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UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA
Faculty of Computing
First-level Professional Higher Education Study Programme
Programming and Administration of Computer Networks
Computer Science
Code: 41481
SELF-EVALUATION REPORT Academic year 2011
Qualification awarded: Programmer or
Administrator of Computer Networks
Dean of Faculty
__________________Dr. habil. sc. comp., prof. J. Borzovs
Director of the Study Programme
__________________ Dr. sc. comp., assoc. prof. J. Zuters
Chairman of the Council of the study
programmes in Computer Sciences
_____________________ Dr. sc. comp., prof. M.Vītiņš
Riga 2011
Contents
1 Formal Data ................................................................................................................................... 3
2 Aims and Tasks .............................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Main Objectives, Tasks and Outcomes ................................................................................... 3
2.2 Demand ................................................................................................................................... 4
3 Organization of the Study Programme ........................................................................................ 5
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Programme Management ........................................................................................................ 5
3.3 Programme Structure .............................................................................................................. 6
3.4 Quality Assessment ................................................................................................................. 8
4 Resources ........................................................................................................................................ 9
4.1 Participating Staff ................................................................................................................... 9
4.2 Physical Resources ................................................................................................................ 10
4.3 Support for Teaching and Study ........................................................................................... 11
5 Attainment of Objectives ............................................................................................................. 13
5.1 Statistics for Students and Graduates .................................................................................... 13
5.2 Data and Statistics on the Success of the Programme ........................................................... 13
5.3 SWOT Analysis of the Programme....................................................................................... 14
5.4 Sustainability and Further Development of the Programme ................................................. 16
Annexes ................................................................................................................................................. 18
Annex 1. Main Research Projects with Participation of Programme Staff ........................................ 18
Annex 2. Research Facilities .............................................................................................................. 18
Annex 3. Student Surveys .................................................................................................................. 22
Annex 4. Study Plan ........................................................................................................................... 24
1 Formal Data
Higher education
establishment
University of Latvia
Official address, telephone
number
Raiņa blvd. 19,
Riga, LV-1586, Latvia
Tel.: 67034301
Name of the programme First level professional higher education study
programme “Programming and administration of
computer networks”
Code of the study
programme
41481
Programme implementing
institution
University of Latvia, Faculty of Computing
Accreditation Accredited: 29-06-2011
Accreditation period ends: 31-12-2017
Type, form and duration of
studies
Full time face to face, 2 years
80 credit points,120 ECTS
Language of instruction Latvian
Entry requirements Secondary education
Degree to be awarded First level professional higher education
Professional qualification
awarded
Programmer, or
Administrator of Computer Networks
2 Aims and Tasks
2.1 Main Objectives, Tasks and Outcomes
The first level professional higher education study programme „Programming and
administration of computer networks” offers two-year studies in two areas of
specialization in computing: Information Technologies (IT) and Software Engineering
(SE).
The main objective of the study programme:
within two years, to prepare specialists, able to work in IT sector, as well as
ready to master new technologies in rapidly developing environment by
participating in:
a) Development of applications and information systems (for SE
specialization),
b) Establishment of computer networks and administration of computer
networks and computer systems (for IT specialization).
To meet the objective, we have the following tasks:
Provide students with theoretical knowledge in basics of mathematics in
computing, in technologies of software development, computer networks, as
well as standards of IT sector and basics of entrepreneurship;
Develop skills in software development, computer network configuration,
system documenting, as well as teamwork and intercommunication according
to best practices;
Offer such an academic and theoretical basis, in order to make students
motivated and capable enough to continue studies in Bachelor’s study
programme.
The programme has been designed in full conformity with Latvian national
professional standards „Programmer” and „Administrator of computer systems and
computer networks”. Implementation of the requirements of the standards is
examined by qualification commissions, constituted mostly of IT professionals.
2.2 Demand
2.2.1 Placement of graduates in the labour market
Graduates of the Professional programme are employed as IT specialists in Latvian
IT companies, other companies, and authorities or they continue their studies as
bachelors.
2.2.2 Demand from industry
The given study programmes in general provide about 12% from all levels higher
education diplomas in Latvia. IT industry in Latvia at the moment is producing
proportionally only about half of European Union GDP level, employing
proportionally less employees than European average. In order to ensure at least
natural replacement of specialists employed in the industry and to maintain at least
the current number of employees, at least the actual number of graduates from
Latvian high schools computer science programmes is required. Considering the
background of demographic downturn, even this will not be easy to achieve.
Starting from early 2011 Latvian head-hunter company “Eiropersonāls” has
launched a job search site for IT professionals www.likeIT.lv. Regardless of daily
updates of content, it always features at least 100 job offers.
Therefore no threats to demand from industry are foreseen in close future.
3 Organization of the Study Programme
3.1 Introduction
The study programme „Programming and administration of computer networks”
offers studies in two areas of specialization: Information Technologies (IT) and
Software Engineering (SE)
SE – Software Engineering,
IT – Information Technologies.
The programme amounts 80 credit points (120 ECTS), including practice (internship)
and the final project. The programme is implemented in Latvian. Persons with
secondary education are admissible for studies.
After the first year, students should choose between SE and IT specializations. Then
students undergo relevant practice and complete and defend final project.
Having successfully completed the study program, students receive the first level
professional higher education diploma with additional record about the qualification
obtained („Programmer” or „Administrator of computer systems and computer
networks”).
Graduates of the programme can directly be engaged in the labour market or to
continue their studies in the Bachelor’s programme, starting from the 3rd
year.
3.2 Programme Management
3.2.1 Entry and Admission Requirements
Secondary education is required.
Admission requirements for the Programme include secondary education, which is
evidenced by a document of graduation from secondary education institution –
certificate of secondary education or diploma of professional education, which
certifies also apprehension of secondary professional education programme, where
student is enrolled straight after graduation from basic education institution.
Enrolment rules for the UL are approved for each study year and are published in the
homepage of the UL portal at www.lu.lv/gribustudet/pamatstudijas/programmas.
3.2.2 Main Formal Principles
Students’ workload: in average, 16 class hours and 24 independent study hours per
week during the semester.
Student must obtain 20 Latvian credit points per semester.
1 Latvian credit point means an average of 40 hours of students work, i.e., one full
week.
Latvian credit point is equal to 1.5 ECTS.
At least 50% of the final grade has to be obtained during the semester, but at least
10% – during the exams session.
Examinations are mainly written. Oral examinations and tests also are used.
3.2.3 Committees Responsible for Teaching in the Programme
The University level authority is the University of Latvia Committee for the
Evaluation of Curriculum Quality, which is acting in accordance with document
„Regulations Regarding the UL Committee for the Evaluation of Curriculum Quality“
(Approved by the UL Instruction No.1/30 of 10.02.2005 With amendments made up
to 09.06.2005. Amendments: UL Instruction No. 1/126).
The Faculty level authority is Computer Science Study Programme Council, which is
acting in accordance with document “University of Latvia Study Programme Council
Regulations” (approved on the 25.05.2009 at the Senate meeting, Decision No 248).
Work of study programme is directly organized by the programme director, who is
acting in accordance with document „Regulations Regarding University of Latvia
Study Programme Directors“(Approved on 25.05.2009 at the Senate meeting,
Decision No 249).
3.3 Programme Structure
All the available modules are listed amounting in ECTS.
(You find detailed study plan in the Annex 4)
3.3.1 Areas of Specialization
The programme has two areas of specialization:
1. Software Engineering (SE) – programmers and software project managers;
2. Information Technologies (IT – computer network specialists and project
managers.
3.3.2 Modules Mandatory for Both Areas of Specialization
DatZ1026: Computing Systems I (3); asst. prof. Imants Gorbāns
DatZ1027: Programming I (9); assoc. prof. Uldis Straujums, assoc. prof. Jānis Zuters,
lect. Jānis Iljins, mg. sc. comp. Edgars Rencis
DatZ1029: Data structures and basic algorithms I (3); prof. Guntis Arnicāns
DatZ1035: Databases (3); assoc. prof. Ģirts Karnītis
DatZ1037: Automata Theory (3); assoc. prof. Ēvalds Ikaunieks
DatZ1038: Computer Networks I (3); lect. Leo Trukšāns
DatZ2072: Software Engineering (9); prof. Juris Borzovs
Mate1007: Discrete mathematics I (3); assoc. prof. Juris Smotrovs
Mate1008: Discrete Mathematics II (3) ; assoc. prof. Juris Smotrovs
Mate1009: Algebra (3); prof. Kārlis Podnieks
Mate1014: Calculus I (3); assoc. prof. Inese Bula
Mate2004: Calculus II (3); assoc. prof. Inese Bula
Mate2005: Analytical geometry (3); asst. prof. Kārlis Freivalds
PolZ1042: Basic Problems of Modern Democracy: Latvia and Europe (3); asst. prof.
Ivars Ijabs
SDSK1067: Internet, Netiquette and The Legal Regulation (3); prof. Māris Vītiņš
VadZ1022: Entrepreneurship (6); assoc. prof. Vizma Niedrīte
DatZ2033: Practice (24)
DatZ2034: Final project I (6)
DatZ2049: Final project II (6)
3.3.3 Modules Mandatory for Particular Areas of Specialization
3.3.3.1 Software Engineering
DatZ2017: Data structures and basic algorithms II (3); prof. Guntis Arnicāns
DatZ1053: Operating System (3); asst. prof. Imants Gorbāns
DatZ1028: Programming II (3); assoc. prof. Uldis Straujums, assoc. prof. Jānis Zuters
DatZ1031: Web Technologies I (3); asst. prof. Krišs Rauhvargers
DatZ2019: Web Technologies II (3) ; asst. prof. Krišs Rauhvargers
3.3.3.2 Information Technologies
DatZ1032: Computing Systems II (3) ; asst. prof. Imants Gorbāns
DatZ2076: Computer Networks Administration (3); lect. Leo Trukšāns
DatZ1053: Operating System (3); asst. prof. Imants Gorbāns
DatZ1031: Web Technologies I (3); asst. prof. Krišs Rauhvargers
DatZ2019: Web Technologies II (3); asst. prof. Krišs Rauhvargers
3.3.4 Elective Modules
DatZ1036: Multimedia technologies (3); asst. prof. Imants Gorbāns
DatZ2024: Office Information Systems (3); prof. Māris Vītiņs
DatZ2063: Visual Basic (3); assoc. prof. Agris Šostaks mg. sc. comp. Elīna Kalniņa
Valo2335: English for Computing (3); lect. Līga Beļicka, lect. Tatjana Frolova, lect.
Natālija Orupa
3.4 Quality Assessment
The first level professional higher education study programme „Programming and
administration of computer networks” has been designed according to Latvian
professional standards, issued by Professional education councils of ICT and
electronics. The engagement of professional organizations not only largely influences
the study content, but also defence criteria of practice and final projects.
At the beginning of each academic year students are surveyed on core studies
programme, using standard questionnaire offered by the UL. In 2010 students were
surveyed by the questionnaire offered in LUIS (see Annex 3: Student Surveys).
Quality assurance is based on independent assessment of concerned parties, upon
which academic process improvement measures are built.
Students express their valuation:
1. In a mid-semester survey during every study year,
2. Semester end surveys regarding each study course (using LUIS),
3. Programme closing surveys (LUIS),
4. Monthly meeting of course seniors by the Dean,
5. By participation of students in the UL Computer Science Study Programmes (one
from each study programme),
6. By participation of students in the Council of the Faculty of Computing (5, all
study levels are represented),
7. By individual visits to or correspondence with the study programme Methodist,
8. By individual visits to or correspondence with the study programme director,
9. In individual visits or correspondence to the Dean.
Employers express their assessment:
1. In the Council of the Faculty of Computing (LIKTA president),
2. In the Study Board of the UL Computer Science Programmes (7 members represent
employers),
3. In course project test commissions (majority is held by employers),
4. Annual visits of managers of leading IT companies to the Dean,
5. Surveys of managers of leading IT companies once per accreditation period.
Lecturers are assessed:
1. In mid-semester and final students surveys,
2. In mutual hospitations once per year,
3. In open lectures and assessment by the Council of Professors (Professors and
Associated Professors) and the Board of the Faculty (teachers and lectors) once per
election period.
Recommendations for improvement of study work are assessed in general meetings of
Study Programme Directors, Heads of Chairs and the Dean, as well as in the Council
of Computer Sciences Study Programme and Board of the Faculty.
Crucial element of quality assurance is annual self assessment of study programmes,
which are reviewed and approved by the Board of Computer Sciences Study
Programme, anonymously reviewed by experts of other faculties, revised and
approved by the UL Quality Assessment Commission and the UL Senate.
4 Resources
4.1 Participating Staff
4.1.1 Staff Position Overview
Position type Permanent or
equivalent positions
Total number of
employees
Professors (full) 4 4
Associate professors 5 5
Assistant professors/lecturers 6 6
Other academic staff (fixed term) 2 2
Other academic staff (permanent)
Total academic staff 17 17
Technical (hardware/software) staff 1 1
Administrative staff
Secretarial staff 1 1
Other staff 1 1
Total non-academic staff 3 3
4.1.2 Staff Position Expanded
Professors Associate professors Assistant professors
Kārlis Podnieks
Māris Vītiņš
Guntis Arnicāns
Juris Borzovs
Juris Smotrovs
Ēvalds Ikaunieks
Ģirts Karnītis
Jānis Zuters
Uldis Straujums
Kārlis Freivalds
Imants Gorbāns
Krišs Rauhvargers
Agris Šostaks
Lecturers Other academic staff
(fixed term)
Other academic staff
(permanent)
Leo Trukšāns
Jānis Iljins
Elīna Kalniņa
Edgars Rencis
4.1.3 Research Areas
Research is carried out in Chairs of the Faculty of Computing and in separate
professional research institution – Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science of
the University of Latvia (IMCS UL).
Research areas (within specializations of Software Engineering and Information
Technologies) covered by participating staff:
Development of new technologies.
Software testing.
Smart software.
Real time systems
Development of e-infrastructure
Computer networks and Grid technologies
Machine Learning
For description research areas in detail, see Annex 2.
For description of main research projects with participation of programme staff, see
Annex 1.
4.2 Physical Resources
Modern premises equipped with advanced technologies are used for study needs: 5
medium size auditoriums with 80-170 seats, 3 seminar rooms with 10-20 seats, 5
computer classes with 20-25 sears, as well as staff rooms, laboratories and space for
technical needs. Total area of premises used for study needs is 2100 m2 or 2,4 m
2 per
one student. Total number of seats available to students in auditoriums, seminar
rooms and computer classes is 800. Rational organization of studies and schedules
shows that size of premises and number of seats is sufficient.
5 computer classes with 20-25 seats are available to students, and so is Methodical
Laboratory of Computing Studies – LINUX centre.
Wireless internet is available in all rooms, which is intensely used, as majority of
students use private lap top computers.
Total area of premises and number of seats is close to being optimal. Rooms are
contemporary refurbished, technical equipment – sufficient. It is important that
premises are located in the centre of Riga, as majority of students of Faculty of
Computing beside their studies are also employed by IT companies in various parts of
Riga.
By late 2008 financing of study programmes allowed for significant investments to be
made in infrastructure (reconstruction of premises, improvement and updating of
equipment), when about half million Lats were allocated for these needs. Faculty
study programme budget in 2010 is LVL 580,000.00. This does not include 37% so
called UL centralised budget, which are used to finance the UL departments for
maintenance of buildings and premises. The actual financing allows covering
reasonable personnel salary, paying for current expenses and updates of computer
equipment, but is not sufficient for significant investments or pre-financing of large
projects.
No significant lump sum investments in infrastructure are needed in close future.
Regular and planned maintenance and updating of existing equipment is required to
keep in line with latest trends in development of equipment and changes in curricula.
Considering rapid development of information technologies, maintenance and
updating of technical equipment is very important.
4.3 Support for Teaching and Study
4.3.1 Library, Literature and Media Facilities
Students of the University of Latvia, Faculty of Computing are supplied by necessary
literature from Multidisciplinary Library of University of Latvia Library: computer
sciences, law, and theology.
Inventory
Currently the Library holds:
Monographies and books 1588 titles, total of 2861 copies,
Printed serial editions: 21 title, total of 104 copies.
Digital documents: 5 titles, total of 7 copies.
Author’s papers: 29 titles, total of 30 copies.
Library provides access to 1249 computer science magazines in electronic format -
http://atoz.ebsco.com/Subjects/8432#21045.
The Multidisciplinary Library of University of Latvia Library holds 1643 computer
science related information resources, in total 3002 copies. Aggregation of resources
was started along with establishment of the Faculty of Computing in 2009 and it is
still ongoing.
Subscribed data bases
13 subscribed data bases (brief description of each data base can be added)
http://www.lu.lv/biblioteka/resursi/datubazes/datubazunozares/datorzinatnes/
Procurement
Collection building of printed works in the library of the University of Latvia is done
in close cooperation with teachers, who are informed on financing allocated for
acquisition of books and based on this information teachers order printed works in the
information system LUIS. These orders are approved by the executive director or
Dean of the Faculty, further work is done by the Collection Building of the UL
Library, which is responsible for ensuring the most beneficial terms of orders. As
soon as a book reaches library, ordering teacher receives notification on completion
of order, this data is also entered in the information system LUIS.
Student access
Free access collection is available in the library, which means that students have
access to all printed works in the library. Students have option of self service in the
library, which means that they can use self-check unit to lend and return books.
Information on resources available in the library can be found in Electronic Union
Catalogue of Latvian Libraries of national significance
https://lira.lanet.lv/F/MJ3GSB637DIU26BQL7B2UNCSLNIU63HRA3CKYU3P5G
EIVTU4U4-79442?func=option-update-lng&file_name=find-
b&local_base=lnc04&p_con_lng=lav, which is available at the University of Latvia
internet site www.lu.lv, section „Library“. Upon logging in with user name and
password issued by the library, students can electronically orders books from the
union catalogue and prolong the lending period. Library can be contacted by e-mail
[email protected] and Skype (Multi-Specialization Library of the UL Library),
as well as by phone.
Students can use data bases subscribed by the UL and electronic versions of
magazines also outside of the UL premises.
Workplaces for students
96 work places are offered to students in the Multidisciplinary Library of the UL
Library, 24 stationary computers and 7 lap-tops are available for use. Silent reading
room is arranged for students, and so is a Relaxation corner. Copying machine,
printer and scanner are available to students in the library.
Restrictions
Information resources available in the Library of the University of Latvia can be used
by anyone, but lending of copies can be done only by students and employees of the
UL.
4.3.2 Academic Guidance
We convey information to prospective students via the Faculty home pages, as well as
during annual trade fairs „Skola-20xx“ („The School“) and by organising s.c.
Information Day (in 2011 it was attended by 50 secondary school pupils, and more
than 100 viewers did watch the event online).
5 Attainment of Objectives
5.1 Statistics for Students and Graduates
Students and graduates in the programme.
Year Enrolled Students
1st year
Students
2nd
year Total Graduated* Drop-out
2005. 39 43 0 39 0 0
2006. 22 39 23 62 0 13
2007. 27 37 37 74 68 34
2008. 30 42 35 77 85 38
2009. 43 52 31 83 96 39
2010. 39 39 39 78 104 29
* According to UL regulations, students are allowed to change to another study programme.
5.2 Data and Statistics on the Success of the Programme
According to data of Latvian Employment State Agency as at 31 December 2010 only
one (from total of 248) from University of Latvia Computer Science Study
Programme graduates was registered as unemployed person. Data is anonymous and
it cannot be identified whether he/she was a student of any of the above programmes.
According to surveys employers give positive evaluation of Faculty of Computing
graduates in both – theoretical and practical aspects.
Graduates or students of Faculty of Computing are employed in all surveyed IT
companies. In AS Exigen Services Latvia, which is one of largest Latvian IT
companies, more than a half of young specialists are graduates of the Faculty of
Computing. In companies where number of graduates/students employed since
previous accreditation of programmes is relatively low (<24), all employees have
passed trial period. Where number of employees hired is higher (>180), 99% have
passed trial period. This is an evidence of qualification of Faculty graduates.
All employees who have been acquainted with computer sciences study programmes
offered by the Faculty of Computing admit that content of these programmes matches
requirements of labour market (78% of surveyed employers admit that it is
completely matching, while 22% – that in part). Detailed recommendations have been
received for improvements of programmes, for example, by adding in depth testing
course. Considering labour market trends, employers recommend paying for attention
to development of communication and presentation skills and social behaviour (client
service, studying of clients needs, negotiation skills). Team work also is considered as
an important skill.
78% of surveyed employers regard professional training level of graduates of the
Faculty of Computing right after graduation as being good, 22% – as satisfactory, no
unsatisfactory assessments have been received. 22% of surveyed employers consider
training of IT specialists in the UL as being better in comparison to other Latvian
high schools and none considers it as being worse.
During the reporting period many individual negotiations with managers of leading
industry companies have been held, where their wishes have been investigated. For
example, following recommendations from IBM Latvia two new study courses have
been developed and are taught now, while teacher appointed by BTG gives course on
specific programming language. Representatives of employers (the ones with whom
Faculty of Computing has cooperation contracts signed and all LIKTA member
organizations) are invited to meeting for approval of self-assessment reports at the
Council of Computer Science Study Programmes, about 20 representatives of
employees every year participate in commissions, editing and assessing course
projects.
Virtually all employers emphasise experience as being an important parameter for
employers. Often mentioned wish of employers to improve practical work skills of
graduates has been met by introducing mandatory internship in IT organizations
outside of the University, as well as development and defending of course projects in
areas of programming or computer networks administration.
5.3 SWOT Analysis of the Programme
Strong sides of the programme
1. Conformity of programmes with recommendations of ICT professionals.
2. Great extent of involvement of ICT professionals in implementation of the
programme.
3. Many of teachers have wide industry experience, which ensures more appropriate
choice of study contents and allows analysing study materials, applying real life
examples.
4. Teachers have good contacts with ICT companies.
5. Motivated students who choose complicated study programmes significantly
facilitate implementation of study programmes.
6. Wide offer of e-courses ensures individual approach to training courses materials
and communication with teachers.
7. Advanced provision of communication, software and technical standard of
auditoriums allows ensuring implementation of study programmes at good quality
level.
8. The strongest team of computer science doctors in Latvia.
9. Tight interoperability with Bachelor’s programme facilitates continuation of
studies, thus granting additional motivation for that.
10. Already starting from 4th semester students get engaged in practical work, they
become able to joint labour market, it becomes easier for them to choose
specialization in the 5th semester of Bachelor’s programme and they get better
understanding of practical application of study materials.
12. Already within 2 years time student obtains professional qualification.
Weak sides of the programme
1. There is a very high demand for students in the labour market, many students work
along with their studies, which prolongs average study time.
2. Programme is created for an „average student“, which is not well suited for
outstanding students. Teachers are making effort of individual approach, but they
encounter legislative and administrative restrictions.
3. Decreased financing for the whole Latvian education system, which is one of the
smallest in absolute and relative terms in the whole EU.
4. Already from the 4th semester students engage in practical work, which creates
certain interruption in studies. Part of students believes that specialty subjects offered
are of better value than practical work experience.
5. Programme and teachers have high demands, which causes problems to many
weaker prepared students, although ways to assist these students are sought (for
example, catch up course of secondary school mathematics).
6. Strong tie with Bachelor’s programme reduces opportunities for optional courses.
Programme development opportunities
1. There is a demand in labour market for high-level specialists, thus facilitating
quality growth of the programme.
2. With growing interest, which already is high, from the IT companies in employing
students, higher demands for practical work places and specific nature of practical
work can be set.
3. Many young perspective specialists are employed as teachers, the future growth of
whom will to large extent shape future of the Faculty of Computing.
4. Students and teachers are willing and ready to transform training process in order to
accommodate it better for outstanding students.
Threats to the programme
1. Shortage of financing and overall weak economic situation in a country.
2. Undesired changes in legislation affecting all levels of education.
3. Since programmes of computer sciences are training specialists for IT companies,
demands for training are set after mastering advanced technologies. Unfortunately
such technologies often are not available to high schools due to their high costs of
acquisition and training. So far this problem is solved allowing for teachers to
participate in development of projects in IT companies, which is contradicting to
requirement for teachers to devote full work time to high school.
4. There could be pressure to lower demands in most complicated study subjects from
the side of weaker students and those is favour of higher percentage of successful
grades.
5. Part of teachers are losing direct link with the industry, i.e., at least part time work
in IT companies. Gap between theory and real life might appear.
6. There are many programmes in Latvia preparing computer science specialists.
7. Due to demographic conditions in Latvia, number of students is rapidly decreasing,
which means either decreasing of number of students with respective decrease of
financing or even wider differences in skills and level of preparedness of students,
which will call for transformations in programmes and ways of studies.
5.4 Sustainability and Further Development of the Programme
The main objective of the study programme: within two years, to prepare specialists,
able to work in IT sector, and capable to continue studies in Bachelor’s study
programme.
In recognition of successful implementation of the above objectives, to further
develop the first level professional higher education study programme “Programming
and administration of computer networks”, the following activities are planned for the
coming years:
1. Taking into account evolution of ICT sector, the education legislation, and
tendencies of the labour market, the study programme should be refreshed
with new modules and facilities to master modern technologies.
2. The academic staff should be given opportunities for regular retraining,
including working in ICT companies on science-capacious projects.
3. On a regular basis, ensure provision of technical and methodical means.
Facilitate the teachers to prepare new teaching aids, especially electronic ones.
4. Continue to perform advancement of IT (administration of computers
networks) specialization by adding new specific modules and by this
separating it from SE (programming) specialization.
I recent years, the most notable changes in programmes were developed,
implementing ESF project “Upgrading of Computer Science Study Programmes in the
University of Latvia” (amount of financing within 18 months – LVL 200 000). 40
teachers of computer sciences (of the faculty), representatives of major IT companies,
as well as leading teaching staff representatives from several other Latvian high
schools (from Dean to Vice-Principals) were involved in this work, and they all got
paid for their work done. From this experience we have concluded that well financed
study programme upgrading project is the most productive form for programme
development. Simple generalization of daily experiences, upgrading of study courses
and development of new courses along with daily teaching process, without specially
allocated financing brings much more modest results.
Therefore Faculty of Computing is planning to continue participation in tenders for
study programme update projects and this is the area where we see main development
opportunities of our programmes. Transition to courses conducted in English
language of instruction we also plan to carry out through dedicated well financed
project.
The close tie with the Bachelor’s programme should be thoroughly discussed. On the
one hand, this is to give additional motivation for students to continue studies in a
higher level, on the other hand, offer of elective modules and by this also
opportunities of deeper specialization, are significantly diminished.
Annexes
Annex 1. Main Research Projects with Participation of Programme
Staff
1) 2011-2013, EU funded project „Technology for Construction of Process
Management Programme Systems and Its Support Tools”, No.
2010/0325/2DP/2.1.1.1.0/10/APIA/VIAA/109
Participants of programme staff: assoc. prof. K. Podnieks, prof. Ģ. Karnītis, asst. prof.
A. Šostaks.
2) 2011-2013, EU funded project „Set of Dynamic Networks Visualization and
Analysis Tools”, No 2010/0318/2DP/2.1.1.1.0/10/APIA/VIAA/104
Participants of programme staff: asst. prof. K. Freivalds
3) 2011-2013, EU funded project „Platform of Semantic Data Bases for Industry
Specialists”, No 2011/0009/2DP/2.1.1.1.0/10/APIA/VIAA/112
Participants of programme staff: asst. prof. A. Šostaks.
4) 2009-2012, EU funded project „Applications of Computer Sciece and its
Connections to quantum physics”, No. 1DP/1.1.1.2.0/09/APIA/VIAA/044.
Participants of programme staff: prof. G. Arnicāns, assoc. prof. Ģ. Karnītis, assoc.
prof. J. Zuters.
5) 2010-2013, European 7th Framework project QCS (Quantum Computer Science,
Nr. 255961)
Participants of programme staff: assoc. prof. J. Smotrovs.
6) 2010-2012 Latvian Science Council, grant No 09.1578 „Development and analysis
of algorithmic models for description of biological and software systems”
Participants of programme staff: asst. prof. K. Freivalds
7) 2010-2012, Latvian State Research Program No 2 „Development of innovative
multi-functional materials, signal processing and information technologies
for competitive science intensive products”, project No. 5 „New information
technologies based on ontologies and model transformations”.
Participants of programme staff: prof. K. Podnieks, assoc. prof. Ģ. Karnītis, asst. prof.
A. Šostaks.
Annex 2. Research Facilities
Research is carried out in Chairs of the Faculty of Computing and in separate
professional research institution – Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science of
the University of Latvia (IMCS UL).
Research & Development areas of Programming Chair
We mostly perform research and industrial development in area, which can be called
an industry immediately-driven research. We develop technologies in several
directions: Specifications, Integration, Testing, Quality of Cadastre Data, smart
Software, etc. In each of these areas we must create new possibilities, which have to
be approbated in particular projects with further commercialization potential.
Development of new technologies
This research area supports the following areas of specialization: Software
Engineering, Information Systems.
In cooperation with European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and LZP many
employees of the Programming Chair participate in the project „Development of New
Technologies for creation and integration of information systems”. As a result of
project implementation three new technologies are to be developed in three crucial
fields of information systems (IS) development: Specification, Testing, and
Integration.
All researches have common Methodology for use of new technologies. It is planned
to approbate all new technologies offered in significant projects in Latvia. Support
tools for new technologies, which, as a rule, are newly created software, are offered as
open source software (OSS), whereby it is made easily accessible to large, medium
and small IT commercial companies, students of higher schools and other interested
persons.
Specification of information systems
This research area supports the following areas of specialization: Information
Systems.
The main problem in the area of specification is an information character of IS
specifications – specifications with traditional methods have not yet been captured
with such degree of details, which would allow avoiding from contradictions and
collisions during implementation (programming). Technological innovations defined
by the project – use of models for development of quickly set up prototypes, which
are needed for documentation of requirements for the system to be built. Technology
ISTehnology is also used (Māris Treimanis), which examines large actual projects and
is developed for more than 10 years.
Software testing
This research area supports the following areas of specialization: Software
Engineering, Information Systems.
With growing complexity of software and requirements for its accurate operations,
industry requirements towards testing specialists also increase. The Programming
Chair is actively involved in solution of this problem by looking for new testing
methods and new training principles. Juris Borzovs, Jānis Bičevskis and Guntis
Arnicāns are members of LSTQB and they facilitate development of testing
throughout the whole Latvian ITK industry.
Demand for testing specialists is high and often testers without IT knowledge are
used. Vineta Arnicāne researches training problems of such specialists. Besides
Vineta Arnicāne and Jānis Bičevskis have started to analyze problem of testing
complexity, which so far has not been seriously and comprehensively described
anywhere.
In the area of testing it is also planned to develop access support for extreme
programming, creating test groups from formal models fixed during specification
time.
Integration of IS and information
This research area supports the following areas of specialization: Information
Systems.
The integration will develop IS dynamic integration using meta models. This allows
safeguarding independence of systems to be integrated from application software.
Project research focuses on integration of large IS and integration of partially
structured data, offering unified view on entire information available.
This project benefits from experience gained from development of state registers
integration within framework of project Megasystem. Main integration principles
were identified during development of Megasystem.
Now Latvian specialists have accepted these principles and these are to large extent
applied in development of information systems for needs of state authorities. Project
will address integration problems, ensuring application of above mentioned
predefined principles. In particular, dynamic integration will be used in systems
integration, which is based on data metamodels. Information request in the system
shall be executed via metamodel in the interpretation mode, not addressing data base
directly. Offered new technology ensures independence of each IS from their users in
heterogeneous and dynamically changing environment.
Smart software
This research area supports the following areas of specialization: Software
Engineering, Information Systems.
Smart software is a software, which conforms to adaptation and self-government
principles as such: automatic updating of versions; ability to report on missing
components and its actual status; self-testing, dynamic recording of administration
flow; recording of events and values; option of business model incorporation; control
of data quality; performance monitoring; safety monitoring. Zane Bičevska and Jānis
Bičevskis research options for creation of such smart software, technical planning and
development of it.
Data warehouses
This research area supports the following areas of specialization: Information
Systems.
At the moment Laila Niedrīte and Darja Solodovņikova are the ones most actively
involved in this area, they do research problems associated with data warehouses:
Conceptual modelling of data warehouses; Development methodologies for data
warehouses; Evolution of data warehouses; New areas of data warehouses
applications (Network data warehouses; Monitoring of business processes).
Neural networks
This research area supports the following areas of specialization: Computer Science.
Many practical challenges can be solved by application of neural networks, which are
mathematical models of biological neural networks. There are many various kinds of
neural networks and each of them is suited for solution of tasks required by certain
class of tasks. At the moment Jānis Zuters researches application of supervised
training neural networks in solution of complex problems. Pulsed / spiking neural
networks are also being observed.
Wireless sensors networks, embedded systems and computer architecture
This research area supports the following areas of specialization: Computer
Engineering.
Upon returning for work in the University of Latvia Leo Seļāvo has started
developing a new area of science in the Computer Department. Leo has obtained a
doctor’s degree and has been spent 10 years in USA (University of Pittsburgh,
University of Virginia) working in this area, he is author of many publications and
participant of international projects. Initially multidisciplinary research will be carried
out in cooperation with medicine and environment scientists and professionals.
Annex 3. Student Surveys
At the beginning of each academic year students are surveyed on core studies
programme, using standard questionnaire offered by the UL. In 2010 students were
surveyed by the questionnaire offered in LUIS (different questions and assessment
scale) and therefore no data has been used in diagrams.
Common survey questionnaire of both the professional study programme and
Bachelor’s study programme students:
No Question
1. Study courses offered in curriculum
2. Contents of study courses offered in curriculum
3. Contents of curriculum’s Part A study courses
4. Options to choose from Part B study courses
5. Opportunity to choose desired Part C study courses
6. Opportunities offered by curriculum to develop research / professionals
skills and experience
7. Skills obtained during studies to apply information technologies in search,
processing and organization of information, etc.
8 Skills obtained during studies to work with information (evaluate, analyse it)
9. Public presentation, discussion skills and ability to take stand for own
position learned from studies
10. Opportunity to learn special terminology in at least one foreign language
offered by study programme
11. Schedule planning by week days
12. Schedule planning by semesters
13. Opportunity to study courses electronically (in the Web CT environment)
14. Opportunities to attend lectures by guest lecturers
15. Attitude of the Faculty personnel towards students
16. Access to information concerned with study process in the Faculty
17. Work of the Faculty personnel in improvement of study process
18. Study materials – technical equipment (premises, study materials, etc.)
No Question
19. Opportunity to use computers provided by the UL
20. Availability of literature required for studies in libraries of the UL
21. Overall, are you satisfied with your choice on behalf of this study
programme in the UL?
22. How many hours per week do you devote to independent work?
1 – „more than 20h”; 2 – „20-10 h”; 3 –„9-3 h”;; 4 –„less than 3 h”;
23. What is your average lecture attendance?
1 – „100-75%”; 2 – „74-50%”; 3 – „49-25%”; 4 – „lower than 25%”;
24.
Are you employed in your chosen area of studies specialization?
1 – „employed in line with my specialization”; 2 – „rather in line with my
specialization”; 3 – „rather not in line with my specialization”;
4 – „working not in line with my specialization”;
25.
Are you planning to continue studies?
1 – „Yes, in my area of specialization in the UL”; 2 – „In the UL in another
area”; 3 – „I will study in other higher educational institution”;
4 – „I won’t continue my studies”
26. Are you planning to work in line with your specialization after graduation?
1 – „Yes, I’ll work”; 2 – „rather yes”; 3 –„rather no; 4 – „no”
Diagram shows that programmes are in general assessed as „Completely satisfied“
and „Rather satisfied“, and that independent work of students during study process is
rather insignificant. Diagram shows that assessment of choice in Section C study
courses has fallen – amount of credit points required from Part C of the curricula is
low, therefore the Faculty is not organising Part C courses for students and they have
to choose from courses offered by Students service, which, of course, requires more
time and self-organization skills from students.
Diagram – answers to questions regarding study courses:
1 – Completely satisfied; 2 – Rather satisfied; 3 – Rather dissatisfied; 4 – Completely
dissatisfied
Annex 4. Study Plan
Course
Code Course Name
Year 1 Year 2 To-
tal
Type
of
Exami
nation
Lect-
ures* Teachers
1 2 3 4
Mandatory Part (A)
Basic Theoretical Courses of the Field
DatZ1037 Automata Theory 2 2 Exam L 32 Dr. sc. comp., assoc. prof.
Ēvalds Ikaunieks
DatZ1026 Computing
Systems I
2 2 Credit L 26,
S 6
Dr. sc. adm., asst. prof.
Imants Gorbāns
DatZ1038 Computer
Networks I
2 2 Exam L 32 Mg. sc. comp., PhD student,
lect. Leo Trukšāns
DatZ1035 Databases 2 2 Exam L 16,
S 16
Dr. sc. comp., prof. Ģirts
Karnītis
DatZ1029 Data structures
and basic
algorithms I
2 2 Credit L 28,
Ld 12
Dr. sc. comp., prof. Guntis
Arnicāns
DatZ1027 Programming I 6 6 Exam L 32,
P 32,
Ld 32
Dr. sc. comp., assoc. prof.
Jānis Zuters
Dr. sc. comp., assoc. prof.
Uldis Straujums
DatZ1028 Programming II 2 2 Exam L 16,
Ld 16
Dr. sc. comp., assoc. prof.
Jānis Zuters
Dr. sc. comp., lect. Uldis
Straujums
DatZ2072 Software
Engineering
6 6 Exam L 64,
S 32
Dr. habil. sc. comp., prof.
Juris Borzovs
Other Basic Courses
Mate1009 Algebra 2 2 Exam L 32 Dr. mat., prof. Kārlis
Podnieks
Mate2005 Analytical 2 2 Exam L 16, Dr. sc. comp., asst. prof.
Course
Code Course Name
Year 1 Year 2 To-
tal
Type
of
Exami
nation
Lect-
ures* Teachers
1 2 3 4
geometry S 16 Kārlis Freivalds
Fizi3021 Natural sciences 4 4 Exam L 40,
S 24
Dr. phys., asst. prof. Ivars
Driķis
Mate1007 Discrete
mathematics I
2 2 Credit L 32 Dr. sc. comp., assoc. prof.
Juris Smotrovs
Mate1008 Discrete
mathematics II
2 2 Exam L 32 Dr. sc. comp., assoc. prof.
Juris Smotrovs
DatZ2022 Internet,
Netiquette and
The Legal
Regulation
2 2 Exam L 32 Dr. sc. comp., prof. Māris
Vītiņš
Mate1014 Calculus I 2 2 Credit L 30,
S 2
Dr. mat., assoc. prof. Inese
Bula
Mate2004 Calculus II 2 2 Exam L 30,
S 2
Dr. mat., assoc. prof. Inese
Bula
VadZ1023 Entrepreneurship 2 2 Exam L 14,
S 18
Dr. ekon., prof. A. Deniņš
Study Projects and Practice
DatZ2034 Final Project I 4 4 Credit L 58 Dr. habil. sc. comp., prof.
Juris Borzovs
DatZ2049 Final Project II 4 4 Defen
ce
Dr. sc. comp., assoc. prof.
Jānis Zuters
DatZ2033 Practice 16 16 Defen
ce
Dr. sc. comp., prof. Māris
Vītiņš
Specialization Part (B1)
Specialization SE (Software Engineering)
DatZ2017 Data structures
and basic
algorithms II
2 2 Exam L 32 Dr. sc. comp., prof. Guntis
Arnicāns
DatZ1053 Operating
System
2 2 Exam L 32 Dr. sc. adm., asst. prof.
Imants Gorbāns
DatZ1031 Web
Technologies I
2 2 Exam L 32 Dr. sc. comp., asst. prof.
Krišs Rauhvargers
DatZ2019 Web
Technologies II
2 2 Exam L 32 Dr. sc. comp., asst. prof.
Krišs Rauhvargers
Specialization IT (Information Technologies)
DatZ1032 Computing
Systems II
2 2 Exam L 26,
S 6
Dr. sc. adm., asst. prof.
Imants Gorbāns
DatZ1053 Operating
System
2 2 Exam L 32 Dr. sc. adm., asst. prof.
Imants Gorbāns
DatZ1031 Web
Technologies I
2 2 Exam L 32 Dr. sc. comp., asst. prof.
Krišs Rauhvargers
DatZ2019 Web
Technologies II
2 2 Exam L 32 Dr. sc. comp., asst. prof.
Krišs Rauhvargers
Course
Code Course Name
Year 1 Year 2 To-
tal
Type
of
Exami
nation
Lect-
ures* Teachers
1 2 3 4
Elective Part (B2)
DatZ2024 Office
Information
Systems
2 2 Exam L 32 Dr. sc. comp., prof. Māris
Vītiņš
DatZ1036 Multimedia
technologies
2 2 Exam L 32 Dr. sc. adm., asst. prof.
Imants Gorbāns
Valo2335 English for
Computing
datorzinātnē
2 2 Exam L 32 Mg. soc. sc., lect. Līga
Beļicka
Mg. phil., lect. Tatjana
Frolova
Mg. paed., lect. Natālija
Orupa
DatZ2063 Visual Basic 2 2 Exam L 16,
S 16
Mg. sc. comp. Elīna Kalniņa
Dr. sc. comp., asst. prof.
Agris Šostaks
Part A in total 16 14 16 20 66
Basic Theoretical
Courses of the
Field
12 4 6 0 22
Other Part A
Courses
4 10 6 0 20
Study Projects
and Practice
0 0 4 20 24
Part B in total 4 6 4 0 14
Specialization SE
2 4 4 0 10
Specialization IT
2 6 2 0 10
Part C in total 0 0 0 0 0
Programme in
total
20 20 20 20 80
*L – lecture; S – seminar; P – practical work; Ld – laboratory work
