BSc Computer Science (Single Honours)
Annual Intake
30
Course Title
Computer Science (Single Honours)
Lab Classes
6 hours per week
Lecture Hours
8 hours per week
Tutorials
1 hour per week
Course Information
Computing 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. The Single Honours Computer Science course is therefore particularly suited to preparing you for a wide range of career opportunities.
Computers are used in an ever-growing variety of ways. Some are embedded into devices such as telephones, cars and avionics systems. Others provide swift access to information: airline reservation systems, library information systems and in-car navigation being some examples. Corresponding advances in communications technology have also opened up a whole spectrum of new possibilities, such as the internet and instant messaging.
Producing software for such 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.
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.
Our Single Honours Computer Science course allows you to devote your studies full-time to the tools, techniques and underpinning theories that make technology so innovative and exciting. You can follow specific routes through the course to specialise in a particular area, or you can take a range of modules for a wider understanding of the discipline as a whole. With elective (option) modules at all levels, you can tailor your degree to match your interests and aspirations.
What About Maths?
Computer Science is chiefly concerned with an ability to think logically, to handle abstract ideas, and to reason about these. There are no specific subject requirements for entry to this course: A-level, AS-level or an equivalent in a science subject or Mathematics is desirable, but applicants with suitable qualifications in mathematically-based subjects and a range of good grades at GCSE will also be considered.
The degree programme itself does not involve an advanced level of mathematics. In the first year you will cover the mathematical topics which are appropriate for the course.
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 the use of data structures as a means of incorporating data and knowledge within programs. In addition, you learn about some of the fundamental concepts in computing and the way in which humans interact with technology. You also study how information technology is used in our every-day lives, and get a chance to apply your coding skills within the context of animation and multimedia development environments.
The second year builds upon this foundation and introduces a number of different models for solving problems with computers. You examine some more advanced programming techniques including parallel processing and graphical user interfaces. You also explore some of the professional and ethical issues in computing, along with a thorough grounding in database design and the use of the web as a sophisticated platform for information storage delivery.
During the final year, you study 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
Fundamentals of Computing
Programming I - Programming Fundamentals
Programming II - Data Structures & Algorithms
Human Computer Interaction
Introduction to Information Systems
Computer Animation & Multimedia
Second Year Modules
Requirements, Evaluation & Professionalism
Web Technologies
Computational Intelligence I
System Lifecycles & Design
Programming III - Advanced Programming Practices
Virtual Worlds
Database Systems
Third Year Modules
Software Engineering Project Management
Advanced Information Systems
Games Computing
Computational Intelligence II
IT Architectures
Communications & Networks
Advanced Databases & Applications
Electronic Commerce