Foundation of Computer and IT Systems

The module introduces the concepts, terminology, sub-fields, and history of computer science, whilst encouraging students to develop academic skills in reading, writing, research, and presentation. Module content includes topics such as: history of computing, theoretical foundations of computing, number systems, introduction to algorithms and data structures, microprocessors, machine/assembly language, computer architecture, operating systems, compilers and interpreters, software, hardware and networks.

Computational Mathematics

The module introduces mathematical concepts and methods which are highly applicable to computing, such as: set theory, Boolean algebra, logic, differential and integral calculus, linear algebra, graph theory, numerical analysis and iterative methods.

Programming

The module introduces the fundamental principles, concepts, and practice of computer programming, and develops the skills needed to design, implement, and test simple computer programmes. No prior computer programming experience is assumed, and all practical work is done using the industry-standard C# programming language and the software development environment of Microsoft Visual Studio.

Fundamentals of Network and Security

This module covers two important areas of networks; security and network programming. The first part of the module will introduce the concepts, theory and practice of information and computer security. The focus will be on security in the context of LAN, WAN and Intra/Internet environments. The second part will build on principles of IP based networks and provide an understanding of the principles of common Internet and Network protocols, such as HTTP, FTP, SNMP, SMTP, etc.

Computer Systems, data structures and data management

The module explores two related, although distinct, foundations of real life computer applications: human-computer interaction and data. Module content includes: product design, user-interface design and usability, data representations, data modelling and data storage. Data types and various techniques for modelling the storage and transfer of data, are implemented using Java / Python programming language.

Games Technologies

Introduction to graphics engines using Unity3d. The course introduces all the concepts of a game engine and its use in the design and implementation of a game. The course also includes scripting code where students learn the use of C# within the Unity3d environment.

English I

Students will develop their general English skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking, and be provided with an introduction to academic English. Students will develop their grammatical, phonological, general and subject- specific lexical awareness. By the end of the module students’ language for academic study should be at a mid B2 on the CEFR equivalent to IELTS 5.5.

Game Engine Systems

Students learn all the systems of a graphics engine environment in order to understand the process of creating modern games. Various games are analyzed in different categories with emphasis on gameplay controls, physics, cameras and input and control management. Students are asked to implement their own mechanics that will be used in different use cases of games.

Legal and ethical issues in computing and data sciences

This module provides an introduction to the legal and ethical aspects in computing. It covers the function of professional bodies, including the role of the BCS Codes of Conduct and Good Practice. It then covers the legal frameworks on data protection, privacy and security, intellectual property and computer crime.

Software Engineering

This module introduces concepts and their applications in software modelling and maintenance for building high quality scalable software. It provides students with theoretical and practical skills to apply software processes, tools and methodologies for design and development of large systems and applications. The theory and practices covered in the module form the basis for a practical project, which entails the analysis, design, implementation, and testing of a software system.

Graphics I

The module provides an in-depth technical and theoretical understanding of the techniques used in producing computer graphics. 2D graphics and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) will be initially covered, but particular emphasis is placed on understanding the 3D graphics pipeline and the fundamental requirements for implementing 3D rendering solutions. Graphics programming techniques are also provided, using OpenGL under the C++ programming language.

Real Time Environment Development

Virtual environments are a vital component of games but have an increasingly important role to play in other areas such as immersive visualisation, training and simulation, and other non-games environments. It is vital for students to understand how to develop these environments and support them with appropriate interaction technologies for their intended platform. This module looks at how to design and evaluate an immersive environment with a specific focus on using platform appropriate approaches. Interactions suitable for the target platform are then considered as an important and growing requirement for all areas of immersive virtual environments.

Team Project

The module is intended to foster employability skills by introducing students to the “world of work” via a simulated work environment. Students will be put into teams that represent fictional IT companies, but which need to produce real software products and engage in realistic work-related activity. The practical experience that students gain in the “Team Project” is highly related to the Software Engineering methodologies, such as project management, coding standards/ code reviews, design patterns, prototyping, and documentation. 

English II

The module builds on English I and further develops students’ general and academic English skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Students will be exposed to more advanced forms of academic English. They will further develop their grammatical, phonological, general, and subject-specific lexical awareness. By the end of the module students’ language for academic study should be at a B2/B2+ on the CEFR equivalent to IELTS 6.0 or above.

Game development

In this course, students will be able to develop in groups a prototype computer game from the starting design phase up to the last stage of game release and publishing. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to develop a high-quality original game using a modern game engine and evaluate aspects of modern game designs such as game design, game environment and game mechanics.

Abstract interaction methodologies

This module looks at the evolving state of games technologies for both traditional games and other uses. Students develop mixed hardware/software solutions for platform and/or use-case specific scenarios to gain an understanding of the differences in platform capabilities. They will then make use of these platform capabilities to produce prototypes that demonstrate effective software for various scenarios considering: user interface design, user experience design, hardware limitations and benefits, and potential fallbacks/alternatives.

Data mining and foundations of AI

The module explores, demonstrates and applies a variety of data mining/ machine learning Data Mining (DM), Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches. The module prepares students for applying these approaches to solve practical problems. Data mining/ machine learning lifecycle including, exploratory data analysis, preprocessing, learning model, and evaluating model Machine learning models/ tools in supervised and unsupervised learning tools to demonstrate and apply data mining/ machine learning lifecycle on particular datasets. The programming language used is Python

Individual project                                                               

This module enables students to demonstrate the ability to independently develop a substantial piece of work related to their specialism. It can be either a significant piece of research following a recognised research methodology, or it can be a significant “design and development” project to create, test and evaluate an innovative solution in computing. Students will be supported and mentored by a member of the academic staff, i.e. a supervisor, but the project will be defined and implemented by the student.