UNIVERSITY OF LATVIA
Faculty of Computing
Academic Master’s Study Programme
Computer Science
Code: 45481
SELF-EVALUATION REPORT
Academic year 2011
Degree awarded: Master of Natural Sciences in Computer Science
Dean of Faculty __________________ Dr. habil. sc. comp., prof. J. Borzovs
Director of the Study Programme _________________________ Dr.math., prof. K.Podnieks
Chairman of the Council of the study programmes in Computer Sciences
_____________________ Dr. sc. Comp., prof. M.Vītiņš
Higher education establishment University of Latvia
Official address, telephone number
Raiņa blvd. 19,
Riga, LV-1586, Latvia Tel.: 67034301
Number of the registration certificate No. 012-2123, accredited until 31 December 2017
Title of the study programme Academic Master’s Study Programme Computer Science
Code of the study programme 45481
Length and scope of the implementation of the programme
2 years or 4 semesters of full-time presence studies 80 credit points,120 ECTS
Entry qualifications for this degree
programme See Section 3 below.
Degree awarded Master of Natural Sciences in Computer Science
Place of the study programme execution
Faculty of Computing, University of Latvia,
Raina blvd. 19, Riga, LV-1586
Director of the Study Programme Dr.math., prof. K.Podnieks
Contents
1. General information 4
2. Objectives and learning outcomes 5 3. Entry requirements for the programme 7 4. Course of study and programme structure 9
5. Resources 12
5.1. Committees responsible for teaching in the degree programmes 12 5.2. Research facilities, main areas of research, R&D activities including their
relationship to the programme 13
5.3. External cooperation with institutions of higher education / other institutions (incl.
international cooperation) 14
5.4. Participating Staff 15
5.5. Academic guidance measures for prospective and existing studen ts 16 6. Attainment of Objectives 16
6.1. Data and statistics on the success of the degree programme 16 6.2. SWOT analysis of the programme 17
6.3. Quality Assurance Measures 18
6.4. Further development of the programme – ongoing improvement 23 Annex 1. Main research projects with participation of programme staff 25
1. General information Name and contact details
Name of the degree
programme (own language)
Maģistra studiju programma „Datorzinātnes” Name of the degree
programme (English)
Master study programme “Computer science” for receiving the degree of Master of
Natural Sciences in Computer Science Language of instruction Latvian, some modules in English Contact person Juris Borzovs, Prof., Dean
- E-mail [email protected]
- Telephone number 67034490 (Dean’s office), +371-29257530 (mobile)
- Fax University’s fax - +371-67225039
Web address www.df.lu.lv
Degree to be awarded: Master of Natural Sciences in Computer Science.
Standard period of study: 2 years of full time studies amounting to 80 credit points (120
ECTS).
Commencement of the programme: available since 1992.
Enrollment/graduation data since 1992:
Placement of graduates in the labour market
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Graduates of Master’s programme are employed as leading IT specialists and project managers, heads of departments etc. in Latvian IT companies, other companies, authorities and high schools, or they continue their studies as Doctors in Latvia or abroad.
No threats to demand from industry are foreseen in close future.
2. Objectives and learning outcomes
The overall strategic objectives of study programmes offered in the Faculty of Computer Sciences are:
1. To prepare highly qualified exportable specialists for private companies and state authorities who would be able not only to perform planning and development of highly complicated information systems, but also manage projects and independently master new technologies in rapidly developing IT sector;
2. To produce academically trained specialists ready for scientific work, who would be able to carry out research in IT field in Latvia, as well as to act as experts in assessment of new technologies and systems and work as lecturers in higher educational establishments.
Since 2006, Master's programme offers 5 areas of specialization:
Computer Science – research and academic;
Software Engineering – programmers and software project managers;
Information Technologies – computer network specialists and project managers;
Information Systems – database and information system specialists and project managers; Computer Engineering – embedded system and sensor network specialists and project
managers.
Areas of specialisation: enrollment data
Objective of the programme is to train specialists who (depending on the chosen area of
specialisation) would be able:
CS SE IT IS CE Enrolled Graduated 2006 19 24 20 34 - 97 56 2007 18 22 5 30 - 75 65 2008 10 18 13 43 - 84 69 2009 4 34 9 24 5 76 54 2010 9 22 16 46 2 95 54 2011 7 41 15 37 2 102 49
(M1) to model and analyse large and complex systems,
(M2) to develop large and complex software systems, information systems and computer networks,
(M3) to manage large projects and groups of specialists,
(M4) to keep track of development of information technologies and quickly master new technologies and products,
(M5) to be engaged in research and training.
Planned outcomes of the programme (Euro-inf categories):
After successful graduation from Master’s study programme, the holder of Master’s degree shall possess the following competences:
Underlying Conceptual Basis for Informatics
E5-1 Profound knowledge and understanding of the principles of informatics
E5-2 Either a deepened knowledge of a chosen specialisation or broadened knowledge of informatics in general
E5-3 Critical awareness of the forefront of their specialisation
Analysis, Design and Implementation
E6-1 Specification and completion of informatics tasks that are complex, incompletely defined or unfamiliar
E6-2 Formulation and solution of problems also in new and emerging areas of their discipline E6-3 Application of the state of the art or innovative methods in problem solving, possibly
involving use of other disciplines
E6-4 Ability to think creatively to develop new and original approaches and methods
Technological, Methodological and Transferable Skills
E7-1 Integration of knowledge from different disciplines, and handling complexity E7-2 Comprehensive understanding of applicable techniques and methods for a particular specialisation, and of their limits
E7-3 Awareness of the limits of today’s knowledge and the practical application of the state-of-the-art technology
E7-4 Knowledge and understanding of informatics to create information models, complex systems and processes
E7-5 Ability to contribute to the further development of informatics
Other Professional Competences
E8-2 Managerial abilities and effective functioning as leader of a team that may be composed of different disciplines and levels
E8-3 Effective work and communication also in international contexts
E8-4 Systematic approach to project management and business practices, such as risk and change management
Support of the programme outcomes in individual modules – see Table 1.
3. Entry requirements for the programme
1) Bachelor’s degree in computer sciences, mathematics or physics or diploma evidencing bachelor’s degree for completion of at least 3 years of bachelor’s study programme, where scope and content of study programme conforms to requirements of the Section A of the UL Computer Science Bachelor’s Programme, or higher professional education, which covers contents of conforming academic bachelor’s programme studies.
2) Persons, holding:
Bachelor’s grade in computer sciences, mathematics or physics, ora diploma certifying allocation of bachelor’s degree after completion of at least three years study programme, where the scope and content corresponds to requirements of the Section A of the UL Computer Science Bachelor’s Programme, or
second level professional higher education or equivalent higher education, which covers also corresponding content of bachelor of computer science academic studies, are enrolled in Master’s studies based upon their higher education diploma, taking into account the average grade and total (or average) grade of closing tests in general core studies.
Earlier obtained diplomas from USSR times for five years higher education are legally compared to a master’s degree.
Table 1. Support of the programme outcomes in individual modules
List of Modules ECTS Points
Module Total
1 DatZ5006: Design and analysis of efficient algorithms 3 3 6
2 DatZ5008: Web programming 1,5 4,5 6
3 DatZ5009: Computer networks I 1,5 2 2 0,5 6
4 DatZ5010: System design 1,5 1 3 0,5 6
5 DatZ5011: Computer networks II 1,5 2 2 0,5 6
6 DatZ5013: Software testing 2 2 2 6
7 DatZ5021: System modeling 1 3 2 6
8 DatZ5022: Knowledge engineering 2 1 3 6
9 DatZ5023: Image processing and analysis 0,5 0,5 1,5 0,5 3 10 DatZ5024: Computer graphics 0,5 1,5 2,5 1,5 6 11 DatZ5029: Automata, algorithms and formal languages I 3 3 12 DatZ5030: Automata, algorithms and formal languages II 3 3
13 DatZ5031: Graph theory 0,5 1 1 0,5 3
14 DatZ5032: Modern programming technologies 4 2 6
15 DatZ5034: Quantum computers 3 3
16 DatZ5035: Game theory 3 3
17 DatZ5036: MDA and model transformations 1 2 3 18 DatZ5037: Mathematical Methods of Cryptography 3 3 19 DatZ5038: Enterprise information systems 0,5 2 2 1,5 6 20 DatZ5040: Service oriented architecture 1 1 1 3 21 DatZ5041: Probabilistic algorithms 1 1 1 3
22 DatZ5045: Number theory 1 0,5 1,5 3
23 DatZ5048: Operating Systems Engineering 1 1,5 2 1,5 6
24 DatZ5056: Parallel algorithms 6 6
25 1 2,5 1 1,5 6
26 DatZ6006: UML based software development 3 3 6
27 DatZ6007: UNIX operating system 1,5 4,5 6
28 DatZ6008: Component based software development 4 2 6
29 DatZ6009: Software quality 0,5 1,5 1 3
30 DatZ6011: Database Fundamentals I 2 1 3
31 DatZ6012: Database Fundamentals II 2 1 3
32 DatZ6013: Specification languages 3 1,5 1,5 6
33 DatZ6015: Applied cryptography 1 1 1 3
34 DatZ6016: Course Paper in Computer Science 2 4 6 35 DatZ6017: Master's Paper in Computer Science 10 10 20
36 DatZ6026: Bioinformatics 1 0,5 0,5 1 3
37 DatZ6051: Data mining 2,5 2 1,5 6
38 DatZ6054: Selected Topics about Data Warehouses 1 1,5 1,5 2 6
39 DatZ6111: IT project management 6 6
40 DatZ7020: Quantum algorithms 2 2 2 6
41 DatZ7021: Modeling and logic 2 2 2 6 42 DatZ7022: Algorithms for Hard Problems 1,5 1,5 3 6 43 DatZ7025: Computational Complexity 1,5 1 0,5 3 44 DatZ7031: Virtual Environments 2 0,5 0,5 3 45 DatZ7032: Wireless sensor networks 1,5 2,5 2 6
46 DatZ7034: Digital design 1 2 3 6
47 Mate5033: Combinatorics 3 3 Grand total 63 73,5 69,5 33 239 Percentage 26 31 29 14 100 Seq. No. Euro-Inf category UCB Euro-Inf category ADI Euro-Inf category TMTS Euro-Inf category OPC
4. Course of Study
In general programmes have national orientation. Students are offered chances to spend one or two semesters studying in foreign universities (ERASMUS exchange). Some courses are taught in the English language.
Workload: An average, 16 class hours and 24 independent study hours per week during the
semester.
Credit point system: Student must obtain 20 Latvian credit points per semester.
1 Latvian credit point means an average of 40 hours of students work, i.e., one full week. Latvian credit point is equal to 1.5 ECTS.
At least 50% of the final grade has to be obtained during the semester, but at least 10% - during the exams session.
Examinations are mainly written. Oral examinations and tests also are used. Opportunities for further study: Doctor of Computer Science programme.
Programme structure
Modules mandatory for all areas of specialisation
DatZ5021: System modeling (6 ECTS points) prof. J. Bārzdiņš, doc. L. Lāce DatZ5022: Knowledge engineering (6) prof. J. Bārzdiņš
DatZ5032: Modern programming technologies (6) asoc. prof. E. Celms DatZ6016: Course Paper in Computer Science (6)
DatZ6017: Master's Paper in Computer Science (30)
Modules mandatory for particular areas of specialisation Computer Science
DatZ5006: Design and analysis of efficient algorithms (6) prof. J. Vīksna
DatZ5029, DatZ5030: Automata, algorithms and formal languages I, II (3+3) prof. R. M. Freivalds
DatZ5031: Graph theory (3) doc. P. Ķikusts
DatZ5045: Number theory(3) asoc. prof. J. Smotrovs DatZ6015: Applied cryptography (3) prof. J. Vīksna
Software engineering
DatZ5008: Web programming (6) lect. A. Vasiļjeva DatZ5010: System design (6) prof. J. Bičevskis DatZ5013: Software testing (6) prof. J. Bičevskis
DatZ6006: UML based software development (6) prof. A. Kalniņš, asoc. prof. E. Celms
DatZ6009: Software quality (3) prof. J. Borzovs
DatZ6111: IT project management (6) asoc. prof. J. Zuters
Information technologies
DatZ5008: Web programming (6) lect. A. Vasiļjeva
DatZ5009, DatZ5011: Computer networks I, II (6+6) prof. G.Bārzdiņš DatZ6007: UNIX operating system (6) prof. G.Bārzdiņš
DatZ6015: Applied cryptography (3) prof. J. Vīksna DatZ6111: IT project management (6) asoc. prof. J. Zuters
Information systems
DatZ5008: Web programming (6) lect. A. Vasiļjeva DatZ5013: Software testing (6) prof. J. Bičevskis
DatZ5038: Enterprise information systems (6) prof. M. Vītiņš
DatZ6011, DatZ6012: Database Fundamentals I, II (3+3) asoc. prof. Ģ.Karnītis DatZ6054: Selected Topics about Data Warehouses (6) asoc. prof. L. Niedrīte DatZ6111: IT project management (6) asoc. prof. J. Zuters
Computer engineering
DatZ5009, DatZ5011: Computer Networks I, II (6+6) prof. G.Bārzdiņš DatZ5024: Computer graphics (6) doc. P. Ķikusts
DatZ6007: UNIX operating system (6) prof. G.Bārzdiņš DatZ6111: IT project management (6) asoc. prof. J. Zuters DatZ7032: Wireless sensor networks (6) prof. L. Seļāvo DatZ7034: Digital design (6) prof. L. Seļāvo
Elective modules
Special programming
DatZ5008: Web programming (6) lect. A. Vasiļjeva
DatZ6006: UML based software development (6) prof. A. Kalniņš, asoc. prof. E. Celms
DatZ6008: Component based software development (6) prof. A. Kalniņš, asoc. prof. E. Celms
DatZ5036: MDA and model transformations (6) prof. A. Kalniņš, doc. A. Šostaks DatZ5040: Service oriented architecture (3) doc. Maksims Kravcevs
Algorithms
DatZ5006: Design and analysis of efficient algorithms (6) prof. J. Vīksna DatZ5056: Parallel algorithms (3) doc. Maksims Kravcevs
DatZ5041: Probabilistic algorithms (3) prof. A. Ambainis DatZ6026: Bioinformatics (3) prof. J. Vīksna
DatZ7022: Algorithms for Hard Problems (3) prof. J. Vīksna
Software development
DatZ5010: System design (6) prof. J. Bičevskis DatZ5013: Software testing (6) prof. J. Bičevskis DatZ6009: Software quality (3) prof. J. Borzovs
Project management
DatZ6111: IT project management (6) asoc. prof. J. Zuters
Hardware
DatZ7032: Wireless sensor networks (6) prof. L. Seļāvo DatZ7034: Digital design (6) prof. L. Seļāvo
Computer networks
DatZ5009, DatZ5011: Computer networks I, II (6+6) prof. G.Bārzdiņš
Operating systems
DatZ6007: UNIX operating system (6) prof. G.Bārzdiņš DatZ5048: Operating Systems Engineering (6) prof. L. Seļāvo DatZ7031: Virtual Environments (3) prof. L. Seļāvo
Databases
DatZ6011, DatZ6012: Database Fundamentals I, II (3+3) asoc. prof. Ģ.Karnītis DatZ6054: Selected Topics about Data Warehouses (6) asoc. prof. L. Niedrīte DatZ5038: Enterprise information systems (6) prof. M. Vītiņš
DatZ6051: Data mining (6) prof. K. Podnieks
Modeling and specifications
DatZ6013: Specification languages (6) prof. K. Čerāns DatZ7021: Modeling and logic (6) prof. K. Podnieks
Mathematical foundations
DatZ5029, DatZ5030: Automata, algorithms and formal languages I, II (3+3) prof. R. M. Freivalds
DatZ5031: Graph theory (3) doc. P. Ķikusts
DatZ5045: Number theory(3) asoc. prof. J. Smotrovs DatZ6015: Applied cryptography (3) prof. J. Vīksna
DatZ5037: Mathematical Methods of Cryptography (3) prof. R. M. Freivalds DatZ5035: Game theory (3) prof. R. M. Freivalds
Mate5033: Combinatorics (3) asoc. prof. J. Smotrovs DatZ5034: Quantum computers (3) prof. R. M. Freivalds DatZ7020: Quantum algorithms (6) prof. A. Ambainis DatZ7025: Computational Complexity (3) prof. A. Ambainis
Visual information processing
DatZ5024: Computer graphics (6) doc. P. Ķikusts
DatZ5023: Image processing and analysis (3) doc. K. Freivalds, doc. P. Ķikusts
5. Resources
5.1. Committees responsible for teaching in the degree programmes
The University level authority is the University of Latvia Committee for the Evaluation of
Curriculum Quality, which is acting in accordance with document „Regulations Regarding
the UL Committee for the Evaluation of Curriculum Quality“ (Approved by the UL Instruction No.1/30 of 10.02.2005 With amendments made up to 09.06.2005. Amendments: UL Instruction No. 1/126).
The Faculty level authority is Computer Science Study Programme Council, which is acting in accordance with document “University of Latvia Study Programme Council Regulations” (approved on the 25.05.2009 at the Senate meeting, Decision No 248).
Work of study programme is directly organized by the programme director, who is acting in accordance with document „Regulations Regarding University of Latvia Study Programme Directors“(Approved on 25.05.2009 at the Senate meeting, Decision No 249).
5.2. Research facilities, main areas of research, R&D activities including their relationship to the programme
Research is carried out in Chairs of the Faculty of Computing and in separate professional research institution – Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Latvia (IMCS UL).
R&D areas of the Programming Chair:
Development of new technologies (this research area supports the following areas of specialisation:
Software Engineering, Information Systems).
Specification of information systems (Information Systems). Software testing (Software Engineering, Information Systems). Integration of IS and information (Information Systems). Smart software (Software Engineering, Information Systems). Data warehouses (Information Systems).
Neural networks (Computer Science).
Wireless sensors networks, embedded systems and computer architecture (Computer Engineering).
R&D area of the Chair of the Mathematical Basis for Computer Science:
Quantum computing (Computer Science)
R&D areas of the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Latvia:
Complex systems modeling languages and tools development (Software Engineering, Information Systems).
Graph theory and visual information processing (Computer Science).
Technologies of Semantic Network (Computer Science, Information Systems).
Computer linguistics (Computer Science, Information Systems).
Bioinformatics (Computer Science). Real time systems (Computer Engineering)
Development of e-infrastructure (Information Technologies).
5.3. External cooperation with institutions of higher education / other institutions (incl. international cooperation)
Currently active ERASMUS exchange agreements between Faculty of Computing and:
University Students
per year
Degrees Months Languages
HS Wismar (Germany) 2 Bach., MA German
Free Univ. Bozen Bolzano (Italy)
2 Bach., MA 10 German,
English, Italian Aalborg Univ.
(Denmark)
2 Bach., MA, Doct. 10 English
Blekinge Inst. of Technology (Sweden)
10 MA 10 English
Vrie Univ. Brussels (Belgium)
2 Bach., MA 10 English, Dutch
Within the framework of ERASMUS programme student exchange potential was expanded, adding The Free University of Brussels in addition to Bolzano – Bozen University in Italy and Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (Master’s level).
In 2008 agreement was signed between the University of Latvia and Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH) in Sweden on cooperation between BTH Master’s study programme “Software Engineering” and PI specialization of our Master’s programme. According to this agreement several our PI specialization students spend 1st and 4th semester studying in the UL,
but the 2nd and 3rd semester – in the BTH, graduating with two Master’s diplomas. In 2009 4
students went through such model of studies, in 2010 – 5 students, and in 2010 first student graduated with Master’s degree and diplomas of both high schools.
There is a Master’s and Doctoral exchange programme with University of Waterloo in Canada and Kyoto University in Japan.
5.4. Participating Staff
5.5. Academic guidance measures for prospective and existing students
Activities of teachers allow for early involvement of students in research work. Each active teacher involved in research or working in projects is leading a seminar on its topic of research or project, within framework of which students can work along with experienced specialists and scientists, and to get in depth introduction in actual topics of research or industry work. Such system allows involving students in research work already during their core studies time. Such cooperation provides opportunities for students to develop good
Staff Contributing to the Master's Programas of October 1, 2011
Posistion Type
Professors (full) 11 11
Associate Prof. / Senior lecturers 5 5
Assistant Prof. /lecturers 6 6
Other academic staff (fixed term) Other academic staff (permanent)
Total academic staff 22 22 Technical (hardware/software) staff 1 1 Admin. Staff
Secretarial staff 2 2
Other staff
Total non-academic staff 3 3 Staff broken down by position type, permanent posts allocated and number of
individuals employed Permanent or equivalent positions Total number of employees
Prof. Associate Prof. Doc. Lecturer
Andris Ambainis (1975) Edgars Celms (1971) Kārlis Freivalds (1975) Alina Vasiļjeva (1983) Guntis Bārzdiņš (1962) Ģirts Karnītis (1972) Maksims Kravcevs (1977)
Jānis Bārzdiņš (1937) Laila Niedrīte (1962) Paulis Ķikusts (1948) Jānis Bičevskis (1944) Juris Smotrovs (1972) Lelde Lāce (1967) Juris Borzovs (1950) Jānis Zuters (1971) Agris Šostaks (1981) Kārlis Čerāns (1965) Rūsiņš Freivalds (1942) Audris Kalniņš (1942) Kārlis Podnieks (1948) Leo Seļāvo (1968) Juris Vīksna (1966)
quality Bachelor’s and Master’s papers, which is evidenced by many prizes received in students graduation papers‘ competitions in Latvia.
For the period from 2005 to 2010 works of Faculty of Computing students (not only Doctoral degree students) have been accepted by large international conferences in France, Japan, USA and Slovakia. Total list of publications comprises more than 400 publications, majority of which are included in the list of reference publications approved by the Latvian Council of Science. It must be emphasized that this list contains only publications released or submitted during the study time.
Doctoral programme of Computer Science attracts many of brightest Master’s programme graduates in Latvia. During past years in 4 annual competitions for IT industry Bachelor’s and Master’s papers 7 out of 12 prizes for best Master’s papers have been won by graduates of the UL Master’s programme (in 2007 - E.Rencis and A.Vasiļjeva, in 2008 - A.Belovs and G.Nuķe, in 2009 - S.Kozlovičs and Ģ.Strazdiņš, in 2010 - I.Kucevalovs). 6 out of these 7 prize winners after graduation from Master’s programme have joined UL Computer Science Doctoral study programme.
6. Attainment of Objectives
6.1. Data and statistics on the success of the degree programme
According to data of Latvian Employment State Agency as at 31 December 2010 only one (from total of 248) from University of Latvia Computer Science Study Programme graduates was registered as unemployed person. Data is anonymous and it cannot be identified whether he/she was a student of any of the above programmes.
According to surveys employers give positive evaluation of Faculty of Computating graduates in both – theoretical and practical aspects.
Graduates or students of Faculty of Computing are employed in all surveyed IT companies. In AS Exigen Services Latvia, which is one of largest Latvian IT companies, more than a half of young specialists are graduates of the Faculty of Computing. Graduates or students of Bachelor’s study programme are mostly employed. In companies where number of graduates/students employed since previous accreditation of programmes is relatively low (<24), all employees have passed trial period. Where number of employees hired is higher (>180), 99% have passed trial period. This is an evidence of qualification of Faculty graduates.
All employees who have been acquainted with computer sciences study programmes offered by the Faculty of Computing admit that content of these programmes matches requirements of labour market (78% of surveyed employers admit that it is completely matching, while 22% - that in part). Detailed recommendations have been received for improvements of programmes, for example, by adding in depth testing course. Considering labour market trends, employers recommend paying for attention to development of communication and presentation skills and social behaviour (client service, studying of clients needs, negotiation skills). Team work also is considered as an important skill.
78% of surveyed employers regard professional training level of graduates of the Faculty of Computing right after graduation as being good, 22%- as satisfactory, no unsatisfactory assessments have been received. 22% of surveyed employers consider training of IT specialists in the UL as being better in comparison to other Latvian high schools and none considers it as being worse.
During the reporting period many individual negotiations with managers of leading industry companies have been held, where their wishes have been investigated. For example, following recommendations from IBM Latvia two new study courses have been developed and are taught now, while teacher appointed by BTG gives course on specific programming language. Representatives of employers (the ones with whom Faculty of Computing has cooperation contracts signed and all LIKTA member organisations) are invited to meeting for approval of self-assessment reports at the Council of Computer Science Study Programmes, about 20 representatives of employees every year participate in commissions, editing and assessing course projects.
Virtually all employers emphasise experience as being an important parameter for employers. Often mentioned wish of employers to improve practical work skills of graduates has been met by introducing mandatory internship in IT organisations outside of the University, as well as development and defending of course projects in areas of programming or computer networks administration.
6.2. SWOT analysis of the programme
Strong sides of the programme
1. Conformity of programmes to recommendations and respective EU and USA study programmes.
2. Work of teachers on globally significant topics and state level scientific projects ensures programme quality, applying the most recent achievements in the IT area.
3. Motivated students who choose complicated study programmes significantly facilitate implementation of study programmes.
4. Wide offer of e-courses ensures individual approach to training courses materials and communication with teachers.
Weak sides of the programme
1. There is very high demand for students in the labour market, many students work along with their studies, which prolongs average study time.
2. Insufficient exchange of students with foreign universities.
3. Insufficient exchange of teachers in foreign universities and number of guest lectors.
Programme development opportunities
1. Many young perspective specialists are employed as teachers, the future growth of whom will to large extent shape future of the Faculty of Computing.
2. Students and teachers are willing and ready to transform training process in order to accommodate it better for outstanding students.
3. Financing from European Structural funds should be attracted for further advancement of the programme.
Threats to the programme
1. In order to safeguard quality of the programme, cooperation with foreign partners should be intensified. Unfortunately practical work of young teachers abriad usually ends up with relocation of young teacher to better paid work places, and Faculty of Computing has virtually no means to prevent that.
2. Downturn in demographic indicators can decrease number of students. 3. Decrease in state budget financing.
6.3. Quality Assurance Measures
Quality assurance is based on independent assessment of concerned parties, upon which academic process improvement measures are built.
Students express their valuation:
1. In a mid-semester survey during every study year,
2. Semester end surveys regarding each study course (using LUIS), 3. Programme closing surveys (LUIS),
4. Monthly meeting of course seniors by the Dean,
5. By participation of students in the UL Computer Science Study Programmes (one from each study programme),
6. By participation of students in the Council of the Faculty of Computing (5, all study levels are represented),
7. By individual visits to or correspondence with the study programme Methodist, 8. By individual visits to or correspondence with the study programme director, 9. In individual visits or correspondence to the Dean.
Employers express their assessment:
1. In the Council of the Faculty of Computing (LIKTA president),
2. In the Study Board of the UL Computer Science Programmes (7 members represent employers),
3. In course project test commissions (majority is held by employers), 4. Annual visits of managers of leading IT companies to the Dean,
5. Surveys of managers of leading IT companies once per accreditation period. Lecturers are assessed:
1. In mid-semester and final students surveys, 2. In mutual hospitations once per year,
3. In open lectures and assessment by the Council of Professors (Professors and Associated Professors) and the Board of the Faculty (teachers and lectors) once per election period.
Students are assessed within the course of lectures (it is set in UL that at least 50% of study work have to be done during the semester, and this has to be assessed) and at the final
Recommendations for improvement of study work are assessed in general meetings of Study Programme Directors, Heads of Chairs and the Dean, as well as in the Council of Computer Sciences Study Programme and Board of the Faculty.
Crucial element of quality assurance is annual self assessment of study programmes, which are reviewed and approved by the Board of Computer Sciences Study Programme,
anonymously reviewed by experts of other faculties, revised and approved by the UL Quality Assessment Commission and the UL Senate.
Evaluation during the degree programme (e.g. student surveys)
At the beginning of each academic year students are surveyed on core studies programme, using standard questionnaire offered by the UL. In 2010 students were surveyed by the questionnaire offered in LUIS (different questions and assessment scale) and therefore no data has been used in diagrams.
Survey questionnaire of Master’s study programme students
1 Study courses offered in curriculum
2 Contents of study courses offered in curriculum 3 Contents of curriculum’s Part A study courses 4 Options to choose from Part B study courses
5 Opportunities offered by curriculum to develop research / professionals skills and experience
6 Skills obtained during studies to apply information technologies...
7 Skills obtained during studies to work with information (evaluate, analyse it)
8 Public presentation, discussion skills and ability to take stand for own position learned from studies
9 Opportunity to learn special terminology in at least one foreign language offered by study programme
10 Schedule planning by week days 11 Schedule planning by semesters
12 Opportunity to study courses electronically (in the Web CT environment) 13 Opportunities to attend lectures by guest lecturers
14 Attitude of the Faculty personnel towards students
15 Access to information concerned with study process in the Faculty 16 Work of the Faculty personnel in improvement of study process
17 Study materials – technical equipment (premises, study materials, etc.) 18 Opportunity to use computers provided by the UL
19 Availability of literature required for studies in libraries of the UL
20 Opportunities offered by curricula to develop research / professionals skills and experience
21 Skills obtained during studies to apply information technologies in search, processing and organisation of information, etc.
22 Skills obtained during studies to work with information (evaluate, analyse it)
Answers were spread in the following way:
Maģistrantu aptauja 0 0,5 1 1,5 2 2,5 3 3,5 4 4,5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 2007.g. 2008.g. 2009.g. 2010.g.
Evaluation of the success of the degree programme (e.g. graduate surveys) Graduates survey questionnaire
No Question
1. Study courses offered in curriculum
2. Contents of study courses offered in curriculum 3. Contents of curriculum’s Part A study courses 4. Options to choose from Part B study courses 5. Opportunity to choose desired Part C study courses
No Question
6.
Opportunities offered by curriculum to develop research / professionals skills and experience
7.
Skills obtained during studies to apply information technologies in search, processing and organisation of information, etc.
8. Skills obtained during studies to work with information (evaluate, analyse it) 9.
Public presentation, discussion skills and ability to take stand for own position learned from studies
10.
Opportunity to learn special terminology in at least one foreign language offered by study programme
11. Schedule planning by week days 12. Schedule planning by semesters
13. Opportunity to study courses electronically (in the Web CT environment) 14. Opportunities to attend lectures by guest lecturers
15. Attitude of the Faculty personnel towards students
16. Access to information concerned with study process in the Faculty 17. Work of the Faculty personnel in improvement of study process 18. Study materials – technical equipment (premises, study materials, etc.) 19. Opportunity to use computers provided by the UL
20. Availability of literature required for studies in libraries of the UL
Diagram- summary of graduates evaluation:
1 – Completely satisfied; 2 – Rather satisfied; 3 – Rather dissatisfied; 4 – Completely dissatisfied
6.4. Further development of the programme – ongoing improvement
As already mentioned at the beginning of this document, objectives of higher education in support of computer science areas are the following:
1. To prepare highly qualified, competitive, exportable specialists to be employed by private companies and state authorities, who would be able not only to plan and develop highly complex information systems, but also manage projects and independently learn new technologies in rapidly developing environment through the whole spectrum of computer sciences.
2. To provide computer science areas with academically educated specialists prepared for scientific work, which would be able to carry out research in Latvian computer sciences areas, as well as to act as experts in evaluation of new technologies and systems.
In recognition of successful implementation of the above objectives, the following measures should be taken in coming years to further advance study programmes of computer sciences: 1. Based on development of computer science areas, requirements of legislative acts governing education, trends of labour market and assessment of students needs, contents of the study programme should be continuously updated with new study courses and opportunities for mastering potential of advanced technologies.
2. To strengthen ties with employers in IT companies, assist students in adapting to technological environment of IT companies, assist with finding jobs.
3. To find ways of ongoing improvement of academic personnel, including involvement in implementation of highly scientifically complex projects in IT companies, promote their studies for doctors’ degrees and exchange visits to foreign high schools.
4. To maintain quality of scientific – research work of academic personnel, promoting involvement in development of applied and scientific projects, thus increasing also practical work experience of teaching staff.
5. To find ways of offering teachers and students opportunities to take part in international scientific conferences, involving the most active students and therefore opening ways of exchanging experience on research done.
6. To take care for technical and methodical provisions for training process. Encourage teachers to prepare new teaching materials, especially in the format of e-courses and learning books.
Over the report period the most notable changes in programmes were developed, implementing ESF project „Upgrading of Computer Science Study Programmes in the University of Latvia“ (amount of financing within 18 months - LVL 200 000). 40 teachers of computer sciences, representatives of major IT companies, as well as leading teaching staff representatives from several other Latvian high schools (from Dean to Vice-Principals) were involved in this work, and they all got paid for their work done. From this experience we have concluded that well financed study programme upgrading project is the most productive form for programme development. Simple generalisation of daily experiences, upgrading of study courses and development of new courses along with daily teaching process, without specially allocated financing brings much more modest results.
Therefore Faculty of Computing is planning to continue participation in tenders for study programme update projects and this is the area where we see main development opportunities of our programmes. Transition to courses conducted in English language of instruction we also plan to carry out through dedicated well financed project.
Annex 1
Main research projects with participation of programme staff
1) 2011-2013, EU funded project „Technology for Construction of Process Management
Programme Systems and Its Support Tools”, No.
2010/0325/2DP/2.1.1.1.0/10/APIA/VIAA/109 Project manager: prof. K.Podnieks.
Participants: prof. J.Bārzdiņš, prof. J. Bičevskis, prof. A.Kalniņš, asoc.prof. Ģ.Karnītis, doc. L.Lāce, doc. A.Šostaks.
2) 2011-2013, EU funded project „Set of Dynamic Networks Visualization and Analysis
Tools”, No 2010/0318/2DP/2.1.1.1.0/10/APIA/VIAA/104
Project manager: doc. K.Freivalds.
Participants: prof. K.Čerāns, prof. J.Vīksna, asoc.prof. E.Celms, doc. P.Ķikusts
3) 2011-2013, EU funded project „Platform of Semantic Data Bases for Industry
Specialists”, No 2011/0009/2DP/2.1.1.1.0/10/APIA/VIAA/112
Project manager: prof. K.Čerāns.
Participants: prof. G.Bārzdiņš, doc. L.Lāce, doc. A.Šostaks.
4) 2009-2012, EU funded project „Applications of Computer Sciece and its Connections to
quantum physics”, No. 1DP/1.1.1.2.0/09/APIA/VIAA/044.
Project manager: prof. A. Ambainis.
Participants: prof. J. Bičevskis, prof. R. M. Freivalds, asoc. prof. G. Arnicāns, asoc. prof. Ģ. Karnītis, asoc. prof. L. Niedrīte, asoc. prof. D. Šmite, asoc. prof. J. Zuters, doc. M. Kravcevs, doc. D. Solodovņikova, lect. A. Niedrītis.
5) 2008-2012, European 7th Framework project QAQC (Quantum algorithms and
Project manager: prof. A. Ambainis.
6) 2010-2013, European 7th Framework project QCS (Quantum Computer Science, Nr. 255961)
Project manager: prof. A. Ambainis. Participants: asoc. prof. J. Smotrovs.
7) European 7th Framework project ENGAGE (European Network for Genetic and Genomic Epidemiology, Nr. 201413)
Project manager (IMCS UL): prof. J.Vīksna. Participants: asoc.prof. E.Celms.
8) European 7th Framework project CAGEKID (Cancer Genomics of the Kidney, Nr.
241669);
Project manager (IMCS UL): prof. J.Vīksna. Participants: asoc.prof. E.Celms.
9) 2010-2012 Latvian Science Council, grant No 09.1578 „Development and analysis of
algorithmic models for description of biological and software systems”
Project manager: prof. J.Vīksna.
Participants: prof. K.Čerāns, doc. K.Freivalds, doc. P.Ķikusts
10) 2010-2012, Latvian State Research Program No 2 „Development of innovative multi-functional materials, signal processing and information technologies for competitive science intensive products”, project No. 5 „New information technologies based on ontologies and
model transformations”.
Project manager: prof. J.Bārzdiņš.
Participants: prof. K.Čerāns, prof. J.Bičevskis, prof. A.Kalniņš, prof. K.Podnieks, asoc.prof. E.Celms, asoc.prof. Ģ.Karnītis, doc. L.Lāce, doc. A.Šostaks.
