Bsc (Hons) Computing (Top-Up) (Jan 2013)
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
- Awarding Institution / Body
- Teaching Institution and Location of Delivery
Wigan and LeighCollege
- University Department/Centre
- External Accreditation
- Title of Final Award
(Top-up)
- Modes of Attendance offered
Part-time (by infill into FT classes)
- UCAS Code
G403 C30 (Burnley)
- Relevant Subject Benchmarking Group(s)
- Other external influences
- Date of production/revision of this form
- Aims of the Programme
Computing is a creative activity which applies appropriate technology to the solution of problems. Computing professionals are involved in the investigation and analysis of problems, the design and evaluation of feasible solutions and the implementation of the most cost effective. They must communicate with a wide range of people, (Managers, users and colleagues) and be aware of the business implications of the decisions made. They must be aware of appropriate tools and techniques, and skilled in their application.
Creativity, communication and problem solving underpin the application of various technologies. This course provides a broad range of topics from which students can select the most relevant and interesting.
This course is aimed at part-time students, direct entrants and students who want to construct a programme of studies that is coherent, but tailored to their individual needs and interests.
Common Computing Aims
- To develop the skills and understanding of theory necessary for the graduates to be employed in a Computing environment
- To encourage and enable students to become independent learners.
- To develop critical evaluation, communication, enterprise and self-management skills.
- To produce graduates with the skills and confidence to solve problems independently and as part of a team
- To provide an opportunity for students to develop transferable skills and enhance subject-specific expertise by undertaking a Computing Specific Project
Course Specific Aims
- To provide students with the opportunity to design an interesting and relevant individual programme of study in computing.
- To produce graduates with coherent skills and knowledge across a range of applications of computing
- To provide an opportunity for FD students to achieve their potential as graduates
- Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A.Knowledge and Understanding
The successful student will be able to
A1. Explain, evaluate and apply techniques and methods to solve a range of computing problems
A2. Evaluate and apply project management tools and techniques
A3. Evaluate analysis, design and implementation tools.
A4. Evaluate a range of computing-related technologies
Teaching and Learning Methods
Acquisition of knowledge is mainly supported through lectures and directed learning. The role of directed learning increases as the course progresses. Understanding is reinforced through practical, tutorial and seminar work. This may involve a series of small exercises, extended case studies or discussions. Drop-in help sessions are provided to support particular areas.
Assessment methods
Informal and formative feedback is provided in tutorial, seminar and practical classes through class discussion and individual advice. Formal assessment is through practical and written coursework, and time-constrained examinations, which may include on-line multiple-choice exams, traditional examinations, open-book examinations and partially-seen questions.
B.Subject-specific skills
The successful student will be able to
B1. Solve technical and human problems relating to the development and use of IT-based systems
B2. Use analysis, design and implementation tools to develop a range of IT systems
B3. Analyse requirements and information from a variety of sources.
B4. Design and develop a range of computer-based systems
Teaching and Learning Methods
Computing is a highly practical subject. Skills are developed in a co-ordinated and progressive manner during the top-up year, to a level necessary for graduates to be employed as computing professionals three years of the programme. Some practical work demonstrates advanced techniques, while extended practical work enables students to exercise creativity and develop their own solutions. Lectures, sometimes involving on-line demonstration, are supported by tutorials, seminars, practical exercises and directed work.
Assessment methods
A variety of methods are used to assess technical and personal practical skills. These include laboratory exercises, oral presentations, formal reports, and implementation exercises with supporting documentation demonstrating a professional approach and evaluating methods and products.
C.Thinking Skills
The successful student will be able to
C1. Investigate complex situations thoroughly and impartially
C2. Locate, evaluate and integrate information from multiple sources
C3. Evaluate ideas, methods and systems
C4. Analyse and solve problems
Teaching and Learning Methods
Intellectual skills are developed through practical work, tutorial and seminar work and coursework assignments. Discussion among students and with staff during tutorials and supervisory meetings are key methods for the development of thinking skills. Problem-solving is developed in practical classes, seminars and tutorials. Throughout the course, students practise problem-solving individually and in groups. Students research, apply and evaluate information during the professional skills module and during the problem-solving project.
Assessment methods
Staff in class and in supervisory meetings provide informal formative feedback. Intellectual skills are partly assessed through formal examinations but assessment of coursework and practical and theoretical project work is the main vehicle for assessment of the higher order skills. A variety of assessment methods are used, including formal reports, essays, and oral poster presentations.
D.Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
The successful student will be able to
D1. Communicate effectively with clients, users and developers
D2. Learn and work independently and as part of a team
D3. Operate within an ethical and legal framework appropriate to computing professionals.
D4. Plan, perform, manage and report on a relevant project
D5. Identify and set personal goals relevant to long-term educational and career planning
Teaching and Learning Methods
A major individual project, supported by supervisory meetings, reinforces and extends the student’s abilities: they research topics relevant to their project, write a paper summarising and evaluating their findings, plan and monitor their progress, solve problems and write an extended report.
Assessment methods
These skills are assessed through written coursework in many modules, but particularly the individual project, where students write an academic article and a project report, are interviewed, and give a poster presentation.
13.Programme Structures* / 14.Awards and Credits*
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Credit rating
Level 6 / CO3808
CO3402
CO3601
CO3604
CO3701
CO3717
CO3708 / Double Project
Object-Oriented Methods
Systems Concepts
E-Business
Advanced Database Systems
Games for the Internet
Database Driven Web sites / 40
20
20
20
20
20
20 / BSc (Hons) Computing
Requires 120 credits at Level 6
15.Personal Development Planning
The course will enable students to:
- Develop skills of reflection on their academic, personal and professional development
- Increase their own self awareness of their own skills, qualities, attitudes and capabilities
- Improve their own learning and performance by taking responsibility for their own development and developing the necessary skills for independent learning;
- Identify their own strengths, weaknesses and needs and direction for change
- Set goals and plan action for developing, monitoring and reviewing their own progress
- Compile their own records of learning experiences and achievement, including progress reviews, personal reflections and action plans
- Plan realistically for their career progression and manage their own career development and lifelong learning.
Tutorial sessions will be utilised to monitor PDP file building, critical evaluation of own performance, review assignment grades and feedback and to advise on project planning for the double honours project. Additionally, tutors will encourage and advise students to reflect on their performance in lab sessions and to identify activities outside of class contact to address weaknesses.
A major part of the student induction for this top-up program will be to introduce and develop the PDP file and process for each student. The induction program will focus on critical evaluation and higher research skills required for level 3 modules. It will emphasise the expectations and requirements of a final year degree programme, and this will then be followed up in weekly tutorials, which will be broken in to group and individual meetings to discuss strategies and individual review. An induction timetable identifying the outline of the induction is attached to this document.
16.Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications, together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
The minimum entry requirement for this top-up degree qualification is anFdSc Computing qualification gained with merit profile. Any equivalentwill also be considered by the admissions team.
All applicants are interviewed to assess their suitability. Students’ previous studies must meet the pre-requisites of their programme.
Candidates with an HNC BIT or HNC Computing can top-up to a Foundation Degree on a part-time basis over one year and then join this degree top-up program. In exceptional circumstances where students have not achieved a merit profile, their ability to cope with the course will be carefully assessed during the interview process.
17.Key sources of information about the programme
- BurnleyCollegeWeb Site (),
- Wigan and LeighCollegeWeb Site (),
- UCLan CEPS Web Site ()
18.Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Programme Learning Outcomes
Level / Module Code / Module Title / Core (C), Compulsory (COMP) or Option (O) / Knowledge and understanding / Subject-specific Skills / Thinking Skills / Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
A1 / A2 / A3 / A4 / B1 / B2 / B3 / B4 / C1 / C2 / C3 / C4 / D1 / D2 / D3 / D4 / D5
LEVEL 6 / CO3402 / Object-Oriented Methods / O / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
CO3601 / Systems Concepts / O / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
CO3604 / E-Business / O / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
CO3701 / Advanced Database Systems / O / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
CO3717 / Games for the Internet / O / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
CO3708 / Database Driven Websites / O / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
CO3808 / Honours Degree Project / C / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X / X
Note:
Burnley Programme: CO3601,CO3604, CO3717, CO3708, CO3808
Wigan Programme: CO3601, CO3701, CO3708, CO3808 and one of CO3402 or CO3604
Note:Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks