Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing and IT

Program Overview

This BSc (Hons) in Computing and IT degree prepares graduates for careers in the IT industry. The program emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking, and soft skills, and provides a strong foundation in computing and IT topics. Graduates will be equipped with the technical skills and professional qualities necessary to succeed in the field. The program also provides a pathway to further studies at the MSc level.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This BSc (Hons) in Computing and IT Degree course utilizes a carefully designed programme schedule with modules focused on Computing in IT topics. The development of this programme was largely driven by demand from a number of industries, both those that operate directly in IT, and from those who require the solutions that computing in IT graduates design and implement (such as biotechnology, financial services, physical sciences, and more). The design and development of modules within this IT degree were informed by extensive industry consultation. The collaboration with industry centred on the importance of developing problem solving and critical thinking skills within the learner, and a willingness to engage in self-directed learning. The consultation process also highlighted the importance of developing soft skills as these skills can be treated secondary to technical skills but are of significant importance when working in multicultural and diverse teams.

Objectives:

On completion of the BSc (Hons) in Computing and IT degree at CCT College Dublin graduates should: • Be Technically Skilled: Graduates will have the clarity and understanding of the subject area to be able to collaboratively diagnose a subject domain problem from the required overlying system architecture perspective. The ability and insight to be able to examine the contributing factors or components needed to develop the system solution (P.R.I.S.M.). Have the technical skills to be able to design and implement solutions across multiple platforms, utilising multiple programming languages to confidently integrate solutions. The graduate will also have the ability to gather data efficiently, to analyse data, to store and secure data, and to effectively deploy and manage enterprise and cloud-based service solutions. • Be a Problem Solver: The graduate will be able to anticipate the changing landscape of IT development, including the nature of problems and a way towards their potential solutions. • Have Professionalism: The graduate will have the capacity to recognise and appreciate the professional responsibilities and ethical implications of computing professionals and the solutions they design and apply. • Be a Strong Communicator: The graduate will be a clear, transparent communicator who understands their audience, ensuring the right level of detail is provided to assist in intelligent, informed decisions. The graduate will be confident in communicating with people encountered in industry including other computing professionals, business managers or executives, customers, or other stakeholders. • Be an Effective Team Player and Leader: The graduate will have the ability to work with other professionals, discussing work and managing and integrating feedback.

Outline:

Course Content

Year 1 – Stage One

• Programming – Object Oriented Approach • Introduction to H.C.I. (Human Computer Interaction) • Networking Technologies • Computing Architecture • Time and Task Management • Discrete Mathematics for Computing • Operating Systems • Project Skills • Client-Side programming

Year 2 – Stage Two

• Object Oriented Constructs • Linear Algebra • Wireless Networking • Cloud Computing Fundamentals • Databases: Approaches and Systems • Server-side Programming • Research Skills • Network Services and Virtualization • Cross Platform Development • Business Information Systems • Integrated Application Development

Year 3 – Stage Three

• Algorithms, Architectures and Design Patterns • Advanced Numerical Methods • Switching and Routing • Distributed Digital Transactions • Legal, Ethical and Privacy Issues • Object Oriented Analysis and Design • Concurrent Systems • Data Storage Solutions • Networks and Systems Security • Commercial Solutions Design

Year 4 – Stage Four

• Artificial Intelligence • Data Visualisation and Communication • Data Exploration and Preparation • Cloud Services • Professional Development • Machine Learning for Artificial Intelligence • Strategic Business IT • Problem Solving for Industry

Teaching:

Learners will attend lectures, workshops, and practical lab sessions during the programme and a variety of different instruments and formats will be used including text books, code, statistical data, journal articles, case studies, problem sets, and web-based content. These may feature as part of class-based activities or provided through Moodle. To facilitate a real-world experience, industry guest lectures will be invited to speak to students on a variety of IT and Computing topics to further strengthen, or challenge knowledge attained throughout the programme. The programme strives to foster an environment of self-efficacy using integrated learning opportunities developed through the Integrated Assessment approach. A ‘Level Completion Module’ evolves that concept of integrated assessment, further cementing knowledge for the learner. These modules, at the end of each award stage, endeavour to bring together all the learning from the previous stage, or stages to promote a cumulative knowledge effect rather than a ‘do and forget’ learning experience.

Careers:

Graduates of this Degree in Computing and IT should be able to secure professional roles at entry and intermediate positions in computing and IT related industries, and progress to leadership or research roles using skills related to those learned in the programme curriculum. This IT degree will also provide graduates with the foundation upon which they can further their studies at level 9 (MSc) in Computing (including the MSc in Applied Software Development at CCT College) or one of many Computing-related disciplines (in Ireland or abroad) such as Computer Science, Computational Science, Information Systems, IT Management, Technology and Innovation Management, Information Security & Digital Forensics, Information Systems Processes, and others.