Programme Handbook
2012 /2013
MSc Computing(Computer Networks Engineering) MSc Computing (Internet Technology & Security) MSc Computing (Software Engineering)
MSc Computing
Postgraduate Field of Computer Systems (CSYM) Divsion of Computing
School of Science and Technology
Field Chair: Dr Scott Turner (August 2010)
Contents
1 Introduction and Contact sources 4
2
3 Assessment 9
3.1 Module Assessment 9
4
5 Information Sources 20
5.1 Electronic Support sites 20
6 Module Summaries 22
6.1 / Core modules / 22CSYM025, CSYM017 / 22
CSYM028, CSYM024 / 23
6.2 / Computer Networks Engineering; CSYM029, CSYM030 / 24
6.3 / Internet Technology Security; CSYM019, CSYM020 / 25
6.4 / Software Engineering; CSYM026, CSYM027 / 26
6.5 / Remaining Framework modules / 27
CSYM023, CSYM015, CSYM016 / 27
CSYM018, CSYM021 / 28
Appendix 29
A Example Assignment Cover Sheet 29
1 Introduction and Contact sources
1.1 Welcome
On behalf of the programme leaders and module leaders I would like to welcome you personally to the University of Northampton (UoN). I hope that you have an enjoyable and rewarding time whilst studying for your Computing award.
The information contained here is intended to help you get the most out of your academic work. Please look after it so that you can refer to it whenever the need arises. If there is anything in this guide or, indeed, in any of the information provided,
that you do not understand please do not hesitate to ask one of your tutors to help. We hope that you will find us all very approachable. The intention of this Programme/subject guide is to provide a resource for you as a first point of reference. This means that, hopefully, any general programme information you need to find out about the programme should be available from this guide, but also the programme web site at: http://www.computing.northampton.ac.uk
As a challenging, yet highly rewarding programme of studies, I am confident that with the required commitment and work ethic you will enjoy the material presented throughout these programmes.
Good luck with all your studies.
Scott Turner (Postgraduate Field Chair)
1.2 Field Chair and Programme Leaders
Field Chair for Post Graduate Scheme in Computer Systems
Scott Turner
MSc Computing
Programme Leader Dr Scott Turner Ext 3028
MSc Computing (Computer Networks Engineering)
Programme Leader Rashmi Dravid Ext 3182
MSc Computing (Internet Technology Security)
Programme Leader Amir Minai Ext 3260
MSc Computing (Software Engineering)
Programme Leader Dr Mark Johnson Ext 3255
To telephone from outside the University use (01604) 89(Ext #)
(Please could you refer all amendments and comments to Scott Turner)
1.3 The Framework Team
Amir Minai NW303 Ext 3260MSc Computing (Internet Technology Security) Prorgramme Leader
CSYM020 Internet Security / Brian Thompson Ext 3115
CSYM028 Modern Computer
Architecture / Espen Svennevik Ext 3073
CSYM019 Internet Programming
CSYM030 Mobile Device Software
Development
Gary Hill NW303 Ext 3077
CSYM021 Java Programming / Dr Malcolm Wilson NW303 Ext 3182
CSYM018 Media Technology / Dr Mark Johnson NW303 Ext 3255
MSc Computing (Software
Engineering) Prorgramme Leader
CSYM024 Specification Analysis Design
CSYM027 Formal Methods for
Software Construction
Suraj Ajit NW303 / Dr Scott Turner NW303 Ext 3028
MSc Computing Field Chair CSYM015 Intelligent Systems CSYM023 Dissertation / Rashmi Dravid NW303 Ext 3338
MSc Computing (Computer Networks
Engineering) Programme Leader
CSYM029 Computer Networks
All members of the course team will endeavour to make themselves available when students require academic assistance.
It should be noted that office availability will vary between staff, due to a variety of commitments. As such, students are advised to contact tutors initially via e-mail to arrange a suitable, mutually convenient, meeting time. Students should receive e-mail responses from tutors within seven days.
1.4 The Student Administration Team
The Student Administration Team (SAT) provides essential support in all areas of administration for example:-
Student Enrolment
Student ID Cards
Council Tax Exemption Certificates Mitigating Circumstances Applications Module or Course Transfer Documentation etc.
The key members of the MSc Computing programme administrator support team are: -
Science and Technology Student Admin Team
Room: NW114
Newton Building
Avenue Campus
Opening hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, 4.30pm on Friday. (Close every day at 4.30pm during non term time)
Telephone number: 01604 893784
e-mail address:
1.5 Computing at the University of Northampton
The Division of Computing has provided degree level Computing education since the late 1980s. The courses currently taught in the school on a full–time basis include a suite of seven BSc Computing degrees (Computer Networks Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, Internet Technology and Security, Software Engineering, Mobile Computing, Graphics and Visualisation and a generic Computing degree) and seven HND/C awards that reflect the BSc award titles. There are also Major, Joint or Minor Combined Honours awards.
This document describes the MSc Computing programmes as listed below and found within the University’s Modular Framework scheme (UMF)
MSc Computing (Computer Networks Engineering) MSc Computing (Internet Technology and Security) MSc Computing (Software Engineering)
MSc Computing (Immersive Technologies)
MSc Computing
2 The MSc Computing Framework
2.1 Rationale
The current Masters framework identifies the four core areas of Computing, which allows us to provide two thirds of the modules as core with one third of the modules allocated to each of the specialist pathways.
The general pathway provides a rounded Computing education and broadly based Computing qualification for recent UK graduates and equivalently qualified international students. The specialist pathways provide more focused routes for students who have clearly defined career aspirations while still seeking to develop knowledge and skills in
a broad range of Computing disciplines.
2.2 Structure
All modules are 20 credit modules except for the dissertation which is a 60 credit module. An MSc is awarded on successful completion of 180 credits (6 x 20 credit modules + 1 x 60 credit dissertation module). The three levels of award are, 60 credits for a Postgraduate Certificate, 120 credits for a Postgraduate Diploma, or 180 credits for the MSc
The framework has four core compulsory modules based on the generic areas of design, software, hardware and databases. These modules will be studied by all students.
As can be seen from the framework graphic, there are three specialised pathway
Masters programmes and one generic Masters degree:
• MSc Computing(Computer Network Engineering) 4 core + orange modules
• MSc Computing(Internet Technology and Security) 4 core + yellow modules
• MSc Computing(Software Engineering) 4 core + green modules
• MSc Computing 4 core + any 2 modules
+ Dissertation
These three specialised pathway Masters programmes (and hence the modules that constitute them) will only run if there are sufficient student numbers enrolled on them.
2.3 Module Delivery
As can be seen from the previous graphic, the academic year is made up of three trimesters, each of 14 weeks. In a one-year full-time course, students will study 3 modules in two of the trimesters and the dissertation in the other trimester (a total of 7 modules). In the first trimester all students will study together three of the four core modules, followed in the second trimester by the fourth core module and the two specialist modules for their particular pathway.
The teaching (3 x 3hr.) sessions take place over a day and a half per week (currently during the mornings/afternoons of Tuesdays and Thursdays). Alternatively, students may opt to study the course part-time.
The programme has adopted a uniform approach to staff/student contact of 3 hours per week per module which will consist of a mixture of lectures, tutorials and seminars. Exceptions to this pattern may occur in individual modules e.g. the dissertation where past experience and/or the nature of the element under study suggests otherwise.
2.4 General Educational Considerations
The curriculum has been developed to provide a broader coverage of the theory and practice of Computing based systems, with the programmes being offered at the MSc level to address the extensive employment and research opportunities in this area.
While it is recognised that any high technology course must provide up to date information and methodologies in order for its graduates to enter the employment or academic research market, this course also ensures that students receive a lifelong education that lasts well beyond any technological fashion or professional technology training qualification.
The overall philosophy of the framework is to provide specialist knowledge of areas of computing in concentrated packages and delivered at MSc pace. The modules have been created so as to provide a coherent body of knowledge within the learning time available.
3 Assessment
3.1 Module Assessment
All modules are assessed by assignment only, to ensure that the learning outcomes have been achieved. Assignments will generally consist of design exercises for the more skills-based modules (such as programming), reports that critically appraise case studies, and problem solving situations. The assignments will be equivalent to 5K word essays. Exceptions to this pattern occur in the dissertation module which teaches initially about research methods to help with the following dissertation work.
3.1.1 Schedule(deadlines)
All assessments (other than the Dissertation) are required to be submitted by the due date within the trimester in which the module is studied. The requirement for dissertation submission is given in.3.1.4 below. The dates are specified in section 4.4
Schedule/Timetables, as emboldened dates on the last Friday of each teaching trimester.
These dates recognise the ability of postgraduate students to be able to organise themselves to hand in three pieces of coursework assessment on the same day. In other words, throughout the trimester, parallel work towards each of the three assessment requirements must be taking place.
Where a student cannot meet a coursework submission deadline due to illness or other circumstances beyond his/her control, s/he may seek an extension to the deadline, in accordance with the University’s mitigating circumstances procedure, it can be found at the following address: http://www2.northampton.ac.uk/academicregistry/stud- admin/policies-procs/student-issues/mit-circs – click on The University of Northampton Home -> Departments and Services -> Student Administration -> Management of student complaints and appeals. An extension of up to two weeks is available on
written application to the Module Leader (or nominated alternative). An extension should normally be sought no later than two working days before the deadline for the work concerned and the student should normally provide documentary evidence to support the request for an extension, in accordance with the mitigating circumstances procedure.
3.1.2 Report format
Except where specifically stated in the assignment brief, assignment work submissions must be word-processed with a footer comprising: your name (family name emboldened); registration number; module code; date; page (m of n); and submitted in a single A4 plastic folder, printed on one side and secured on the inside spine. The assessed work front sheet should NOT be stapled to the assignment work.
Work submitted on disc (CD or DVD) must have your name or registration number electronically as the root directory name and written on the disc itself in permanent ink: name (family name emboldened); registration number; module code; year (e.g.
2012/13)
The Division cannot accept responsibility for lost assignments, so you must ensure that you keep a complete copy of the work you hand in.
3.1.3 Assignment submission: Paper Copy
Students will normally be supplied with an assignment cover sheet. This document should be submitted when the assignment is handed-in to the Student Assessment Office.
The assignment cover sheet also provides you with the following key information: -
1) The assignment hand-in date.
2) The title of the piece of work.
3) The marking criteria for the work.
4) Space for the module tutor to supply feedback on your work.
Please see the example assignment cover sheet in Appendix A
The assignment work (including a completed standard assignment cover sheet) is submitted to the Student Assessment Office at Avenue Campus (see section 3.2).
After 4pm and before 7pm, all assignments and receipt forms can be put in the deposit box outside the Student Assignment Office on the MR corridor, see: http://www2.northampton.ac.uk/academicregistry/stud-admin/sao
Anything in the drop-box at that time will be treated as if it had been handed in on the due date, UNLESS SPECIFICALLY INDICATED OTHERWISE ON THE ASSIGNMENT. If you have submitted work, it is your responsibility to remember to collect a copy of the receipt form from the relevant Student Assignment Office once the office re-opens.
3.1.4 Assignment submission: E-submission
It isyourresponsibility to ensure that you are fully aware of the submission procedures. You will be given guidance how to submit by your tutors. It is important that you keep the electronic receipt safe, in the same way as if it were a hard copy.
Work must not be e-mailed to tutors directly or delivered to their offices.
When you submit electronically you will receive an email confirmation and the system will record the date and time you submit. The receipts will show that work has been submitted. Without a receipt there is no evidence to show that the work has been undertaken, and you may be given a “G” grade. All e-copies must be sent by 11:59pm of the deadline day..
3.1.5 Dissertation submission
For dissertation submission, the following applies:
All full-time students have two trimesters from the point of enrolment onto a dissertation module in which to complete their studies.
All part-time students have three trimesters from the point of enrolment onto a dissertation module in which to complete their studies.
3.1.6 Late work
Work that is handed in late must be submitted to the Student Assessment Office at Avenue Campus and work that is handed in outside of office hours must be submitted to the drop-box.
3.1.7 Penalties for late submission
If an item of assessment is submitted within seven days of the deadline and an extension has not been granted, the maximum mark that the work can receive is 50%.
If an item of assessment is submitted more than seven days after the deadline and an extension has not been granted, the work will receive a mark of 0%.
3.1.8 Extenuating circumstances: Assignment Extensions
If you believe that there are circumstances that justify an extension of the hand-in deadline for assignment work, you are required to use the Request for Assignment Extension form (available from the Programme Support Team Office MR82.) Extensions (to a maximum of 2 weeks in exceptional circumstances) are granted when there are serious and exceptional factors outside your control. Everyday occurrences such as colds and hay fever do not normally qualify for extensions. Where possible, requests for extensions should be made before the hand-in date.