BSc Computer Science (Dual Honours)
Annual Intake
50
Course Title
BSc Computer Science
Lab Classes
3 hours per week
Lecture Hours
Approximately 4 hours per week
Tutorials
1 hour per week
Course Information
The enormous flexibility of software requires that a Computer Scientist should be familiar with a wide range of techniques for identifying the significant features of a problem and formulating a solution. These skills should in turn be supported by knowledge of the underlying theoretical framework. Our course structure is designed to provide both a set of relevant skills and also an insight into the more analytical aspects of Computer Science, culminating in a specialised personal project in your final year.
Producing software for modern computer systems requires team work and the skills to analyse a problem, to develop plans for meeting the needs as effectively as possible, to implement these plans as programs (in a variety of forms), to test that the results are consistent, and finally to confirm that the system meets the original need.
Computer Science is fundamentally a problem-solving discipline, concerned with creating solutions that can meet an ever-increasing set of needs, and employing a wide range of tools and techniques to aid with developing these solutions. This enabling role of Computer Science makes it particularly suited to the Keele emphasis upon Dual Honours programmes and helps prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities.
What About Maths?
Computer Science is chiefly concerned with an ability to think logically, to handle abstract ideas, and to reason about these. Therefore, there are no specific subject requirements for entry to our course.
The degree programme itself does not involve an advanced level of mathematics. Any mathematical topics, beyond those covered at GCSE, required by the course will be taught as part of the degree.
Dual Honours
Computer Science must be taken in combination with another subject as part of the Dual Honours degree programme (see the subject entry in the undergraduate prospectus for details).
Computer Science is a discipline which both merits study in its own right, providing many fascinating problems, and also one which enables other disciplines, by providing powerful problem-solving strategies. Many students choose to study Computer Science in combination with a science subject such as Physics, Mathematics, Astrophysics or Geology, while others combine it with subjects such as Music, Business Administration, Management Science or Economics. The choice is a very wide one, both because of the structure of Keele's degree programme, and also because of the nature of the subject.
Students combining Computer Science with a natural science or mathematics may take a Single Honours degree in their final year by specialising in one of the subjects - please see the prospectus for details.
Course Outline
In the first year of study, the emphasis is placed upon learning to design and write programs to solve problems. You therefore study both the algorithmic aspects of programming and also the use of data structures as a means of incorporating data and knowledge within programs. In addition, you learn about some of the basic structures of computers themselves, as well as about some of the different forms that computer applications can take.
The second year builds upon this foundation and introduces a number of different models for solving problems with computers. You also examine some more advanced techniques (such as those used for concurrent computing and database systems) as well as extending the analytical and professional elements of the programme.
During the final year, you choose from a selection of more advanced and specialist topics. Each student also undertakes an individual project which continues throughout the year, culminating in a written dissertation.
First Year Modules
Introduction to Java & Data Structures
Computing Infrastructure
Applications of Computing
Programming Concepts & Design
Computing Information Skills
Second Year Modules
Human Factors
Database Systems
Web Server Scripting
Advanced Programming Practices
Systems Development
Third Year Modules
Software Engineering Project Management
Advanced Databases and Applications
Digital Image Processing and Internet Graphics
Artificial Intelligence
Communications and Networks
E-Commerce
IT Architecture
Third Year Double Project
Third Year Single Project