Computer Science MSci (Hons) DPS

What you'll study

Excited to learn more? For a taster of what you can expect to study on this course, take a sneak preview of some of the modules you may have the opportunity to study below.

The information below reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. Please see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Final year

Areas studied include software engineering, computer systems, databases, algorithms, programming in a variety of languages, embedded systems, mathematics and logic.

Semester 1

Logic Core

Logic

The aim of this module is to provide the student with the fundamental notions of logic and discrete mathematics that are used in computer science.

Software Engineering 1 Core

Software Engineering 1

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the basic concepts, principles and skills for modern Software Engineering.

Introduction to Programming Core

Introduction to Programming

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to fundamental programming concepts and techniques.

Mathematics for Computer Science Core

Mathematics for Computer Science

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the main mathematical concepts most frequently used in Computer Science.

Computer Systems Core

Computer Systems

The aim of this module is to provide an insight into the functioning of a modern computer. By being aware of both the potential and limitations of such systems, this module aims to develop a student's confidence and competence in their analysis and use of computer systems.

Functional Programming Core

Functional Programming

The aim of this module is to to present the basic concepts and techniques of functional programming.

Semester 2

Introduction to Algorithms Core

Introduction to Algorithms

The aims of this module are to: establish a fundamental understanding of the design and analysis of algorithms and their importance in Computer Science and to introduce several important data structures; give an appreciation of how algorithms can be designed and analysed which will aid deeper understanding of later Computer Science modules.

Web Programming Core

Web Programming

The aim of this module is to introduce students to up-to-date concepts and techniques of modern web programming languages and associated technologies in web application development.

Databases Core

Databases

The aim of this module is to give students a thorough understanding of Entity Relationship Analysis and relational database design and use.

Embedded Systems Programming Core

Embedded Systems Programming

The aims of this module are to provide students with knowledge of embedded systems and relevant skills for programming them.

Object-Oriented Programming Core

Object-Oriented Programming

The aims are for students to acquire: essential skills on object oriented programming principles; skills in programming with an object oriented programming language (e.g. Java)

Areas studied include computer graphics, mobile application development, AI methods, networks, operating systems and team projects.

Semester 1

Formal Languages and Theory of Computation Core

Formal Languages and Theory of Computation

This module aims to prepare students for research careers and work in the software development industries by providing insights into the mathematical theory of formal languages - i.e. sets of sequences of symbols.

It is the primary goal of the module to develop a student's knowledge of various concepts of defining formal languages, and to raise awareness of their relation to a range of fields of application, such as data mining, programming languages and natural language processing.

In addition, the module shall explain the intrinsic connection of formal language theory to the mathematical foundations of computer science, thus deepening a student's understanding of the nature of computation.

Computer Graphics Core

Computer Graphics

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the basic concepts, principles and skills for modern Computer Graphics.

Software Engineering 2 Core

Software Engineering 2

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the advanced concepts, principles and skills for modern Software Engineering.

Operating Systems, Networks and the Internet 1 Core

Operating Systems, Networks and the Internet 1

An introduction to fundamental principles of operating systems, networks and the Internet relevant to a career in the I.T. industries or associated areas

Semester 2

Formal Specification Core

Formal Specification

The aim of this module is to present the reasons for and kinds of formal specification and the concepts and notation of a relational model-oriented approach.

Mobile Application Development Core

Mobile Application Development

The aim of this module is to introduce the essentials and some advanced topics in mobile application development using mainly an open source platform.

Professional Issues in Computing Core

Professional Issues in Computing

The aims of this module are to understand and manage the ethical dilemmas, legal and technical requirements of professional work relating to computing.

Operating Systems, Networks and the Internet 2 Core

Operating Systems, Networks and the Internet 2

An introduction to in-depth knowledge of operating systems, networks, the Internet and explore general networking technology.

Semester 1 & 2

AI Methods Core

AI Methods

The aim of this module is to provide the student with a set of techniques used to develop AI systems in both theory and practice.

Team Projects Core

Team Projects

The main aim of this module is to contribute to the development of the student's skills (subject specific and transferable) through the undertaking of group projects. Subsidiary aims will be to further the education of the student in a range of areas through the use of self-guided learning and to familiarise the student with the professional constraints and benefits of working in a small team and to strict deadlines.

Areas studied include optional specialised subjects from a wide range of choices, and a computer science project.

Semester 1

Robotics Optional

Robotics

The aims of this module are to provide students with the relevant concepts of robotics from the AI perspective and the skills for developing learning systems that apply to robotics.

Agent-Based Systems Optional

Agent-Based Systems

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the notion of an agent, and lead them to an understanding of what an agent is, how they can be constructed, and how agents can be made to cooperate effectively with one another to solve problems.

Algorithm Analysis Optional

Algorithm Analysis

The aims of this module are to enable students to analyse the amount of resources needed to solve a given computational problem and to compare the efficiency of different algorithms for that problem. The design of algorithms for solving a variety of computational problems will be studied. Techniques for proving statements about the complexity of computational problems are also explored.

Knowledge-based Decision Support Optional

Knowledge-based Decision Support

The aims of this module are to provide students with the basic concepts of knowledge-based systems and an awareness of the problems faced by developers of KBS applications.

Human-Computer Interaction Optional

Human-Computer Interaction

The aim of this module is for students to gain a working knowledge and practical experience of the design and evaluation of human-computer interfaces for interactive products and systems in order to create a good user experience. It also aims to give students knowledge of design issues in different application areas.

Cryptography and Network Security Optional

Cryptography and Network Security

The aim of this module is to introduce the students to the main cryptographic techniques in use today as well as their application to various areas of network security.

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Optional

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The aims of this module are to present a range of issues on entrepreneurship related to the development of novel designs and technical innovation; to present a range of topics on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as these companies are an important channel for the diffusion of novel designs and technical innovation; and to develop relevant transferable skills.

Business Systems Optional

Business Systems

The aims of this module are to develop an appreciation of the use of IT based Management Information Systems and Decision Support Systems in business contexts, particularly in management planning, decision-making and control.

Semester 2

Mobile Application Development Optional

Mobile Application Development

The aim of this module is to introduce the essentials and some advanced topics in mobile application development using mainly an open source platform.

Enterprise Resource Planning Systems Optional

Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

The aims of this module are to: introduce students to the need for enterprise-wide information systems; introduce students to the underlying principles behind enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems; provide students with experience of using a leading ERP system (the system used will be SAP-ERP).

Advanced Artificial Intelligence Systems Optional

Advanced Artificial Intelligence Systems

The aim of this module is to cover the main algorithms in advanced Artificial Intelligence, intended as those that recently have seen considerable impact in science, technology, and applications. The module will introduce specific methods and their algorithmic features and implementations, linking those methods to the particular problems that can be solved.

Data Mining Optional

Data Mining

This module aims to introduce the students to data mining techniques and tools so that they can use that knowledge to identify patterns in data. The module will prepare the students for using such techniques in practical applications.

Advance Networking Optional

Advance Networking

This module further strengthens a student's knowledge and abilities through the use of practical network hardware.

Computer Vision Optional