TITLE: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURES

The aims of this module are to introduce the student to the construction and operation of computer components and the software that runs on them. The methods in which components are combined to produce working computer systems is covered, as is the way in which executable computer programs are defined and developed. Number systems pertinent to computers are addressed, as are the arithmetic and logical operations that can be applied to data represented using those systems. Methods used by computers to communicate with peripherals and other systems are considered.

The module begins with an introduction to the way that data is represented within a computer and logic gates. Computer structure is examined, and its relationship to the execution of computer programs is demonstrated.

TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
The module will be delivered as a series of lectures/tutorials augmented by practical sessions. Network-resource based material and directed reading will be used to consolidate and expand upon material introduced in class.

This module is delivered over a period of twelve consecutive teaching weeks. Each session (or part session) of each week may be used for lecture, tutorial or practical activities as appropriate. All other module time will be used for directed reading and self study.

ASSESSMENT METHODS
Assessment will consist of four time-constrained tests.

Time constrained tests will be approximately 60 minutes in duration and will be taken in weeks three, six, nine and twelve.

TITLE: FUNDAMENTALS OF DATABASES

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of data modelling and systems analysis in databases
• Demonstrate an understanding of introductory SQL

and the ability to:

• Produce a data model for a simple problem and create and populate databases with more than one related table using both SQL and other methods provided by the software
• Retrieve information effectively and efficiently in various ways (including QBE and SQL) and display it on a screen and in printed form.

Students will be introduced to the concepts behind data modelling (e.g. entity modelling and normalisation) and how to use this information to create a physical model. They will then explore methods for creating and populating a database design and methods for retrieving and displaying data from within that database.

ASSESSMENT METHODS
Formative assessment
A time-constrained test (TCT) based on design techniques (20%), and a TCT based on the retrieval data using SQL (20%).

Summative assessment
An individual assignment contributing 60% of final module mark.

TITLE: PROFESSIONALISM AND PERSONAL SKILLS

Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated:

• Ability to evaluate and apply a variety of tools, techniques and perspectives including project management, problem solving, qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Understanding of theories and current issues surrounding today’s IT, leading to and developing from today’s IT deployment.
• Application of effective research skills, communication (verbal and written) with the correct use of citation standards and team working techniques, furthermore, demonstrate the ability to reflect upon their own learning.
• Knowledge of the ethics and professional responsibilities of an IT practitioner and current IT legislation.

The theoretical content of the module will concentrate upon issues arising from today’s deployment of IT (e.g. the Internet, WWW, telematics, etc.) and relevant history surrounding it. Current issues concerning today’s IT (privacy, pornography, etc.) including the positive and negative impact of IT will be discussed and debated in the student environment. Relevant legislation (e.g. Data Protection Act, Computer Misuse Act, Copyrights and Patents and Health and Safety at Work Act, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, Freedom of Information Act.]) and health and safety issues will be discussed together with the ethics and responsibilities of an IT professional.

The students will gain experience of assimilating and writing business reports, team working and presenting to audiences. Students will be introduced to a range of problem solving tools and techniques for the identification, evaluation and resolution of problems. A clear framework will be provided for problem solving and the relationship between problem solving and decision making. The importance of good problem solving definition will be emphasised.

Students will be encouraged to evaluate the effectiveness of selected approaches and where appropriate, justify alternatives. Spreadsheets will be used as a tool to support some of the problem solving techniques introduced.

TITLE: SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

• Development and Design
  Introduction to the program development process: Design, code, compile, run, debug, test and document. The role of object-based programming concepts and techniques. Introduction to object-based design techniques.
• Basic Programming Techniques
  Introduction to an object-oriented programming language with an emphasis on a methodology for developing reliable solutions to programming problems. Objects and classes, including basic data types and storage. Input and output of data. Algorithms and calculations. Sequential, selective and iterative control flow. Arrays and their use for the storage and manipulation of related data items. Use of arrays in the implementation of common sorting algorithms. Strings and their uses.
• Object-based Programming
  Design techniques for object-based programming. Breaking a problem specification down into objects and classes. Methods and parameters. Object interaction.
• Further programming techniques
  File handling. Validation and testing.

ASSESSMENT METHODS
Coursework: 100%.

TITLE: SOFTWARE ENGINEERING 1

Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated:

• Understanding of the need for software to be easy to use for the range of software users.
• Understanding of the need for a software development process that is carried in a professional and ethical manner.

and the ability to:

• Apply software engineering techniques to achieve an effective and usable software solution to an appropriate (level 1) problem.
• Use appropriate testing techniques for software components.

The students will be introduced to what software is and the concept of software engineering. The importance of professionalism in software engineering, good planning and good project/person management will also be covered, as will the software development process.

Software specification, software change and management and testing techniques in structured and object oriented development will be covered, whilst highlighting the need for testing at every stage of the development process.

Usability, specifically the importance of user interface to usability, will also be explored.

TITLE: WEB AND MULTIMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES

Upon successful completion of this module, students will have demonstrated: fundamental knowledge of the concepts, issues and problems of multimedia design, development and production; an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of different web languages; the ability to generate and manipulate assets from a variety of sources; and design, implement, evaluate and test both web and CDROM based interactive multimedia solutions for specific user requirements.

The module begins with an introduction to multimedia design issues and methods, such as Storyboarding. Practical exercises will teach multimedia development within a suitable development environment, e.g. Authorware. In the sessions that follow, asset production will be introduced which will include discussions of the various formats and practical exercises within suitable industry products, e.g. Fireworks, Freehand, Photoshop. Students will then be introduced to a variety of web development constructs such as, HTML, JavaScript, Cascading Style Sheets and web-based multimedia. Associated specific web design and deployment issues will also be discussed including usability, ethical and legal considerations, and accessibility. Having provided a grounding in web design and authoring, subsequent sessions will focus on web site design, development, deployment, testing and maintenance using a product based approach incorporating tools such as Dreamweaver and Flash.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

• One time-constrained assessment based upon the design and development of a small multimedia application, which will contribute 20% of final the module mark.
• One group based assignment based upon the development of a show-reel which conveys a specific message using suitable multimedia assets. Students will have to design and implement their solution. The assignment will contribute 30% of the final module mark.
• One individual assignment based upon the development of a complex web site which incorporates web multimedia and an associated scripting technology. Students will have to design, implement, evaluate and test their solution.