School of Computer Science & Informatics Study Abroad Modules
For more information visit the School of Computer Science and Informatics website.
Autumn and Spring Semesters (Level Two)
Algorithms and Data Structures CM2303
Semesters: Full Year
Length: 2 Semesters
Level: 2
Credits: 20
This module introduces a variety of algorithmic techniques and aims to provide an understanding of the use and importance of data structures. It introduces the idea of classifying data according to its abstract behaviour, as distinct from its representation. A range of well-established data types is examined and their properties are described so that it becomes clear which representations are appropriate under which circumstances. An understanding of the basic skills needed in the design of algorithms and the interaction between algorithm and data structure in creating efficient code is emphasised.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Tutorials
Assessment:
Coursework: 30%
Examination: 70%
Autumn and Spring Semesters (Level Three)
Semesters: Full Year
Length: 2 Semesters
Level: 3
Credits: 20
This double module gives each student the opportunity to show individual creativity and originality, to apply where appropriate knowledge and skills taught throughout the degree scheme, and to demonstrate investigative, problem-solving and other transferable skills.
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Semesters: Full Year
Length: 2 Semesters
Level: 3
Credits: 30
This triple module gives each student the opportunity to show individual creativity and originality, to apply where appropriate knowledge and skills taught throughout the degree programme, and to demonstrate investigative, problem-solving and other transferable skills.
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Autumn Semester Modules (Level One)
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 20
This Module introduces Internet and web technologies in the context of the revolution in communications that has taken place in the worlds of business, education, leisure and society as a whole.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Tutorials
Assessment:
Examination: 40%
Coursework: 60%
Problem Solving with Python CM1103
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 20
This module will provide students with the fundamental programming and problem solving skills necessary to continue study in Business Information Systems, Computer Science and Software Engineering.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Seminars
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 30%
Coursework: 70%
Autumn Semester Modules (Level Two)
Human Computer Interaction CM2101
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module introduces the principles and concepts of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) to enable the design of systems that effectively meet human needs. The course covers aspects of interaction design and human factors and offers theoretical grounding and practical skills for analysing, designing and evaluating the usability of interactive software systems.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Tutorials
Assessment:
Coursework: 50%
Examination: 50%
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of database system technology in general, and a theoretical and practical knowledge of relational database systems in particular. It seeks to equip the students with the skills to design and implement a database system.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Tutorials
Assessment:
Coursework: 30%
Examination: 70%
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
The aim of this module is to introduce the concept, modelling and thinking of “systems” as a mechanism to deal with complexity.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Lab Sessions
Workshops
Assessment:
Coursework: 20%
Examination: 80%
Autumn Semester Modules (Level Three)
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
Database systems are the most widely used software systems in commerce and industry. Database management systems are used to store and manage the complex integrated information resources of organisations. This module introduces the theoretical and practical issues relating to the design and use of these systems. In addition to the provision of a very sound foundation in traditional, second generation database systems it explores the representation and management of complex information resources with third generation database technology. The module highlights how database systems are at the core of modern information-rich Websites, and explores the role of XML and Semantic Web technologies in creating a "Web of data".
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 60%
Coursework: 40%
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
Computer graphics is the art and science of representing and manipulating information using images generated through computation. This module explores the fundamental concepts, techniques and algorithms for rendering, creating, manipulating and analysing 2D and 3D shapes. It involves the study of real-time and realistic rendering techniques, geometric models and algorithms, graphics hardware, and graphics programming in OpenGL.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 75%
Coursework: 25%
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module imparts a basic grounding in the computer hardware and software aspects of parallel processing. The message passing interface communication library and OpenMP will be used to illustrate practical aspects of parallel programming for select algorithms and applications.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module gives a broad grounding in issues surrounding multimedia. The module is intended to provide a firm theoretical basis on multimedia technologies (incorporating digital audio, pictures and video) and their use. A small practical programming project based on multimedia data processing will also be incorporated.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Mobile Communications & Meta Heuristics CM0373
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 20
This module provides an insight into mobile communications and the planning of wireless networks. Meta-heuristic techniques for discrete optimisation are studied, based on the optimisation problems arising in wireless network design.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module will analyse the role of knowledge as a resource in the learning organisation. It will consider the concepts of knowledge management alongside the organisational and individual factors which must be interpreted when implementing knowledge management systems within organisations to add organisational value.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Semester: Autumn
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module provides an opportunity for students to develop and improve skills and competencies in research techniques, and in particular qualitative research approach and literature review.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Spring Semester Modules (Level One)
Fundamentals of Computing with Java CM1203
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 20
The aim of this Module is to make students aware of fundamental computing issues relating to Mathematics, programming (through Java) and the relationship between Computing and Information Systems.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Coursework: 75%
Examination: 25%
Architecture and Operating Systems CM1205
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 10
This module aims to give a broad understanding of the operation of modern computers. This will acquaint students with the general architecture of computers and introduce them to low-level programming using assembly language. It will also give an overview of the purpose and key features of modern operating systems, explaining some of the functionality that we take for granted in modern computer systems. The course draws examples from Windows, Linux and OS X.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Lab Sessions
Help Classes
Assessment:
Coursework: 40%
Examination: 60%
Fundamentals of Information Systems CM1206
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 10
The aim of this module is to develop students’ capabilities to think about issues related to information systems within the organisational context in a constructive, critical, analytical, practical and systemic way. Systems thinking is of particular importance for dealing with the complexity associated with the specification, provision and use of information in modern organisations.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Lab Classes
Tutorials
Assessment:
Coursework: 50%
Examination: 50%
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 1
Credits: 10
The aim of this Module is to introduce students to the JAVA programming language in the context of problem solving.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Practical Classes
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%
Spring Semester Modules (Level Two)
Object Oriented Applications CM2201
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
Aims to show how Object-Oriented (OO) Programming differs from procedural programming, and to teach the principles of good object-oriented programming practice. The module aims to provide an introduction to the development of advanced software applications through the use of existing software libraries and the development of new software libraries.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Lab Sessions
Group Discussions
Assessment:
Coursework: 40%
Examination: 60%
Scientific Computing and Multimedia Applications CM2202
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 20
This module gives a broad grounding in MATLAB programming and associated theory with applications in data, audio, graphics and image signal processing. Additionally, it provides continuous mathematical and programming skills necessary for a computer scientist specialising in Multimedia, Graphics, Image Processing or Scientific Computing. It provides the fundamental mathematical background for an understanding of some of the topics in Discrete Mathematics used in Computer Science.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Lab Sessions
Tutorials
Assessment:
Coursework: 50%
Examination: 50%
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
The aim of this module is to provide a unified understanding of the role of information systems and semantic web technology in coordinating information exchange. Coverage includes: information modelling for open systems (including the Web), information querying and transformation and quality assurance, and informatics for application domains (including health informatics, bioinformatics, geoinformatics and business informatics).
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Tutorials
Lab Sessions
Assessment:
Coursework: 50%
Examination: 50%
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module aims to introduce students to a representative range of programming languages and development processes required to develop for contemporary hardware platforms.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Lab Sessions
Tutorials
Assessment:
Coursework: 60%
Examination: 40%
Systems and Software Management CM2205
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 10
This module aims to provide students with an appreciation of the difficulties inherent in managing the development and evolution of systems and software to ensure that they deliver business value in a dynamic environment. Students will critically evaluate a range of technologies, architectures, development approaches and practices used to develop and evolve large-scale software-intensive systems to assess their effectiveness in addressing these difficulties.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Discussions
Assessment:
Group Presentation: 20%
Examination: 80%
Business Strategy and Information Systems CM2206
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 20
The aim of this module is to give students an understanding of the need to align corporate and information strategies and enable students to contribute to the development of a corporate strategy and supporting IS strategy.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Tutorials
Assessment:
Coursework: 50%
Examination: 50%
Communication Networks and Pervasive Computing CM2302
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 2
Credits: 20
The module will introduce the fundamental principles and emerging areas in computer and communication networks and pervasive computing.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Tutorials
Lab Sessions
Assessment:
Coursework: 50%
Examination: 50%
Spring Semester Modules (Level Three)
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module introduces applications of computer vision systems and describes theory and design of component parts of computer vision systems. The module covers image enhancement, feature extraction, Hough Transform, Fourier Transform, object recognition, 3D estimation and colour.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Artificial Intelligence II CM0312
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
Artificial intelligence is concerned with the design and analysis of autonomous systems, acting in real-world environments where often only imprecise and incomplete information is available. This module introduces practical techniques and the underlying theoretical concepts for building systems capable of solving problems in such complex environments within resource limits. It covers topics relating to solving problems by searching, knowledge representation and reasoning mechanisms, planning, uncertain knowledge and reasoning, and machine learning.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 75%
Coursework: 25%
Advanced Database Topics CM0335
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module aims to provide an introduction to a range of advanced database topics and techniques, including data mining, data warehousing and geographical information systems.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 80%
Coursework: 20%
Information Systems Management CM0342
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
The management of Information Systems within organisations involves complex decision making often with consideration of a mixture of social, legal and ethical issues. This module provides the basis for the development and rationale of appropriate advice to support decisions makers, based on professional judgement and specialist knowledge.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Distributed Systems Technologies CM0356
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module provides a comprehensive and comparative overview of the emerging trends in distributed systems computing. The module introduces a generalized taxonomy, which classifies many types of distributed systems reflecting topological characteristics, e.g. whether they employ a centralised, decentralised or hybrid network topology and their relationships to the themes of fault tolerance, scalability and security. The module has a strong real-world focus, giving numerous examples of current systems and middleware including P2P technologies, document-oriented technologies, Grid and Cloud computing systems, distributed object systems and Web 2.0 technologies.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 100%
Knowledge Based Systems CM0377
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
A single module which draws together knowledge gained in discrete mathematics and databases in order to explore techniques for constructing advanced knowledge-intensive and expert system applications. Much of the module is based around the Prolog programming language. Students are taught how to write Prolog programs, including programs which reason about themselves, and the theoretical basis underlying logic programming is introduced.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 70%
Coursework: 30%
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 10
This module introduces the concepts of information security within the context of strategic information systems, in order to allow the student to make informed decisions on the security options relevant to business or organisational objectives.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Examination: 40%
Coursework: 60%
Developing Quality Software CM1202
Semester: Spring
Length: 1 Semester
Level: 3
Credits: 20
This module introduces Software Engineering principles and practices that are needed to develop software-intensive systems. Students will work in a team on a software development project involving group and individual tasks. They will gain practical experience of project management skills and performing key technical tasks in the software development lifecycle.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures
Workshops
Assessment:
Coursework: 100%