Computing

Overview

Computer Science is a multi-disciplined area that has advanced with extraordinary speed over the past few years. The Department of Computer Science has a strong commitment to participate in these advances in computing by forming partnerships with industry and other universities.

Our teams of internationally-leading researchers contribute their knowledge directly to our degrees. Our degrees provide students with the up-to-date knowledge and skills required in today's workplace.

The MComp (Hons) Computing programme reflects a systems view of Computer Science. Grounded in an understanding of its architectures, models and methodologies, it provides a strong theoretical foundation, and builds this into the practice of Computer Science so that theory and practice are fully integrated in the understanding and creation of computer systems. The programme leads into advanced and emerging areas of Computer Science, encouraging students to apply foundational work to the experimental.

Programme Structure

We have introduced an innovative second year group project, in which you and a team of fellow students will work across the boundaries of your lecture courses to design a complete system. In the final year you will work on a major individual project, chosen by you to suit your particular interests.

Outline

Year 1, Year Long Units

• Systems Engineering 1

Year 1, Semester 1

• Programming 1A
• Discrete mathematics for computation
• Systems Architecture 1

Year 1, Semester 2

• Programming 1B
• Analytic mathematics for applications
• Systems Architecture 2

Year 2, Year Long Units

• Programming II
• Systems Development 1
• Interaction 1

Year 2, Semester 1

• Foundations of Computation 1
• Fundamentals of Computer Graphics

Year 2, Semester 2

• Foundations of Computation 2
• Fundamentals of Pattern Analysis

Year 3

• Study year abroad - A year of taught Computer Science study within a European University approved by the Department of Computer Science.

OR

• Industrial placement - A paid period of industrial experience within a computing-related industry placement approved by the Department of Computer Science.

Stream 1: Human computer interaction / Media technology

Year 4, Year Long Units

• Triple Module Project

Year 4, Semester 1

Mandatory Units

• Networking
• Safety-critical computer systems

Optional Units (2 units)

• Music & digital signal processing
• Advanced Compilers
• Intelligent Agents

Year 4, Semester 2

Mandatory Units

• Advanced Algorithms and Complexity
• Advanced human computer interaction

Optional Units (1 unit)

• Logic & its applications
• Advanced computer graphics

Year 5, Year Long Units

• Research project

Year 5, Semester 1

Mandatory Units

• Creativity and IT

Year 5, Semester 2

Mandatory Units

• Entrepreneurship

Optional Units (1 unit)

• Collaborative systems
• Digital media

Stream 2: Mathematical logic, symbolic computation, agents and artificial intelligence

Year 4, Year Long Units

• Triple Module Project

Year 4, Semester 1

Mandatory Units

• Computer Algebra
• E-Commerce and Agents

Optional Units (2 units)

• Networking
• Music & Digital Signal Processing
• Advanced Compilers

Year 4, Semester 2

Mandatory Units

• Logic and its applications
• Advanced Algorithms and Complexity

Optional Units (1 unit)

• Cryptography
• Computer vision

Year 5, Year Long Units

• Research project

Year 5, Semester 1

Mandatory Units

• Mathematical logic and symbolic computation

Year 5, Semester 2

Mandatory Units

• Entrepreneurship
• Agents and artificial intelligence

Teaching and Learning

A variety of learning and teaching support is provided for our courses including lectures, personal tutorials, example classes, supervised laboratory sessions, work-based learning and project work.

Project work is particularly useful for developing employability skills such as the ability to work independently and to plan, design, document and implement large software projects. You will also develop team working, organisation and management skills.

Each student is allocated a personal tutor where one-to-one academic support is given to help students with their learning throughout the duration of their course.

The Department operates a student mentor scheme where students from year 2 offer support and guidance to new first year students.

Support for distance learning is provided through Moodle - an on-line, remote e-learning environment.

Methods of Assessment

Most courses are assessed by a combination of examination and coursework. Examinations are held at the end of each semester in which the course is studied.

Dedication

4 years, full-time with sandwich placement/study abroad year.

Objectives

• To provide a stimulating and supportive environment which encourages students to be creatively and critically receptive and responsive to new ideas and to develop towards their full academic potential.
• To provide a strong conceptual and theoretical understanding that will enable students to evaluate, adapt, create and utilise appropriate methods, theories and techniques in the face of changing technology.
• To develop in students the ability to evaluate, select and apply appropriate models, methods and technologies in the comprehension, manipulation and development of complex computer-based systems.
• To expose students to established and emerging theories, methods and techniques and challenging problems that take them towards the edge of current knowledge.
• To develop critical, analytical and interpersonal skills that prepares students to become active professionals and contribute to the intellectual life of society.

The 'industrial placement' route includes the following additional aims:

• To provide practical experience in an industrial or commercial environment applying knowledge and skills gained within their studies.
• To develop personal skills, including communication skills (oral and written), planning and time management, problem solving and analytical skills, decision-making skills, and have gained confidence in their own ability to appraise new information critically and operate as a part of a team.
• To have acquired an understanding of the general structure of an organisation and of the contribution of an individual to the aims and objectives of an organisation.

The `study year abroad' route includes the following additional aims:

• To develop in students the ability to work effectively in a culture different from that of the U.K.
• Where appropriate, to develop the ability to operate at a scientific level in a second language.

Entry Requirements

A-levels

Typical Offer: AAB

Essential: A level Mathematics is required for all programmes. General Studies is excluded.

International Baccalaureate

Typical Offer: 36 points, to include Mathematics at higher level 6.

European Baccalaureate

Typical Offer: 80% overall.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Typical Offer: AAAABB at Higher level which must include Mathematics.

Scottish Highers

Typical Offer: AAABB, to include AA at Advanced Higher level which must include Mathematics.

Welsh Baccalaureate

Typical Offer: Core, plus AA at A level which must include Mathematics.

BTEC

• DDD
• Preferably, with an A grade at GCSE Mathematics.

Diplomas

• Advanced Diploma in IT or Advanced Diploma in Engineering: grade A.
• Extended Project: grade A.
• Additional and specialist learning must include A level Mathematics at grade A.

International Students

We accept a wide range of non-UK qualifications.

English Language Qualifications: We would normally require all applicants whose first language is not English to provide evidence of English language proficiency and we may ask you to take an English language test. The minimum requirement for Computer Science programmes is: IELTS 6.5.