Information Systems

Programme of Study

Session 1

Human Computer Interaction - You will learn how to design systems that are easy to use by people. This covers the whole user-centred design process: from finding out what your users are like and analysing user tasks, to evaluating your designs and planning user tests. The course also covers contemporary topics like conversational interfaces, and content-based filtering.

Web Technology - This course will be of interest to anyone who wishes to develop a Web Presence. It will touch on several of the fundamental technologies associated with the Web and will give you the opportunity to build an interactive web site with the knowledge gleaned. In addition to learning the principles associated with good Web Design, and Website Management and Accessibility, some of the technologies covered include XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, DOM, PHP.

Web Application Development - This course introduces you to the core concepts of Object-Oriented Programming, using a scripting language. It is intended for non-specialists who need to gain a basic understanding of what computer programming is all about. The main aims of this course are to introduce the art of writing computer programs to solve problems and carry out tasks using a modern programming language, and to prepare you for further study in computing by giving an appreciation of some relevant programming techniques.

Enterprise Computing and Security - This courses covers Modern Business Computing, and Security for Computing. Businesses need websites to reach their customers, get their supplies, and help them integrate their different parts of the business. Security and protection of privacy are major issues. You will learn to critically evaluate alternative solutions to enterprise problems incorporating security issues.

Session 2

Project in Information Systems - This module will give you the opportunity to bring together the knowledge you have learned in the other courses, and to extend your skills. You will undertake a Software Engineering Project as part of a team under the guidance of member of staff, who plays the role of the "client". You will go through all the stages involved in the software development cycle, and you will need to also be aware of software project management concerns. The project will require creative, analytical and practical skills. It will also give you an opportunity to improve your presentation skills, both written and oral.

Technological, Scientific and Market Research - This course develops independent study skills, helping you to acquire knowledge on methods and techniques relevant to the area of the MSc project. You will learn how to critically analyse existing work and competing offerings in the marketplace. You will also learn how to effectively communicate that knowledge.

Session 3

Introduction to Database Systems - You will learn to design and query databases using MSAccess and MySQL. The course aims to teach the material using case studies from real world applications both in lectures and lab classes. You will learn database connectivity using JDBC and PHP. You will also learn crucial theoretical concepts such as relational algebra, file organisation and indexing. At the end of this course you will be able to design and build web based and standalone database applications.

Systems Analysis and Design - The aim of this course is to provide you with an understanding of the processes associated with Modern Systems Analysis and Design. In the course you will learn to understand what a particular software should do in order to meet customer needs, and to specify its corresponding functionalities in a meaningful and disciplined way. In this way it will introduce you to the tools and techniques available to the analyst/designer and cover the fundamental issues associated with Project Management.

The Electronic Society - This course will look at the big picture of how technology and human society interact and affect each other. You will look at a number of sectors and understand how they have transformed, and the issues they face, for example, eCommerce, eHealth, eGovernment, eLearning, eScience. You will also see that there are some major themes which cut across all sectors and bring many new challenges to society, for example, the laws and ethical issues surrounding intellectual property, privacy, freedom of speech, and modern crimes.

Adaptive Interactive Systems - This course looks at how to automatically personalise systems to users. It introduces the latest techniques from areas such as User Modelling, Adaptive Hypermedia, Recommender Systems, Persuasive Technology. It covers various application domains, such as personalization in e-commerce and health-care. You will learn how to design, implement and evaluate adaptive systems.

Assessment

Assessment is carried out by means of continuous assessment of practical work and written examination.