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PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Final

Course summary Final award BSc (Hons) Computer Systems with Networking

Intermediate award BSc Computing, DipHE Computer Systems with Networking, CertHE

Course status Validated

Awarding body University of Brighton

College Life, Health & Physical Sciences

School Computing, Engineering and Mathematics

Location of study/ campus Hastings

Partner institution(s)

Name of institution Host department Course status

1. SELECT

2.

3.

Admissions Admissions agency UCAS

PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION

Entry requirements Include any progression opportunities into the course.

Applicable for 2016 entry. Check the University’s website for 2017 entry requirements.

Candidates for admission to Level 4 would normally be at least 18 years of age and would typically have: Either GCE ‘A’ levels(BCC) or the equivalent to at least 260 UCAS tariff points (key skills acceptable) or ND/C (level 3) DMM or The International Baccalaureate to at least 27 points or a Kite-marked Access course qualification pass (at least 45 credits at level 3), with 24 credits at merit or distinction, level 3 units in computing required.

Plus in all cases GCSE passes (to at least grade C) in a minimum of three subjects including mathematics, English language, science or equivalents.

A student who has already fulfilled, by means of previous study or experiential learning (AP(E)L) some of the learning outcomes of the intended programme may be admitted with academic credit. This may enable students to enter a programme at a later stage (level 5.) Applications for the accreditation of prior study or experiential learning must be approved by the Programme Leader. This would not normally be approved for level 6 modules.

Direct entry to level 5 for FdSc graduates is allowed where students have graduated with a module average of merit.

Start date (mmm-yy) Normally September

Sep-16

Mode of study

Mode of study Duration of study (standard) Maximum registration period

Full-time 3 years 8 years

Part-time Other: 6 years 8 years

Sandwich 4 years 10 years

Distance Other: N/A Select Course codes/categories

UCAS code I3H3

Contacts Course Leader (or Course Development Leader)

Gerard Allsop

Admissions Tutor Gerard Allsop

Examination and Assessment

External Examiner(s)

Name Place of work Date tenure expires Prof N Bessis Prof P Hanna Dr C Evans Dr A Bingham

University of Derby

University of Ulster

Birminham City University

Teeside University

30 Sep 2016 30 Sep 2015 30 Sep 2018 30 Sep 2018

Examination Board(s) (AEB/CEB)

Computing Area Examination Board Computing Course Examination Board

Approval and review Approval date Review date

Validation June 20131 May 20152

Programme Specification June 20163

Q&S Published June 2016

June 20174

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 1 (if applicable): N/A

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 2 (if applicable): N/A

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 3 (if applicable): N/A

1 Date of original validation.

2 Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years).

3 Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved (normally September).

4 Date programme specification will be reviewed (normally approval date + 1 year). If programme specification is applicable to

a particular cohort, please state here.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aims The aims of the course are:

Graduates of the award may pursue a career in the design and implementation of web based systems with an emphasis on mobile clients. Their knowledge of network design and management also opens opportunities to work in the vast arena of networked computer systems. Such systems are used throughout commercial world and form the cornerstone of trading for such sectors as banking, retail and insurance.

The course will: provide students with a range of skills and knowledge appropriate for a networking

professional working in the e-commerce sector

produce graduates knowledgeable of current:

o Network techniques and technologies. o E-commerce techniques and technologies.

enable students to develop the abilities expected of any graduate including the ability to think logically, research effectively and communicate clearly through a variety of media

provide students with an academic and practical education upon which a broad range of professional development can proceed

facilitate the development of transferable skills

enable students to integrate their learning and knowledge into a form appropriate to support network infrastructure decisions

Learning outcomes The outcomes of the main award provide information about how the primary aims are demonstrated by students following the course. These are mapped to external reference points where appropriate5.

Knowledge and theory On completion of the course the graduate should be able to: 1. Distinguish and understand the range of professional roles that exist

within the networking and e-commerce sectors. (LO1) 2. Differentiate between key technical aspects of network

development including the design of appropriate topologies (LO2) 3. Interpret and understand a range of conceptual aspects relating to

e-commerce and networking. (LO3) 4. Comprehend key technical aspects of e-commerce solutions

including web technologies. (LO4) 5. Follow the core principals and foundations of network design.( LO5) 6. Give appropriate consideration to the legal and ethical issues

relating to the development of e-commerce and networked solutions(LO6)

Skills Includes intellectual skills (i.e. generic skills relating to academic study, problem solving, evaluation, research etc.) and professional/ practical skills.

1. To be able to think logically and imaginatively to develop creative solutions.(SLO1)

2. To be able to design and implement solutions that conform to an appropriate range of open standards. (SLO2)

3. To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of information processing. (SLO3)

4. To be able to adapt current skills to future demands. (SLO4) 5. To be able to communicate effectively. (SLO5)

5 Please refer to Course Development and Review Handbook or QAA website for details.

PART 2: COURSE DETAILS

QAA subject benchmark statement (where applicable)6

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Documents/c omputing07.pdf

PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODIES (where applicable) Where a course is accredited by a PSRB, full details of how the course meets external requirements, and what students are required to undertake, are included.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

Learning and teaching methods This section sets out the primary learning and teaching methods, including total learning hours and any specific requirements in terms of practical/ clinical-based learning. The indicative list of learning and teaching methods includes information on the proportion of the course delivered by each method and details where a particular method relates to a particular element of the course. The information included in this section complements that found in the Key Information Set (KIS), with the programme specification providing further information about the learning and teaching methods used on the course.

Typically for full-time students at all levels, there will be 60 CATS studied in a semester. Each module normally comprises a one-hour taught session that will outline the scope of the subject and another one-hour supervised session in the form of a tutorial or practical (10 CATS modules 2 hours per week over one semester, 20 CATS modules 2 hours per week over 2 semesters). Students will be expected, on average, to spend another four hours each week for each module on guided and independent study or practice. Some of this practice time will be used for the completion of assessed coursework.

Typically for L4 and L5 students % of Student Effort

Lectures 13

Tutorial / Seminar 13

Independent study 74

Typically for L6 students % of Student Effort

Lectures 8.5

Tutorial / Seminar 8.5

Individual project 33 Independent study 50

At level 6 the individual project accounts for 40 CATS points and is supported by individual supervision by a member of staff. Students are encouraged to talk to their supervisor each week to discuss issues relating to their project.

The project enables students to extend and deepen their knowledge and skills within computing and give practice in the self-management of major intellectual undertakings. Work-related learning The optional placement for full-time students is undertaken between Levels 5 and 6 and normally lasts for 48 weeks. Part-time students do not normally take the placement. Module CI282 is used to assess the placement year and is composed of reflection on the placement and in particular how it has helped the student to develop professionally. CI235 - Professional experience and learning, is also available as an option for students interested in industry placement.

6 Please refer to the QAA website for details.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment methods This section sets out the summative assessment methods on the course and includes details on where to find further information on the criteria used in assessing coursework. It also provides an assessment matrix which reflects the variety of modes of assessment, and the volume of assessment in the course. The information included in this section complements that found in the Key Information Set (KIS), with the programme specification providing further information about how the course is assessed.

The course contains some compulsory assessments not included in the breakdown provided on the KIS

because they cannot be directly linked to credit. For example a pass/fail skills test included in one of the modules or as a course requirement. Full details of assessments within a module can be found on the University’s VLE, student central.

All modules conform to the University’s assessment policy as articulated in GEAR. A variety of assessment methods to assess students’ knowledge and skills are employed. These methods include:

Examinations:

demonstration of knowledge and analytical skills.

Projects: research skills, problem analysis and problem solving, solution building and evaluation.

Portfolios: demonstration of the ability to apply knowledge, problem analysis and problem solving, integration of techniques to carry out tasks.

Reports: demonstration of analytical and communication skills.

Web-pages:

as for reports, but also skills in information design and presentation.

Presentations: knowledge and communication skills

Tests (short usually in class, but may for convenience be in the exam periods): knowledge and understanding.

The coursework schedules are published at the start of the academic year to ensure that student will be able to plan their time to facilitate the orderly completion of course work.

Assessment matrix

Award learning outcome Assessment methods Modules Number of credits

Report, portfolio CI164, CI143 20 1. Professional roles (LO1) Report CI301 40

Case study, exam CI351, CI303 40 Coursework CI117,CI171 30

2. Network development (LO2) Coursework CI212 20 Report, coursework CI301, CI303 60

Case study, coursework CI117,CI171 30

3. Topologies (LO2) Coursework CI212 20

Coursework CI303 20

Portfolio, report CI102H,CI143,CI141 40 4. Concepts - e-commerce (LO3) Written exam, portfolio CI203H,CI227, CI262 40

Report CI330H 20 Coursework, exam CI117 20

5. Concepts - networking. (LO3) Exam CI212 20 Portfolio, exam CI362,CI303 40

E-Learning All modules involve significant ICT practice by both students and staff; requiring extensive use of the universities VLE. Some modules make use of a range of e-learning tools such as wikis and blogs that are hosted on the divisions servers. On-line assessment is used were appropriate.

Practical exam, exam, portfolio

Practical exercise,

project Written exam

CI101H,CI102H,CI135 60

6. Technical aspects: e-commerce (LO4) CI203H, CI262 20

CI351 20

7. Technical aspects: Web technologies. (LO4)

Portfolio, exam

CI135

20

Portfolio, practical exercise CI227, CI203H 40 Portfolio CI362 20

Coursework CI117 20

8. Network design (LO5) Coursework CI212 20

Coursework CI303 20

9. Legal and ethical issues (LO6)

Report

CI164

10

Report

CI301

40

Practical exam, exam, portfolio CI101H,CI102H,CI135 60 10. Think logically (SLO1) Coursework, exam CI253, CI252,CI262 60

Report, exam CI351,CI330H 40

Coursework, portfolio CI101H,CI102H,CI135 60

11. Design and implement (SLO2) Coursework, exam CI253, CI252,CI262 60

Report, portfolio CI301, CI362 60

Coursework, portfolio CI101H,CI102H,CI143 50

12. Information processing. (SLO3) Coursework, exams. CI253, CI203H,CI252 60

Report, exam CI330H, CI351 40

13. Adapt current skills. (SLO4) Report CI301 40

Report CI164,CI141 20

14. Communicate effectively. (SLO5) Coursework, written exam CI252, CI212 40

Report, written exam CI301, CI330H, CI351 80

SUPPORT AND INFORMATION

Institutional/ University All students benefit from: University induction week Student Handbook: the University and you Course Handbook Extensive library facilities Computer pool rooms E-mail address Welfare service Personal tutor for advice and guidance Studentcentral

Course-specific Additional support, specifically where courses have non- traditional patterns of delivery (e.g. distance learning and work- based learning) include:

In addition, students on this course benefit from: The course takes full advantage of modern computing facilities located at the Hastings campus. A state of the art new teaching lab has been installed for delivery of certain modules on the award which combined with new student social learning spaces offer students a highly effective learning environment. Industry standard software is available in the labs.

To complement academic studies the award comprises an optional placement or ‘sandwich’ year facilitated by the Faculty placement team. As well as offering students a valuable link to graduate employment the sandwich year also provides an opportunity to complete the 20 credit module ‘Placement learning’.

Research informed teaching

The award encourages the relationship between research and teaching, as discussed in the University’s Learning and Teaching Strategy. The award will address the four main approaches identified as requirements for the strategic implementation of research-informed teaching:

(1) Ensuring a research-based curriculum. Module content is informed by current developments in both the research literature and the Communications industry. Staff delivering the modules regularly attend and monitor conferences, journals and other outlets for current research. The school also outputs research of a high standard. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) the school scored 80% research of international quality of which 15% was internationally leading.

(2) Integrating current staff research into the curriculum by providing teaching from research-active members of academic staff. This is particularly evident in the final year Object-Oriented Analysis and Modelling module and in final projects, which will often be based around the research interests of academic staff.

(3) Using pedagogic research to inform teaching methods by making use of the extensive body of research available both within and beyond the University. By 2015 all members of the teaching team will have obtained or working towards a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education or institutionally recognised equivalent.

(4) Developing students as researchers. An independent research project will form a major component of the course at level 6. This is supported by several modules adopting an enquiry or problem- based learning approaches which develop research skills and individual learning.

Education for Sustainable Development The Sustainable Development Policy details four parallel approaches currently taken by the University to encourage an integrated curriculum development process and the advancement of an appropriate pedagogic approach. These exemplars illuminate core principles of sustainable development as applied to Education. The course team have considered these issues during the development process and have addressed the objectives of sustainable development through the promotion of a ‘learning management’ policy sympathetic to the objectives of sustainable development and the embedding of targeted learning opportunities into the programme’s content.

Managing learning The idea here is to engage students, academics and support staff.

The teaching team will be charged with ensuring a paper free learning environment. Though it is recognised that a 100% paper free course may be impossible to achieve [examinations, mitigating circumstances as an example of where this may not be possible] the target will be to distribute all learning materials and capture all assessments electronically.

As a general principle, timetables will prioritise the reduction of student journeys whilst module start and end times will facilitate the use of public transport.

Course representatives will be encouraged to raise issues of sustainable development at course boards: specifically on matters relating to the management of learning.

Course content Starting at induction, students will confront the question of how green the Information and Communications industry is. A list of sustainability questions will be developed for each level and apportioned across the level’s modules. Examples of issues students will investigate or reflect upon will range from assessing the power consumption of a typical desktop computer, through to assessing the impact of Computer Mediated Communications on real world communities.

COURSE STRUCTURE This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study and progression points. Course Leaders may choose to include a structure diagram here.

The award is structured into three levels [4,5,6], with an optional sandwich year. Students require 120 CATS at each level to achieve the full award. Study at all levels is divided into modules and as a general principle modules valued at 10 CATS are delivered over one semester whilst modules valued at 20 CATS are delivered over two. 20 credit modules equate to 200 hours of learning with 10 CATS modules pro- rata.

At level 6, Students complete four compulsory modules valued at 20 CATS points plus an Individual Project valued at 40 CATS to make up the 120 credits required to pass each level.

At all levels emphasis is placed on professional practice with industry / course links ensuring students have the option to complete a client based project if they so wish.

The modules that comprise the award fall into four main categories:

Design and implementation of computer systems

Data and Databases

Web based technologies

Internet and Networking technologies

Design and implementation CI101H is an introductory programming course that covers the basics of programme structure and a thorough overview of the object oriented (OO) design paradigm [using an early objects approach]. CI203H covers the design and implementation of e-commerce applications whilst CI253 develops the theory underlying OO principles. CI262 introduces students to the development of mobile applications. CI351 develops a deeper understanding of the principals of system design.

Data and Databases CI102H introduces students to the relational database whilst CI143 introduces the concept of analysis and design. CI252 furthers the student’s knowledge of the SQL language and introduces the concept of DB triggers. CI330H develops a deeper understanding of the principals of data management.

Web technologies CI135 facilitates understanding of the web as a medium for the delivery of digital content and introduces the core client technologies (for example programmatic control of the client), whilst CI227 takes the concept further. CI141 supports students in creating usable interface designs.

Internet and Networking At all levels there are modules (CI171, CI117, CI212, CI203H, CI303) concentrating on the practical skills required to manage LAN and internet based systems. In CI362 students design and implement multiplayer, distributed games using the knowledge gained from the programming stream.

Individual Project CI301 is a substantial individual project which student’s undertake in the final year, allowing them to apply the skills they’ve acquired during the preceding years of study. Typical projects centre on the production of a software artefact, including documenting the software development process and relevant research.

PART 3: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

The module structure of the course is shown below.

Placement Learning

To complement academic studies the award comprises an optional placement or ‘sandwich’ year facilitated by the Placement team. CI282 provides an opportunity to complete the 20 credit module ‘Placement learning’. The sandwich year offers students a valuable link to graduate employment and contextualises their learning in industry. Often students who have completed a placement go on to achieve a higher classification of award. CI235 - Professional experience and learning, is also available as an option for students interested in industry placement.

Modules Status: M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award) C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award) O = Optional (optional modules) A = Additional (modules which must be taken to be eligible for an award accredited by a professional, statutory or regulatory body, including any non-credit bearing modules)

7 All modules have learning outcomes commensurate with the FHEQ levels 0, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. List the level which corresponds with the learning outcomes of each module.

L4

1

CI101H

Programming

CI102H

Introduction to databases

CI135

Introduction to web development

CI164 Professional and

study skills

CI143 Introduction to Requirements

analysis

CI117

Introduction to networking

2

CI171

Web servers and customisation

CI141

Human computer interaction

L5

1

CI253

Object Oriented design,

implementation and testing

CI252

Databases II

CI227

Web technologies

CI203H

Web application development

CI262 The Mobile

context

CI212

Network design and technologies

2

Sandwich year CI282

L6

1

2

CI351

Object Oriented analysis and modelling methods

CI330H

Data management

CI362

Multiplayer game development

CI303

Network management and

security

CI301 Individual project

Broad Category colour

Design and implementation Data and Databases

Web Technologies Internet and Networking

Level7 Module code

Status Module title Credit

4 CI101H C Programming 20 CI102H C Introduction to databases 20 CI135 C Introduction to web development 20 CI141 C Human computer interaction 10 CI143 C Introduction to requirements analysis 10 CI164 C Professional and study skills 10 CI171 C Web servers and customisation 10 CI117 C Introduction to networking 20

5 CI203H C Web application development 20 CI227 C Web technologies 20 CI235 O Professional experience and learning 20 CI252 C Databases II 20 CI253 C Object oriented design, implementation and testing 20 CI262 C The mobile context 20 CI212 C Network Design & Technologies 20 CI282 O Placement learning 20

6 CI301 M The individual project 40 CI330H C Data management 20 CI351 C Object-oriented analysis and modelling methods 20 CI362 C Multiplayer game development 20 CI303 C Network management and security 20

Status: M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award) C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award) O = Optional (optional modules) A = Additional (modules which must be taken to be eligible for an award accredited by a professional, statutory or regulatory body, including any non-credit bearing modules)

AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION

Award type Award* Title Level Eligibility for award Classification of award

Total credits8 Minimum credits9

Ratio of marks10: Class of award

Final BSc (Hons) Computer Systems with Networking

6 Total credit 360 Minimum credit at level of award 120

Levels 5 and 6 (25:75) Honours degree

Intermediate BSc Computing 6 Total credit 300 Minimum credit at level of award 60

Level 6 marks Not applicable

Intermediate Dip HE Computer Systems with Networking

5 Total credit 240 Minimum credit at level of award 120

Level 5 marks Not applicable

Intermediate Cert HE Computer Systems with Networking

4 Total credit 120 Minimum credit at level of award 120

Level 4 marks Not applicable

Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select

Select Select

*Foundation degrees only Progression routes from award:

Award classifications Mark/ band % Foundation degree Honours degree Postgraduate11 degree (excludes PGCE and BM BS)

70% - 100% Distinction First (1) Distinction 60% - 69.99% Merit Upper second (2:1) Merit 50% - 59.99%

Pass Lower second (2:2) Pass

40% - 49.99% Third (3)

8 Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award. 9 Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award. 10 Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g., dissertation) must be in the corresponding class of award. 11 Refers to taught provision: PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters.

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EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section.

The examination and assessment regulations for the course should be in accordance with the University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses (available from staffcentral or studentcentral).

Specific regulations which materially affect assessment, progression and award on the course e.g. Where referrals or repeat of modules are not permitted in line with the University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses.

For students entering the award at level 4, the credits from module CI282 can be used to either compensate a credit deficit at level 5 or substitute for lower marks at level 5 thus raising the overall grade profile. This opportunity is not available for students entering the award at level 5.

Exceptions required by PSRB These require the approval of the Chair of the Academic Board

N/A