BSc (Hons) Applied Computing Top-Up
01 Sep 2022 - 31 Aug 2028
| Course Leader | Daniel Cunliffe |
|---|---|
| Course Team | |
| Awarding Body | University of South Wales |
| Teaching Institutions | University of South Wales |
| Modes of Study | Full Time |
Document Version
| Version | 2 |
|---|---|
| Valid From | 01 Sep 2022 |
| Valid To | 31 Aug 2028 |
QAA Benchmarks
Educational Aim
- To develop an ability to critically analyse and apply essential concepts, principles and practices in the context of defined IT scenarios, showing effective judgement in the selection and use of tools and techniques to achieve various solutions.
- To equip students with transferable skills, knowledge and the understanding necessary for them to be successful in a range of IT careers.
- To develop an ability to recognise the legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in the exploitation of IT and computing technology and be guided by the adoption of appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices.
- To develop skills in leadership and management using strategies and tactics that meet the requirements of the business.
- To develop an understanding of how various IT systems are interconnected and configured and to provide the means to expand the IT systems and networks in an efficient manner.
- To enhance technical and managerial understanding of software development/deployment practice by incorporating into a structured learning experience the essential features of industrial/business operations.
- To develop conceptual understanding that enables the student to devise and sustain arguments, solve problems, and describe and comment upon aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship.
- To provide opportunity for originality and autonomy in the specification, analysis, design, development, evaluation, management and documentation of applications methods to produce justified, self-reflective, solutions to significant problems that are fit for purpose and informed by a critical review of research and the application of established techniques of analysis and enquiry, and facilitate the development of a self-directed, life-long learner.
Learning Outcomes
| A1 | Understand essential facts, concepts, principles, theories and recurring themes. |
| A2 | Evaluate management techniques utilised to achieve objectives within a computing context. |
| A3 | Recognise information security issues in relation to the design, development and use of computer-based systems. |
| A4 | Recognise the broad applicability of vocational computing and the range of career opportunities available in Computing. |
| A5 | Recognise the methods and issues involved in deploying systems to meet business goals, founded on appropriate technological disciplines. |
| A6 | Evaluate methods, techniques and tools for information modelling, management and security. |
| A7 | Understand systems architecture and related technologies for developing software. |
| B1 | Utilise essential facts, concepts, principles and theories in the modelling of computer-based systems for the purposes of comprehension, communication, prediction and understanding of trade-offs. |
| B2 | Recognise and analyse criteria and specifications appropriate to constrained problems, and plan strategies for their solution. |
| B3 | Analyse the extent to which a computer-based system meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development. |
| B4 | Deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems. |
| B5 | Recognise the legal, social, ethical and professional issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology and be guided by the adoption of appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices. |
| B6 | Critically analyse and apply essential concepts, principles and practices in the context of loosely defined scenarios, showing effective judgement in the selection and use of tools and techniques to achieve a solution to a problem. |
| B7 | Devise and sustain arguments, solve problems, and describe and comment upon aspects of current research, or equivalent advanced scholarship. |
| B8 | Deploy accurately established techniques of analysis and enquiry. |
| B9 | Critically evaluate arguments, assumptions, abstract concepts and data to make judgements and to frame appropriate questions to achieve a solution to a problem. |
| B10 | Develop a system-perspective that encompasses multiple levels of detail and abstraction. |
| C1 | Ability to deal with complex issues systematically, apply understanding, develop ideas, solve problems and make sound judgements, sometimes in the absence of complete data. |
| C2 | Ability to undertake manage and document the specification, analysis, design, development and evaluation of solutions to constrained problems relating to computing. |
| C3 | Ability to produce justified, self-reflective, solutions to significant problems that are fit for purpose and informed by a critical review of research and the application of established techniques of analysis and enquiry. |
| C4 | Ability to deploy effectively the tools used for the construction and documentation of computer applications. |
| C5 | Ability to use appropriate theoretical and practical processes to specify, design, deploy, verify and maintain software, including working with technical uncertainty. |
| C6 | Ability to define a problem, research its background, understand the social context, identify the social context, identify constraints, understand requirements, identify and manage cost drivers, ensure fitness for purpose, manage the design process and evaluate outcomes. |
| C7 | Ability to apply the principles, methods and tools of systems design, and appropriate supporting engineering disciplines, to develop systems and services that meet business needs. |
Course Structure
Level 6 Modules
| Module Code | Module Id | Module Title | Module Status | Credit Value | Module Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS3D660 | MOD010154 | Individual Project - Informatics | Running | 40 | core |
| IS3S662 | MOD009107 | Advanced Databases and Modelling | Running | 20 | specified |
| IS3S664 | MOD009108 | Advanced Internet and Mobile Computing | Running | 20 | optional |
| IS3S665 | MOD009109 | GIS and the Spatial Web | Running | 20 | optional |
| IS3S687 | MOD012478 | Advanced Integrated Computing Devices | Running | 20 | optional |
| IS3S668 | MOD013816 | The Computing Professional in Practice | Running | 20 | specified |
Teaching and Assessment
Learning and Teaching Methods
Employer Engagement
Employer Engagement will be achieved by:
Visiting Speakers
Though the course has no regular events, ad hoc visits by employers may be organised at module or course level.
Fieldtrips
Although the course has no formal arrangements, ad hoc visits to local employers may be organised as appropriate.
Other
Modules use case studies, scenarios and examples from the computer industry to illustrate concepts and their importance. Opportunities for work-related learning activities continue as students engage in and contribute in a positive manner to the solution of world of work tasks and problems.
Means of Assessment
Learning Support
Induction
The course team will plan and run a programme of induction activities during the first week of attendance. This will include an initial meeting with their PAC. The University’s ICIS system provides access to course information and module definitions.
Personal Academic Coach
Academic staff members will be allocated to students for the duration of their course providing additional support to them under the PAC guidance issued by the University. Students will normally meet with their PAC on three occasions during the year to review progress and plan for academic improvement.
Learner Analytics
This can be obtained using a variety of tools such as Course Evaluation within Unilearn (Blackboard) and JISC. This data helps to identify students who are not engaging or performing to expected standards, allowing the Course Leader or PAC tutor to intervene and offer appropriate support to students where necessary
Office hours
Staff work regular office hours, although commitments to teaching and other responsibilities mean they are unavailable at certain times each day. Students may approach lecturers for support when they are available (either in person or using remote methods such as Microsoft Teams), and staff will make every effort to accommodate this, although it may be necessary to make appointments in advance during busy periods.
Tutorials
Every module has at least one hour of tutorial or lab practical where students are able to practice what they are learning and receive individual support.
Seminars
Most modules have an hour of lectures where students are introduced to relevant theory and practical knowledge.
Formative Assessment
Lectures and tutorials contain formative exercises to encourage students to experiment and gain practical experience.
Progress meetings
In addition to meetings with their PAC, each student has a project supervisor for their individual project where they have regular meetings throughout of the academic year.
Research Supervision
Each student has a project supervisor for their individual project where they have regular meetings throughout of the academic year.
Online Resources
Teaching and coursework assessment materials are made available on-line through the University’s virtual learning environment (Unilearn). Modern computing laboratories provide access to specialist resources and students can gain remote access to software if working from home. Each student has an academic e-mail account that is particularly useful when requesting support from teaching and tutorial staff.
Advice Zone
USW students have access to the Advice Zone. Typically, this falls under the purview of Student Services. Students can use the USW Advice Zone for any problems they may have and will deal with the USW Advice Zone for guidance on applying for Extenuating Circumstances, Appeals etc.
Disability
Academic staff are made aware of students who have an Individual Support Plan (ISP) in place to provide help and support where possible. Students who require additional support concerning their disability will be directed to the Advice Zone/Student Services and staff work alongside Student Services to respond appropriately to any adjustments that might be necessary.
Students with disabilities can request support from Student Services or USW advice zone at any time.
IT/Library
IT Services provide IT support to students and services such as printing, access to software, campus wi-fi and off-campus access to IT facilities. USW has a modern up-to date library which provides access to textbooks, journals, on-line materials and IT equipment. They also provide workshops and information about study skills. Students are able to access the Careers Service who provide a range of information and services, including individual meetings with a Careers Adviser.
Course Exit Points
| Award | Criteria | Final |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (with Honours) | 360 credits of which at least 100 must be at Level 6 or above, 120 at Level 5 or above, 120 at Level 4 or above and no more than 20 at Level 3 | Final |
Progression Route
Students who successfully complete this course can study further with a Masters programme of study. The MSc Computing and Information Systems at USW builds on skills developed in this course and is a popular route for graduates.If the award is a progression route for other courses, please specify which and where they are delivered:MSc Computing and Information Systems - University of South Wales (Trefforest campus)
Entry Requirements
Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:
Entry criteria detail typical offers but?USW?considers all applications on an individual basis which means that we could make offers based on qualifications, personal profile and experience. Combinations of qualifications are acceptable and other qualifications not listed may also be acceptable.
HND Computing or HND Information Communication Technology provided the applicant has gained at least one third of Level 5 credits graded at Merit or above.
Foundation Degree Computing provided the applicant has gained at least one third of Level 5 credits graded at Merit or above.
In addition, a minimum of five GCSE passes, including English and Mathematics, at grade C or above, or their equivalent are required, but consideration is given to individual circumstances
Equivalent international qualifications are acceptable.
Candidates applying to the course with non-standard qualifications will be judged on an individual basis using Recognition of Prior Learning procedures as defined in the University’s Regulations.
The School of Computing and Mathematics seeks actively to promote University policies on equal opportunities and widening access as the current mode of attendance and admission requirements permit.
English Language Requirements
In general, international applicants will need to have achieved an overall IELTS grade of 6.0 with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component.
Inclusive Curriculum Statement
The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/
Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution
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Methods Of Quality Standards
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Quality Of Standards Indicators
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