MComp Computer Science

Level 1

Data Structures
The module provides students with an introduction to the techniques for representing data, and fundamental data structures. No particular programming language is adopted to support the module, examplars are given using a range of common languages to further the broad application of the principles discussed.

Maths for Computing
This module aims to equip students with mathematical knowledge and skills required to design and develop computer systems and software.

Information Systems
In this module you will raise your awareness of the nature, purpose and structure of organisations in their many forms. You will explore the composition of organisations and how they operate to yield purpose. Systems tools and methodologies are investigated as a way of understanding organisational structure and dynamics. Problems are a natural occurrence in this context and you will be introduced to problem solving, examining the notion of abstraction, decomposition, modelling and representation as a means to frame and understand problems and solutions.

Computer Systems
This module introduces you to computer hardware, the history of computer, data representation and manipulation at the byte level, basic machine instructions, the operation of the fetch-execute cycle, the characteristics of main and cache memory, I/O control and the inner working of disk storage. This module also presents the most popular hardware architectures and provides a basic introduction to microcontrollers.

Operating Systems
In this module you will study both the theoretical design concepts which underpin all operating systems and, through case-studies, the practical implementation techniques of current operating systems. Special attention will be given to shell programming languages and examples to practically implement concepts and techniques at the basis of the various operating systems.

Software Development
You will learn the concepts and practice of simple computer programming, and also cover quality and testing issues. Following on from this fundamental base, you will extend your knowledge of computer programming enabling you to create systems consisting of multiple classes and objects. Fundamental principles of discrete mathematics are also explored and developed.

Problem Solving
Problems are a natural occurrence in an organisational context and this module introduces students to problem solving from a mixture of theoretical and practical underpinnings. The module examines the principles of abstraction, decomposition, modelling and representation as a means to frame and characterise problem scenarios, and as tools to understand potential solutions. The module concentrates on problem-solving strategies and in particular the vocabulary through which these strategies are articulated. This type of vocabulary is explored as representational device for capturing organisational behaviour and form.

Level 2

Computer Science Group Project
Working in a team on a single project, which lasts for both semesters of the year, students will tackle a significant problem. It will be up to the members of the group to design, specify and implement a significant artefact, which is directly relevant to their course. Students will apply skills and knowledge drawn from all aspects of the course, and subsequently find this a challenging and rewarding experience.

Advanced Software Development
This module provides a comprehensive analysis of the general principles and practices of advanced programming with respect to software development. Software development issues and techniques are considered from an high-level perspective and notions of advanced programming are emphasised in the context of analysis, design and implementation. Great importance is placed upon the Object-Oriented paradigm and related concepts applied to software development.

Human Computer Interaction
In this module you will develop an appreciation of the importance of human factors and user-centred approaches in the development of technological systems. [analysis, design, implementation and evaluation of technological systems]. You will be introduced to the physiological, psychological and cognitive issues relevant to human-computer interaction and user interface design.

Artificial Intelligence
This module provides you with a basic introduction to the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The module first considers the symbolic model of intelligence, exploring some of the main conceptual issues, theoretical approaches and practical techniques. The module further explores knowledge-based systems such as expert systems, which mimic human reasoning performance by capturing knowledge of a domain and integrating it to deliver a performance comparable to that of a human practitioner. Modern developments such as artificial neural networks and uncertain reasoning using probability theory are also covered, culminating in a practical understanding of how to apply AI techniques in practice using logic programming.

Database Systems
In this module students will explore issues in the design,
implementation and use of database technologies which
requires students to develop a conceptual view of database
theory and then transform it into practical implementation
of a database application.

Networks and Network Systems
In this module students will consider basic computer
communications and networking with an emphasis on the
Internet protocol. Internet protocol will be examined as a
model for intercommunication in modern network
implementations. Additionally students will explore
fundamental design features of a network protocol and
understand the need to implement security in the modern
Internet. Aspects of security will be covered as students
consider mechanisms that counter various forms of threats
deriving from different sources.

Level 3

Project Preparation
This module provides you with the skills necessary to conduct an independent study project. The output of this module will form the foundation for the Project module. At the conclusion of this project you will have formed a clear understanding of the aims and objectives of your final year project

Professional Practice
The module helps you to develop an understanding of the basic cultural, social, legal, and ethical issues inherent in the discipline of computing; and to promote personal professionalism in the workplace.

Project
This module provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to work independently on an in-depth project with an implementation element that builds on your established knowledge, understanding and skills. You will normally be expected to demonstrate your ability to apply practical and analytical skills, innovation and/or creativity, and to be able to synthesise information, ideas and practices to provide a problem solution. Self-management is a key concept here, as is your ability to engage in critical self-evaluation

Advanced Software Engineering
The module covers advanced topics of software engineering. In the first semester you will concentrate on the analysis and improvement of software processes, and in the second semester; to the analysis and improvement of software products. The sorts of topics you will study include: Software Evolution, Software Reuse, the Agile Paradigm and the use of Empirical Studies in Software Engineering research, Software Architectures, Design Patterns, Refactoring and Software as a Service.

Optional Modules
Students will choose one of the following options:

• Computer Vision and Robotics
• Mobile and Distributed Computing

Level 4

MComp Project
This module presents students with the opportunity to evaluate theory and its application in a practical context through the development of a report and normally a substantive implementation. The research project is an individual piece of work, which enables the students to apply and integrate elements of study from a range of modules, centred on a specific research question or questions formulated by the student with support from the staff. Students are normally required to undertake the creation of an artefact that is both non-trivial in scale and goals, and supported by the appropriate adaptation and use of theoretical frameworks.

Research Methods
This module supports the student in their individual task of a research led project, and enables them to pursue independent reasoning and be conscious of the difficulties and challenges of research in modern social and scientific contexts. Research methods explore the issues of obtaining evidence which supports or refutes the researchers “challenge to reality”. Research methods attempts to make students aware of the complexities of experience and reasoning as part of the process and exposes the fragility of those very tools which support the inquiry. Traditional scientific models of research are evaluated and compared with alternative and complementary toolsets.

Industrial Project
This module integrates the skills and knowledge you will have gained thus far in your programme of study. It provides an opportunity for you to develop confidence in working independently on a substantive real-world project. The Industrial Project is conducted in conjunction with a (usually external) client, and focuses on the production of a deliverable appropriate to the student’s programme of study. Industrial Project clients and projects will usually be identified and specified by the Department (if students have particular ideas for projects these may be accommodated if the Department is satisfied that the client and project are suitable).

Options
Additionally at Level 4 students can select a total of 30 CATS points from the following modules:

Business Intelligence (M) (30 CATs)
Computer Vision & Robotics (M) (30 CATs)
Mobile and Distributed Computing (M) (30 CATs)
Entrepreneurship (M) (30 CATs)
Servers and Systems (15 CATS)
Digital Content Analysis (15 CATs).

Placement Year (Optional)

The BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree is optionally available in a sandwich mode variant. If you take the sandwich mode degree, you take a year out in industry between levels two and three, gaining invaluable industrial experience. Sandwich students, in general, tend to do well in the final year, and may find they have enhanced job prospects.

The programme can be taken as either full-time or part-time, with around 12 hours of contact study per week (additional student managed independent study required).

The programme is assessed through a variety of means, including in-class tests, course work and examinations, the majority of assessments are course work.

MComp Computer Science is a four-year, prestige, integrated Masters degree giving experience in the practical design and development of a range of computing and information systems. The programme builds upon and develops the study undertaken in the equivalent BSc (Hons) award. It includes an industrially related project, some optional study modules at Masters Level and a substantial final year project.

You will have enhanced skills and knowledge for employment or further study in the computer industry, with a wide range of opportunities in programming, systems analysis, systems management, and the IT professions.

For further information and funding your study please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding