BEng Honours Computer Systems Engineering

Students will study core modules such as computer networks, fundamentals of STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics), data communications, digital communications and systems, software engineering, internet scale and real time systems development.

The course will focus on the design of systems and services such as the use of cloud computing technology for data storage and distribution, that enable effective, secure and reliable global communications. Students will have the opportunity to put what you have learned to practical use and make valuable industry contacts. Throughout the course they will build confidence to develop and implement modern technologies relevant to electronic products and systems.

Module and programme information is indicative and may be subject to change.

Note: Both core and optional modules are constantly updated and under review. As with most academic programmes, please remember that it is possible that a module may not be offered in any particular year, for instance because too few students opt for it. Middlesex University reserves the right to vary or withdraw any course or module.

• Year 1
  • Programming for Data Communication and Problem Solving (30 Credits) - Compulsory This module introduces fundamental computational concepts and programming constructs relevant to understanding and use of a range of widely used programming languages. The main aim is to provide you with the opportunity to learn to program effectively. This takes place in the context of learning to solve a range of problems arising in the context of the processing, storing and transmitting data. You will understand the role of a basic but important range of data structures and types, and their use. Several data structures of interest within CCE will be considered, for example those to represent RTP packets and associated operations on these in order that audiovisual data can be sent using transport protocols such as the UDP protocol. The concept of an algorithm is introduced early on together with the techniques for program implementation. You will be encouraged and supported in undertaking - both individually and within a small group setting - a variety of laboratory-based problem solving tasks.
  • Fundamentals of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (30 Credits) - Compulsory The overall aim of the module is to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for the theoretical understanding of inter-communicating computer systems. This is achieved through the study of relevant general mathematical and scientific principles. These principles are applied to illustrate the operation of hardware components such as logic gates, processors, controllers and data storage devices; communication channels and network concepts. The module ensures that students are suitably equipped with the theoretical underpinnings needed for the proper understanding of subsequent course modules.
  • Computer Networks (30 Credits) - Compulsory This module provides students with the basic skills needed to succeed in networking-related degree programs and also helps students develop the skills necessary to fulfil the job responsibilities of network technicians, network administrators, and network engineers. It provides a theoreticallyrich, hands-on introduction to networking and the Internet. The primary focus of this module is on learning the fundamentals of networking and on routing and routing protocols. The student will learn both the practical and conceptual skills that build the foundation for understanding basic networking. The student will gain an understanding of the layered approach to networks and examine the OSI and TCP/IP layers in detail to understand their functions and services. The student will become familiar with the various network devices, network addressing schemes and the types of media used to carry data across the network. The student will develop an understanding of how a router learns about remote networks and determines the best path to those networks. This module includes both static routing and dynamic routing protocols. The student will gain a better understanding of each of the individual routing protocols and a better perspective of routing in general, learning the configuration of routing protocols, developing an understanding of the routing concepts, implementing, verifying, and troubleshooting routing operations.
  • Computer Systems Architecture and Operating Systems (30 Credits) - Compulsory The aim of this module is to provide students with fundamental concepts and principles of computer hardware and operating systems in order to explain the structure and operation of modern computers. By taking this module, students will gain an understanding of how the computer s hardware enables it to function as a networked, multi-media machine. The module will focus on the understanding of concepts, theory and associated terminology. Practical hands-on laboratory experiments will be used to illustrate the application of theory and concepts. Consideration will also be given to likely future developments in the area of computer architecture. The development of a range of transferable skills with respect to communicating and demonstrating relevant knowledge will be encouraged and supported throughout.
• Year 2
  • Digital Systems Design (30 Credits) - Compulsory
  • Research Methodology and Professional Project Management (30 Credits) - Compulsory The aim of this module is to enable the students to gain knowledge of professional project management in the context of their degree and likely future profession. It will enable them to use this knowledge by participating in a real world group project which is relevant for their level of study. It will focus on all aspects of professional practise including project management. In addition the students will study ethical, legal, regulatory, organisational and business issues in order to further the student s employability within the computer and communications fields.
  • Protocols and Network Performance Modelling (30 Credits) - Compulsory
  • Engineering Software Development (30 Credits) - Compulsory The overall aims of this module are twofold: firstly, to provide you with an understanding of the use of one or more types of programming language appropriate for developing the software element within engineering applications. Secondly, to address the principal technical and non-technical issues involved in designing and creating computer based systems which involve typically involve communication between hardware and software components to realise an application that satisfying specific sets of requirements and constraints. The module intends to provide an opportunity for developing a range of practical skills needed within each stage of a system s development. Recognised system development methodologies are introduced, with a focus on the practical and conceptual activities required to move from initial design to the development of tested software systems. The module addresses the discipline of computer system development, including development processes, life-cycle models, quality issues, requirements analysis, design techniques, testing, and computer systems project management.
• Year 3
  • Real-time Systems (30 Credits) - Compulsory This module aims to introduce you to the design and creation of computer based systems having distinctive software and hardware components and whose overall operation is subject to potentially stringent real-time operational behaviour. Examples of such systems range from the removal of packet-delay jitter to determining for audio-visual playout or high-speed compression/decompression mechanisms in the context of IP-based streaming for outside broadcast, to systems implementing collision detection or avoidance algorithms, projectile tracking and real-time response sub-systems. The principles underpinning of real-time hardware and software are addressed and deployed. The focus is on structured design principles and techniques that yield, cost-effective, ad hoc and testable systems whose development typically involves the integration of custom hardware, software or hardware interfaces, IP devices or peripherals, one or more processors, and software. A real time system can be viewed as a collection of interconnected components that meets exacting timing requirements. This module adopts a systems level approach to analysis or design of complex systems having a digital core.
  • Internet Scale Applications and Development (30 Credits) - Compulsory The main aims of this module are to provide an understanding of the software, hardware and network principles underlying high-performance software-server construction, to evaluate the performance and function of a range of P2P systems, and to gain knowledge and understanding of the performance and architectural requirements of systems that provide globally accessible Internetbased services including data storage and multimedia communications. Finally, you will learn how to develop a range of high-performance servers and clients and evaluate their performance within general Internet, Cloud and other environments. You will be able to identify a range of critical design principles required to develop scalable Internet applications and analytical tools and methods for understanding the structure and operation of a range of server and P2P-based systems, appreciate the requirements of modern processor and network infrastructure and be able to apply your understanding to such systems as DNS, Akamai, Amazon, Google, GFS, BigTable, Chubby and AppEngine.
  • Individual Project (30 Credits) - Compulsory Aims This module provides you with the opportunity of choosing and working on a project that reflects your interests and aims and outcomes of your programme. It should constitute a practical problem-solving project relevant to current network or communication technology. The primary aim of the module is to consolidate and deepen your understanding of material taught on your programme, to exercise professional judgement, to undertake individual research and to conduct an investigation and/or develop a product, process or application relevant to the focus of your programme. It provides you with the opportunity of engaging in significant system development, the typical output of which represents the solution of a problem akin to those that you as a fledgling professional practitioner are likely to encounter in future employment. The module intends that your choice of individual project will provide you with a significant opportunity to reflect on your learning progress and to develop your learning for life-long and career development.
  • Embedded Linux System and Application Development (30 Credits) - Compulsory

    This module takes a comprehensive look at embedded systems using the Linux kernel. It attempts to cover the hardware, system software and applications for Embedded Systems. The course therefore covers a large number of topics and students are required to be proactive and take the initiative in terms about finding out more about this rapidly expanding field.

    On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to: Build and evaluation an Operating System for Embedded Systems; Develop a list of requirements, software and hardware to build an Embedded System; Design software that allows an embedded system to interface to a Computer System; Write applications that can make use of Embedded Systems.

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