Computer Science (Foundation Year) draft

Program Overview

The Computer Science (Foundation Entry), BSc (Hons) program at UCLan is a four-year degree designed for students lacking formal qualifications. It provides a solid foundation in computer science principles and practical skills, preparing graduates for a range of careers in the computing industry, including software development, web development, and data science. The program is assessed through coursework, exams, and a final-year project, and benefits from industry links and free BCS membership for students.

Program Outline

Computer Science (Foundation Entry), BSc (Hons) - UCLan

Degree Overview:

This program is a four-year, full-time BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Foundation Entry) degree offered at the Preston Campus of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). The program serves as a stepping stone to a full degree, providing a solid foundation in computer science principles and practical skills. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to design and develop software systems, including databases and user interfaces. It covers a wide range of topics, from artificial intelligence to the Internet of Things, and emphasizes software development techniques, project management, and programming in C++.

Outline:

The program is structured over four years, with modules offered in each year.

Year 0:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Introduction to Software Development (COC001):
Introduces software development concepts, including problem analysis, specification, design, implementation, testing, and debugging. Develops programming skills.
• Investigating IT (COC002): Uses security and forensic investigation to introduce computer technology.
Improves awareness of security threats and countermeasures. Develops confidence in representing, interpreting, and manipulating information in different formats.
• Study Skills 1 - Learning How to Learn (COC004): Equips students with skills, knowledge, and personal attributes for academic success.
Develops the ability to understand learning processes, review, plan, and take responsibility for learning.
• Study Skills 2 - Developing Academic Skills (COC005): Improves academic writing skills and builds confidence in written work.
Introduces various writing styles and develops verbal and visual communication skills.
• Foundation Mathematics (MAC101): Develops and reinforces basic mathematical skills needed for science, engineering, and computing subjects.
Builds confidence and competence in mathematical skills used in real-world problems.

Year 1:

Develops problem-solving skills relevant to computing professionals. Focuses on usability and interface design and evaluation.

• Introduction to Networking (CO1008): Introduces the fundamentals of networking and networked systems.
Develops understanding of relevant computer network standards and protocols.
• Programming (CO1409): Develops the ability to analyze simple problems and implement software solutions.
Provides core skills in computer programming and debugging. Develops software design skills and introduces advanced programming techniques.
• Computer Systems and Security (CO1508): Explores the fundamentals of computer architecture and operating systems.
Examines the nature and consequences of security threats and data breaches, as well as countermeasures. Discusses legal, ethical, and privacy issues associated with data collection and emerging technologies.
• Systems Analysis and Database Design (CO1605): Works in teams to discuss and explore various systems.
Develops an in-depth understanding of database design and implementation.
• Optional Modules:
• Games Concepts (CO1301):
Encourages interest in game analysis and fosters creative thinking in game development. Introduces methods and technologies for game development and provides a mathematical foundation.
• Web Technologies (CO1707): Develops awareness of modern web technologies and their future scope.
Explores security concerns in web-based applications. Investigates the structure of different web technologies and their contexts of development and application.

Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• The Agile Professional (CO2007):
Develops project leadership skills required by computer practitioners. Explores working in an Agile way on a course-specific group project. Prepares for the final year project by introducing teamwork, project planning, and investigation skills.
• Database Systems (CO2011): Explores database concepts and the benefits of relational database theory.
Teaches and uses a relational query language. Provides experience in implementing a database in a suitable environment.
• Software Development (CO2401): Develops high-level skills necessary for major software projects.
Covers the phases of specification, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. Considers issues affecting each phase, including quality, usability, and documentation.
• Advanced Programming with C++ (CO2402): Develops the ability to solve typical industrial problems.
Understands how to use algorithms and data in problem-solving and how to present them using Windows and Unix.
• Computational Thinking (CO2412): Develops understanding in using algorithms and data structures using various techniques and discrete mathematics.
Applies this knowledge to illustrate design, analysis, optimization, and problem-solving.
• User Experience (CO2722): Fosters understanding of the needs, abilities, and limitations of computer users.
Explores techniques and technologies for effective user communication with computers and the impact of user experience. Develops knowledge and skills for modeling, designing, and evaluating interfaces with a focus on user experience. Enhances research skills in HCI and UX topics.

Year 3:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Honours Degree Project (CO3008):
Researches, studies, and produces a report based on the investigation of a problem and the development of a solution. This project culminates the study and draws on material and skills developed throughout the course.
• Advanced Software Modelling (CO3408): Takes a rigorous approach to software development.
Examines the use of formal methods for specification, development, and verification of software. Presents techniques for analyzing and implementing real-time solutions. Investigates the theory and problems of concurrent systems.
• Artificial Intelligence (CO3519): Introduces and familiarizes students with the approach and techniques of Artificial Intelligence.
Explores AI in the context of computer games and theoretical underpinnings of AI and Computing.
• Data Science (CO3722): Provides tools for analyzing datasets and visualizing their properties.
• Optional Modules:
• Cross Platform Development (CO2404):
Develops understanding of modern mobile development platforms and skills for developing cross-platform applications for mobile devices. Explores technical problems and solutions in developing cross-platform applications for ubiquitous computing platforms.
• Computer Graphics (CO2409): Explores algorithms and hardware for real-time rendering of 2D and 3D graphics.
Introduces mathematical techniques for representing and manipulating images. Explores the use of graphics libraries for producing complex and realistic graphics. Extends programming skills to the generation, manipulation, and display of graphical images using a popular graphics library.
• Distributed Systems (CO3404): Integrates software development skills through the construction of distributed systems.
Conveys fundamental principles of designing distributed systems considering scalability, security, heterogeneity, concurrency, and containerization.

Assessment:

The program is assessed through a combination of individual coursework assignments, group work, presentations, and exams. There is a practical emphasis on assessment by coursework.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, practical sessions, and online learning resources. The online learning environment provides flexible and independent learning opportunities, supplementing traditional face-to-face teaching. Students are also expected to engage in directed work outside of timetabled classes.

Careers:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be equipped with highly desirable skills, enabling them to pursue a wide range of careers in the computing industry. Potential career paths include:

• Software Developer
• Web Developer
• Database Administrator
• Network Administrator
• Systems Analyst
• IT Consultant
• Game Developer
• Students have the flexibility to transfer to other specialist courses, including Computer Networks and Security, Software Engineering, or BSc (Hons) Computing.
• The program benefits from industry links, with academic colleagues having direct former computing industry experience and research backgrounds.
• Students can gain real work experience through industrial placements, with opportunities for both UK-based and global placements.

UKFirst year£9,250 for the first yearFull-time£9,250 per yearInternationalFirst year£16,400 for the first yearFull-time£16,500 per year