The module also provides an awareness of the security issues involved when developing mobile applications.

The module aims to prepare you for a career in software development by first equipping you with theory and knowledge of Software Engineering and coupling it with practical application of current techniques. The first part of the module aims to mimic a task similar to that faced by many software engineers in their first job. The task involves the maintenance and extension of a legacy system and includes reverse engineering, automated regression testing and the application of refactoring and design patterns. The second part of the module aims to make you aware of emerging techniques and technologies. Two topics that are of current interest will be focussed and may vary over different runs of the module. Example topic areas include Domain Specific Languages, Quantum Computing, Static Code Analysis.