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Introduction

Location

Institution code: D26

Course Length

UCAS course code: I100
Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Why choose this course?

Key features

 We have more than 50 years of computing experience that you can learn from. This long-standing history allows you to draw on a wealth of research and academic expertise to inform your studies.
 Enhance your employability and gain industry experience by undertaking an optional work placement. Previous students have carried out placements at organisations including Caterpillar, GCHQ, General Electric, Hewlett-Parckard, IBM, Microsoft, Siemens and Vauxhall.
 Develop your practical skills in our specialist facilities. You’ll have access to 100 computer workstations which are divided into five interconnected laboratories, each with 20 high-specification PCs running Windows/Linux.
 Enjoy an international experience with DMU Global, which can enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons. Previous DMU Global trips have included New York, Berlin, Hong Kong, China, Canada, Japan, South Africa and Italy to name a few.
 Through block teaching, you will focus on one subject at a time instead of several at once. This means that you will be able to focus closely on each subject and absorb your learning material in more depth, whilst working more closely with your tutors and course mates.
 Benefit from Education 2030, where a simplified ‘block learning’ timetable means you will study one subject at a time and have more time to engage with your learning, receive faster feedback and enjoy a better study-life balance.

Overview

This course provides a broad understanding of aspects of Applied Computing, whilst allowing students to specialise in their chosen areas. It develops technical skills in computing, including agile programming, mobile applications, information security, analysis, database design, and business intelligence alongside developing critical thinking skills vital to working in complex IT environments. The course also benefits from the unique research contribution of the Internationally renowned Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility (CCSR), which embeds ethics and the impact of computing and technology within the modules.

Professionalism within the industry context is emphasised throughout, with strong links to BCS (The Chartered Institute for IT). Students will be exposed to multiple concepts, tools and technologies that are current industry standard, in addition to the fundamental underlying principles.

The curriculum offers Applied Computing BSc students significant employment opportunities aligned with the shift in the IT industry towards hybrid professionals who engage with both technical and business aspects. Through thinking critically and systemically, Applied Computing BSc graduates are attractive prospects to a wide range of roles and employers.

Modules

First year modules

Block 1: Foundations of Computing

The aim of this module is to equip students with a grounding in foundations of computing. It underpins many aspects of computer science related degree programmes and introduces the students through regular lectures and labs to computer systems (devices), computer networks (networks), and ethics in computing. Students will gain knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with computing and be exposed to the theoretical and practical aspects including data representation, computer components, desktop virtualization, mobile computing, traditional PCs and cloud services.

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:

Lecture: 40 hours
Seminars and practicals: 72 hours
Self-directed study: 140 hours
Assessment: 48 hours

Block 2: Programming in Python

The Python programming module has no pre-requisites; it is designed for learners with no prior programming experience and avoids all but the simplest mathematics. As well as covering the basics of how one constructs a program from a series of simple instructions in Python, this module aims to teach students the basics of programming computers using Python. Students will be introduced to fundamental theories and related concepts of the Python programming language; the module will help the learner develop a sufficiently rich and detailed, generally applicable background and hands-on practical knowledge. Learners will solve problems, explore real-world software development challenges, and create practical applications.

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:

Lecture: 40 hours
Seminar and practicals: 72 hours
Self-directed study: 136 hours
Assessment: 52 hours

Block 3: Data Analytics and Statistics

This module introduces the skills on data analytics and basic quantitative techniques for data collection, summary and presentation. Students will develop an understanding of basic concepts associated with the analysis and interpretation of statistical data within a business and organizational context.

The module will allow students to understand and present financial data within a business and organisational structure. Students will be able to apply financial mathematical techniques to simple but real-life scenarios to make decisions. The module will also introduce the formulation, solution and interpretation of linear programming models and cover network models and project management.

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:

Lecture: 24 hours
Seminar: 24 hours
Practical: 24 hours
Self-directed study: 180 hours
Assessment: 48 hours

Block 4: Information Systems Analysis and Design

This module gives an insight into the many tasks that must be carried out during the analysis and design stages of an information system development project. It provides a practical introduction to the techniques used at different stages of a project. It also illustrates how these tasks fit together within the overall project framework, and how they can be managed to ensure that the aims of the project are met.

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:

Lecture: 24 hours
Seminar: 24 hours
Practical: 24 hours
Self-directed study: 104 hours
Assessment: 60 hours

Second year modules

Block 1: Programming with APIs and Frameworks

This module seeks to extend the student's skill and knowledge of both the selected language and wider program related concepts e.g. object-oriented development, frameworks and APIs.

A common feature of modern software development is the requirement to interact with and use existing libraries and frameworks. Students will be exposed to modern frameworks and APIs to build software. In addition, the students will be encouraged to use collaborative tools such as GitHub. 

By the end of the module the students will be expected to write code that interacts with a pre-existing API/Framework to implement some appropriate business functionality.

Please include learning, teaching and assessment activity hours for the module in this section. The below is an illustrative example for a 15 credit module. 

Lecture: 24 hours 
Practical: 48 hours
Collaborative Activities: 40 hours 
Revision: 40 hours 
Consolidation: 148 hours

Block 2: Business Intelligence

Aims to teach key concepts and techniques for designing and evaluating interactive systems to achieve successful human computer interactions.

Designing successful interactive systems involves understanding and applying the key principles of designing usable systems, but also understanding the characteristics of the user populations, the nature of their tasks and environments.

Developing interactive systems involves confronting ethical problems, not least in the need to allow for the requirements and capabilities of users. Testing and evaluating prototypes of interactive systems is a critical part of building systems without major usability problems and achieving a good user experience. For this reason, modern system development methodologies plan usability testing and iterative development of a sequence of prototypes into the development process.

Lecture: 40 hours
Tutorial: 12 hours
Practical: 12 hours
Out-of-class activities: 12 hours
Self-directed study: 176 hours
Assessment: 48 hours

Block 3: Information and Database Development

In an emerging digital world, data is essential to all aspects of human life. What is of more importance, is how data is efficiently stored, retrieved, and presented in a way that makes sense. using appropriate database management systems (DBMS). This module will take students through the fundamentals of DBMS, shedding light onto the two broad categories of DBMS: relational (structured) and non-relational (unstructured) databases. Students will understand the business and technical motivations behind the use of specific DBMS for managing information in specific situations.

Whilst unstructured DBMS will be discussed at introductory level, the module will provide more detailed understanding of structured DBMS, such as relational DBMS design principles, data modelling using Unified Modelling Language (UML), entity relationship diagrams, and manipulating data using Structured Query Language (SQL). The relational database design may be related to business scenarios. Students may also be expected to make modifications to pre-prepared databases through redesign allowing them to reflect on the implications.

This block module runs over seven weeks of teaching time with the following delivery pattern:

Lecture: 20 hours
Tutorial: 10 hours
Practical: 10 hours
Self-directed study: 60 hours
Assessment: 40 hours

Block 3: Introduction to Information Security

The module will investigate the importance of Information Security in the context of Information Systems. The module will be investigating the challenges to application and system developers in relation to the requirement for secure design and implementation. The module is a foundation of security foundations as required in terms of requirements analysis and the design of software. The module will be providing a theoretical framework in providing security solutions with reference to secure application development. 

Learning, teaching and assessment activity hours for the module:

Lecture: 15 hours 
Seminar: 30 hours
Self-directed study: 55 hours
Assessment: 50 hours

Block 4: Integrated Project

The module will take the form of a taught project module allowing students to draw up the specification, documentation and early prototype for a constrained system. Student will be encouraged to work in teams providing opportunity to experience modern techniques such as Agile/Scrum development. Although no specific language is explicitly named for the module it would be wise to select a family of languages / development environments that allow student to demonstrate a range of modern technical skills.

The assessment will be designed to encourage collaboration, peer learning, and formative feed-forward assessment.

The module will include supporting materials introducing concepts and practice relating to agile development. It is expected that students will use an appropriate set of tools for collaboration for example GitHub.

Practical: 48 hours
Lecture: 24 hours
Collaborative activities: 40 hours
Revision: 40 hours
Consolidation: 148 hours

Third year modules

Block 1: Application Architecture

An understanding of application architecture is an important part of the implementation of a wide range of modern technologies, including web, mobile and desktop development. This module will look at the issues surrounding the implementation of appropriate architecture e.g. security and programming considerations. It will take a hands-on approach allowing students to build software that address many of these issues.

Block 2: Human Computer Interaction

The aim of this module is to provide students with the essential knowledge to critically evaluate IT decisions that are made at managerial level. Students will explore the implications of digital transformation, and the changing roles of the C-Suite to accommodate global changes in the business environment. The role of IT and different solutions available to a business, based on their need will be discussed; for example, enterprise systems, cloud-based systems, and business intelligence/analytics solutions.

With the growing role of data and emerging technology, students will also explore the importance of strategic, tactical and operational decision-making and the role of business analytics in supporting the business problem solving process. Finally, students will also explore and understand the ethical implications of IT, which influence the decisions around how IT is designed, implemented and used in an organisation.

Practical: 30 hours
Lecture: 30 hours
Reading (suggested reading is part of seminar work): 20 hours
Collaborative Activities: 30 hours
Reflection: 30 hours
Self-directed study: 50 hours
Consolidation: 60 hours
Assessment: 50 hours

Block 3: Final Year Project

The Final Year Project enables students to undertake an individual project on an approved topic of interest, that addresses significant Computing and Information Systems related problems relevant to the Programme of study. The Project provides an opportunity for the students to integrate many of the threads of their Programme of study and to extend their work beyond the taught elements through with research and self-learning.

Lecture: 8 hours
Online interactive workshop: 8 hours
Supervisor meetings: 5 hours
Self-study: 219 hours
Assessment*: 60 hours

Block 4 Optional Modules - choose one from the below

Information and Communication Technologies for Development

The gaps in the socio-economic wellbeing of developed, developing and underdeveloped countries often indicate how they use emerging technologies for solving problems. As Information and Communication Technology (ICT) evolves, it offers a wide range of opportunities for closing these socio-economic gaps, particularly, from a developing country viewpoint. This module will expose students to issues that influence the adoption, implementation, uptake, and sustainability of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) in developing countries.

Lectures: 50 hours
Seminars: 30 hours
Reading: 40 hours
Collaborative: 20 hours
Reflection: 40 hours
Revision: 40 hours
Assessment: 80 hours

Privacy and Data Protection

There continues to be a growth of databases holding personal and other sensitive information in multiple formats including text, pictures and sound. The scale of data collected, its type and the scale and speed of data exchange have all changed with the advent of ICT. Whilst the potential to breach privacy continues to increase organisations are subjected to a considerable amount of legislation governing privacy and data protection. This module examines the balance between maintaining business effectiveness, legal compliance and professional practice in the field of IT/IS.

The module will:

1. Address the legal, social and technological aspects of privacy and data protection.
2. Consider privacy enabling technologies and privacy invasive technologies.
3. Identify and evaluate the role of the computer professional in providing privacy and data protection.

Lecture: 40 hours
Seminar: 90 hours
Self-directed study: 90 hours
Assessment: 80 hours

Advanced Database Management and Programming

This module provides the student with further training on the essentials of advanced database management and programming, developing the student's ability to differentiate between relational databases and non-relational databases.

It develops the skills to choose a suitable database for an application from a business perspective to meet stated requirements using realistic scenarios and the ability to analyse semi-structured data and to choose an appropriate storage structure. It develops skills in database design and data retrieval using a variety of complex data structures and NoSQL programming including aggregation methods.  In addition, the module considers advanced concepts and database theory such as concurrency and recovery, ACID properties, distributed database systems, replication and the CAP theorem. It is important to understand these concepts in order to choose the most appropriate database for an application and to understand the implications. 

Practical: 20 hours
Lecture: 40 hours
Online learning: 60 hours
Reading (suggested reading is part of seminar work): 60 hours
Reflection: 60 hours
Revision: 60 hours

Artificial Intelligence

Aims to demonstrate a clear understanding of the theoretical principles and methodological approaches to Artificial Intelligence (AI). It will provide a theoretical perspective to the computational theory and practical experiences of those principles and techniques.

This module will cover the history of AI, basic principles of neural and evolutionary computation, search and problem solving. The techniques used in this module will provide the student with a clear understanding of what problems can be solved, or not, with a computer.

Lecture: 40 hours
Online learning: 60 hours
Reading (suggested reading is part of seminar work): 60 hours
Reflection: 60 hours
Revision: 60 hours

Entry Criteria

ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.

IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry criteria

 Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and Mathematics, plus one of the following:
 Normally 112 UCAS points from at least two A-levels or equivalent or
 BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DMM or
 Pass in the QAA accredited Access to HE course. English and Maths GCSE required as a separate qualification as equivalency is not accepted within the Access qualification. We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course or
 International Baccalaureate: 26+ points or
 T Levels Merit

Portfolio Required : No
Interview Required: No

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications

UCAS tariff information

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff.

Contextual offer

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

English language

If English is not your first language then an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent) is essential.
English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Assessment

ASSESSMENT METHODS

1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Teaching and assessment

The compulsory modules on this course ensure that students learn by a combination of practical experience, self-study and research. The option modules at Level 6 allow students the opportunity to specialise.

The modules making up the course employ a range of learning and teaching strategies including: (1) staff directed teaching and learning via lectures, seminars, laboratories; (2) case-study and lab based exercises for the dissemination of knowledge, information and the demonstration of processes and techniques; (3) student centred learning via collaborative and group based learning by group assignments and projects; (4) individual independent learning using literature sources, internet sources and further research (incl. Web based resources), (5) Presentation of findings, report writing, assignments, practice (6) practical work-based exercises for the development of skills and understanding, and; (7) project-based learning to develop management, design, development and communication skills.

Assessment methods and assessment criteria are vested in the individual modules constituting the programme. Each module specification defines the assessment methods and reassessment details which are appropriate to its aims and objectives, as well as the teaching and learning strategy of the module. Normally some modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and a phase test. Where subject content of the module is more appropriate to be assessed using coursework, these modules are assessed by 100% coursework. Methods of assessment for the modules therefore may include: Time constrained phase tests, Portfolios of work, Laboratory exercises, Oral examinations, Demonstrations, Individual & individually assessed group work, Project work, Reports & presentations and Research reports.

Career Opportunities

Graduate careers

Graduates can enter careers which require technical computing skills including positions such as programmer, web developer, technical sales and marketing, database designer/manager, IT/PC support and technical customer support.

DMU Global

Our innovative international experience programme DMU Global aims to enrich studies, broaden cultural horizons and develop key skills valued by employers.

Through DMU Global, we offer an exciting mix of overseas, on-campus and online international experiences, including the opportunity to study or work abroad for up to a year.

Previous DMU Global trips have seen Computing and Computer Science students explore the Silicon Docks in Dublin and be inspired by the educational and networking opportunities at the SAS Global Forum in Dallas.

Placements (paid placement year)

 During this course you will have the option to complete a paid placement year, an invaluable opportunity to put the skills developed during your degree into practice. This insight into the professional world will build on your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you to progress onto your chosen career.
 Previous students have taken up placements in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, including some international posts, with leading companies such as Ashton Court, ONVU Retail, Taylor Hobson and TNT.
 Our Careers Team can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests. An assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement.

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+44 33 3303 4135

info@study4abetterfuture.uk
admissions@study4abetterfuture.uk

Hours

Monday - Friday:

09:00 am - 06:00 pm

Saturday - Sunday: Closed

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