Computer Systems Engineering BEng/MEng

Course content

What will you study on the BEng/MEng Computer Systems Engineering?

The course will focus on the design of systems and services such as the use of cloud computing technology for data storage and distribution, or the provision of new forms of server farms that enable effective, secure and reliable global communications. In Year 2, you will have the opportunity to put what you've learned to practical use with an exciting work experience placement.

Core modules such as engineering software development and computer networks are covered in this course extensively. Throughout the course you will build your confidence to develop and implement modern technologies relevant to electronic products and systems.

BEng Modules

Year 1

Computer Networks (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module will provide you with the basic skills needed to succeed in networking related degree programs and will also help you develop the skills necessary to fulfil the job responsibilities of network technicians, network administrators, and network engineers. It provides a theoretically-rich, hands-on introduction to networking and the Internet.

Computer Systems Architecture and Operating Systems (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module will provide you with the fundamental concepts and principles of computer hardware and operating systems needed to explain the structure and operation of modern computers. You will gain an understanding of how the computer’s hardware enables it to function as a networked, multi-media machine. You will focus on understanding concepts, theory and associated terminology, and 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 computer architecture. The development of a range of transferable skills with respect to communicating and demonstrating relevant knowledge will be encouraged and supported throughout.

Fundamentals of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module will provide you 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 you are suitably equipped with the theoretical underpinnings needed for the proper understanding of subsequent course modules.

Programming for Data Communication and Problem Solving (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module introduces fundamental computational concepts and programming constructs relevant to the 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 audio-visual 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.

Year 2

Engineering Software Development (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module will 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. It will also address the principal technical and non-technical issues involved in designing and creating computer –based systems which 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.

Digital System Design (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module introduces the digital systems design using concepts and abstractions central to the development of computing systems. You will also be introduced to VHDL (hardware description language), in which the designs can be implemented and tested. Development often requires knowledge and understanding of digital logic building blocks, hardware description language (VHDL), and development tools, like those used in the industry.

Protocols and Network Performance Simulation (30 credits) - Compulsory

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate detailed understanding on a range of mathematical and data communications concepts, rules and engineering principles needed to analyse and model the behaviour of networks and the design of network protocols including those of the TCP/IP suite, Mobile-IP and custom network protocols. You will be able to describe in depth the purpose, structure and role of contemporary operating systems and their support for network communication. You will have a detailed understanding of the software concepts, methods, and principles required in the construction of sequential and concurrent network client-servers, using a range of protocols. Finally, you will be able to apply a range of analytical tools and techniques for assessing operational characteristics and quality aspects of network protocols and network performance evaluation.

Research Methodology and Professional Project Development (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module will enable you to gain knowledge of professional project management in the context of your degree and likely future profession. You will be able to use this knowledge by participating in a ‘real world’ group project which will be relevant to your level of study. It will focus on all aspects of professional practise including project management. In addition, you will study ethical, legal, regulatory, organisational and business issues to further your employability within the computer and communications fields.

Sandwich Year

Supervised Industrial Placement (120 credits) - Optional

This module will provide a minimum of nine months (39 weeks) and a maximum of 12 months (52 weeks) experience in a relevant work placement. The specific aims of this module are to enable you to experience a technical employment role in a real work setting and apply theoretical knowledge to the solution of practical problems. You will build your skills to assess practical problems effectively and provide well-grounded solutions. You will also develop and enhance your professional qualities to work in a management structure, team and communication skills as well as the maturity to perform well in your final year.

Year 3

Individual Project (30 credits) - Compulsory

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 investigate 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.

Internet Scale Applications and Development (30 credits) - Compulsory

The main aims of this module are to provide you with an understanding of the software, hardware and network principles underlying large-scale Internet applications and commercial websites, such as Freenet, Bitcoin and Google. You will gain knowledge and understanding of the performance and architectural requirements of systems that provide globally accessible Internet-based services including data storage and multimedia communications. You will also learn how to develop a range of Internet applications using Java technology.

Real-time Systems (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module will 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. 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.

Embedded Linux System and Application Development (30 credits) - Compulsory

Embedded Linux system is the under-hood engine of today’s mobile phones and many other consumer electronics. This module will provide you the essential knowledge and skills of hardware and software design of an embedded Linux system.

MEng Modules

Year 1

Computer Networks (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module will provide you with the basic skills needed to succeed in networking related degree programs and will also help you develop the skills necessary to fulfil the job responsibilities of network technicians, network administrators, and network engineers. It provides a theoretically-rich, hands-on introduction to networking and the Internet.

Computer Systems Architecture and Operating Systems (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module will provide you with the fundamental concepts and principles of computer hardware and operating systems needed to explain the structure and operation of modern computers. You will gain an understanding of how the computer’s hardware enables it to function as a networked, multi-media machine. You will focus on understanding concepts, theory and associated terminology, and 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 computer architecture. The development of a range of transferable skills with respect to communicating and demonstrating relevant knowledge will be encouraged and supported throughout.

Fundamentals of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module will provide you 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 you are suitably equipped with the theoretical underpinnings needed for the proper understanding of subsequent course modules.

Programming for Data Communication and Problem Solving (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module introduces fundamental computational concepts and programming constructs relevant to the 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 audio-visual 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.

Year 2

Engineering Software Development (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module will 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. It will also address the principal technical and non-technical issues involved in designing and creating computer –based systems which 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.

Digital System Design (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module introduces the digital systems design using concepts and abstractions central to the development of computing systems. You will also be introduced to VHDL (hardware description language), in which the designs can be implemented and tested. Development often requires knowledge and understanding of digital logic building blocks, hardware description language (VHDL), and development tools, like those used in the industry.

Protocols and Network Performance Simulation (30 credits) - Compulsory

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to demonstrate detailed understanding on a range of mathematical and data communications concepts, rules and engineering principles needed to analyse and model the behaviour of networks and the design of network protocols including those of the TCP/IP suite, Mobile-IP and custom network protocols. You will be able to describe in depth the purpose, structure and role of contemporary operating systems and their support for network communication. You will have a detailed understanding of the software concepts, methods, and principles required in the construction of sequential and concurrent network client-servers, using a range of protocols. Finally, you will be able to apply a range of analytical tools and techniques for assessing operational characteristics and quality aspects of network protocols and network performance evaluation.

Research Methodology and Professional Project Development (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module will enable you to gain knowledge of professional project management in the context of your degree and likely future profession. You will be able to use this knowledge by participating in a ‘real world’ group project which will be relevant to your level of study. It will focus on all aspects of professional practise including project management. In addition, you will study ethical, legal, regulatory, organisational and business issues to further your employability within the computer and communications fields.

Sandwich Year

Supervised Industrial Placement (120 credits) - Optional

This module will provide a minimum of nine months (39 weeks) and a maximum of 12 months (52 weeks) experience in a relevant work placement. The specific aims of this module are to enable you to experience a technical employment role in a real work setting and apply theoretical knowledge to the solution of practical problems. You will build your skills to assess practical problems effectively and provide well-grounded solutions. You will also develop and enhance your professional qualities to work in a management structure, team and communication skills as well as the maturity to perform well in your final year.

Year 3

Individual Project (30 credits) - Compulsory