School of Computing and Mathematics Single Honours ... · PDF fileIt provides the greatest breadth of learning in ... L01.1 Demonstrate ... These learning and teaching methods enable

1 Version 2015-16

Information for students: the programme specification is the definitive document summarising the structure and

content of your degree programme. It is reviewed and updated every year as part of Keele's Curriculum Annual

Review and Development process. The document aims to clarify to potential and current students what you can

expect from the study of the subject over the course of your programme.

Names of programme(s): BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Mode of study: Full time

Single Honours/Dual Honours/Major-minor: Single Honours

Framework of Higher Education Qualification

(FHEQ) level of final award:

Level 6

Duration: 3 years

Details of professional, statutory and regulatory body (PSRB): British Computer Society

External Examiners: See http://www.keele.ac.uk/qa/externalexaminers/

1. What is the Philosophy of the Programme?

Single Honours Computer Science is a programme for students with an interest in the application of computing to a

wide range of problems. Computer systems are now vital to business, government, science and society, and there is

much demand for graduates with the professional understanding and practical skills to harness software and

hardware technologies to solve real-world problems and develop the systems of the future. Many of the recent

advances in these areas can be attributed to developments in computing, and this trend is likely to increase in speed

and impact.

Both BSc Single- and BSc Dual-Honours Computer Science programmes are available. The Single Honours Programme

enables students to devote their studies full-time to the tools, techniques and underpinning theories that make the

science and technology so innovative and exciting. It provides the greatest breadth of learning in the subject, and has

been developed to meet the accreditation requirements of the British Computer Society (BCS).

School of Computing and Mathematics

Single Honours Computer Science

Programme Specification

2015/16

http://www.keele.ac.uk/qa/externalexaminers/

2 Version 2015-16

The programme explores the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline and place an emphasis on practical

computer programming and software development. There is no specific subject requirement for entry to the

programme, and no previous experience of computing or computer programming is assumed. The programme does

not involve an advanced level of mathematics, and any mathematical knowledge needed beyond that taught at GCSE

is taught as part of the modules included in the programme.

Aims of the Programme

The aims of the Programme are to:

Develop the intellectual, practical and additional transferable skills of the student such that they gain a

sound academic grounding in the discipline of Computer Science and an understanding of the professional

issues relevant to their future working lives.

Include areas of teaching at the leading edge of the discipline, as informed by subject research, discipline and industry trends and market requirements.

Prepare students for further study or research, and for employment in industry, commerce or public

service.

The range of opportunities for graduates with computing skills continues to expand. Many of our graduates move

into employment that is directly computing-related, for example as systems analysts, software engineers and

consultants. A substantial number of graduates go on to study for higher degrees in a wide range of subject areas, at

Keele and elsewhere.

What students will learn

What students who successfully complete the Programme will know, understand and be able to do (that is the

Programme learning outcomes) matches those abilities specified in the QAA 2007 Computing Benchmark Statement,

which are described under four main headings. These are Subject-related cognitive abilities and skills, Subject-

related practical abilities and skills, and Additional transferable skills. Students who successfully complete this

programme will be able to:

Subject-related cognitive abilities and skills

L01.1 Demonstrate computational thinking including its relevance to everyday life.

L01.2 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories

relating to computing and computer applications as appropriate to the programme of study.

L01.3 Use such knowledge and understanding in the modelling and design of computer-based systems for

the purposes of comprehension, communication, prediction and the understanding of trade-offs.

L01.4 Recognise and analyse criteria and specifications appropriate to specific problems, and plan

strategies for their solution.

L01.5 Analyse the extent to which a computer-based system meets the criteria defined for its current use

and future development.

L01.6 Deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and

evaluation of computer-based systems.

L01.7 Present succinctly to a range of audiences (orally, electronically or in writing) rational and reasoned

3 Version 2015-16

arguments that address a given information handling problem or opportunity. This should include

assessment of the impact of new technologies.

L01.8 Recognise the professional, economic, social, environmental, moral and ethical issues involved in the

sustainable exploitation of computer technology and be guided by the adoption of appropriate

professional, ethical and legal practices.

Subject-related practical abilities and skills

L02.1 Specify, design and construct computer-based systems.

L02.2 Evaluate systems in terms of general quality attributes and possible trade-offs presented within the

given problem.

L02.3 Recognise any risks or safety aspects that may be involved in the operation of computing equipment

within a given context.

L02.4 Deploy effectively the tools used for the construction and documentation of computer applications,

with particular emphasis on understanding the whole process involved in the effective deployment

of computers to solve practical problems.

L02.5 0perate computing equipment effectively, taking into account its logical and physical properties.

Additional transferable skills

L03.1 Demonstrate effective information-retrieval skills (including the use of browsers, search engines and

catalogues).

L03.2 Demonstrate numeracy and literacy in both understanding and presenting cases involving a

quantitative and qualitative dimension.

L03.3 Demonstrate effective use of general information technology (IT) facilities.

L03.4 Work as a member of a development team, recognising the different roles within a team and

different ways of organising teams.

L03.5 Managing their own learning and development including time management and organisational skills.

L03.6 Appreciate the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for lifelong

learning.

Engagement with this programme will enable students to develop their intellectual, personal and professional

capabilities. At Keele, we call these our ten Graduate Attributes and they include independent thinking, synthesizing

information, creative problem solving, communicating clearly, and appreciating the social, environmental and global

implications of your studies and activities. 0ur educational programme and learning environment is designed to help

students become well-rounded graduates who are capable of making positive and valued contributions in a complex

and rapidly changing world, whichever spheres of life they will engage in after their studies are completed.

Further information about how students can achieve the Keele Graduate Attributes can be found at:

http://www.keele.ac.uk/distinctive/keelegraduateattributes/

http://www.keele.ac.uk/distinctive/keelegraduateattributes/

4 Version 2015-16

2. How is the Programme taught?

Learning and teaching methods used on the Programme vary according to the subject matter and the level of the

module. They include the following:

traditional lectures providing students with detailed notes, often supported by copies of lecture slides in

print or electronic form;

practical sessions in computer laboratories often supported by copies of laboratory instruction sheets;

web-based learning using the University's virtual learning environment (KLE);

tutorials and directed reading on specific topics under the supervision of a member of academic staff;

group project sessions in which students work together to develop a software.

These learning and teaching methods enable students to achieve the stated outcomes of the programme in a variety

of ways. For example:

lectures allow students to gain a systematic knowledge and understanding of computer science concepts

and ideas and how to apply them to development of software and information systems ;

web-based learning and directed reading allow students to develop their interest in computer

science, their ability to reflect on their own learning and to take responsibility for its development ;

group sessions enable students to develop their written and oral communication skills;

practical sessions and group work encourage students to work both independently and in collaboration

with others as well as enabling them to solve problems in new or unfamiliar environments.

The Computer Science academic staff comprises three Professors, three Senior Lecturers, five Lecturers and five

Teaching Fellows, of which one is an Associate Fellow, one a Fellow and one a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education

Academy. More information about the Computer Science staff is available at http://www.keele.ac.uk/scm/staff/

http://www.keele.ac.uk/scm/staff/

5 Version 2015-16

3. What is the Structure of the Programme?

An outline of the structure of the Programme is provided in the tables below. Please note that the Programme may

change and we reserve the right to add, remove or change modules. Modules shown as "Comp" are compulsory and

are known as a "compulsory core modules".

Level 4

In the first year of study the emphasis is placed upon learning to design and write programs to solve problems.

Students therefore study both the algorithmic aspects of programming and the use of data structures as a means of

incorporating data and knowledge within programs. In addition, they learn about some of the fundamental concepts

in computing and the way in which humans interact with technology. Single Honours Computer Science students also

study how information systems are used in business and our every-day lives, and get a chance to apply their coding

skills within the context of animation and multimedia development environments.

Sem1 Sem2 Module Credit

Comp CSC-10029 Fundamentals of Computing 15

Comp CSC-10024 Programming I - Programming Fundamentals 15

Elective Elective module: may be from another discipline 15

Elective Elective module: may be from another discipline. 15

Comp CSC-10030 Programming II - Data Structures & Algorithms 15

Comp CSC-10032 Information Systems and Interaction 15

Comp CSC-10025 Cybercrime 15

Comp CSC-10026 Computer Animation and Multimedia 15

The content of modules at level 4 is informed by discipline and industry trends and market requirements, and the

theoretical and practical requirements of level 5 and 6 modules.

Level 4 of this programme consists of modules to the value of 120 credits. Discounting electives (of which all

students must take two) there are no options at level 4. However, formally the level 4 modules have the following

co-requisites (modules required to be studied in the same year).

Module Co-requisite

CSC-10029 Fundamentals of Computing none

CSC-10024 Programming I - Programming Fundamentals none

CSC-10030 Programming II - Data Structures & Algorithms CSC-10024 Programming I

CSC-10032 Information Systems and Interaction CSC-10029 Fundamentals of Computing

CSC-10025 Cybercrime none

CSC-10026 Computer Animation and Multimedia CSC-10024 Programming I

6 Version 2015-16

Level 5

The second year builds upon this foundation and introduces a number of different models for solving complex

problems with computers, such as advanced programming techniques. Students also explore some of the

professional and ethical issues in computing, and learn to develop sophisticated web applications and configure the

servers on which these rely. Single Honours Computer Science students also study computational intelligence topics

including evolutionary algorithms and neural networks, their use in vision systems and robotics, and learn to use

Virtual Worlds as an effective tool for conducting business and delivering learning resources.


Comp CSC-20020 Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism 15

Comp CSC-20021 Web Technologies 15

Comp CSC-20023 Computational Intelligence I 15

Elective Elective module: may be from another discipline 15

Comp CSC-20022 System Lifecycles and Design 15

Comp CSC-20004 Advanced Programming Practices 15

Comp CSC-20002 Database Systems 15

Comp CSC-20024 Virtual Worlds 15

The content of modules at level 5 is informed by discipline and industry trends and market requirements, and the

theoretical and practical requirements of level 6 modules.

Level 5 of this programme consists of modules to the value of 120 credits. Discounting electives (of which all

students must take one) there are no options at level 5. However, formally the level 5 modules have the following

precursors (modules for which the study hours must have been completed).

Module Precursor

CSC-20020 Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism CSC-10024 Programming I

CSC-20021 Web Technologies CSC-10024 Programming I

CSC-20023 Computational Intelligence I CSC-10024 Programming I

CSC-20022 System Lifecycles and Design CSC-10024 Programming I

CSC-20004 Advanced Programming Practices CSC-10030 Programming II

CSC-20002 Database Systems CSC-10029 Fundamentals of Computing

CSC-10024 Programming I

CSC-20024 Virtual Worlds CSC-10024 Programming I

The School has excellent links with local and national employers, and can help students arrange placements and

other work experience by connecting them with these employers. A placement can take the form of a year in

industry, between levels 5 and 6, or can be for a shorter period over the summer vacation. However, placements are

not a formal part of this course and so are not assessed by the University.

7 Version 2015-16

Level 6

During the final year, students study a selection of more advanced and specialist topics. Each student also undertakes

an individual project which continues throughout the year, culminating in a written dissertation.

Modules shown as “Option" are known as "optional core modules" and students choose from these to make up the

required number of modules


Option CSC-30016 Software Engineering Project Management 15

Option CSY-30001 Advanced Information Systems 15

Option CSC-30019 Games Computing 15

Option CSC-30002 Advanced Databases and Applications 15

Comp CSC-30014 30-credit Project 30

Option CSC-30021 Computing in Education 30

Option CSC-30018 IT Architectures 15

Option CSC-30012 Communications and Networks 15

Option CSC-30020 Computational Intelligence II 15

The content of modules at level 6 reflects and is informed by the research interests of the teaching staff, discipline

and industry trends and market requirements, giving students an opportunity to explore topics at the leading edge of

the discipline.

Level 6 of this programme consists of modules to the value of 120 credits: one compulsory 30-credit core module and

90 credits to be chosen from optional modules. The level 6 modules have the following precursors.

Module Precursors

CSC-30016 Software Engineering Project Management CSC-20020 Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism

CSC-20022 System Lifecycles and Design

CSY-30001 Advanced Information Systems CSC-10032 Information Systems and Interaction

CSC-20020 Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism

CSC-20022 System Lifecycles and Design

CSC-20002 Database Systems

CSC-30019 Games Computing CSC-10024 Programming I plus any of

CSC-20021 Web Technologies,

CSC-20004 Advanced Programming Practices and

CSC-20024 Virtual Worlds

CSC-30002 Advanced Databases and Applications CSC-20002 Database Systems

CSC-20021 Web Technologies

CSC-30014 30-credit Project (Normal progression)

CSC-30021 Computing in Education Interview, Secured place

CSC-30018 IT Architectures CSC-20022 System Lifecycles and Design

CSC-30012 Communications and Networks (Normal progression)

CSC-30020 Computational Intelligence II CSC-20023 Computational Intelligence I

8 Version 2015-16

Module Learning Outcomes

In combination with the Programme learning outcomes above, the tables and text below set out what students learn

in the Programme, the modules in which that learning takes place, and the main ways in which students are assessed

on their learning.

Learning Outcome Module in which this is delivered Principal forms of assessment

(of the Learning Outcome)

used

L01.1 Demonstrate

computational thinking,

including its relevance to

everyday life.

All modules Coursework and Examination

L01.2 Demonstrate

knowledge and understanding

of essential facts, concepts,

principles and theories relating

to computing and computer

applications as appropriate to

the programme of study.


L01.3 Use such knowledge

and understanding in the

modelling and design of

computer-based systems for

the purposes of

comprehension,

communication, prediction and

the understanding of trade-

offs.

All modules with the exception of

Fundamentals of Computing;

Cybercrime; Computing in Education

Coursework and Examination

L01.4 Recognise and analyse

criteria and specifications

appropriate to specific

problems, and plan strategies

for their solution.


Fundamentals of Computing; Computing

in Education


L01.5 Analyse the extent to

which a computer-based

system meets the criteria

defined for its current use and

future development.

Requirements, Evaluation and

Professionalism; Database Systems; Software

Engineering Project Management; IT

Architectures

Examination

L01.6 Deploy appropriate

theory, practices and tools for

the specification, design,

implementation and evaluation

of computer-based systems.


Fundamentals of Computing; Computing

in Education


9 Version 2015-16

L01.7 Present succinctly to a

range of audiences (orally,

electronically or in writing)

rational and reasoned

arguments that address a given

information handling problem

or opportunity. This should

include assessment of the

impact of new technologies.


L01.8 Recognise the

professional, economic, social,

environmental, moral and

ethical issues involved in the

sustainable exploitation of

computer technology and be

guided by the adoption of

appropriate professional,

ethical and legal practices.


Programming I - Programming Fundamentals;

Programming II - Data Structures &

Algorithms; Computer Animation and

Multimedia; Computational Intelligence I;

Advanced Programming Practices;

Computational Intelligence II;

Communications and Networks; Advanced

Databases and Applications


L02.1 Specify, design and

construct computer-based

systems.


Fundamentals of Computing;

Cybercrime; Computing in Education


L02.2 Evaluate systems in

terms of general quality

attributes and possible trade-

offs presented within the given

problem.


Professionalism; Database Systems; Software

Engineering Project Management; IT

Architectures


L02.3 Recognise any risks or

safety aspects that may be

involved in the operation of

computing equipment within a

given context.


Fundamentals of Computing; Programming I -

Programming Fundamentals; Programming II

- Data Structures & Algorithms; Information

Systems & Interaction; Computer Animation

and Multimedia; Computational Intelligence I;

System Lifecycles and Design; Advanced

Programming Practices; Virtual Worlds;

Games Computing; Computational

Intelligence II


10 Version 2015-16

L02.4 Deploy effectively the

tools used for the

construction and

documentation of computer

applications, with particular

emphasis on understanding

the whole process involved in

the effective deployment of

computers to solve practical

problems.


Fundamentals of Computing; Cybercrime;

Communications and Networks; Computing

in Education


L02.5 Operate computing

equipment effectively, taking

into account its logical and

physical properties.


Fundamentals of Computing; Requirements,

Evaluation and Professionalism; System

Lifecycles and Design; Software Engineering

Project Management; Advanced Information

Systems; Computational Intelligence II; 30-

credit Project; Communications and Networks;

Advanced Databases and Applications;

Computing in Education


L03.1 Demonstrate effective

information-retrieval skills

(including the use of browsers,

search engines and catalogues).

Fundamentals of Computing; Information

Systems & Interaction; Advanced Information

Systems


L03.2 Demonstrate numeracy

and literacy in both

understanding and presenting

cases involving a quantitative

and qualitative dimension.


L03.3 Demonstrate effective

use of general information

technology (IT) facilities.


L03.4 Work as a member of a

development team, recognising

the different roles within a

team and different ways of

organising teams.

System Lifecycles and Design Coursework

L03.5 Manage their own

learning and development

including time management

and organisational skills.

Information Systems & Interaction;


Professionalism; 30-credit Project; Computing

in Education

Coursework, Examination, and

Dissertation and supporting

materials

11 Version 2015-16

L03.6 Appreciate the need for

continuing professional

development in recognition of

the need for lifelong learning.


Professionalism; 30-credit Project; Computing

in Education

Coursework, Examination, and

Dissertation and supporting

materials

Module Topics

The BCS requires that an accredited honours degree provide breadth and depth in the area of computing and be

influenced by relevant research, industry and market requirements, with adequate theoretical underpinning. The

QAA 2007 Benchmark Statement provides a "Body of Knowledge" seen as defining the scope of the broad area of

computing. This is not intended to define curricula or syllabi. The table below shows which modules contribute to

each topic from the Body of Knowledge.

Body of Knowledge topic Modules contributing to the topic

Architecture Fundamentals of Computing

Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals of Computing; Computational Intelligence I; Computational

Intelligence II; Advanced Information Systems

Comparative programming

languages

Programming I - Programming Fundamentals; Programming II - Data

Structures & Algorithms; Web Technologies; Advanced Programming

Practices

Compilers & syntax dir. tools Fundamentals of Computing

Computational science

Computer-based systems Fundamentals of Computing; Information Systems & Interaction; Cybercrime;

Database Systems; Advanced Information Systems; IT Architectures

Computer communications Communications and Networks

Computer hardware engineering

Computer networks Fundamentals of Computing; Cybercrime; Communications and Networks

Computer vision & image

processing

Computational Intelligence I

Concurrency and parallelism Advanced Programming Practices

Databases Fundamentals of Computing; Information Systems & Interaction; Web

Technologies; Database Systems; Advanced Databases and Applications;

Advanced Information Systems

Data structures and algorithms Programming I - Programming Fundamentals; Programming II - Data

Structures & Algorithms; Advanced Programming Practices;

Advanced Information Systems; Advanced Databases and

Applications

Developing technologies Advanced Information Systems; IT Architectures

12 Version 2015-16

Distributed computer systems Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism; Web Technologies; Advanced

Programming Practices; Database Systems; Communications and Networks

Document processing Information Systems & Interaction; Computer Animation and

Multimedia; Web Technologies; Advanced Information Systems

e-Business Cybercrime; Advanced Information Systems; IT Architectures; Advanced

Databases and Applications

Empirical approaches Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism

Games computing Virtual Worlds; Games Computing

Graphics and sound Information Systems & Interaction; Computer Animation and

Multimedia; Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism; Virtual

Worlds; Games Computing

Human-Computer Interaction Information Systems & Interaction; Computer Animation and

Multimedia; Virtual Worlds; Games Computing

Information retrieval Information Systems & Interaction; Advanced Information Systems

Information systems Information Systems & Interaction; Web Technologies; Advanced

Information Systems

Intelligent information systems

technology

Computational Intelligence I; Database Systems; Advanced Information

Systems; Computational Intelligence II; Advanced Databases and Applications

Management Issues Software Engineering Project Management

Middleware Web Technologies; System Lifecycles and Design; IT Architectures

Multimedia Information Systems & Interaction; Computer Animation and

Multimedia; Virtual Worlds

Natural language computing Advanced Information Systems; Computational Intelligence II

0perating systems Fundamentals of Computing; Cybercrime

Professionalism Cybercrime; Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism; Virtual

Worlds; 30-credit Project; Computing in Education

Programming fundamentals Programming I - Programming Fundamentals; Programming II - Data

Structures & Algorithms; Advanced Programming Practices

Security and privacy Cybercrime; Communications and Networks

Simulation and modelling

Software engineering Fundamentals of Computing; Programming I - Programming Fundamentals;

Programming II - Data Structures & Algorithms; Requirements, Evaluation

and Professionalism; System Lifecycles and Design; Software Engineering

Project Management

13 Version 2015-16

Systems analysis and design Fundamentals of Computing; Information Systems & Interaction;

Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism; Web Technologies; System

Lifecycles and Design; Software Engineering Project Management;

Advanced Information Systems;

Theoretical computing

Web-based computing Cybercrime; Web Technologies; Communications and Networks

Awards

Students who complete the Single Honours Computer Science Programme will normally obtain an Honours Degree.

However, students who leave after one year may obtain a Certificate in Higher Education and students who leave

after two years may obtain a Diploma in Higher Education.

1. Honours Degree (360 credits). Students require at least 120 credits at each of Levels 4, 5 and 6. See

"What is the structure of the Programme?" (above) for the number of credits at each of Levels 4, 5 and

6 that are required to be in Computer Science.

2. Certificate in Higher Education (120 credits). Students require at least 120 credits at Level 4 or higher.

See "What is the structure of the Programme?" (above) for the number of credits at each of Levels 4

and 5 (or higher) that are required to be in Computer Science.

3. Diploma in Higher Education (240 credits). Students require at least 120 credits at Level 4 or higher

and at least 120 credits at Level 5 or higher. See "What is the structure of the Programme?" (above) for

the number of credits at Level 4 (or higher) that are required to be in Computer Science.

4. How is the Programme assessed?

The function of the assessments listed above is to test students' achievement of the learning outcomes of the Single

Honours Computer Science Programme. Assessments in Computer Science take one of the following forms:

Unseen examinations in different formats test a student's knowledge and understanding of computer

science topics. Such examinations are of two hours in length and contain compulsory and possibly

also optional questions.

Class tests are taken during the course of a module, usually in a lecture slot. They are intended to

assess a student's current understanding and subject knowledge in that module in a structured and

focused manner. Some taught compulsory modules may have class tests as part of the assessment

profile.

Coursework normally consists of assignments designed to assess student's knowledge and

understanding of the module material. Some of these assignments may be computer based; others take

the form of individual reports, essays or group projects.

Short reports: for which students are required to write up their own account of small group studies and

discussions on particular topics.

Tutorial Participation, whereby students may be asked to make contributions based on the

subject material, either orally or as a written solution, sometimes in consultation with their peers.

Dissertations are formal reports of work carried out by students undertaking a project. Projects

14 Version 2015-16

involve the integration and application of theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to an

identified programming need and/or research problem within the discipline. Dissertations describe

product and process in extended detail.

Oral presentations and reports assess a student's ability to communicate their knowledge

and understanding, both visually and orally, to both general and academic audiences.

Marks are awarded for summative assessments designed to assess students' achievement of learning outcomes.

Students are also assessed formatively to enable them to monitor their own progress and to assist staff in identifying

and addressing any specific learning needs. Formative assessment is not formally marked but is used to provide

students with feedback on their subject knowledge and understanding. Feedback is also provided on regular

summative assessments throughout the Programme.

5. What are the typical admission requirements for the programme?

Candidates do not have to have any qualifications or previous experience in computing but are required to have at

least GCSE grade C (or equivalent) in both Mathematics and English Language.

For Single Honours Computer Science, offers are typically A-level grades BBB/ABC, excluding General Studies and

Critical Thinking.

Keele welcomes applications from students with qualifications other than A-levels, including the BTEC Nationals

Extended Diploma, the Scottish Certificate of Education (Advanced Higher Level), the International

Baccalaureate and other equivalent international qualifications. Typical offers include BTEC Nationals Extended

Diploma grades DDM, or 30 points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Applicants with these or other

qualifications are advised to contact the University's Admissions 0ffice before applying through UCAS.

Applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements may apply for or be offered entry to the four year degree

programme Computer Science with Science Foundation Year. The Foundation Year includes a comprehensive

programme for students intending to progress to Single Honours Computer Science.

University Regulation 1A.2.2 applies: The Director of Academic Services, in consultation with the Head of the School

of Computing and Mathematics, is authorised to offer applicants admission with advanced standing who already

hold up to 240 credits at level 4 or above, provided always that no exemption shall be accorded for level 6 modules.

The Head of School, or the School's Computing Undergraduate Admissions Tutor as their nominee, will only

recommend admission with advanced standing provided the applicant can demonstrate competence in the

programme-specific learning outcomes at the relevant level, and provided the applicant has obtained 120 credits at

level 4 or 240 credits at level 5 from Keele or another higher education institution. Such students may be required to

complete additional work.

6. How are students supported on the programme?

Support for student learning on the Programme is provided in the following ways:

Module lecturers, teaching fellows and computing laboratory demonstrators are responsible for

providing support for learning on the modules. They also give individual feedback on coursework

assignments and more general feedback on examinations. Students do not normally need to make a

formal appointment to meet a member of staff. Some staff have dedicated office hours when they

guarantee to be in their room and available for enquiries. 0ther staff have an open door policy, which

means students can drop in at any time. Many staff have both.

Computing Support Staff provide help and advice to students concerning working on the computers

in the laboratories.

15 Version 2015-16

Every student is allocated to a Personal Tutor who is responsible for reviewing and advising on students' academic progress in Computer Science.

Personal Tutors also act as a first point of contact for students on non-academic issues which may

affect their learning and can refer students on to a range of specialist health, welfare and financial

services co- ordinated by the University's Centre for Learning and Student Support.

7. Learning Resources

Computer Science is taught in lecture theatres, teaching rooms and computer laboratories. The learning resources

available to students on the Programme include:

Dedicated networked PC laboratories within the School of Computing and Mathematics, which use the

Microsoft Windows and GNU/Linux operating systems and provide a wide range of supported software.

The School buildings are open from 0800 to 2300 every day (including weekends). Students have

individual email accounts and file stores on University and School servers. Additional facilities are

provided for final year projects.

The Keele Learning Environment (KLE) which provides easy online access to a range of learning resources

including lecture notes and other resources supplied in modules.

The extensive collection of books and journals relevant to undergraduate study held in the University

Library. Much of this material is also accessible online to Keele students from anywhere in the world with

a University username and password.

8. Other learning opportunities

Students on the Computer Science Programme have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad in their second

year (usually the first semester) studying at one of Keele's partner universities in Europe or North America. This is a

replacement semester. No additional tuition fees are payable for studying abroad but students do have to bear the

costs of travelling to and from their destination university plus insurance. Grants may be available to cover some of

these additional costs for students choosing to study elsewhere in Europe. Further information on studying abroad

is available from advisers in the University's Centre for International Exchange and Development (CIED) and at the

annual Study Abroad Fair.

Students intending to study abroad must pass all modules in their first year and obtain an average of at least 50%. In

addition, students must agree a programme of study with the Study Abroad Tutor (who is usually also the Year Tutor

for Level 5) before they leave, and must agree to any changes that become necessary. The Study Aboard Tutor will

only agree a programme of study after confirming the equity of learning opportunities, supervision and assessment,

as required for BCS accreditation. Students should study an equivalent number of modules at the appropriate level to

that which they would have studied at Keele. They must submit a portfolio of work on their return. Marks will be

converted into their Keele equivalents according to the agreement between Keele and the partner universities. In the

case of borderline marks or incomplete work, the internal examination board will determine the mark to be

awarded. In the event of unfinished modules, the Director of Learning and Teaching or Study Abroad Tutor may

require extra work to be completed.

Students considering study abroad should be aware that because of the nature of the discipline, it is difficult to find

appropriate matching modules in other countries. Any student considering study abroad is strongly advised to take

specific advice from appropriate members of staff such as the Year Tutor as early as possible.

16 Version 2015-16

9. Quality management and enhancement

The Programme Director for the Single Honours Computer Science Programme is responsible for the overall

direction of learning and teaching on the Programme, supported by the Computer Science Courses Committee,

which consists of all full-time Keele staff engaged in teaching the programme, all other staff involved in teaching

and/or assessing the programme and at least one student representative of the programme.

The quality and standards of learning in Computer Science are subject to a continuous process of monitoring,

review and enhancement.

The Learning and Teaching Committee for the School of Computing and Mathematics is responsible

for reviewing and monitoring quality management and enhancement procedures and activities across

the School.

Individual modules and the Single Honours Computer Science Programme as a whole are reviewed

and enhanced every year by Module Leaders and the Computer Science Undergraduate Programme

Committee as part of the University's Curriculum Annual Review and Development (CARD) process.

The School operates a process of peer observation of teaching, whereby members of academic

staff critically evaluate the teaching of one another.

Continuous Professional Development is available to all staff.

The Programme is run in accordance with the standards set out in the University's Quality Assurance

framework (http://www.keele.ac.uk/qa/) in accordance with the UK Quality Code for Higher Education

and is subject to an internal quality audit every five years.

Student evaluation of, and feedback on, the quality of learning in Computer Science takes place in several ways:

The results of student evaluations of modules are reported to module leaders and reviewed as part of

the Curriculum Annual Review and Development (CARD) process. A summary of findings are reported to

The Computer Science Courses Committee and then to the School Learning and Teaching Committee.

Findings related to the Single Honours Computer Science Programme from the annual National

Student Survey (NSS), and from regular surveys of the student experience conducted by the

University, are subjected to careful analysis and a planned response at Programme and School level.

Feedback received from representatives of students in all three years of the Single Honours

Computer Science Programme is considered and acted on at regular meetings of the Student-Staff

Liaison Committee.

In addition to this, the quality and standards of teaching are regularly discussed and monitored by the Computer

Science Courses Committee and by the School Learning and Teaching Committee.

Two senior members of academic staff from other universities are appointed by the University's Senate to act as

external examiners on the Single Honours Computer Science Programme. The external examiners are responsible

for:

Approving examination questions

Confirming all marks which contribute to a student's degree

Reviewing and giving advice on the structure and content of the Programme and assessment procedures.

All Level 5 and Level 6 examination scripts are available to external examiners and they read scripts which are

borderline. External examiners also see a sample of student coursework.

The names of current external examiners are given at the beginning of this document, together with a link to

http://www.keele.ac.uk/qa/)

17 Version 2015-16

past external examiners' reports and responses.

10. The principles of programme design

The Single Honours Computer Science Programme described in this document has been drawn up with reference to,

and in accordance with the guidance set out in, the following documents:

Programme Specification Template: Undergraduate, Keele University, 2014.

Guidelines for preparing programme specifications, Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, 2006.

The framework for higher education qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies, Quality Assurance Agency for

Higher Education,2014. http://www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/information-and-guidance/publication/?PubID=2843

Guidelines for programmes, British Computer Society, 2009. www.bcs.org/upload/pdf/heaguidelines.pdf

Accreditation criteria, British Computer Society, 2010. www.bcs.org/accreditation,

www.bcs.org/upload/pdf/criteria.pdf

Subject Benchmark Statement: Computing, Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, 2007.

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subject-benchmark-statement-

Computing.aspx.pdf

Learning and Teaching Strategic map 2010-2015, Keele University, 2010.

http://www.keele.ac.uk/aboutus/strategicplan/learningandteachingstrategy/

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/information-and-guidance/publication/?PubID=2843

http://www.bcs.org/upload/pdf/heaguidelines.pdf

http://www.bcs.org/accreditation

http://www.bcs.org/upload/pdf/criteria.pdf

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subject-benchmark-statement-Computing.aspx.pdf

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subject-benchmark-statement-Computing.aspx.pdf

http://www.keele.ac.uk/aboutus/strategicplan/learningandteachingstrategy/

18 Version 2015-16

11. Programme Version History

Version History Date CHANGES / NOTES

Date first created 2008

Date reviewed / revised May 2015 Added Computing in Education

module.

Updated Module Learning

Outcomes, Module Topics and

admission requirements.

Moved to the new template, with

only very minor changes;

paragraphs on Keele Graduate

Attributes added to section 1,

and section 2 revised to be more

complete.

Reviewed by Dr Alastair Channon

Date approved at SLTC June 2015 On first page, changed “for

levels 4, 5 and 6 up to 2015/16,

16/17 and 17/18” to

“2015/16”.

Added external examiners

(and kept the link).

Copied additional text re.

admission with advanced

standing from the course

regulations to section 5.

Copied additional text re. study

abroad from the course

regulations to section 8.

Removed references to Keele

Assessment Strategy 2008,

Educational Aims for UG Courses

2005, Employability Skills

Guidelines for UG Programmes

2010 and the School Learning

and Teaching Strategy 2010-

2015.

Additional very minor changes. Date approved at FLTC 2011

19 Version 2015-16

Date reviewed / revised 16 August 2017 Remove CSY-30002 Electronic

Commerce optional module -

content no longer current [minor

change]

Reviewed by Dr Thomas Neligwa

Date approved at SLTC

Date approved at FLTC