Course description
This degree is a modular 1 year scheme, with the potential being taught part-time. It will comprise a set of taught modules (worth 120 credits) and a major project (worth 60 credits).
The curriculum planned is given below. The present structure is for a compulsory set of taught modules, although it is planned to further develop the degree to allow for a mix of compulsory and elective modules in the future.
The programme comprises a set of modules in computer systems and is specifically focused on distributed systems for e-commerce; agent technologies and graphics & animation.
Modules are:
* Data Network and Communications
* Java Programming
* Project Foundations
* Introduction to Computer Graphics
* Database Systems
* AI & Agents
* Technologies for Internet Systems
* Introduction to Distributed Systems
* Virtual Environments & Human Perception
* MSc Project and Dissertation
While students would not normally be expected to commence project work until the end of Semester 2, they have the option to start work on their project as soon as the definition is agreed with their supervisor. The project and associated dissertation is worth 60 credits. It is expected that the projects will have an industrial focus. In addition, they can link in with any number of research projects in the School of Informatics.
Some additional non-credit teaching material such as “Programming in Java” will be made available to students who do not have a computing background. This material is drawn from professional and short courses on computing technology developed and made available by the Centre for Advanced Software Technology (CAST).
Teaching and Learning
Principles:
This course takes an immersive approach to learning both the principles and practices of computer systems with much of the material based around examples and practical exercises. The philosophy of the course is very much towards practical computer science and enabling students to access and assimilate sources of research literature and activities themselves.
Objectives:
Students completing this course will have a firm grasp of the current practices and directions in computer systems and will be able to design and build for example, distributed systems for the World Wide Web using Internet, Intranet and other technologies.
Assessment
A rich variety of methods are used to assess different aspects of student learning. Details of assessment methods used are provided in the appendices for individual modules. These include various forms of continuous assessment, presentations, individual and group project/laboratory reports and unseen examinations.
Student projects are assessed by individual project supervisors and second markers as per existing practices in the School of Informatics.
