Software Development 2 builds on the foundation delivered in Software Development 1 by examining in detail the programming paradigms of object-oriented and event-driven. With regard to the object-oriented paradigm, students will examine object design, inheritance, and encapsulation.       For event-driven programming, students will learn about event handlers and the development of Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) applications. The module has a thread of software design running through all blocks, including design paradigms and design patterns. In addition, as the module incorporates GUI programming, students will be introduced to fundamental concepts of graphics and visualization. Due to the requirements of GUI programming, the students will gain in-depth knowledge of an industrial standard Integrated Development Environment such as Microsoft Visual Studio or JetBrains’ IntelliJ.

Students will undertake the work in this module as a development team. They will work together in practical labs and deliver their coursework as a team. Elements of agile project management will be delivered to support this approach to assessment.

The aim of Software Development 2 is to strengthen students’ capabilities in programming and software development. The module will require students to implement and debug their own programs and utilize modern software development tools, such as Integrated Development Environments and debuggers.

Learning Outcome

Computer Systems introduces students to the fundamental concepts, methodologies, and techniques of computer systems and hardware. Understanding how a computer operates is key to understanding many aspects of computer science, and incorporates ideas of logic design, state machines, and network communications. Computer Systems introduces the fundamental principles of computer systems, including logic design, state machines, assembly level representation, performance evaluation, parallel systems, and network organization. Students will investigate how computer systems operate, including writing small assembly language programs and designing state machines.

The aim of Computer Systems is to develop students’ fluency in systems understanding and design. The module will require students to both implement their own systems designs and understand existing systems designs.

Learning Outcome

The Databases module builds foundational knowledge in the modelling, access, and modification of data. The module examines how database systems function in the general case, as well as providing specific topics focused on relational data storage. Databases will examine data modelling using concept models (e.g., entity relationship), spreadsheet models, relational data models, and object-oriented models. SQL will be the core language used throughout the module, with content covering selection, joining, and grouping queries.

The Databases module will also examine the legal, social, and ethical context of data storage. Considering information systems as socio-technical systems, ideas of GDPR and Freedom of Information shall be introduced. Furthermore, the module will examine how database systems can be secured from attack, such as from SQL injections.

The aim of Databases is to develop students’ fluency in data. The module will require students to specify, access, and modify data stored in relational databases.

Learning Outcome

Computing and Society module examines the role computing takes in society. The module incorporates ideas from ethical practice, usability and accessibility, sustainability, and an introduction to the legal frameworks related to computing. Understanding people (users) and their needs is fundamental to the modern computer scientist, who develops systems for people. Furthermore, ethical concerns on computer use and the professional requirements surrounding these concerns are essential in the modern IT workplace. Computing and Society introduces computing in a social context, examining initially ethical arguments surrounding computer usage in modern society. Accessibility and sustainability of computer systems is also explored. Professionalism, and in particular professional conduct and interaction are examined via digital collaboration tools. Finally, an introduction to legal frameworks – specifically intellectual property – is undertaken.

Computing in Society provides students with the legal, social, ethical, and professional frameworks that allow them to be responsible IT practitioners. The understanding delivered in this module is fundamental when working in areas of software engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, and cyber-security within computer science.

The aim of Computing and Society module is to develop students’ fluency in professional and ethical practice. The module will require students to examine various case studies of computing use to undertake ethical argumentation surrounding best practice.

Learning Outcome

Cyber Security module explores the risks and mitigations inherent to computer use. The module incorporates ideas from ethical practice, risk management, legal considerations, and technology- based solutions to address computer security issues. Cyber Security begins by examining the concept of privacy from a philosophical, legal, and ethical standpoint, before exploring some of the technology used to protect an individual’s privacy. The module then continues by introducing foundational principles of computer security, including policies, legal frameworks, CIA (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability), threats, and attacks. With these principles in place, the module explores secure design and the use of cryptography in computer systems. Finally, human- factors, including interface design and governance are explored.

Cyber Security brings together concepts covered in a range of modules throughout computing, including Computing and Society, Software Development 2, and Databases. Cyber-Security explores how the issues introduced in other modules fit within current computer security definitions. The module also explores the technology to support computer security throughout.

The module will require students to undertake evaluation of systems to understand vulnerabilities and mitigations. This will best place students to understand the requirements of security as they enter the workplace.

Learning Outcome

The MSc Project allows students to explore a topic of their choosing based on their own interests as agreed and supported via a member of the academic team. The project provides an opportunity for  students to research and deliver a significant piece of individual work that incorporates the practical and analytical skills presented in their programme.

The MSc Project will enable students to explore a topic of their choice. There are four project- types planned:

• Student-defined.
• Academic-defined (research-based).
• Industry-defined.
• Social enterprise

All projects will be signed-off by an academic supervisor. The students’ goal is to produce a product and supporting report.

Learning Outcome