Skip to Content

Courses

Undergraduate Programme Specification

BEng Computer Engineering

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title BEng Computer Engineering Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Bachelor of Engineering
Programme Code CEN-BENG UCAS Code GH6P HECoS Code 100165 - Electronic engineering - 50
100374 - Software engineering - 50
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Single Honours Length of Programme Full Time - 3 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 360
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 6

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Engineering (2015)

Accreditations (PSRB)

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 03-12-21

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

None

Programme Specific Regulations

Progression

Stage 2
In order to proceed to Stage 2, students must normally have passed a minimum of 5 Stage 1 modules (100 CATS, taking account of any prerequisites).

Stage 3
In order to proceed to Stage 3, students must normally have passed a minimum of 5 Stage 2 modules (100 CATS, taking account of any prerequisites) and have passed 6 modules (120 CATS) at Stage 1.
Students achieving six Stage 2 module credits (120 CATS) with an average of at least 55% on their first module enrolments may after consultation with the Advisor of Studies transfer to the MEng Computer Engineering programme at Stage 3.

Award of Degrees
For the award of a BEng degree students must normally: have passed at least 16.5 modules (330 CATS) to include ELE3001; have achieved a weighted average mark of at least 40%; have scored no less than 30% in any module.

For those students that have transferred to this programme from Stage 4 of the equivalent MEng degree programme, a pass in either ELE3001 or ELE4001 (but not both) will be used for the purpose of meeting the requirements for the award of a BEng Degree.

A student who does not qualify for a BEng Computer Engineering degree may be required to transfer to the BEng Software and Electronic Systems Engineering pathway.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

The overall aims of the programme are to provide a broad foundation in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, to provide opportunities to study selected themes in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in greater depth, and to develop a range of practical and transferable skills to prepare graduates for careers in the engineering and IT industries as well as other professional roles.

•The fundamental principles of Electrical and Electronic Engineering are taught in Stages 1 and 2. The themes of Electric Power, Digital Electronics, Analogue Electronics, Control, Communications, Computer Programming and Embedded Programming form the core curriculum. This is designed to ensure that each student is well grounded in the full breadth of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

•In-depth study of selected themes is provided in Stage 3. This is designed to allow students to choose topics for which they have a particular aptitude, to encourage students to develop individual expertise in these topics and to expose students to recent developments and unanswered questions in particular disciplines. The final year project aims to provide each student with an opportunity to engage in a year-long practical study within their chosen field. It is an aim of the programme that students will be well prepared for and attracted to full-time postgraduate study.

•The programme aims to develop practical skills in parallel with fundamental understanding. The laboratory classes and design projects in Stages 1 and 2 are designed to be slightly more prescriptive, whilst the individual final-year project in Stage 3 is designed to be more open-ended to encourage innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. Oral presentations and technical reports are a key aspect of all project work and these aim to ensure that graduates will have strong communication skills.

•Consistent with the general educational aims of the programme and the specific requirements of the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence, this specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme, and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to broadly-defined problems. Some of the knowledge will be informed by current developments in the subject of study.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures and tutorials at all stages. Stages 1 & 2 focus on foundational maths; all stages explore application of Maths concepts.

Methods of Assessment

Unseen written examinations
Structured laboratory classes
Coursework assignments
Written project reports

Analyse broadly-defined problems reaching substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Introduced in Stage 1 design projects; further developed via complex designs in assessments as Stages 2 & 3.

Methods of Assessment

Structured laboratory classes
Coursework assignments
Written project reports

Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model broadly-defined problems, recognising the limitations of the techniques employed.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Stage 2 Mathematics lectures and tutorials
Final Year Project

Methods of Assessment

Written examinations
Project reports

Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address broadly-defined problems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Background reading, survey and critical analysis is a core function of final year projects.

Methods of Assessment

Final Year Project oral, report.

Undertake mathematical analysis of engineering components and systems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Many examples – particularly good instances include Stage 1 electronics, Stage 2 Analogue Circuit Design.

Methods of Assessment

Unseen written examinations
Structured laboratory classes
Coursework assignments

Appreciate the role of the engineer in society regarding economic development.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Comprehensive treatment via spin-out case study in Stage 3 Engineering Entrepreneurship.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Design solutions for broadly-defined problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health and safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Stage 3 Engineering Entrepreneurship demands such solutions. Diversity, inclusion and cultural matters addressed in Stage 2 Embedded Systems.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments

Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of broadly-defined problems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Coursework assignments for (at least): Stage 2 Electronics & Circuits; Stage 3 Connected Health; Stage 4 Advanced Computer Engineering; Projects.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to broadly-defined problems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Stage 3 Engineering Entrepreneurship seminars.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignment

Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Stage 2 Embedded Systems lectures; Stage 3 Engineering Entrepreneurship.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignment.

Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Taught in individual modules. Combined in project activity.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments
Written project reports

Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Stage 2 Embedded Systems design exercise.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments

Recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Stage 2 Embedded Systems design project

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments

Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students learn to work together laboratory classes at Stage 1 and Stage 2. Stage 3 Engineering Entrepreneurship provides vital experience of group work and leadership.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments
Written project reports
Group project presentation

Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Oral and written presentations are embedded in numerous modules and particularly Stage 3 & 4 projects. Stage 3 Entrepreneurship demands written and oral presentation to technical & non-technical assessors.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments
Written project reports
Individual project presentation
Engineering Entrepreneurship assessments.

Plan and record self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students are encouraged to read outside their course notes and are specifically expected to carry out literature reviews and state-of-the-art reviews in the final year project.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments
Written project reports

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate broadly-defined problems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Laboratory exercises, widespread and Stages 1 – 3 (and present thereafter).

Methods of Assessment

Lab reports.

Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering
technologies and processes.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Stage 3 Connected Health Coursework; Final Year Project.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments
Project Reports.

Recognise the need for quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of broadly-defined problems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Lectures

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments

Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project management and relevant legal matters.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Seminars as part of Stage 3 Engineering Entrepreneurship

Methods of Assessment

Coursework assignments

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Signals and Communicatons ELE1057 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 60% 20% 20%
Embedded Systems ECS1001 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Digital Systems ECS1005 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 60% 0% 40%
Mathematics 1 ELE1012 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 50% 0% 50%
Object Oriented Programming CSC1029 1 20 -- YES 24 weeks N YES -- 50% 30% 20%
Fundamentals of Electric Circuits ECS1006 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 20% 75% 5%
Employability Skills and Placement Preparation ELE2037 2 0 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 0% 100% 0%
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning CSC2062 2 20 -- YES 24 weeks N -- YES 60% 0% 40%
Data Structures and Algorithms CSC2059 2 20 YES -- 24 weeks N YES -- 50% 50% 0%
Communications ELE2040 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 25% 75% 0%
Systems Security and Cryptography CSC2056 2 20 -- YES 24 weeks N -- YES 0% 0% 100%
Digital Systems ECS2039 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 60% 40% 0%
Signals and Control ELE2038 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 50% 50% 0%
Mathematics and Algorithms ELE2035 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 20% 0% 80%
Embedded Systems 2 ELE2025 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 0% 40% 60%
Electronics and Circuits ELE2041 2 20 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 30% 70% 0%
Concurrent Programming CSC3021 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Advanced Electronics ELE3046 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 50% 0% 50%
Video Analytics and Machine Learning CSC3067 3 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 40% 0% 60%
Engineering Entrepreneurship ELE3043 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 70% 30% 0%
Malware Analysis CSC3059 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 0% 40% 60%
Networks and Communications Protocols ELE3040 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 20% 0% 80%
Deep Learning CSC3066 3 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 60% 0% 40%
Connected Health ECS3003 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks N -- YES 30% 0% 70%
Control Systems Engineering ELE3042 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks Y -- YES 30% 0% 70%
Signal Processing and Communications ELE3041 3 20 YES YES 24 weeks Y -- YES 15% 0% 85%
Project 3 ELE3001 3 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%

Notes

No notes found.