BSc in Computer Science (DT 228)

Faculty of Computing, Information Systems and Mathematics through the Department of Computer Science offers this programme.

This is a Four year Bachelor Degree Programme run in collaboration with Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) − Ireland. The primary aim of the DT 228 programme is to produce graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform as ICT practitioners in a broad range of commercial, industrial and public sector environments. Graduates of this programme will be eligible for careers in the ICT industry in such roles as programmers, analysts, system support and administration, database management or any role that involves the design and implementation of software or the management of organisational technology infrastructure. A secondary aim of the programme is to allow students to specialise in a particular area of ICT. Students who successfully complete the early years of the course will have a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of computer science, which will lead to their focussing on the development of complete solutions in the latter years. Students in the later years of the course have the opportunities to specialise in specific areas of computer science and software engineering. The programme is structured into two parts; the core modules providing the fundamental computer science core material that is expected of any student graduating from the programme and the specialisation modules where students can pursue the areas of

I F M P R O S P E C T U S , A C A D E M I C Y E A R 2 0 1 3 / 1 4 _{Page 120} computer science offered by the programme that appeal to them. Specialisation follows one of four available streams

1) Software

Development and Internet Systems (SDIS).

2) ata and Knowledge

Management (DKM)

3) Computer Systems

Architecture and Administration (CSAA)

4) Games

Programming (GP) Programme Objectives

The objectives of the programme are multiple, and include the following  to facilitate the student in making the transition from

broadly−based second level studies to self−directed and self−motivated computing based curricular studies required for both industry and research,

 to guide the student’s progress through a four year programme of core computer science and software engineering allowing them to develop an understanding of the major areas of computing and its applications,

 to guide the student’s progress through a comprehensive programme of practical work so as to provide confidence and skill in the many aspects of computer science including but not restricted to programming, systems analysis and design, testing, database technologies, systems support and administration and network programming,

 to give each student the opportunity of work experience in a relevant industrial setting, allowing personal and professional development and contextualization of their field of study,

 to have each student carry out a computing based project in the final year so as to provide them with experience in the definition of problems, the formulation, implementation and evaluation of solutions and in the effective communication of the problem and outcome,

 to provide the student with presentation and reporting skills and experience as well as personal and career development,

 to facilitate students to prepare for postgraduate study and research.

Programme Structure

The BSc in Computer Science programme is a four stage, modular programme which can be completed in four years of full−time study. The

I F M P R O S P E C T U S , A C A D E M I C Y E A R 2 0 1 3 / 1 4 _{Page 121} students graduating from this course will be offered Dublin Institute of Technology Certificates.

Core Modules

The core modules provide the fundamental computer science core material that is expected of any student graduating from the programme. The modules taken can be categorised into five strands which run through Years 1, 2 and 3 of the programme.

These include

 Programming including Algorithmic Design & Implementation

 Software Engineering and Database Design & Implementation

 Computer Technology

 Mathematics for Computing

 Computers and Computing in Society Work Placement

The programme offers all students the opportunity of Work Placement in their third year. This allows the student to spend six months working in an IT related company gaining valuable work experience.

Entry Requirements

There are three methods of entry to the programme Regular application

 At least two principal level passes at Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) (Form Six leavers), one of the subjects should be Advanced Mathematics, AND at least five credit level passes including credit pass in Mathematics and English

I F M P R O S P E C T U S , A C A D E M I C Y E A R 2 0 1 3 / 1 4 _{Page 122} at Ordinary Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (CSEE) (Form Four leavers).

Or

 Holders of at least a Second Class Ordinary Diploma (NTA level 6) award approved by NACTE

Or

 Holder of the Irish Leaving Certificate with a grade D3 or higher in six subjects at ordinary level including

(i). a grade C3 or higher in ordinary level Mathematics or a grade D3 or higher in higher level Mathematics,

(ii). English or Irish at either level,

(iii). a grade C3 or higher in at least 2 subjects at higher level. Application with an equivalent qualification

Places may be offered to national and international applicants with a qualification considered equivalent to the minimum requirements, as determined by the Institute.

Mature student and non−standard applications

Places may be offered to mature students and to non−standard applicants (those who have previously completed second level education but are too young to be considered as mature students) who meet certain criteria with respect to suitability, analytical skills and professional experience. Students may be requested to attend for interview.

Entry to later stages of the Programme

Entry to subsequent stages of the programme is normally by passing the previous stage’s examinations and assessments. On occasion, it is also possible for students to transfer into the programme following the Institute’s Advanced Entry procedures and where the Programme Committee is satisfied as to the equivalency of their qualifications.

3.3. GUIDELINES FOR DISSERTATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL