Computer Systems and Networks BEng (Hons)

Modules

Methods of assessment for course overall: 44% coursework

• Engineering mathematics
  This module consolidates the mathematical skills that underpin the BEng engineering degrees. It is specifically designed to cater for wide differences in mathematical backgrounds, as well as to prepare you for the Advanced Engineering Mathematics and Modelling module taken in the 2nd year.
• Principles of computer engineering
  This module consists of two separate parts. The first part covers the essential principles of analogue and digital electrical and electronic circuits. The module will also cover underlying magnetic and electrical properties, and looks at power supplies, power requirements and transformers. Much of the work will be workshop-based and you will explore industry case studies. The second part of this module deals with computer databases.
• Introduction to data communication & networks
  This module is designed to give you an initial foundation of computer systems and understanding of how computers are used in a networked environment. This includes data communication and computer networking technologies as well as computer structure and the internet. You'll develop the basics of data communications and networking in general and the protocols used.
• Engineering Principles
  This module will give you the understanding of the basic principles of Electrical Engineering systems, and develop your knowledge on the analytical and practical concepts involved in design and operation.
• Engineering Computing
  This is an introductory unit, which addresses the engineering formation as well as programming knowledge and skills. You'll explore the role and importance of software and computers in Engineering.
• Design and practice
  The module covers the following material: Design activities, team work, creative problem solving, project management, sustainable development principles, personal development planning, report writing communication, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), employability and transferable skills. It is also a work-based module for part-time students, utilising the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to provide supporting teaching material and assessments.

• Operating systems and multimedia
  This module aims to provide an understanding of the operation of computing devices and their operating systems including their role in resource management and systems operation. You'll become familiar with the application of computer systems and multimedia technologies as well as with the challenges facing engineers in providing operating systems support for multimedia engineering applications.
• Introduction to communication systems and networks L5
  This module is intended to give you an introduction to data communications and computer networking. The topics covered mainly focus on the OSI model for the basic communication and networks, especially the 4 bottom layers: i.e. Physical layer, Data-link layer, Network layer and Transport layer. You'll gain comprehensive understanding in terms of overall connection of these layers and the importance of each layer and their specific functions.
• Engineering software C++
  This module introduces the syntaxes and programming skills of computer language C++ and OOP (Object Oriented Programming).
• Computer networks
  This Module concentrates on teaching s the material that a networking engineer should know before proceeding with network infrastructure design. It begins with the seven-layer network reference model (OSI) and the network architectural concept. You'll follow a systematic approach to explore networks from data link layer to application layer. It covers the general background to technologies for local and wide-area networks. The most important parts of this module fall into the network layer and transportation layer, and you'll examine TCP/IP in detail. You'll study network performance and security, which are essential considerations in terms of network design.
• Team design project
  This module helps to prepare you for your future role as a professional engineer in a number of ways. It includes detailed study of project planning techniques, including network techniques, with preparation for the your individual projects; an overview of the business functions which interact with engineering. The module also introduces policies, directives and best practice for managing engineering projects and processes including: an introduction to recruitment, retention and equal opportunities in employment, published Standards in engineering, the BSI website to access national and international standards, an introduction to statistics and their use in managing engineering processes, an introduction to Quality Management, with particular reference to the ISO 9000 series, an introduction to European Directives and harmonised standards. The module also develops experience writing technical business reports, including the importance of acknowledging published sources and the use of formal methods for doing so.

• Innovation and enterprise
  This is a practical module and you'll have the opportunity to develop some appropriate ideas of your own in such a way that they become practical, profitable propositions. You'll practice ways of finding ideas, testing those ideas and developing them, and will write your own business strategies, risk assessments and scenario testing so that you can demonstrate the commercial viability of your ideas. One of the assignments will require you to work in a groups to adopt a concept and develop it to commercially viability. This might be a product or a service (such as consultancy or contract management). You'll study intellectual property, market research, market placement, advertising, finance and project management.
• Systems and software engineering
  This module provides formal study of software engineering and its application in the broader engineering fields, especially electro-mechanical, electronic and building services engineering.
• Network technologies and design
  This module will provide you with a broad understanding of enterprise network technologies and teach you how to design enterprise networks.
• Advanced computer engineering
  You'll learn to evaluate a range of system architectures with particular relevance to maximising system performance. You'll develop a knowledge of the structure and function of modern system components and their integration and study current and future developments in computer systems.
• Project
  This module covers the planning, execution, review and reporting on piece of practical project work demonstrating in-depth technical understanding and knowledge of a chosen technical subject, as well as competence in personal planning and management skills.