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ICT and Electronics Department

The department of ICT and Electronics produces graduates equipped with skills and knowledge in

the areas of Software Development, Networking, Information Management, Graphic Design and

Project Management. The department aims at ensuring that its research and content delivery

keeps up with the technological advancements. We pride ourselves in the best ICT Educator for

the year awards, granted in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science Honours

degree in Information Technology are employed in highly esteemed organizations and companies

such as banks, ZETDC, universities and software development companies. Some become

reputable entrepreneurs with the ability to create jobs for other similarly skilled people in the

country.

The BSc (Honours) Information Technology degree is a practical-oriented programme with a

strong emphasis on the ability to critically analyse, design, develop and maintain computer

software and hardware. The degree programme is designed to meet the challenges of modern

computing practice as well as maintaining international standards of professionalism.

Information Technology is a discipline that seeks to establish and apply mathematical, computing,

scientific and engineering disciplines to meet the computing needs of business, government,

healthcare, academic and other organizations.

CAREER PROSPECTS

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry

5 Ordinary Level passes including Mathematics and English language and Advanced Level passes in Mathematics and any of the following ; Computer Studies, Geography or their recognised equivalents.

Special Entry

5 Ordinary Level passes including Mathematics and English language. A hold of at least a National Diploma in IT or equivalent qualifications, candidates may be invited for an interview/ entrance examination.

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Computer security specialists Technical support specialists Software developers

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E-business consultants

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Mature Entry Candidates must be at least 25 years for males and 23 years for females. Should have completed their full-time or college education at least five years before the start of the academic year. 5 Ordinary Level passes including Mathematics and English (or equivalents). Should have relevant work experience or relevant attainments. Candidates may be required to attend interviews and/or special tests.

COURSE SYNOPSIS ACADEMIC YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1 COURSES Introduction to Procedural

Programming

12 credits

This course lays a foundation for programming principles to be applied to modern programming

languages. Topics covered include: procedural logic, flowcharts, pseudo code, algorithms, constants,

input and output, Computer Languages (HLL, Low Level), compilation Interpretation, Program errors,

simple data structures, differentiate procedural programming from object oriented programming.

Programming approaches. program structure and control, program flow, problem solving using

computers in Java/C++.

Computer Mathematics 12 credits

This course lays the mathematical foundation for information technology courses such as data

structures, algorithms, relational databases and networking. Topics covered include: Sets as

Conceptual Tools, Functions Sets and Logic, Composition of Functions Operation on Sets,

Permutations of Sets, Boolean algebra of Sets, Graphics and Directed Sets, Relations, Order and

Cardinality, Algebra of Relations, Iteration and Recursion, Sets defined by Propositions, Critical Path

Analysis, Theory of Counting, Automatic Problem Solving, Relations and Functions, Graphs and Logic,

Digraphs as Relations. Discrete Probability, Combinatorics, Prepositional Logic

Logic Design and Switching Circuits 12 credits

This course is the first one in a sequence of three courses, namely Computer Organisation and

Architecture and Microprocessors and Microcontrollers, which lays the background for digital

computer engineering. Topics covered include: Set Theory and Venn diagrams, Binary logic functions,

Logic gates, Karnaugh maps, combinational logic and circuits: design procedure, comparators, adders,

detectors, subtractors, Seven Segment Display, integrated circuits, encoders, decoders, multiplexers

and de-multiplexers, Sequential Logic:- flip-flops, clocked flip-flops, Equivalent gates, counters and

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registers, Use of VHDL to produce digital designs suitable for implementation on PLDs, programming

of PLDs for digital logic designs.

Communication Skills 12 credits

The course covers the following: The process of communication, communication models, nonverbal

communication and impression management, communication networks and impression management,

communication networks in organisations, computer mediated communication platforms; conflict

management and resolution strategies, negotiation. Communication for academic purposes, academic

writing, critical thinking skills, referencing and plagiarism. Business writing skills: memos, reports,

proposals, circulars, press releases and plain English in Corporate communication. Technical

communication: presentation of scientific and technical information: Tables, graphs, charts, visuals,

models and pictorials. Technical and scientific reports and proposals. Development communication:

concepts and approaches, communication media in rural communities, communication reception,

persuasive communication, communication and leadership.

Introduction to Statistics 10 Credits

Introduction to statistics: definition, uses of statistics (research, business, tourism, agriculture).

Probability: multiplicative law, addition law, conditional probability, tree diagram, law of total

probability. Probability distributions: random variables; discrete, continuous. Binomial distribution,

normal distribution Measures of central tendency and dispersion: mean, median, mode; range,

variance, standard deviation, standard error of the mean. Sampling techniques: simple random,

stratified, cluster, systematic. Data types, presentation, and summarization techniques: tables, graphs,

charts. Regression and correlation: regression parameters, correlation coefficient, coefficient of

determination. Simple statistical inference: hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, t-tests and chi-

square tests.

SEMESTER 2 COURSES

Principles of Management 10 credits

The course aims to define the roles of the manager in achieving the objectives of an organization.

Emphasis is on the importance of planning, organizing, leading and controlling as the principal

functions of the manager; articulating the major schools of management thought and their

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significance in modern business practice; identifying the key factors in the external and internal

environment that affect the management of an organization; demonstrating the principles of effective

management in a dynamic business environment; managing change in today’s business organizations;

understanding the significance of business ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility in business

organizations, as well as the role of globalization in business organizations.

Computer Organisation and

Architecture

12 credits

This course is designed to introduce the students to how the computer is organized, the components

inside it and the underlying principles that govern how they work. Topics covered include:

Performance, Instruction Sets, Arithmetic, Pipelining, Memory hierarchy, Input/output, Introduction

to digital electronics, buses, Von Newman architecture, memory data representation, arithmetic

operations, the ALU, the fetch decode executive cycle, Instruction Set design, Instruction types,

addressing modes interrupts, analogue and digital devices.

Operating Systems 12 credits

The course’s focus is on how an Operating System manages system resources e.g. memory, CPU files

etc, while avoiding possible deadlocks and / or starvation. Topics covered include: Computer

Resources. Operating systems strategies, process management, process synchronization and

interprocess communication, memory management, virtual memory, interrupt handling, processor

scheduling, device management, I/O, and the file systems, Device management, File management,

Network operating systems, Specific operating systems e.g. Linux or Unix, Windows family.

Numerical Methods 12 credits

The primary objective of the course is to develop the basic understanding of the construction of

numerical algorithms, and perhaps more importantly, the applicability and limits of their appropriate

use. Topics covered include: Solving systems of equations using LU decomposition, Gaussian

elimination, Gauss-Siedal, Jacobi’s method, Finding roots of equations using Newton-Raphson, Secant

and Bisection methods, Curve fitting using lagrange polynomials, splines, Newton’s interpolation,

Finding divided differences, Numerical integration using Gaussian quadrature, Trapezoidal and

Simpson rules and Finding solutions to initial valued problems using Euler and Runge-Kutta’s

methods.

Visual Languages and Computer

Programming

12 credits

This course is designed to introduce the students to fundamentals of visual language theory, the

semantics and pragmatics of visual languages, visual programming systems, visual query systems,

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visual information systems and visual software engineering. Topics covered include: Visual and code

elements, use of components, Working with forms, Project types designing forms and using standard

controls, style guides, project structure and use of templates, events and event-handlers, common

events, good coding practices, data structures, setting references to external libraries, scope of

variables, assignment of values or objects to variables, invoking methods and manipulating strings,

Controlling execution flow by branching or looping, procedures, Debugging, Error Handling, Data

display and validation, User Interaction, MDI applications and forms, Drag and drop, Application and

PC Information, API calls, Database Overview Accessing Data Using ADO.

ACADEMIC YEAR 2

SEMESTER 3 COURSES

Database Systems 12 credits

The course aims to equip students with design techniques and introduce students to concepts and

principles related to database management systems and link these to a RDBMS. Topics covered

include: Database Systems Evolution, Database Systems in the Organisation, Principles of Conceptual

Design, Database Models, The Relational Data Model, Data modeling, database design theory, data

definition and manipulation languages, storage and indexing techniques, query processing and

optimization, concurrency control and recovery and database programming interfaces.

Operations Research 12 credits

This course helps in solving problems in different environments that needs decisions. Topics covered

include: Overview of Operations Research, Decision Analysis, Decision trees, Linear programming

models (maximization and minimization), Graphical and simplex methods, Sensitivity analysis,

Network models, Assignment, Shortest route problems, Maximum flow problems, Assignment

problems, Inventory Control models, The basic Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model, Game theory.

PC Assembly and Maintenance 12 credits

The course exposes students to the internal computer components and computer assembly and

troubleshooting. Topics covered include: Designing and configuration of PCs using single and multiple

processor hardware designs based on the latest processors from Intel and AMD, and the latest

motherboards, chipsets and peripherals. The system board (Buses, SRAM, DIMM), Physical Memory

and Memory addressing, Hard Disk, Floppy Drives, CD Drives, SCSI Technology, Troubleshooting

Fundamentals, Multimedia Technology, MMX and SSE Technology, Electricity and Power supplies,

support of standard closed and open source operating systems such as Microsoft 98, ME, 2000, NT,

XP, Unix and Linux, upgrading and maintenance: power systems – protection, backup systems,

alternative power, environmental issues.

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Object Oriented Programming 12 credits

The course aims at providing a solid foundation in problem solving using computers and

programming techniques of orientation. Topics covered include: Objects overview and review,

Creating class instances within constructors, Objects analysis: creating fields and properties,

Inheritances and specialized classes, Base class and abstract classes, Events and exception, Providing

services using interfaces, Polymorphism: using classes, interchangeably, Shared and static members,

Overloading operators with Visual a visual OOP language, Serialization, Object oriented analysis,

design and implementation using UML, .NET design guidelines.

Software Engineering 12 credits

The course gives the students practical experience in applying all the Software Life cycle Models,

standards and technologies. Topics covered include: Software process and problems, requirements,

specifications and Software Design approaches, Modular designs, CASE tools, Case Studies. Object

Oriented Analysis and Design using the Unified Modeling Language (UML) to capture requirements,

model user interactions and business process, Verification and validation, Implementation and

Integration Issues, Maintenance.

SEMESTER 4 COURSES

Data Structures and Algorithms 12 credits

The purpose of this course is to develop students’ knowledge in data structures, the associated

algorithms and design techniques within an object-oriented framework. Topics covered include:

Problem solving, algorithms, compilation, variable, I/O Control Structures, data structures

subprograms, data types, storage elements, control constructs, logical programming; scope and

extensibility; Data structures – pointers, linked lists, queues, stacks, trees and operations, space/time,

tradeoffs abstraction, sorting and hashing. Orders of Growth, Recurrences, Solving Recurrences,

Divide and Conquer Technique, Greedy programming, Scheduling Algorithms, Dynamic Programming,

Backtracking, n-queens problem, Randomized Algorithms and Randomized technique, Graph

Algorithms, Minimum, Spanning Tree, Single Source Shortest Path (Dijkstra, Bellman Ford).

Software Project Management 12 credits

The course develops a working knowledge of the principles of project planning, initiation, project life

cycle, estimation and monitoring the project process. Topics covered include: Principles of project

planning, Project initiation, Project Lifecycle and planning, Identity tasks and estimating costs. Quality

issue, anticipating problems and motivation, financial issues, management tools, applying principles

GANTT and PERT charts, critical path tracking , time recording and progress monitoring review and

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risk analysis, software matrix, generic project management.

Data Communication and Networks 12 credits

The course exposes students to the different technologies applied in data communication and the

principles of computer networking. Topics covered include: Computer network technologies and

applications, Role of Data communication in organizations, Transmission Media , Signaling,

Communication protocols, Communication architectures – ISO OSI Model, Transmission media,

Network connections (Data transmission modes, multiplexing), Network types (LAN,WAN,MAN), LAN

topologies, LAN MAC protocols, Routing and routing algorithms (distance vector, link state, BGP),

Basic router configurations and routing tables, switching and switching devices. Spanning tree

protocol. Configuration, operation and administration of PC-based LAN and WAN, troubleshooting a

network. Administration of multiple network Operating Systems e.g. Windows 2000, Linux and Unix

services via TCP/IP protocol. IP addressing (IPv4and IPv6). Network security, Accessing the WAN

protocols-ATM, Frame Relay, HDLC, PPP, PAP, CHAP and broadband links. WAN traffic control and

Access Control Lists (ACL), Enterprise Network (NAT, DHCP and troubleshooting), Advanced Topics:

VOIP, Telemetry.

Website Design and E-Business 12 credits

This course provides the skills of Website development, Website management, E-business strategies

and their applications. Topics covered include: Web site design and principles, web design strategies

and infrastructures, Copyright laws and ethical decisions, Web site management, Troubleshooting and

Problem Solving, Online resources, HTML, Cascading Style Sheets, Web multimedia and interactivity,

New Media design concepts, Interactive Capabilities, Java Script, Forms, Acrobat, E-business Models

(B2B, B2C, M2M, Components of e-Business solutions infrastructural requirements, Marketing on the

Net, Supply Chain Management, Customers and Branding, Virtual Communities and Web auctions,

Alliances and Outsourcing, Knowledge Management for E-Business, Security, Payments and

Legal/Ethical Issues, Organizational Change, Mobile Apps development using Agile Development

Model.

Engineering Research Methods 12 credits

Definition of research objectives, research framework, design, Research problem: nature,

characteristics, possible sources and significance, development and statement of problem, research

questions and hypothesis, literature review; Experimental research: definition, experimental planning

and design, measurements, types of measurement; Experiment data acquisition and processing: data

acquisition systems, data storage and display, data analysis. Population and Sampling methods,

research methods and instruments, data processing and analysis, descriptive statistics, inferential

statistics: normal distribution curve, point estimation and confidence interval, hypothesis testing, chi-

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square statistics, goodness-of-fit, analysis of variance (ANOVA), data presentation and interpretation.

Research ethics, Report writing.

ACADEMIC YEAR 3

SEMESTERS 5 AND 6 COURSES

Industrial Attachment Continuous

Assessment

50 credits

Since IT professionals are primarily entrusted with the integration of different technologies, and the

integration of the technology into organizations, familiarity with the technology that goes beyond the

purely theoretical is required. The Industrial Attachment course is there to fulfill this requirement. It

allows students to gain practical working exposure in the real-life working environment through

attachment to companies for a minimum period of eight (8) months. It will develop other important

work skills such as positive working attitude, initiative, interpersonal relationship management and

communication skills. Industrial Attachment is to be conducted as stipulated in the Regulations.

Students are expected to produce comprehensive reports based on their work experiences and

problem solving and troubleshooting in experiential learning.

Industrial Attachment Report 70 credits

The student is expected to carry out a project under the supervision of the industrial supervisor. The

students are given the opportunity to independently identify a problem in an organization and

develop a software and/or hardware solution to that problem. The students use the standard systems

development life cycle or a suitable software model. Students are expected to produce comprehensive

reports based on a solution to a problem/challenge at their attachment places using the System

Design and Analysis Approach.

ACADEMIC YEAR 4

SEMESTER 7 COURSES

Technopreneurship 12 credits

The course prepares the students to identify and exploit business opportunities in the computing and

engineering sector. The topics covered include: Nature and characteristics of technopreneurship

application of engineering in business. Creativity and innovation, Business plan, business proposal,

project proposal, contracts, budgeting, Product life cycle, market inception, Forms of business

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organisations, Market and competitive analysis, Marketing Strategy: Route to market entry: new start

up, buying existing business, franchising, product protection: patents, trademarks, copyrights.

Financial Management, valuation and forecasting, Fund raising and the financial markets, winning

negotiations, managing growth and growing global, Effective presentations, Ethics and

professionalism, gender issues in a business environment, corruption and citizenship.

Simulation and Modeling 12 credits

This course introduces the students to modeling and simulation concepts. Topics covered include:

Introduction to system modeling using both computer simulation and mathematical and statistical

techniques using a wide range of case studies to illustrate concepts, basic simulation and modeling

methodology, Monte Carlo Simulation, discrete-event simulation, continuous system simulation,

mixed continuous/discrete-event simulation, queuing theory stochastic processes and algebra, petri-

Nets, process-oriented and parallel simulation, sample data collection analysis and visual output,

modeling complexities and decision making simulation, random numbers, statistical functions,

experimentation, applied statistical methods for analysis and modeling, use software for simulation

e.g. ARENA, MATLAB, NS2.

Microprocessors and Microcontrollers 12 credits

This course will introduce students to current state-of-the-art hardware, architecture and elementary

programming of microprocessor and microcontrollers. Among the various topics covered are:

instruction sets, fundamental software concepts, interfacing microprocessors to external devices

(sensors and actuators) and analogue and digital circuits, and microprocessors in control

systems. Other topics covered include: Microprocessors and microcontroller, The 8051 Architecture,

Addressing Modes and Operations, Jump and Call Instructions, 8051 programming in C, Timer /

Counter Programming in 8051, 8051 Serial Communication, Interrupts Programming, 8051

Interfacing and Applications.

SEMESTER 7 ELECTIVES (12 CREDITS EACH)

Wireless Communications 12 credits

This course introduces fundamental technologies for wireless communications. Topics covered

include: Evolution of Mobile Communication, the cellular system design Fundamentals, Fibre Optics

Mobile radio propagation (large-scale and small-scale) modulation techniques for Mobile Radio,

Equalization, diversity, Channel coding, speech coding. Multiple techniques for wireless

communication, wireless system standards-AMPS, IS-136 GSM, IS-95, WCDMA networking (2G, 3G,

4G, Wimax IEEE820.16, Wi-Fi IEEE802.11 family), Multi-user detection, space time coding, smart

antenna, software radio. Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) and i-mode, wireless; Access to the

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internet, Internet Protocol (IP) and Mobile IP, in Building Systems, Mobile Satellite Service wireless

communication security.

Artificial Intelligence and Expert

Systems

12 credits

The course develops among students a working knowledge of expert systems as well as the

understanding of the application of artificial reasoning in industrial processes. Topics covered

include: An introduction to intelligence, historical and current trends and characterization of

knowledge-based systems, Search, logic and deduction, Knowledge representation, production

system, expert systems, architecture of expert systems, criteria for selecting expert system shells, end-

user interface, developer interface, system interface, inference engine, knowledge base, data interface.

Data Warehousing and Mining 12 credits

This course will introduce concepts and techniques of data mining and data warehousing, including

concept, principle, architecture, design, implementation, application of data warehousing and data

mining. Topics covered include: data warehousing and OLAP technology for data mining. Data

preprocessing, Data mining primitives, languages and system, Descriptive data mining;

characterization and comparison, Association analysis, Classification-n and prediction, Cluster

analysis, mining complex types of data, Applications and trends in data mining, Business Intelligence,

BIG Data Modelling

Application Integration

12 credits

This course focuses on Enterprise application integration. Topics covered include: Benefits,

requirements, levels of Integration, architectures for integrating systems, DCOM, CORBA, RMI, web

services and middleware, network programming, message and queuing services, low level data

communications, software security practices, evidence-based security, code access security, best

security coding practices.

IT Governance 12 credits

This course covers frameworks and methodologies for aligning IT strategy with a business` strategy.

Topics covered include: Corporate Governance, IT Governance, IT Management, Service Management,

Strategic Alignment, IT Value Delivery, IT Risk Management, IT Resource Management, IT

Performance Management, IT Governance Frameworks (COBIT, ITL), Security RACI (Responsibility,

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Accountability, Consulted and Informed), Strategic security, Security during acquisition, Performance

of security measures, Performance of security measures Conformance of information systems to

security obligation

SEMESTER 8 COURSES

Computer Graphics 12 credits

This course covers the fundamentals underlying the development of systems with computer graphics.

Topics covered include: Introduction to Computer Graphics, Computer Graphics Hardware, Output

Primitives, Two-Dimensional Clipping, Polygon Filling, Two and Three-Dimensional Transformations,

Three-Dimensional Projections, Hidden Line and Surface Removal, Shading Techniques, Ray Tracing,

Spline Curves and Surfaces, Color Models, Fractals, Human Visual System, Application of

Programming.

Computer Security 12 credits

The course covers concepts and applied methods of computer security with an aim to relate access

control and risk analysis to practical computer security. Topics covered include: Security Threats and

Vulnerabilities: e.g. Spamming, Phishing, Spoofing, Security Models, Cryptography and Cryptanalysis,

Authentication, Access Control, Protocols, OS Security, Vulnerabilities, Network Security, IP Security,

Firewalls, IP sec/VPNs, Worms, DDOS, Web Security, Program Safety and Analysis, Systems Security,

IT Systems Security Policy, Business Models, Legal, ethical and Social Issues.

Project 24 credits

The project is normally carried out over two semesters, commencing in the 7th semester. The project

will build upon the core and elective subjects already undertaken by the student. A student is

expected to complete a project utilizing/extending knowledge gained throughout the course. The

student is expected to write a research proposal; apply knowledge of computing and mathematics

appropriate to the discipline; analyze a problem, and identify and define the computing requirements

appropriate to its solution; design, implement and evaluate a computer-based solution to meet

desired needs; effectively integrate IT-based solutions into the user environment; and communicate

effectively with a wide range of audiences.

Multimedia Systems Development 12 credits

This course focuses on the hardware and software requirements for developing and running

multimedia applications. Topics covered include: Idea development, scripting, storyboarding,

planning, prototyping and presentation of multimedia design concepts are explored through the

development and design of multimedia products, examples of applications, Hardware/Software,

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Creativity, Organisation, Concepts multimedia (Structure, Authoring languages, Browsing, Indexing,

Navigating, search), Design Concepts (Analysis of projects, Organisation of text, Creating Hyperlinks,

Navigation techniques, Structure design, Media integration), Authoring (Prototype Development,

Working with:- mages, Sound, Video – Animation, Implementation, Copyright Issues), Interactive

Capabilities.

SEMESTER 8 ELECTIVES (12 CREDITS EACH)

Decision Support Systems 12 credits

This course addresses the principles and practice of decision support systems (DSS). Areas addressed

are the design, development and application of DSS conceptual framework, cognitive styles, evaluating

and using DSS, DSS architectures, data base management systems, model-base management systems,

problem solving and decision- making tools, brainstorming, operations research tools, artificial

intelligence techniques, dialogue generation and management software, machine interface, adaptive

design approach, knowledge acquisition, applications and case studies.

Distributed Systems 12 credits

This course focuses on interactive computer based systems and subsystems that help decision makers

utilize data, models and/or communications to solve problems and make decisions. Topics covered

include: Characterization of Distributed System, System Models, Networking and Internetworking,

Interprocess Communication, Foundations, Time and Global States, Coordination and Agreement,

Distributed algorithms, Operating System Support, Distributed File Systems, Distributed Multimedia

System, Distributed shared Memory; System infrastructure, middleware, distributed Objects and

remote Invocation, Security, Name Services, CORBA case Study, Transactions and Concurrency

Control, Distributed Transactions, replication, Shared data, Advanced Topics: Cloud Computing.

Virtual reality (VR) 12 credits

This course includes an overview of virtual reality systems, both hardware and software, and

computer graphics techniques to simulate virtual environments with focus on problems relating to

interacting with the virtual world, including depth perception, the selection of objects, the movement

of objects, and the interaction and collision of objects within the environment are studied. Topics

covered include: compression, motion specification, procedural animation, 3D graphics and animation

environment, frame generation, Animation interface, virtual reality and animation applications, VR

environment- database, user inputs, system outputs, VR technology-3D trackers head mounted

devices, gloves, headphones, haptic devices, VR interaction- immersive and non-immersive.

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Mobile Computing 12 credits

This course focuses on the concepts of mobile computing Topics covered include: Agent based

techniques in programming; the prime importance of choice of language, Discussion of Scenarios and

Challenges; wireless technologies, location and context-aware management, location-aware systems, ,

algorithms for mobile-receiver location, service discovery; consistency and replication; sensors;

infrastructure services; mobile computing models, appliance computing, privacy and security of

choice of language, design and implementation of mobile applications (apps).

Neural Networks and Fuzzy Logic 12 credits

This course focuses on novel approaches for computational intelligence based on soft computing

techniques, which include knowledge based reasoning, fuzzy inferencing systems and connectionist

modeling based on artificial neural networks. Topics covered include: Basic Concepts of Neural

Networks, Multilayer perceptions and Neural Network Training, Feed forward Network Engineering

Applications, Radial Basis Function neural Networks, Recurrent Networks, Associative Learning Rules

and Self Organization Networks, Specialized Networks (probabilistic, modular, LVQ, etc). neural

Control Systems and Engineering Applications, Basic concepts of fuzzy logic, Fuzziness in Expert

Systems, Fuzzy Approaches to Engineering problems, Fuzzy Sets, and Relations, Linguistic

Descriptions and their Analytical Forms Fuzzy Algorithms Inference and Composition, Fuzzy Control,

Introduction to Genetic Algorithms, Engineering Applications of Genetic Algorithms , Special Topics.

Parallel Computing 12 credits

This course covers concepts of parallel computing including parallel architectures and network

topologies, parallel algorithms, parallel metrics, parallel languages, granularity, applications, parallel

programming design and debugging. Topics covered include: Models of parallel computers and

computation, Techniques for designing parallel algorithms, Message passing computing and MPI,

Distributed shared memory systems and cache coherence protocols, Shared memory and Open MP,

Introduction to multi-threading, Interconnection networks, Performance and scalability of parallel

algorithms, Current developments in parallel computing.

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Human Computer Interaction 12 credits

This course concerned with the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing

systems for human use and the study of major phenomena surrounding them. Topics covered include:

Human factors - cognitive principle, understanding the user, designing for humans, ergonomics;

human-centred evaluation - heuristics, usability testing, usability standards; developing effective

interfaces – understanding user experiences and interaction styles, graphical and non-graphical user

interfaces, prototyping; accessibility – biometrics, repetitive stress syndrome, guidelines and

regulations; emerging technologies – virtual reality, wearable computing, mobile computing,

alternative I/O devices and displays, pervasive computing; human-centred computing – human-

centred design methods, social computing, user and task analysis.

Disaster Recovery and Business

Continuity

12 credits

The course focuses on designing, implementing and evaluating disaster recovery plans. Topics

covered include: Data backup, storage, maintenance, retention and restoration processes and

practices; regulatory, legal, contractual, and insurance issues related to business continuity and

disaster recovery; Business impact analysis, development and maintenance of the business continuity

and disaster recovery plans business continuity and disaster recovery testing approaches and

methods human resources management practices as related to business continuity and disaster

recovery e.g. evacuation planning, response teams processes used to invoke the business continuity

and disaster recovery plans types of alternating processing sites and methods used to monitor the

contractual agreements e.g. hot sites, warm sites, cold sites.