Learning outcomes BSc in Computing and Information Systems
A. Knowledge and understanding
Successful students should be able to:
A1: display knowledge and understanding in written answers to questions concerning fundamental topics underlying computers, software, networks and the Internet
A2: explain and demonstrate how theoretical models and abstractions underpin reasoning about computing systems
A3: discuss the process and difficulties of moving from user requirements to system specifications
A4: give an account of the necessity for, and methods of, decomposing large problems to comprehensible, solvable sub-problems
A5: examine critically an implemented computing system, both to verify that it meets its specification and that it is well-designed and useful
A6: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the range of uses of computing systems in business environments and, moreover, discuss methods of evaluating a system's effectiveness in a given context
A7: give an account of the various roles people undertake in the design and use of computing systems
A8: discuss the ethical, social and legal issues pertaining to contemporary and future computing systems
Teaching/learning methods and strategies for cognitive abilities
Students will be given the opportunity to acquire these abilities through the subject guides for the courses, the recommended textbooks, further reading and through formative assessments. For example, A1, A2, A6, A7 and A8 are addressed in the Level 1 subject guides. They are then reinforced by being a fundamental part of examples used in the guide, and in individual course work in subsequent years. Acquisition of the remaining cognitive abilities becomes an integral part of the study material, recommended reading and coursework in years two and three.
Methods for assessing attainment of cognitive abilities
These abilities are assessed through a mixture of examinations, coursework assignments, and a substantial project in the final year. In particular, A1 is assessed directly by examinations in all three years and by very focused coursework in the first year; A2 is assessed by an examination in the first year and it also forms part of the assessment in courseworks and examinations later in the programme; A7 is assessed through various courseworks and exams; A2-A6 are some of the principal criteria in assessing the final year project and on examinations and courseworks in several programming and software development courses throughout the programme. Assessments for the final year project and, to a lesser extent for all courseworks, include criteria regarding original and critical thinking about a subject, understanding the implications of a problem specification, formulating and presenting a clear argument, interpreting material in one's own words, and proficiency at analysis and evaluation.
B. Intellectual and practical skills
Successful students should be able to:
B1: gather requirements from potential users
B2: model requirements and the systems they lead to in an appropriate modelling language
B3: turn user requirements and specifications into the architecture of a computing solution
B4: implement a computing system from a well-defined architecture
B5: evaluate the fit of a computing system to a business requirement
B6: sustain a substantial software development project
Teaching and learning methods for intellectual and practical skills
B1-B4 are taught in subject guides and associated material (possibly including web pages and CD-ROMs) and in recommended further reading. The learning is reinforced by structured coursework and assessed in the examination. B5 is most especially learnt in the final year project.
Assessment methods for intellectual and practical skills
A combination of unseen examinations (all), coursework assignments (B3-B4), and the final year project (all)
C. Transferable skills
Successful students should be able to:
C1: effectively retrieve information from disparate sources
C2: use computers to solve a variety of problems
C3: communicate using appropriate combinations of written texts and diagrams
C4: study independently
C5: manage their own learning
C6: organise and manage time effectively, including working to deadlines
C7: undertake sustained project work
C8: reason logically and argue persuasively
Teaching/learning methods and strategies for transferable skills
Although these abilities are assessed through coursework and examination, considerable benefit will be gained from independent learning undertaken. Much of the coursework, throughout the programme, is designed to build upon these abilities. In particular, students are expected to be able to use libraries and find material to support their courseworks and to be able to write up their courseworks in a comprehensible way using the English language and diagrams where appropriate.
Methods for assessing attainment of transferable skills
These abilities are assessed throughout the programme. All coursework involves C2; C1 is assessed directly in a first year course, and it is also, along with C3, part of the assessment of many courseworks and the final year project.
