UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION · 2017-07-14 · UNDERGRADUATE . PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION . Programme Title: Software App Development Awarding Body: ... software applications

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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Programme Title:

Software App Development

Awarding Body:

Staffordshire University

Teaching Institution:

School of Computing, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences, Staffordshire University

Final Awards: BSc (Hons) Software App Development

Intermediate Awards: Certificate of Higher Education in Software App Development Diploma of Higher Education in Software App Development

Mode of Study:

Full Time 3 years, or Full Time 4 years (Sandwich)

UCAS Codes: G310, G311 QAA Subject Benchmarks: Computing JACS Code: G400 Professional/Statutory Body: Entry Year: 2017-18

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EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME

This award is all about software development, particularly of web and mobile apps. You will learn several programming languages such as C#, Java and Objective C, and use them to build web and mobile apps, as well as their back-end infrastructure (server applications and web services). You will create native mobile apps on different platforms, from Android and iOS tablets to phones to wearables, and learn to optimise web applications for viewing and interacting in different contexts. As well as learning the latest software development practices and tools, you will acquire a foundation of Computing and Software Engineering knowledge that will help you continue to adapt to new technologies throughout your career. We aim

• To produce graduates with an in depth knowledge of the latest areas of software development, and a historical perspective to see where the industry has its roots and where it could progress to in the future.

• To produce graduates who are fitted to undertake employment in industry, commerce or public service as software development professionals, or, for those with suitable degree classification, to undertake programmes of further study or research.

• To produce graduates who understand and appreciate the latest standards in both the design and programming domain

• To produce graduates who can apply web and mobile application technologies to a variety of computing based applications.

• To provide a course of study in software app development that is up-to-date, appropriate, and facilitated by well-qualified staff.

• To produce graduates who have the theoretical and practical skills to develop software applications fit for the purpose they are intended, whether they be small scale or large enterprise applications

• To produce graduates who can respond to the challenge of real world problems. • To provide an enriching experience that supports and facilitates your personal,

academic and professional development throughout the programme, laying a foundation for life-long continuing development.

• To provide a sound general education in Computing that also enhances your general education, including transferable skills

• To enable you to achieve the highest award within his or her overall ability. • To give a practical emphasis with theoretical underpinning to your studies. • On the sandwich award only, to enable you, by means of a one-year period of

supervised work in an industrial, commercial, public service or self-employed setting to gain relevant experience in the computing profession, and as far as possible gainfully to exploit that experience during Level 6 studies.

• To embed within the programme the inculcation and assessment of attributes and ethos of the Staffordshire Graduate, and to produce software app development graduates who exemplify these qualities. (see: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/study/staffordshiregraduate/index.jsp)

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What is distinctive about this programme?

This programme is about software development from a practical perspective. It focusses on programming mobile and web apps, and the back-end infrastructure of support them. Much of your learning will be through hands-on, practical projects, developing industrially-relevant systems using the latest technologies and standards. You’ll develop a portfolio of work throughout your course and you’ll work with a real business on a real project – from conception to implementation. You will learn and use several programming languages, such as C#, Java, Javascript and Objective C/Swift, and develop your ability to learn new languages throughout your career. You will create native mobile apps for different platforms, from Android and iOS tablets to phones to wearables. You will develop web sites and web applications using the latest web standards. You will also learn to optimise web applications for viewing and interacting in different contexts, including on mobile devices and using older browsers and platforms. You will build key skills in back-end technologies - server based applications, web services - enabling you to create large scale mobile and web based applications You will learn and apply key principles of software engineering – methodologies, software design patterns, security, and strategies and tools for quality assurance and testing. You will have the opportunity to study for Microsoft and Oracle certifications in the technologies you learn, alongside your degree work. You will develop your practical skills within our new dedicated Computing facilities which include:

• a Software Engineering lab set up for collaborative software development • an Apple lab for creating iOS applications • a Web development lab with full Adobe Media Editing Suite Software, Autodesk 3D

Studio, usability software, and a variety of media devices for viewing web apps • a Usability lab for studying the interactions of users with software applications.

This programme is part of the Web scheme of awards, which also include Web Development and Web Design. The first year is common for all three awards, which means you can transfer between them if you wish. If like most students you study the sandwich version of this award, you will spend your third year on a work placement, applying your knowledge in the workplace and gaining valuable industrial experience. We have been running the Computing placement scheme for nearly 50 years, and have placed thousands of students in companies across the UK and beyond. In your final year, you’ll complete a project showcasing your skills as a developer and you’ll have the chance to present your work in a graduate exhibition to local businesses. On graduation, you will be well equipped for employment (or self-employment) as a Software Developer throughout the computing industry. Typical job titles include Web Developer, Software Developer, Front-End Developer, Programmer, Applications Developer, Android or iOS Developer.

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The Staffordshire Graduate The Staffordshire Graduate represents a set of qualities that the University passionately believes is necessary for success in the 21st century. The Staffordshire Graduate is a reflective and critical learner with a global perspective, prepared to contribute in the world of work. When you graduate from Software App Development, you are prepared as you progress through your course for the world of work through developing and applying skills of being both reflective and critical learners, with an overall global perspective. • All Software App Development degree study levels and associated core modules

develop specifically discipline expertise. Our academic staff possess a wide range of related research, practical scholarship, and industrial experience which is employed to engage students and develop critical knowledge to a level the student is able to apply this to key and emerging issues in the world.

• We are committed to our Software App Development graduates being able to show professionalism, and possessing enterprise and entrepreneurial skills and knowledge to show personal innovation within the world of work they are entering. To develop the required life and transferrable skills we use a variety of approaches in our curricula delivery: lectures, practical sessions, tutorials, seminars, case studies, optional work based placements, and dissertations. Through such approaches student’s confidence is developed in the light of meeting employer’s requirements and demands. A key focus is to produce graduates who can not only follow set paths to finding solutions, but can be innovative to the level of defining the path itself.

• Critical to your ability to make the most of the learning experience is the need to develop effective communication and team working attributes in order to be effective as both an individual and within a combined working environment. Teaching sessions and assessment opportunities throughout all study levels are used to incrementally develop your confidence in preparing and delivering presentations and reinforcing realistic team working scenarios mirroring the world of work.

• Problem-solving is a principle requirement of graduating students and we use a wide array of opportunities to help develop the related skills to do so ranging from tutorials, seminars, theme based assignments, through to detailed individual and group related research work, and dissertation writing. Such skills development leads to enhancing creative abilities combined with independence of thought to finding new and innovative solutions to problems. Throughout we encourage you to input proactively on this so that when you graduate you take ownership of problems and lead in finding appropriate solutions.

• These are essential attributes of the critical, reflective and life-long learners that Staffordshire graduates are expected to become. Throughout your degree you are encouraged to develop your understanding through critical reflection; to question different views and perspectives and to use both your generic and specialist skills to recognize and resolve problems.

• Increasingly those problems are set in a global context and globalisation and global citizenship are central to the way that you look at the world. The majority of the core modules that structure this award explore understanding of how global computing systems and business work together in combination; and how those systems impact upon individuals; and how graduates can work professionally to manage global issues.

• Appendix 2 shows how the award is mapped to the criteria of the Staffordshire Graduate.

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PROGRAMME OUTCOMES What will this programme teach me to do? At the end of your studies you should be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding [SRCA 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8; ATS 2]

• Demonstrate an understanding of the wider impact, both now and in the future, of web and mobile standards, and software development.

• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of computing concepts and principles.

• Show that you have acquired coherent and detailed knowledge about the principles and practices of Software App Development, some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of research and development in Software Development.

• Understand the issues, context and practices involved in working as a computing professional.

• Understand the impact of enterprise and business in both the computing and business world

• Demonstrate an understanding of users and their requirements in software applications

• Apply computing technologies to a wider context including mobile app development or desktop application development

Learning [SRCA 4, 6; SRPS 2]

• Develop lines of argument and evaluate possible approaches, tools, techniques and solutions based on knowledge of underlying computing concepts and principles.

• Evaluate web pages and applications based on the knowledge and understanding gained

• Understand the limits of you knowledge and how you can search out the addition of further knowledge acquisition to remove deficiencies found.

• Understand the uncertainty, ambiguity and limitations of this knowledge

Enquiry [SRCA 4; ATS 1, 2]

• Use recognised literature searching and requirements elicitation techniques to gather information about computer-based problems.

• Critically evaluate and manage the information collected. • Analyse target audiences to evolve content for computing applications • Critically evaluate and test any applications / designs / content produced • Use, evaluate and manage information from a range of sources,

acknowledging the cultural, ethical, economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information.

• Initiate and carry out projects within software application development, taking into account current areas of research

• Ethically gather information pertaining to software development (or related technologies), suggest possible solutions, and the success of these solutions, from existing or potential users and/or organisations using valid techniques

• Find, critically evaluate, manage, apply, and understand information from a range of sources, acknowledging the cultural, global, ethical, economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information.

• Extrapolate on current standards to form ideas of possible long term strategies in web and mobile standards and software development

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Analysis [SRCA 1; SRPS 2; ATS 1]

• Critically discuss current practices in software application development • Describe and comment upon current research in software application

development and associated technologies, and critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete) to draw conclusions

Problem Solving [SRCA 5,6; SRPS 1,2, 3, 5; ATS 3]

• Select and apply appropriate theory, practices and tools to develop computing based solutions to problems.

• Assess critically the appropriateness of different approaches to designing and developing software applications.

• Propose and develop web and mobile application solutions following analysis of problems and target audience criteria.

• Develop appropriate questions and strategies to achieve a solution, based on web, mobile and associated technologies, (or identify a range of solutions) to a problem.

• Plan and carry out a large and complex software development project using current associated technologies

Communication [SRCA 5, 7; SRPS 4]

• Communicate information effectively to specialist audiences using appropriate documentation techniques, including, but not limited to: written academic reports; verbal presentations; documentation in support of the design and development of software applications

• Communicate designs and proposals for computing application content using appropriate techniques

• Communicate ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences in a variety of forms

Application [SRCA 6; SRPS 1, 5; ATS 2, 3]

• Apply, in previously unseen contexts, appropriate standards, concepts, principles and techniques to design, create and test software applications

• Apply knowledge of target audience, current standards and possible environments, including those at the forefront of application development and associated technologies, in the process of solving problems or producing improved solutions.

Reflection [SRCA 8; ATS 4, 5, 6]

• Demonstrate the ability to take responsibility for learning • Demonstrate the ability to work both independently and as team

member. • Demonstrate an understanding of professional responsibility (including

quality and safety issues); the ethical, legal and social context in which solutions based on application development and associated technologies are developed and operate; the need for continuing professional development and lifelong learning; the role of computing based solutions and systems within organisations; and the opportunities and skills needed for entrepreneurship.

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PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, MODULES AND CREDITS

L E V E L 4

Teaching Block 1

Teaching Block 2

COIS41162 Computing

Professional and Business Skills*

(30 credits)

COSE40576 Introduction to Programming (30 credits)

COWB40386 Web Concepts

(30 credits)

COCS40691 Fundamentals of

Computing & Mathematics (30 credits)

L E V E L 5

Teaching Block 1

Teaching Block 2

COWB50382 Web Project* (30 credits)

COSE50582 Object-Oriented

Application Engineering (30 credits)

COWB50346 Programming

with HTML APIs (30 credits)

COSE50661 Android

Application Development (30 credits)

Placement year on industry – for those students on the sandwich version of the award

L E V E L 6

Teaching Block 1 Teaching Block 2

COIS61028

Level 6 Project * (45 credits)

COSE60597

Software Engineering for Mobile Devices

(15 credits)

COWB60352 Distributed Web

Applications* (30 credits)

App Dev Option**

(30 credits)

*This module explicitly focuses on significant elements required for the achievement of the STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES. **App Dev Options COWB60387 Real World Web Design COWB60351 Design for Mobile Devices COSE60636 Engineering and Integrating Robust Large-Scale Systems

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HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT AND ASSESSED? Teaching and Learning We use a wide variety of teaching and learning strategies and these will differ from module to module depending on the module subject. Generally, there will be a number of lectures and practical’s (lab based sessions) and/or tutorials (theory based sessions). You will also be involved in presentations and seminars and will be expected to carry out self-directed learning. The sandwich (placement) year allows you to apply and extend your skills in industry. Some of your assignments will require specialist software. Details will be available from the module leader, but generally, the specialist labs in the School are available in the evenings and at weekends although times and opening arrangements vary. The library offers 24-hour access but some specialist software may not be available in the library. To find out which software is available in which labs please check: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/academic_depts/computing/facilities/index.jsp Whilst you are studying the BSc Software App Development award you will be experiencing a number of learning and teaching strategies that will include, but not be limited to:

Formal Lectures These are normally held within one of the University’s lecture theatres where a member of the academic staff will present one of more topics within a particular module. As a student, you will be expected to attend these lectures, make notes and then review the material after the lecture. Tutorials During these sessions, you can expect to experience a number of different learning and teaching strategies being used that could range from a series of discussion to paper exercises. In all cases the material will be relevant to the module and often supporting the topics covered in earlier lectures. Practical laboratory sessions These will be held within one of the many laboratories that we have within the University. The actual work carried out will be dependent upon each module and, as with tutorial sessions, will often be based upon topics covered within lectures. In most cases, you can expect that the work will be design, development, or programming exercises that have been developed to help you understand aspects of the topics being covered by the module. Directed Study Here, lecturers and tutors may direct you to undertake independent or group work that is both relevant to the module and the assessment that is part of the module. It may be that you are required to undertake some research etc. that will be used in a following lecture or tutorial. You may often find that you are required to carry out this work outside of the module’s normal contact time – as part of your Self-Managed time (see below).

Self-Managed Study

http://www.staffs.ac.uk/academic_depts/computing/facilities/index.jsp

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This is the time that you can use to continue the module’s work in your own time, be it writing up lecture notes, preparing for lectures / tutorials / practical sessions or just reading around the various topics that are included within the modules that make up your award. You will also use this time for revision, if you have test and / or examinations as well as working on any coursework that you have been given. Research Projects As you progress through your award you will undertake several research based projects either individually or within a group. You will find that in doing these projects you will take a high level of identifying and determining what you are to research. Your learning will be supported by lectures, tutorials, and progress related surgeries where you can show your progress for feedback from a tutor.

This list is non exhaustive.

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Every module on your award will have a presence on the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment. You will find Blackboard important as here you will find a repository of lecture slides, tutorial sheets, supplementary materials, assignment specifications, and sample examinations. You will also find that for some modules discussion forums will also be available. Apart from providing you with learning materials you will also find that you will submit your completed assignments through Blackboard, and throughout on most modules receive formative (practice) assessments. In completion of your summative (actual) assessments you will receive your final grade and feedback. As a final facility you will also be able to feedback your experience of studying the module. For disabled students there are available facilities to adapt documents in order to make material readable to a given disability. Assessment You can expect to experience a selection of the following assessment methods: • Individual coursework assignments • Group work assignments • Individual presentations • Group presentations • Demonstrations (e.g. of a piece of code that you have written) • Written reports • Laboratory log books • In class tests • End of module examinations • Research and Technical Papers As above, this list is non exhaustive. You will find within all your modules that staff will have built in opportunities for you to seek ‘formative’ (work in progress) feedback to help strengthen and develop your assessment work, as well as ‘summative’ (final) feedback at the end of the module. Both formative and summative feedback are important in developing and preparing you for your next set of modules and assessments.

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Entry Requirements (including IELTS score) For students whose first language is not English, an IELTS score of at least 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands) or an equivalent qualification is required for this award. What qualifications would I need to join this programme? For details of UCAS tariff points please see the current online prospectus at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate/ Disability Statement Staffordshire University operates a policy of inclusive teaching and learning to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. See http://www.staffs.ac.uk/study/disabled/support/

http://www.staffs.ac.uk/undergraduate/

http://www.staffs.ac.uk/study/disabled/support/

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AWARD SPECIFIC INFORMATION The following award specific regulations apply.

Industrial placement The industrial placement normally requires the completion of 48 weeks in relevant supervised work experience taken between level 5 and level 6. However, exceptionally for placements in School environments (where the nature of the employment precludes the completion of 48 weeks), the completion of 36 weeks is acceptable. Normally if you are enrolled on a sandwich award, you must pass the sandwich year to progress to level 6. However, in exceptional circumstances the completion of the industrial placement may be deferred until after the completion of level 6. Where this occurs you will still be required to pass an industrial placement before you can be awarded a sandwich degree. If you fail the industrial placement period, you will only be allowed one further attempt. The referral attempt must normally occur within 18 months. Failure at the referral attempt will mean that you cannot further progress on a sandwich award. You would have to transfer onto an appropriate non-sandwich full-time award in order to continue. The placement period is not compensatable. To be eligible for the award of an Honours degree with a sandwich, you must pass the industrial placement period.

Transfer between a sandwich award and a non‐sandwich award You may opt to transfer from a non-sandwich award to an appropriate sandwich award at any time. You may transfer from a sandwich version of your award to a non-sandwich version, at any time up until the end of week 2 of the first teaching block of level 5. However, after week 2 of the first teaching block of level 5, the transfer is only permitted if one or more of the following criteria are met:

1. You are unable, for valid reasons e.g. extenuating circumstances, to undertake or complete an industrial placement;

2. Having attempted the industrial placement, you have failed it; 3. You have BOTH been unable to secure a placement 12 months after the

start of level 5, AND have a portfolio of evidence that shows that you have made a bona fide attempt to obtain a placement. The decision as to whether the portfolio of evidence shows that you have made a bona fide attempt is at the discretion of the Academic Placements tutor.

Further information about the award can be found in the relevant Student Handbook and on the University Website. This includes information about optional modules, learning outcomes at levels below honours, student support, and academic regulations

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Appendix 1 – Award Learning Outcomes

On completion of study, a BSc Software App Development student will be able to:

Common learning outcome

Level 4

[Benchmark Statement mapping]

Level 5


Level 6


Knowledge and

Understanding

Demonstrate knowledge of underlying computing concepts and principles:

[SRCA 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8; ATS 2]

• Programming fundamentals

• Techniques for computer system development, including requirements elicitation and analysis, business analysis, software analysis and design tools and techniques, and testing

• Database design and development, in particular for use in software development

• Structure and operation of hardware, networks and systems required for interactive systems and app development

• Mathematical foundations for


[SRCA 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8; ATS 2]

• The issues, context and practices involved in working as a computing professional.

• The basic principles and issues involved in enterprise and business

• The issues involved in application development professions

• The methods / tools utilized in designing and / or building applications


[SRCA 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8; ATS 2]

• Demonstrate an understanding of the wider impact, both now and in the future, of web and mobile standards, and software development.

• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of computing concepts and principles.

• Show that you have acquired coherent and detailed knowledge about the principles and practices of Software App Development, some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of research and development in Software Development.

• Understand the issues, context and practices involved in working as a computing professional.

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Level 4


Level 5


Level 6


interactive systems

• Web Standards principles

• Application Development principles and practice

• Understand the impact of enterprise and business in both the computing and business world

• Demonstrate an understanding of users and their requirements in software applications

• Apply computing technologies to a wider context including mobile app development or desktop application development

Learning [SRCA 4, 6; SRPS 2]


• Understand the limits of their knowledge, and how this influences analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge.


[SRCA 4, 6; SRPS 2]

• Further lines of argument and evaluate complex approaches, tools, techniques and solutions based on knowledge of underlying computing concepts and principles.

• Evaluate applications based on the knowledge and understanding gained

• Understand the limits of their knowledge, and how this influences analyses and interpretations based on that knowledge.

[SRCA 4, 6; SRPS 2]


• Evaluate web pages and applications based on the knowledge and understanding gained

• Understand the limits of you knowledge and how you can search out the addition of further knowledge acquisition to remove deficiencies found.

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Level 4


Level 5


Level 6




Enquiry [SRCA 4; ATS 1, 2]


• Use, evaluate and manage information from a range of sources, acknowledging the cultural, ethical, economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information.

• Initiate and carry out projects within app development, taking into account current areas of research

[SRCA 4; ATS 1, 2]


• Evaluate and manage the information collected.

• Analyse target audiences to evolve content for applications

• Evaluate and test any applications / designs / content produced

• Manage information from a range of sources, acknowledging the cultural, ethical, economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information.

• Initiate and carry out projects within app development, taking into account current areas of

[SRCA 4; ATS 1, 2]


• Critically evaluate and manage the information collected.

• Analyse target audiences to evolve content for computing applications

• Critically evaluate and test any applications / designs / content produced

• Use, evaluate and manage information from a range of sources, acknowledging the cultural, ethical, economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information.

• Initiate and carry out projects within software application development, taking into account current areas of research

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Level 4


Level 5


Level 6


research

• Ethically gather information pertaining to app development (or related technologies).

• Ethically gather information pertaining to software development (or related technologies), suggest possible solutions, and the success of these solutions, from existing or potential users and/or organisations using valid techniques

• Find, critically evaluate, manage, apply, and understand information from a range of sources, acknowledging the cultural, global, ethical, economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information.

• Extrapolate on current standards to form ideas of possible long term strategies in web and mobile standards and software development

Analysis [SRCA 1; SRPS 2; ATS 1]

• Use established investigation techniques to

• Evaluate and interpret the fundamental computing concepts and principles

[SRCA 1; SRPS 2; ATS 1]

• Use established investigation techniques to

• Evaluate and interpret the fundamental computing concepts and principles introduced at this

[SRCA 1; SRPS 2; ATS 1]

• Critically discuss current practices in software application development

• Describe and comment upon current research in software

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Level 4


Level 5


Level 6


introduced at this Level.

• Critically discuss current practices in app development

Level.

• Analyse requirements to design and create databases suitable for app development

• Critically discuss current practices in app development

• Describe and comment upon current research in web development and associated technologies.

application development and associated technologies, and critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data (that may be incomplete) to draw conclusions

Problem Solving

[SRCA 5, 6; SRPS 1, 2, 3, 5; ATS 3]

• Select and apply appropriate theory, practices and tools to develop computing-based solutions to problems.

• Develop appropriate questions and strategies to achieve a solution based on web and mobile, and associated technologies, (or identify a range of solutions) to a problem.

[SRCA 5,6; SRPS 1,2,3,5; ATS3]

• Assess the appropriateness of different approaches to designing and developing applications.

• Propose and develop application solutions following analysis of problems and target audience criteria.

[SRCA 5,6; SRPS 1,2, 3, 5; ATS 3]

• Select and apply appropriate theory, practices and tools to develop computing based solutions to problems.

• Assess critically the appropriateness of different approaches to designing and developing software applications.

• Propose and develop web and mobile application solutions following analysis of problems and target audience criteria.

• Develop appropriate questions and

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Level 4


Level 5


Level 6


strategies to achieve a solution, based on web, mobile and associated technologies, (or identify a range of solutions) to a problem.

• Plan and carry out a large and complex software development project using current associated technologies

Communication [SRCA 5, 7; SRPS 4]

• Document the development, design and testing of computer-based solutions in a structured manner.

• Communicate designs and proposals for app content using appropriate techniques

• Write a structured formal report using appropriate referencing, and techniques for documentation.

[SRCA 5, 7; SRPS 4]

• Communicate information effectively to specialist audiences using appropriate documentation techniques and report formats

• Communicate designs and proposals for app content using appropriate techniques

[SRCA 5, 7; SRPS 4]

• Communicate information effectively to specialist audiences using appropriate documentation techniques, including, but not limited to: written academic reports; verbal presentations; documentation in support of the design and development of software applications

• Communicate designs and proposals for computing application content using appropriate techniques

• Communicate ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences in a variety of forms

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Level 4


Level 5


Level 6


Application [SRCA 6; SRPS 1, 5; ATS 2, 3]

• Apply fundamental computing concepts and principles in the process of solving mathematical and computing-based problems

• Apply knowledge of current standards, including those at the forefront of app development and associated technologies, in the process of solving problems or producing improved solutions.

• Apply current techniques to design and create databases suitable for app development projects of the level of student knowledge

[SRCA 6; SRPS 1, 5; ATS 2, 3]

• Apply appropriate standards, concepts, principles and techniques to design, create and test applications

• Apply knowledge of target audience in the process of solving problems or producing improved solutions.

[SRCA 6; SRPS 1, 5; ATS 2, 3]

• Apply, in previously unseen contexts, appropriate standards, concepts, principles and techniques to design, create and test software applications

• Apply knowledge of target audience, current standards and possible environments, including those at the forefront of application development and associated technologies, in the process of solving problems or producing improved solutions.

Reflection Demonstrate:

[SRCA 8; ATS 4, 5, 6]

• the ability to take responsibility for learning

• the ability to work both independently and as team member.

Demonstrate:

[SRCA 8; ATS 4, 5, 6]

• the ability to take responsibility for learning

• the ability to work both independently and as team member.

Demonstrate:

[SRCA 8; ATS 4, 5, 6]

• Demonstrate the ability to take responsibility for learning

• Demonstrate the ability to work both independently and as team

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Level 4


Level 5


Level 6


• an understanding of professional responsibility (including quality and safety issues); the need for continuing professional development and lifelong learning; the role of computing-based solutions and systems within organisations;

• an understanding of professional responsibility (including quality and safety issues); the ethical, legal and social context in which solutions based on software engineering and associated technologies are developed and operate; the need for continuing professional development and lifelong learning; the role of computing-based solutions and systems within organisations; and the opportunities and skills needed for entrepreneurship.

member.

• Demonstrate an understanding of professional responsibility (including quality and safety issues); the ethical, legal and social context in which solutions based on application development and associated technologies are developed and operate; the need for continuing professional development and lifelong learning; the role of computing based solutions and systems within organisations; and the opportunities and skills needed for entrepreneurship.

Computing Benchmark skills and abilities mapped: SRCA 1-8; SRPS 1-5; ATS 1-6.

Benchmark mapping via learning outcomes (Undergraduate).

The learning outcomes are mapped onto the abilities and skills identified by the Computing Benchmark Statement which broadly fall into three categories of computing-related cognitive abilities, computing-related practical abilities, and additional transferable skills, all of which are developed within the context of the computing discipline (see below for an extract from the Computing Benchmark Statement that delineates these various abilities and provides the numbering system used).

In the tables below where the Computing Benchmark Statement is referenced the following abbreviations are used:

SRCA = Subject-related Cognitive Ability;

SRPS = Subject-related Practical Skill;

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ATS = Additional Transferable Skill.

After each statement of a learning outcome, there follows in square brackets the relevant Benchmark Statement skills and abilities that the achievement of the learning outcome supports.

Please note that the Benchmark Statement abilities and skills represent the Benchmark abilities and skills associated with the completion of level 4, level 5, and level 6. The abilities and skills given for a particular level are therefore cumulative and do not solely relate to the abilities and skills achieved at a given level, but to the abilities and skills achieved over the award period that culminates in that level.

EXTRACT from the Computing Benchmark Statement

Note – with skills/abilities numbered as reference for mapping from Learning Outcome tables

3 Abilities and skills - numbered

3.1 Students are expected to develop a wide range of abilities and skills. These may be divided into three broad categories:

i computing-related cognitive abilities and skills, ie abilities and skills relating to intellectual tasks

ii computing-related practical skills

iii additional transferable skills that may be developed in the context of computing but which are of a general nature and applicable in many other contexts.

3.2 Cognitive, practical and generic skills need to be placed in the context of the programme of study as designed by the institution and/or the possible pathways selected by the individual student. The implicit interplay between these identified skills both within and across these three categories is recognised.

Subject-related cognitive abilities

1. Computational thinking including its relevance to everyday life.

2. Knowledge and understanding: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to computing and computer applications as appropriate to the programme of study.

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3. Modelling: 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.

4. Requirements, practical constraints and computer-based systems (and this includes computer systems, information systems, embedded systems and distributed systems) in their context: recognise and analyse criteria and specifications appropriate to specific problems, and plan strategies for their solution.

5. Critical evaluation and testing: analyse the extent to which a computer-based system meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development.

6. Methods and tools: deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems.

7. Reflection and communication: 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.

8. Professional considerations: 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

1. The ability to specify, design and construct computer-based systems.

2. The ability to evaluate systems in terms of general quality attributes and possible trade-offs presented within the given problem.

3. The ability to recognise any risks or safety aspects that may be involved in the operation of computing equipment within a given context.

4. The ability to 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.

5. The ability to operate computing equipment effectively, taking into account its logical and physical properties.

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3.3 The extent to which students acquire these abilities will depend on the emphasis of individual degree programmes. It is expected, however, that the student will be able to deploy these abilities to a greater and deeper extent than someone who is merely an interested practitioner.

Additional transferable skills

1. Effective information-retrieval skills (including the use of browsers, search engines and catalogues).

2. Numeracy and literacy in both understanding and presenting cases involving a quantitative and qualitative dimension.

3. Effective use of general information technology (IT) facilities.

4. The ability to work as a member of a development team, recognising the different roles within a team and different ways of organising teams.

5. Managing one's own learning and development including time management and organisational skills.

6. Appreciating the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for lifelong learning.

Documents

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION · 2017-07-14 · UNDERGRADUATE . PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION . Programme Title: Software App Development Awarding Body: ... software applications