Advanced Computer Systems: Global Computing and Media Technology

Overview

The Advanced Computer Systems is an intensive, full-time programme. The duration of study is 12 months, beginning in September. The programme is divided into two semesters of taught units and a dissertation period.

The past few years have seen the emergence of visual computing from a topic which relied upon expensive equipment, such as a flight simulator, to one that is able to use simple personal computers as its work platform. This fact has been accompanied by an explosion of new technology and its application in visual computing.

The integration of computers, communications and electronics is now being realised. Their use will profoundly affect the way in which we learn, work and use our leisure time. Distance learning, home employment, remote manufacturing, home entertainment, and the media industry are but a few of the opportunities offered by the information superhighway and its multimedia infrastructure.

This programme introduces students to the most important aspects of sourcing, presenting and managing digital media information. Graduates will be equipped for a wide range of employment in computing, business and the entertainment industry.

Programme Structure

All students follow two core double modules, one in the autumn semester and one in the spring: Formal Methods and Programming (Semester 1) and Research Project Preparation (Semester 2). Students also follow a series of modules specific to the theme on which they are enrolled. There are no option modules.

Semester 1

• Formal Methods and Programming (Core Unit)
• Networking
• Internet Technology
• Intelligent Agents

Semester 2

• Research Project Preparation (Core Unit)
• Digital Media
• Collaborative Systems
• Entrepreneurship

Summer

• Dissertation Project

Teaching and Learning Methods

Students will be exposed to a variety of teaching and learning methods which may include lectures, tutorials, seminars, problem classes and project work. This is an advanced programme and it is expected that students devote a significant amount of time to self-directed learning.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used including coursework, research project proposals, written examinations and the dissertation.

Dissertation

Each student will undertake a project and dissertation from June to September. The second semester unit, Research Project Preparation provides the grounding for the dissertation project and allows students to select and research their chosen project area. The dissertation period starts after the Semester 2 examinations and students are expected to meet regularly with their project supervisor throughout the summer.

The dissertation project will be related to the theme that the student is studying. In most cases the project will be a synthesis of both an analytical and a computational approach to solving, or investigating a substantial computer science problem. However, projects will vary in style; some may be more experimentally-based, others may be purely theoretical. It is expected that several projects will involve external collaboration, as has been the case in previous years.