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Undergraduate Programme Specification

BSc Computer Science with Year of Professional Experience and International Year One

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 BSc Computer Science with Year of Professional Experience and International Year One Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Bachelor of Science
Programme Code CSC-BSC-SI UCAS Code G404 HECoS Code 100366 - Computer science - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Full Time
Type of Programme Single Honours Length of Programme Full Time - 4 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 480
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

Computing (2016)

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

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

None

Programme Specific Regulations

The programme is subject to the University General Regulations which can be found at: http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/AcademicStudentAffairs/AcademicAffairs/

Criteria for Admissions

The programme is offered to International (OS fee status) Students only.
There are two intakes into Year One, in September and in January of an academic year.
English Language Requirements:
Candidates will normally be required to have an English Language test score at CEFR B2 Level taken within the last two years.
Academic Subject Requirements:

Internationally Recognised Examinations
Two D Grades from a UK A-Level Board or equivalent to include Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Technology and Design or Double Award Applied Science.
First Year pass at an overseas university with good grades.
Students with SAT: 2 Advanced Placements at Grade 3 or higher.
Completion of the International Baccalaureate with minimum of 24 points.
All students must hold an (I) GSCE grade C Mathematics or equivalent.
Entry requirements on a country-by-country basis are given in Appendix 1.
Progression from Foundation Programmes:
Students who achieve two D grades (including Mathematics and at least one from Physics (preferred), Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Technology and Design or Double Award Applied Science. in the Queen’s International Foundation Programme in Engineering and Science may progress on to the Degree programme with an International Year One.
Other similar foundation programmes may be acceptable and considered on an individual basis.

Criteria for Progression from International Year One to Stage 2

Students must attain 120 CAT points by passing all modules and meet the following criteria:

English Language and Study Skills Module (20 CATs)

minimum of 50% overall (equivalent to IELTS 6.0) minimum of 40% (equivalent to IELTS 5.5) in all components (speaking, listening, reading, writing)
Academic Modules (100 CATs)

A minimum average of 60% across 10 academic modules with passes in 10 out of 10 modules.

Progression from Stage 2 to Stage 3:

Students will normally proceed to stage 3 from stage 2 as they will have successfully completed International Year One (120 CAT points).

Year of Professional Experience:

Students must, unless exempted, spend at least 9 months between Stage 2 and Stage 3 in obtaining professional experience in a manner approved by the School.

Normally students may proceed to the Year of Professional Experience if they have no more than one module fail (20 CATs) at Level 2.

Students wishing to apply for exemption from their Professional Experience Requirement must do so in writing to the Director of Education before 1st December in Stage 2. Applications for exemption will be considered by the Placement Adviser and the Director of Education, with advice from the students’ Advisers of Studies or other staff as appropriate. Exemption will be granted only in circumstances where a student can demonstrate either personal extenuating circumstances or the equivalent of a minimum of 9 months relevant previous experience.

Students who have been granted exemption from the Year of Professional Experience will be required to transfer to the equivalent programme and may proceed directly to Stage 3 subject to meeting the normal Stage 2 to Stage 3 placement requirements.

In September, prior to the start of the first semester, students who are unable to secure a placement will be considered for exemption by the Placement Adviser and the Director of Education, with advice from the students’ Advisers of Studies or other staff as appropriate.

Before a student will be deemed 'unable to secure a placement' they will be asked to demonstrate a consistent effort throughout the year in obtaining a placement. Normally, this will be interpreted as a minimum of 20 relevant applications to advertised positions, spread across the year. Speculative enquiries to companies not advertising placement opportunities do not form part of this.

Students who, despite repeated attempts, are unable to obtain a suitable placement may be permitted to transfer to the equivalent non-placement programme and may proceed directly to Stage 3 subject to meeting the normal Stage 2 to Stage 3 placement requirements.
Award of Degrees

For the award of a BSc degree students must normally have attained 320 CATS to include CSC3002 and have achieved a weighted average mark of at least 40%.

For the award of an BSc Honours Degree students must normally have attained 320 CATS to include a final year project: only one from either CSC3002 or CSC4006. For this purpose, a pass in CSC4006 will be awarded as a pass at Stage 3. Finally, the Year of Professional Experience must also be satisfactorily completed.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

Educational Aims of Programme:

The overall aim of the programme is to provide a broadly-based education in Computer Science, supported by fundamental topics in Software Engineering, which will produce graduates equipped to undertake research or apply best practice in software engineering.

•Embark on careers as professional Software Engineers or undertake research in Computer Science.
•Understand the fundamental principles of Computer Science and Software Engineering.
•Understand and able to able use a range of current, emerging, novel and exciting developments in Computer Science theory and practice.
•Apply the skills necessary to critically evaluate new developments in Computer Science and take advantage of them where appropriate.
•Maintain a rigorous approach to the design and development of computing systems and the analysis of their correctness and complexity, which will remain applicable through changes in technology.
•Exercise high levels of professionalism and an awareness of the wider business and legal environment in which computer scientists operate.
•Possess strong interpersonal skills, encompassing team-working skills and effective oral, written, presentation and listening skills.
•Uphold the values, attitudes and competencies needed to undertake CPD and self-directed learning throughout their careers
•Draw upon practical skills and experience of software development in a business/commercial context.
Consistent with the general Educational Aims of the Programme and the specific requirements of the Benchmarking Statement for Computing, 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 if he/she takes advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Specifically, students graduating from the programme will have achieved the following learning outcomes, commensurate with degree classification, relating to subject specific knowledge and understanding; intellectual, practical and key transferable skills:

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

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

Analyse, evaluate and interpret information.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All modules have a coursework component (practical
work, homework or assignments) which supports, illustrates and reinforces the theoretical material presented in lectures.

Methods of Assessment

Analysis and problem solving skills are assessed through homeworks, assignments and end-of-module written examinations.
Design skills are assessed through assignments, reports on practical work and project reports, presentations and demonstrations.

Synthesise information from a variety of sources

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All modules have a coursework component (practical
work, homework or assignments) which supports, illustrates and reinforces the theoretical material presented in lectures.

Methods of Assessment

Analysis and problem solving skills are assessed through homeworks, assignments and end-of-module written examinations.
Design skills are assessed through assignments, reports on practical work and project reports, presentations and demonstrations.

Evaluate designs, components, products and artefacts and make improvements.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All modules have a coursework component (practical
work, homework or assignments) which supports, illustrates and reinforces the theoretical material presented in lectures.

Methods of Assessment

Analysis and problem solving skills are assessed through homeworks, assignments and end-of-module written examinations.
Design skills are assessed through assignments, reports on practical work and project reports, presentations and demonstrations.

Apply professional judgement to balance quality indicators in the design and construction of artefacts.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All modules have a coursework component (practical
work, homework or assignments) which supports, illustrates and reinforces the theoretical material presented in lectures.

Methods of Assessment

Analysis and problem solving skills are assessed through homeworks, assignments and end-of-module written examinations.
Design skills are assessed through assignments, reports on practical work and project reports, presentations and demonstrations.

Recognise and analyse problems and develop strategies for their solution

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

All modules have a coursework component (practical work, homework or assignments) which supports, illustrates and reinforces the theoretical material presented in lectures.

Methods of Assessment

Analysis and problem solving skills are assessed through homeworks, assignments and end-of-module written examinations.
Design skills are assessed through assignments, reports on practical work and project reports, presentations and demonstrations.

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

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

Work effectively within a team.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Taught in Level 2 and developed through the Group Project module and in the various smaller group projects associated with other modules.

Methods of Assessment

Peer assessment

Retrieve information from a variety of sources and by a variety of techniques

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Introduced during the University induction course and developed through assignments and project work involving library resources (catalogues), web-based resources (browsers and search engines) and personal contacts.

Methods of Assessment

Indirectly assessed

Use information technology effectively.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed through practical work, projects, assignments and other coursework activities and individual learning.

Methods of Assessment

Indirectly assessed

Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed through assignments, homeworks, reports, presentations and demonstrations and developed through feedback on submitted coursework and presentations.

Methods of Assessment

Assessed through reports of practical work, assignments, homeworks, project reports, presentations and through the end of module examinations.

Understand and present information involving a quantitative dimension.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Taught through lectures, homeworks and practical work and developed through feedback on submitted coursework.

Methods of Assessment

Assessed through reports of practical work, assignments, homeworks, project reports, presentations and through the end of module examinations.

Manage one’s own learning and development including time management and organisational skills.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Taught in level 2. Students apply the skill in meeting deadlines set throughout the programme

Methods of Assessment

Indirectly assessed

Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations with open-mindedness and a spirit of critical enquiry

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Nurtured and developed throughout the course which is structured and delivered in such a way as to promote this. Students apply and develop the skill during the Year of Professional Experience

Methods of Assessment

Indirectly assessed

Plan and manage their career

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed through assignments

Methods of Assessment

Indirectly assessed

Appreciate the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for lifelong learning.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Promoted throughout the course

Methods of Assessment

Skill development

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

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

Grasp the underpinning mathematics and theoretical framework of Computer Science

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Combination of lectures, tutorials, practical exercises and coursework in Levels 1 and 2.

Methods of Assessment

Unseen written examinations. Homework
Project reports, presentations and demonstrations.

Apply the essential facts, concepts, principles and theories of Computer Science.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Combination of lectures, tutorials, practical exercises, coursework and projects in Levels 2 and 3.

Methods of Assessment

Unseen written examinations, assessed practical work and homework. Project reports, presentations and demonstrations

Adhere to good scientific and engineering practice in the specification, design, implementation, testing and delivery and maintenance of computer based solutions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Forms an integral part of all technical strands of the programme assuming increasing importance as students’ progress through the levels and is the dominant feature of final year technical modules.
Acquisition of (KU3) is through a combination of lectures, tutorials, practical exercises, coursework and projects at all levels.

Methods of Assessment

Unseen written examinations and assessed practical work Project reports, presentations and demonstration.

Understand the importance of quality and fitness for purpose of the software engineering process and resulting artefacts

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Through lectures and projects in Levels 2 and 3.

Methods of Assessment

Unseen written examinations, project reports, presentations and demonstrations

Maintain knowledge of the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of Software Engineers and their role within an organisation.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Through lectures in Level 2 and the Year of Professional Experience

Methods of Assessment

Unseen written examinations and assessed practical work, assignments and presentations

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

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

Plan and manage a Software Engineering project

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Taught in Level 2 and developed in the final year
Software Engineering project.

Methods of Assessment

Subject specific practical skills are assessed through: coursework and technical reports and others forms of written project deliverable; code walkthroughs and analysis; and, project presentations and demonstrations.

Implement a design using an appropriate programming language.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Taught through lectures and supplemented through practical and project work.

Methods of Assessment

Subject specific practical skills are assessed through: coursework and technical reports and others forms of written project deliverable; code walkthroughs and analysis; and, project presentations and demonstrations.

Deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation, and evaluation of computer based systems

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Taught through lectures and developed through
homework, assignments, practical and project work

Methods of Assessment

Subject specific practical skills are assessed through: coursework and technical reports and others forms of written project deliverable; code walkthroughs and analysis; and, project presentations and demonstrations.

Deploy effectively the tools used in the construction and documentation of computer systems.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed through practical and project work

Methods of Assessment

Subject specific practical skills are assessed through: coursework and technical reports and others forms of written project deliverable; code walkthroughs and analysis; and, project presentations and demonstrations.

Prepare technical reports

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed through feedback on reports written for
practical and project work and presentations made on
project work and the Year of Professional Experience

Methods of Assessment

Subject specific practical skills are assessed through: coursework and technical reports and others forms of written project deliverable; code walkthroughs and analysis; and, project presentations and demonstrations.

Give technical presentations.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Developed through feedback on reports written for
practical and project work and presentations made on
project work and the Year of Professional Experience

Methods of Assessment

Subject specific practical skills are assessed through: coursework and technical reports and others forms of written project deliverable; code walkthroughs and analysis; and, project presentations and demonstrations.

Have demonstrated necessary competency in the use of English at Year One

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students study the module English Language and Study Skills in International Year One 1 in order to develop their proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening in the English Language to the level necessary to progress to Stage 2.
Written presentations are also embedded in the International Year 1 modules and are integrated with the aims of the English Language and Study Skills module. All International Year 1 academic modules are taught in small classes with specific instruction in the vocabulary and use of English appropriate to each academic module.

Methods of Assessment

Unseen examinations in speaking, listening, reading and writing in English
Written laboratory reports and essays
Reading Logs
Group project oral presentation
Listening coursework assignments

Unseen written examinations
Written laboratory reports

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Object Oriented Programming NTO1064 1 10 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 70% 0% 30%
Databases NTO1066 1 10 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Computer Architecture NTO1065 1 10 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Procedural Programming NTO1012 1 10 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 70% 0% 30%
Engineering Design and Practice NTO1038 1 10 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Circuit Principles 2 NTO1022 1 10 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Engineering Mathematics 2 NTO1027 1 10 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Circuit Principles 1 NTO1020 1 10 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
English Language and Study Skills NTO1001 1 20 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Engineering Mathematics 1 NTO1026 1 10 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Digital System Design NTO1021 1 10 YES YES 12 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Software Engineering and Systems Development CSC2058 2 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Networks and Protocols CSC2066 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Systems Security and Cryptography CSC2056 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 0% 0% 100%
Professional and Transferrable Skills CSC2065 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Data Structures and Algorithms CSC2059 2 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 50% 50% 0%
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning CSC2062 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 60% 0% 40%
Theory of Computation CSC2060 2 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 40% 0% 60%
Year of Professional Experience CSC2034 3 120 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Computer Science Project CSC3002 4 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Concurrent Programming CSC3021 4 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Software Testing CSC3056 4 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 60% 40% 0%
Advanced Computer Architecture CSC3058 4 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 60% 40% 0%
Formal Methods CSC3001 4 20 -- YES 24 weeks Y -- YES 30% 0% 70%
Video Analytics and Machine Learning CSC3067 4 20 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 40% 0% 60%
Malware Analysis CSC3059 4 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 0% 60% 40%
Deep Learning CSC3066 4 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 60% 0% 40%
Network Security CSC3064 4 20 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%

Notes

No notes found.