University of Plymouth€¦ · Web viewWe have links with Apple, Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, Intel,...

University of Plymouth

Faculty of Science and Engineering

School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics

Programme Specification

MSci (Hons) Computer Science 5823

September 2019

1. MSci (Hons) Computer Science

Final award title: MSci (Hons) Computer Science

Intermediate award title(s): Certificate of Higher Educationon completion of 120 credits at Level 4

Diploma of Higher Educationon completion of 120 credits at Level 4; and, 120 credits at Level 5

BSc (Hons) Computer Scienceon completion of 120 credits at Level 4; 120 credits at Level 5; and, 120 credits at Level 6

UCAS code: I100JACS code: I100

2. Awarding Institution: University of Plymouth

Teaching institution(s): University of Plymouth

3. Accrediting body: BCSAccredited as meeting the requirements for CITP (Chartered IT Professional) and partially meeting the requirements for CSci (Chartered Scientist)

Date of accreditation: 2018 (Bktd 2017)

2

4. Distinctive Features of the Programme and the Student Experience A 4-year immersion in computer science that gives you a UK M-level

qualification, and which is also roughly equivalent to the 4-year European degrees which follow the Bologna model.

Opportunity to undertake a substantial individual project at M-level in conjunction with a research active member of staff, and with the intention of producing at least one academic publication.

Benefit from our focused and relevant research, we work closely with the Centre for Robotics and Neural Systems, which conducts leading research reputation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, big data and robotics. Students will be offered practical and theoretical modules ranging from Machine Learning, computational theory and AI through to computer vision and parallel computing. You will have access to current AI and robotics platforms for final year projects on topics such as deep learning, cognitive robotics and big data.

The results of the REF2014 (research assessment framework) rates 75% of our outputs in the categories "Computer Science and Informatics" as internationally recognised and world leading. All the key researchers also teach; students are likely to meet key researchers; and are a resource that students can call on for more than just taught modules (e.g. projects).

As well as being of interest to students who want to pursue a career in research (that might not be academic research, it could include corporate research and development) it will produce industry ready graduates.

The School of Computing, Electronics and Mathematics has strong links with industry. We have links with Apple, Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, Intel, NVidia and many more. We are a member of Microsoft DreamSpark and the Oracle Academy, both of which enable our students to acquire free software to support their studies (for example Microsoft Visual Studio, Server Operating Systems, SQL Server).

An optional placement year in industry (most strongly recommended) enables the student to obtain a professional insight into the application of their knowledge and enables invaluable experience of the professional environment.

Relaxed and informal learning environment; wide variety of teaching styles. Incorporates a substantial element of practical work and production-based

work (i.e. the production of an end product which does something useful – or fun!). We promote learning through practice and doing.

Content is constantly revised in conjunction with input from local and national organisations, as well as with active researchers.

5. Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Group(s)Computing

6. Programme Structure Computer Science

3

BPIE330Computing Placement

Stage 1. HE Level 4. All modules are 20-credit

Stage2. HE Level5. All modules are 20-credit

Stage 3. Optional placement

4

SOFT166Programme Introduction and Web Development element

SOFT152 Software Engineering

SEC104Cybersecurity and Networks

Semester1

NET112Computer Systems & Networks

SOFT153Algorithms, Data Structures and Mathematics

ISAD157Analysis and Design Project

Semester2

BPIE111Stage1 Computing Placement Preparation. 0 credits

SOFT252OO Software Engineering + Design Patterns

ISAD251Database Applications Development

SEC204Computer Architecture and Low Level Programming

Semester1

AINT252Computation Theory and Artificial Intelligence

SOFT261Embedded Programming and the IoT

PRCO204Group Integrating Project

Semester2

BPIE211Stage2 Computing Placement Preparation. 0 credits

Stage 4. HE Level 6. All modules are 20-credit except PRCO304

Stage 5. HE Level 7. All modules are 20-credit except PRCO502

5

Option

Option Option

SOFT564Software Engineering for Distributed and Interactive Systems

Option

Semester1

Option

AINT357Computing Paradigms Semester2

Semester1

Semester2

PRCO304Computing Project (40 credit)

PRCO502MSci Computing Project (60 credit)

Stage 1 Core Modules120 Level 4 Credits

Mod

ule

Cod

e

Mod

ule

Title

Cre

dit

Sem

este

r

Exa

m%

Test

%

Pra

ctis

e% CW %

SOFT166 Programme Introduction and Web Development

20 S1 0 0 50 50

SOFT152 Software Engineering 20 S1 0 35 0 65SEC104 Cybersecurity and

Networks20 S1 0 100 0 0

ISAD157 Analysis & Design Project

20 S2 0 0 30 70

NET112 Computer Systems & Networks

20 S2 0 60 40 0

SOFT153 Algorithms, Data Structures, Maths

20 S2 40 0 0 60

BPIE111 Stage1 Computing Placement Preparation

0 S2 - - - -


Mod

ule

Cod

e

Mod

ule

Title

Cre

dit

Sem

este

r

Exa

m%

Test

%

Pra

ctis

e% CW %

SOFT252 Object Oriented Software Engineering with Design Patterns

20 S1 0 10 0 90

ISAD251 Database Development

20 S1 50 0 0 50

SEC204 SEC204Computer Architecture and Low Level Programming

20 S1 0 50 0 50

AINT252 Artificial intelligence and Computational Theory

20 S2 50 0 0 50

SOFT261 Embedded Programming and the Internet of Things

20 S2 0 0 0 100

PRCO204 Group Integrating Project

20 S2 0 0 70 30

BPIE211 Stage 2 Computing Placement Preparation

0 AY - - - -

6

Optional Placement Year

BPIE330: Generic Computing Placement


Mod

ule

Cod

e

Mod

ule

Title

Cre

dit

Sem

este

r

Exa

m%

Test

%

Pra

ctis

e% CW %

PRCO304 Individual Computing Project

40 S2 0 0 0 100

AINT357 Alternative Computing Paradigms

20 S2 50 0 0 50

Stage 4 Optional Modules80 Level 6 Credits Chose 60 credits in Senester1, 20 credits in Semester2

Mod

ule

Cod

e

Mod

ule

Title

Cre

dit

Sem

este

r

Exa

m%

Test

%

Pra

ctis

e % CW %

AINT351 Machine Learning1 20 S1 50 0 0 50SOFT355 Distributed Application

Development20 S1 00 10 0 90

SOFT356 Programming for Entertainment Systems

10 S1 0 0 0 100

ISAD362 Software Project Management

20 S1 75 25 0 0

SOFT354 Parallel Computation 20 S1 0 40 0 60

1. This module comes with a health warning about maths content.

7


Mod

ule

Cod

e

Mod

ule

Title

Cre

dit

Sem

este

r

Exa

m %

Test

%

Pra

ctis

e %

CW

%

PRCO502 MSci Computing Project

60 AY 0 0 0 100

SOFT564 Software Engineering for Distributed and Interactive Systems

20 S1 30 0 0 70

Stage 5 Optional Modules60 Level 7 Credits Chose 40 credits in Semester 1 and 20 credits in Semester2

Mod

ule

Cod

e

Mod

ule

Title

Cre

dit

Sem

este

r

Exa

m %

Test

%

Pra

ctis

e %

CW

%

AINT516 Topics in Advanced Intelligent Robotics

20 S1 50 0 0 50

MATH513 Big Data and SocialNetwork Visualization

20 S1 0 0 40 60

SEC505 Digital Forensic Investigation

20 S2 0 50 0 50

AINT515 Artificial Vision and Deep Learning

20 S2 50 0 0 50

7. Programme AimsThe programme shares the subject aims for undergraduate computing courses within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, which are:1) To be informative and challenging, and to establish a knowledge base suitable

for a career in Information and Communication Technology.2) To give students with a wide variety of qualifications an opportunity to realise

their potential.3) To enrich the curriculum content and teaching quality through the professional

and/or research expertise of expertise of staff and through links with external organisations.

8

4) To encourage and support students whilst they develop and apply subject-specific and generic skills that will facilitate life-long learning and continuing professional development.

5) To produce graduates who can make a significant contribution to their chosen profession.

In addition, MSci (Hons) Computer Science has the following programme specific aims:6) To inspire students at HE level7 to become highly self-motivated, independent

learners, problem solvers and researchers, with an enthusiasm for the subject of Computer Science.

7) To produce graduates, i.e. HE level7 graduates, with who can think independently and originally and, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used, can create novel solutions to new problems.

8) To produce graduates who are industry ready (including corporate R&D).9) To provide a theoretical underpinning of the fundamental computer science

principles that date from Alan Turing's ideas (and earlier), and to apply these principles to an ever changing world.

10) To provide an understanding of common algorithms, design patens and computational models and to apply these techniques to create high quality computer software and systems that conform to recognised quality standards and user interface conventions.

11) To produce graduates who are technical experts, but who also have an awareness of the business, social, legal and ethical contexts of IT.

12) To encourage exploration, enthusiasm for both the subject of Computer Science and study at degree level and to encourage creativity.

8. Programme Intended Learning Outcomes

8.1. Knowledge and understandingOn successful completion graduates should have developed:

1) A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and new insights at the forefront of Computer Science.

2) A comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research and advanced scholarship.

9

3) Detailed knowledge and understanding of core concepts, principles and theories related to computer science and computational theory, and the ability to apply this knowledge to real problems

4) The ability to design and create complicated, robust and secure computer software.

5) An understanding of legal, regulatory, professional and ethical responsibilities that are relevant to IT professionals

8.2. Cognitive and intellectual skillsOn successful completion graduates should have developed:1) Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical

understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create novel solutions to new problems.

2) To apply appropriate design strategies and design patterns to the programming of complex computer software that conforms to appropriate quality standards and user interface conventions.

3) Take a holistic approach to solving problems in systems, applying professional judgement to balance risks, costs and benefits

4) Critically evaluate research, advanced scholarship and evidence to support conclusions and recommendations

5) Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively and to make sound judgements in the absence of complete data.

6) Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.

8.3. Key and transferable skillsOn successful completion graduates should have developed the ability to:1) Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound

judgements in the absence of complete data.2) Manage resources and time3) To evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the

discipline of Computer Science4) To evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, to propose new

hypotheses5) Work both autonomously and as part of a team when required, and to assign

roles appropriately within a team.6) Communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist

audiences including the preparation of academic articles.

8.4. Employment related skillsOn successful completion graduates should have developed:

10

1) The exercise of initiative and personal responsibility2) Self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and the ability to

act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.3) The ability to communicate clearly with specialist and non-specialist audiences4) Decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations 5) the independent learning ability required for continuing professional

development and lifelong learning.

8.5. Practical skillsOn successful completion graduates should have developed:1) Design and construct complex, robust and secure multi-tier computer systems2) Prepare technical reports3) Prepare an academic publication, using prescribed style (template), scientific

writing, evidence handling, constructing arguments and using evidence to support results, conclusions and recommendations.

4) Communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.5) Use developmental tools and techniques

9. Admissions Criteria, including APCL, APEL and DAS arrangementsAll applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) Maths at Grade B (or grade 6 in the new system) or above and English at Grade C (or grade 5 in the new system) or above.

Entry Requirements for MSci (Hons) Computer Science

A-level/AS-level

128 UCAS points consisting of at least two 6-unit A levels or one 12-unit vocational A level. All subjects except General Studies, Critical Thinking and Citizenship and considered but at least one technical subject (e.g. maths or physics). Neither key skills nor extended project are included in the points calculation.

Welsh Baccalaureate

Accepted as 120 add on points towards the 128 UCAS points requirement but must have 2 A Levels, preferably one of which is in a technical subject

Scottish Qualifications Authority

128 UCAS points. At least one technical subject (e.g. maths or physics).

Irish Leaving Certificate

AAABB in Highers. Irish Leaving Cert Ordinary Level Grade B or above for English and Maths.

International Baccalaureate

34 points. If overseas and not studying English within IB, must have IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all other elements.

European Baccalaureate

80% overall to include 8.5 in a relevant Science/Technology subject and 7.5 in English or first language

11

For all other qualifications please refer to admissions tutor.

The University's regulations for Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) and Assessment of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) are set out in the ‘University Academic Regulations', a copy of which can be found at http://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/extexam/pages/academic-regulations.aspx Evidence of prior learning and experience from applicants is welcome. Due to the range and mixture of prior qualification and experience applications presenting such evidence will be considered on an individual basis by the Admissions Tutor in consultation with the programmes team. Overseas students for whom English is not the first language will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in English with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent. Equivalencies are detailed in ‘Admissions Information and Procedures' issued by the University Secretariat. The University Secretariat provides advice on, and maintains oversight of, the acceptability of any qualification from overseas offered for entry

Key SkillsKey skills tariff points do not count towards the admissions tariff score, however they are likely to they will enhance your performance on the Computer Science degree programme.

10 Progression criteria for Final and Intermediate AwardsMSci (Hons) Computer Science students who on completion of Level HE5 do not achieve an overall average of >60%, will be strongly advised to transfer to the BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree programme.

Students enrolled on the BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree programme may transfer to the MSci (Hons) Computer Science programme on completion of Levels HE4, HE5 or before Easter of level HE6, if their overall average is >60%.

Students enrolled on other Computing degrees within the School may also be eligible to transfer to the MSci (Hons) Computer Science programme on completion of Levels HE4, HE5 or before Easter of level HE6 but will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to the programme manager.

12

http://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/extexam/pages/academic-regulations.aspx

11. Exceptions to RegulationsThe programme adheres to the current University Assessment Regulations.

11. Transitional Arrangements2018/19 Modules 2019/20 ModulesISAD156 ISAD157NET111 NET112ISAD260 SEC204PRCS252 PRCO204SOFT352 SOFT355SOFT563 SOFT564AINT511 AINT516MATH500 MATH513SEC503 SEC505SOFT165 SOFT166

13

12. Mapping and Appendices:

12.1. ILO’s against Modules MappingOnly core modules are included in the mapping.

Programme Intended Learning Outcome Related Core Modules

Knowledge and understandingOn successful completion graduates should have developed:

1) A systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and new insights at the forefront of Computer Science.

2) A comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research and advanced scholarship.

3) Detailed knowledge and understanding of core concepts, principles and theories related to computer science and computational theory, and the ability to apply this knowledge to real problems

4) The ability to design and create complicated, robust and secure computer software.

5) An understanding of legal, regulatory, professional and ethical responsibilities that are relevant to IT professionals

PRCO502, SOFT564

PRCO502

SOFT152, NET112, SOFT153, SOFT252, SEC204, ISAD251, AINT252, SOFT261, SOFT564

SOFT152, SEC104, PRCO204

SOFT166, PRCO304

14

Programme Intended Learning Outcome

Cognitive and intellectual skillsOn completion graduates should have developed:

1) Originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create novel solutions to new problems.

2) To apply appropriate design strategies and design patterns to the programming of complex computer software that conforms to appropriate quality standards and user interface conventions.

3) Take a holistic approach to solving problems in systems, applying professional judgement to balance risks, costs and benefits

4) Critically evaluate research, advanced scholarship and evidence to support conclusions and recommendations

5) Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively and to make sound judgements in the absence of complete data.

6) Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level

Related Core Modules

PRCO204, PRCO304, PRCO502,

SOFT252, PRCO204PRCO204, SOFT252, PRCO304, PRCO502, SOFT564

PRCO204

PRCO502,

PRCO204, SOFT252, PRCO304, PRCO502,

PRCO502

15


Key and transferable skills

1) Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data.

2) Manage resources and time

3) To evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline of Computer Science

4) To evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, to propose new hypotheses

5) Work both autonomously and as part of a team when required, and to assign roles appropriately within a team.

6) Communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences including the preparation of academic articles.


PRCO204, PRCO304, PRCO502,

PRCO204, PRCO304,

PRCO304, PRCO502

PRCO304, PRCO502

PRCO204

PRCO204, PRCO304, PRCO502

16

Employment related skillsOn successful completion graduates should have developed:

1) The exercise of initiative and personal responsibility

2) Self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and the ability to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.

3) The ability to communicate clearly with specialist and non-specialist audiences

4) Decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations

5) the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development and lifelong learning.


PRCO304, PRCO502



SOFT166, PRCO204, PRCO304, PRCO502

17


Practical skillsOn successful completion graduates should have developed:

1) Design and construct complex, robust and secure multi-tier computer systems

2) Prepare technical reports

3) Prepare an academic publication, using prescribed style (template), scientific writing, evidence handling, constructing arguments and using evidence to support results, conclusions and recommendations.

4) Communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.

5) Use developmental tools and techniques


SOFT252, PRCO204, SOFT261

PRCO204, PRCO502

PRCO502


SOFT152, SOFT153, NET112, ISAD157, ISAD251, SOFT252, SOFT261, PRCO204, SOFT564

12.2. Skills against Modules Mapping

12.3. Appendices

18

University of Plymouth€¦ · Web viewWe have links with Apple, Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, Intel,...

Documents

Transcript of University of Plymouth€¦ · Web viewWe have links with Apple, Microsoft, Oracle, Cisco, Intel,...