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MEng Computer Science

Academic Year 2018/19

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

MEng Computer Science

Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)

Master of Engineering

Programme Code

CSC-MENG

UCAS Code

G402

HECoS Code

100366

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Mode of Study

Full Time

Type of Programme

Undergraduate Master

Length of Programme

4 Academic Year(s)

Total Credits for Programme

480

Exit Awards available

INSTITUTE INFORMATION

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Electronics, Electrical Engineering & Computer Sci

Framework for Higher Education Qualification Level 
www.qaa.ac.uk

Level 7

QAA Benchmark Group
www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

Computing (2016)

Accreditations (PSRB)

British Computer Society (BCS)

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 17-10-13

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/

Progression from Stage 1 to Stage 2:

At the end of Stage 1, students enrolled on a Computer Science, Software Engineering or Computing and Information Technology programme may choose to swap programme and transfer into Stage 2 of any of these listed programmes subject to meeting the normal Stage 1 to Stage 2 progression requirements of the chosen programme. Students will not normally be permitted to swap from a Bachelors to Masters programme or from a programme with Professional Experience to a programme without Professional Experience.

Progression from Stage 2 to Stage 3:

In order to proceed to Stage 3, Stage 2 students must normally have passed a minimum of 6 Level 2 modules, to include any prerequisite modules for core Level 3 modules, and have passed 6 modules at Level 1 and aggregate an overall mark of at least 55% based on the marks achieved in the 6 Level 2 modules of equal weight = 75% of overall mark and the 6 Level 1 modules of equal weight = 25% of the overall mark.

Students achieving an overall mark at the end of Stage 2 less than 55% will normally be required to transfer to the equivalent BEng programme.

Progression from Stage 3 to Stage 4:

To proceed to an MEng degree, students, at the end of Stage 3, must normally have passed 18 modules and aggregate an overall mark of at least 55% based on the marks achieved in the best 6 modules at Level 3 of equal weight = 60% of overall mark, best 6 modules at Level 2 of equal weight = 30% of the overall mark and 6 other modules at Level 1 of equal weight = 10% of the overall mark.

Students who do not achieve an overall mark of at least 55% will normally be required to transfer to Stage 3 of the equivalent BEng or BSc degree.

Stage 4 Students:
Those students who have successfully progressed to Stage 4, but have not attained sufficient module passes at Stage 4 to graduate from the MEng Degree will normally be required to transfer to Stage 3 of the equivalent BEng or BSc degree.

Award of Degrees:

For the award of an MEng Honours Degree students must normally have passed at least 24 modules to include CSC4006 and have achieved a weighted average mark of at least 50%.

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 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. As an integrated Masters programme, students will have the opportunity to undertake advanced study within Computer Science.

• 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 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.

• Understand and be able to use a range of specialised and advanced topics in Software Engineering.

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:

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.

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: 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

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.

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

MODULE INFORMATION

Stages and Modules

Module Title

Module Code

Level/ stage

Credits

Availability

Duration

Pre-requisite

Assessment
S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Introduction to Software Engineering and Project Management CSC1009 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Reasoning for Problem Solving CSC1017 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 0% 100% 0%
Programming CSC1020 1 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 30% 50% 20%
Architecture and Networks CSC1022 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Databases CSC1023 1 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 30% 30% 40%
Professional Computing Practice CSC2011 2 10 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Architecture and Networks CSC2039 2 10 YES 12 weeks Y YES 0% 40% 60%
Data Structures, Algorithms and Programming Languages CSC2040 2 30 YES YES 24 weeks Y YES 0% 60% 40%
Information Modelling CSC2042 2 10 YES 12 weeks Y YES 40% 0% 60%
Software Development - Processes and Practice CSC2044 2 30 YES YES 24 weeks Y YES 100% 0% 0%
Theory of Computation CSC2047 2 30 YES YES 24 weeks Y YES 60% 0% 40%
Concurrent Programming CSC3021 3 20 YES 12 weeks Y YES 100% 0% 0%
Formal Methods CSC3001 3 20 YES 12 weeks Y YES 30% 0% 70%
Agile & Component Based Development using .NET CSC3045 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 0% 100% 0%
Advanced Computer Architecture CSC3058 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 0% 40% 60%
Malware Analysis CSC3059 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 0% 40% 60%
Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics CSC3060 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 70% 0% 30%
Video Analytics and Machine Learning CSC3061 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 60% 0% 40%
Data Analysis and Visualisation CSC3062 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Network Security CSC3064 3 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 40% 60% 0%
Algorithms: Analysis and Application CSC4003 4 20 YES 12 weeks Y YES 30% 0% 70%
High Performance Computing: Principles of Parallel Programming CSC4005 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 0% 100% 0%
Research and Development Project CSC4006 4 40 YES YES 24 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%
Advanced Machine Learning CSC4007 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 60% 0% 40%
Digital Transformation: Software Design, Management and Practical Implementation CSC4008 4 20 YES 12 weeks N YES 100% 0% 0%

Notes