1 Awarding institution Bangor University
2 Teaching institution Bangor University
3 Programme accredited by
4 Final award BSc (Hons)
5 Programme Computing and Oceanography
6 UCAS code GF07
7 QAA subject benchmarking group Computer Science
8 Revision date August 2013
9 Educational Aims and Objectives
Aim: The aim of the Computing and Oceanography programme is to produce graduates who will have an understanding of the fundamentals underpinning Computing and its applications to the observation and modelling of the Earth System. They will be able to describe the operation of such software systems, apply computer science techniques create properly engineered software, and understand the drivers for future trends in computing. They will understand computational aspects of oceanography and develop a solid foundation of knowledge of the ocean sciences domain, and capable of developing programs for mathematical modelling and the analysis and visualization of earth system data.
Programme Objectives:
Teach a solid core of computer science
Develop advanced knowledge of Earth System technologies, particularly those used in numerical modelling and data analysis
Develop a deep understanding of visual computing and computational aspects of the curriculum contained in this programme.
Produce highly employable students.
Programme Philosophy: This programme focuses on the core concepts of Computer Science, such as software design and development and major themes of Earth System science. Seven themes are studied. (SE) Programming & Software
Engineering, (MAC) Mathematics and algorithmic complexity, (DB) Databases and Web, (PROF) The professional dimension, (VC) HCI, Graphics & Visual Computing, (InS) Intelligent Systems, and finally (OS) Earth Systems and Ocean Science. These themes are, not only, core aspects of Computing and Earth Systems, but mirror the research areas and technical expertise of the Schools, and joint research between the two Schools (Computer Science and Ocean Science). The programme focuses on the application of modern computers to typical problems in the oceans, continental shelf seas and estuaries. This Computing and Oceanography degree combines a thorough training in oceanographic sciences with up-to-date software design and
programming.
10 Programme Outcomes
These Programme Outcomes are a statement of what the graduate should know and be able to do on completion of the
programme. The Programme provides opportunities for students to acquire knowledge and understanding, develop and practise intellectual, practical and transferable skills and to demonstrate their proficiency with reference to acknowledged standards. On completing the degree, students will have an attractive skill set for a technical career within Oceanography, computing or natural environment. The course is ideal preparation for careers involving the monitoring and prediction of the natural environment – an area of growth due to fears over global warming – and computer animation for the TV and film industries. Jobs in these areas are available with Government bodies, environmental pressure groups, the geosciences industry and the media.
2 Knowledge and Understanding*
Please Note This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in the course information handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
A Knowledge and understanding of: 1. Underpinning Theory and Mathematics for
Computing, Computation and physical principles for Oceanography, in support of good algorithms and structured data systems and modelling. 2. Basis for computing design and implementation at
all levels (architecture, through OS and compilers to simple and distributed applications).
3. Basic use and deployment of Computing Technology and its relevance to modern human endeavour with particular focus on the Earth System.
4. Scientific Method, Approach and Transferable Skills, including: experimental computer science; social and ethical issues; maintaining rigour and intellectual honesty in furthering computer science, oceanographic data collection and analysis and numerical modelling of the ocean.
5. Science, Engineering and Modelling, including: system specification; design principles; project planning and solving problems.
6. Develop Earth System knowledge and abilities through practice and consideration of that practice, while also honing critical understanding in the subject.
Teaching/learning methods
The principal teaching and learning methods used to achieve the programme outcomes 1 – 6 are:
Teaching/learning methods Programme Outcomes 1 2 3 4 5 6 Lectures x x x x x x Tutorials x x x x x Independent Reading x x x x x x
Supervised Lab Sessions x x x x
Unsupervised Lab Sessions x x x x x x
Web browsing & searching x x x x x x
Individual project x x x x
Small-group project x
Assessment
The principal methods for testing the programme outcomes 1 – 6 are: Assessment Methods Programme Outcomes 1 2 3 4 5 6 Unseen examinations x x x x x Laboratory reports x x x Assessed assignments x x x Oral presentations x x x Project reports x x
Skills and other attributes B Cognitive Abilities and Skills
1. Knowledge and understanding of the broad cognate area of Computer Science and oceanography in an international context.
2. Appreciation of the breadth of computer applications (particularly for oceanography) and an understanding of common approaches to application architecture and development.
3. Understanding and appreciation of modelling, simulations and design for computing and also Earth Science.
4. Ability to formulate and analyse requirements and practical constraints of computer systems. 5. Reason critically to pose and solve problems. 6. Solve problems logically and systematically. 7. Formulate and critically evaluate test requirements. 8. Assess and choose optimal methods and approaches
for specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems, with specific focus on applications to the ocean.
Teaching/learning methods: The degree is divided into seven taken from the Computer Science BSc (2/3) and the Ocean Sciences BA (1/3). Programming & Software Engineering (SE), Mathematics and
algorithmic complexity (MAC), Databases and Web (DB), The professional dimension (PROF), HCI, Graphics & Visual Computing (VC), Intelligent Systems (InS), and finally Earth Systems and Ocean Science (OS).
The theme run throughout the three years of the degree and the topics become progressively more complex. Cognitive ability skills (1) are developed progressively throughout the Programme. Students are encouraged to think for themselves by being presented with a range of problems to solve. (2) Lectures present worked solutions to selected problems, and problem solving is further reinforced in tutorials, in class discussions, and laboratory work. (3) Students are exposed to models for various computer systems at all levels and a strong element of software engineering is used to help students understand requirements analysis and test analysis. This occurs across all modules, whether
Computing or Ocean Science. Group skills are included in the 2nd year
software Hut module, which substantially help students to formulate and analyse requirements (4), and reason critically (5) and solve problems logically (6) and evaluate them (7). These latter four (and point 8) are further emphasised in the final year substantive individual project in a computing and ocean-science related area. During which students are encouraged to deploy and further develop skills learnt in other modules. Projects can emphasise either a science approach or engineering approach depending on student aspirations.
Assessment: Written examinations are used to assess specific skills but are supplemented where appropriate with practical essay and
programming assignments that test abilities to think, reason and express ideas and solve problems.
C Practical Skills
1. Specify, design, construct and operate computer-based systems including programming.
2. Design and carry out experiments to evaluate systems and design trade-offs.
3. Recognise risks or safety aspects in computer systems.
4. The ability to choose and use the appropriate computing tools including programming languages. 5. Edit and manipulate textual information and other on
line data in relevant contexts.
6. Access information in written and electronic form, including library and Internet search techniques 7. Participate in oceanographic data collection at sea and
in estuarine environments
Teaching/learning methods: The School is home to the Software Alliance Wales (SAW) unit and is part of a £5 million investment in a Wales Research Institute for Visual Computing. Both provide a source of industrial, real-life, projects for the second year Software Hut ICP2301 and third year individual projects ICP3099. Practical and experimental skills (1,2) are taught in the laboratory by demonstration and student ‘hands-on’ experience with individual coaching by staff, as needed. Safety aspects are emphasised in software engineering modules. Tools choice and use (4) is taught in many modules through example demonstrations and anecdotal case studies. Data manipulation abilities (5) are instilled by example and through laboratory demonstration sessions. Information retrieval skills (6) are taught explicitly in modules as well as being encouraged by research anecdotes and case studies and assignment work. (7) There is a strong emphasis on practical field work experience in the Ocean Sciences modules, these include participation in a data collection cruise on University’s purpose build research vessel, the Prince Madog.
Assessment: These areas are assessed through assignments (including essays and programming practicals).
D Transferable Skills & Professional Issues
1. Organise data for visualisation, analysis, extract ion and evaluation of information.
2. Prepare descriptive and interpretative written reports.
3. Use word processors, spreadsheets and databases. 4. Learn independently and appreciate the need for
continuing personal professional development and life-long learning.
5. Communicate effectively - written, oral, graphical, mathematical.
6. Present a case and justify a course of action. 7. See patterns and make orderly connections in
complex situations.
8. Manage people, resources and time including one’s own.
9. Co-operate with others to achieve a common goal and accept leading and subordinate roles in a team.
Teaching/learning methods: Report-writing skills, interpreting information, and using information preparation packages (1-7,10) are emphasised in assignment reports and essays. These points are reinforced in a substantive final year individual project. Students learn to work together in small- and medium-sized teams (8,9) in a Software Engineering project. Ethical, moral and professional issues (10) are reinforced in Lectures (in CS and in the Ocean Science
4 11 Programme Structure, module information and progression requirements
The programme is offered as a full-time course, normally lasting for three years (BSc with Honours) with entry at Level 4. Entry and exit points are indicated by arrows. At Level 6, the
BSc scheme includes a demanding individual project and a degree of specialisation within the knowledge areas. Except where indicated, all modules are 10 credits where one credit represents 10 notional hours of learning. The Computer Science degree is divided into eight knowledge areas (SE,MAC,DB,PROF,VC,InS and OS). Each area runs throughout the three years of the degree. Students are exposed to progressively more complex topics relating to that area.
(SE) Programming & Software Engineering (MAC) Mathematics and algorithmic complexity (DB) Databases and Web (PROF) The professional dimension (VC) HCI, Graphics & Visual Computing
(InS) Intelligent
Systems
OS
Ocean Science Modules Progression
Le v el 6 (1 2 0 c re d its) ICP3099 Individual Project (30 CORE) ICP3099 Individual Project (30) ICP3036 Computer Graphics - Rendering (20) ICP3011 Computer Network Security
OSX3016 Ocean Modelling (20) OSX3018 Numerical Methods (20) 20 Credits from:
OSX3006 Sediment Dynamics (O) OSX3012 Palaeoceanography (O) OSX3007 Coastal Sediments Field Study (O)
Graduation requirements: Degree classification calculated on a 2:1 ratio of final and second year averages respectively.
The individual project ICP3099 is a core module and therefore must be passed at 40% or above.
Le v el 5 (1 2 0 c re d its) ICP2151 Advanced Java Programming (20) ICP2302 Software Hut (20) ICP2027 Data Structures & Algorithms ICP2302 Software Hut (20 CORE) ICP2036 Computer Graphics - Algorithms
OSX2007 Prince Madog Cruise (20) OSX2010 Physical Oceanography (20) OSC2005 Earth and Ocean Observation (20)
Progression requirements: At least 80 credits passed at 40% and no module less than 30%. Diploma : At least 80 credits passed at 40% and no module less than 30%. Le v el 4 (1 2 0 c re d its) ICP1022 Programming Fundamentals ICP1023 OO Programming in Java ICP1015 Mathematics for Software ICP1016 Mathematics for Computing ICP1026 Web Technologies ICP1021 Introduction to databases
ICP1036 HCI & Computer Graphics ICP1025 Intro. to Intelligent Systems
OSX1004 Earth Processes & Products (20) OSX1005 Introducing the Oceans (20)
Progression requirements : At least 80 credits passed at 40% and no module less than 30%. Certificate : At least 80 credits passed at 40% and no module less than 30%.
Notes: Level 4 and level 5 each comprise 120 credits worth of compulsory modules. All modules are compulsory (except for those indicated by (O)) Level 5 includes a Software Hut module that is core (a group project, around an industrial challenge).
12. Criteria for admission. BSc (at Level 1)
240-260 tariff points including at least 2 A2 level qualifications (or equivalent) plus GCSE pass (grade C or above) in Maths.
GNVQ (Advanced) with overall Merit in an appropriate subject plus GCSE pass (grade C or above) in Maths. BTEC National Diploma Level III with 3 Merits plus GCSE pass (grade C or above) in Maths.
Scottish Highers with BBCC at Honours level, plus English Language at the standard grade.
Irish Leaving Certificate with 380 points (BBCCC) at Honours level including at least grade D in English. International Baccalaureate with 27 points.
BSc (at Level 2)
For direct entry at Level 2, the Admissions Tutor considers the merits of each application individually. BSc (at Level 3)
For direct entry at Level 3, the Admissions Tutor considers the merits of each application individually.
14. Career education, information and guidance Provision of careers information and guidance
Employability Scheme: the School operates the employability award scheme.
Links to the University’s Centre for Careers & Opportunities (CCO) and designated College CCO Officer Presentations by alumni and by the University’s CCO.
Employability
Graduate destination data considered by the Teaching & Learning Committee.
Industrial Liaison Panel considers requirements of labour market and employers’ perspective on graduates. Links with companies offering summer and year-out placements.
Links with companies through Software Alliance Wales, and Software Hut and also through some Individual projects (ICP3099)
15. Qualifications
The qualifications awarded comply with the national framework for higher education qualifications as follows: BSc Level 6 (Bachelors with Honours)
Diploma: Level 5 (Intermediate) (HE2) Certificate: Level 4 Certificate (HE1) 13. Particular Support for Learning Student Handbook.
Pastoral tutoring on an individual basis.
Individual tutors conduct formal academic review twice each Session and give feedback on Semester 1 results. In-house reading room, general computing facilities and common room.
Extensive and up-to-date laboratories and computational facilities for undergraduates. University Dyslexia Assessment Unit.
Access to Internet and e-mail is provided by the School and at other University sites by Information Services. Peer Guide induction for new students.
Student led drop in sessions where second year students provide guidance for first year students
Creative Technology Level 4
Primary links to Programme Outcomes
2013/14
ICP 1 0 1 5 Ma th s fo r S/w ICP 1 0 2 2 Pro g Fu n d am en tals ICP 1 0 2 3 OO with J av a ICP 1 0 2 6 W eb T ec h n o lo g ies ICP 1 0 3 6 HC I & Gr ap h ics ICP 1 0 1 6 Ma th s fo r C o m p u tin g ICP 1 0 2 1 I n tr o to Data b ases ICP 1 0 2 5 I n tr o in tellig en t. Sy s. O SX1 0 0 4 E ar th Pro c. & Pro d ts ( 2 0 ) OSX1 0 0 5 I n tr o . th e Oce an s (2 0 )Compulsory (C), Optional (O) C C C C C C C C C C
A. Knowledge & Understanding Credits 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 20 20
1. Underpinning Theory and Mathematics for Computing and Oceanography X X X X X X
2. Basis for computing design … X X X X X
3. Use and deployment of Computer Science, relevance to human endeavour and Earth systems X X X X X X
4. Scientific Method, Approach and Transferable Skills X X X X
5. Science and Engineering Practice X X X
6. Develop Earth System knowledge and abilities X
B. Cognitive Abilities and Skills
1. Knowledge and understanding of the broad cognate areas CS & Ocean Sci. in an international context. X X X X X X
2. Appreciation of the breadth of computer applications … X X X X X
3. Understanding and appreciation of modelling and simulations. X X X X
4. Ability to formulate and analyse requirements and practical constraints of computer systems. X X X X X X X
5. Reason critically to pose and solve problems. X X X X X X X X X
6. Solve problems logically and systematically. X X X X X X X
7. Formulate and critically evaluate test requirements. X X
8. Assess and choose optimal methods and approaches for specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems particularly those used in ocean science.
X X X X
C. Practical Skills
1. Specify, design, construct and operate computer-based systems including programming. X X X X X X X
2. Design and carry out experiments to evaluate systems and design trade-offs. X X X X
3. Recognise risks or safety aspects in computer systems. X X X
4. The ability to choose and use the appropriate computing tools including programming languages. X X X X X X
5. Edit and manipulate textual information and other on-line data in relevant contexts. X X
6. Access information in written and electronic form, including library and Internet search techniques. X X X X X
7. Participate in data collection etc. X
D. Transferable Skills & Professional Issues
1. Organise data for visualisation, analysis, extraction and evaluation of information. X X X
2. Prepare descriptive and interpretative written reports. X X X
3. Use word processors, spreadsheets and databases. X X X X
4. Learn independently and appreciate the need for continuing personal prof dev. and life-long learning. X X X X X X
5. Communicate effectively - written, oral, graphical, mathematical. X X X X X X X X
6. 6. Present a case and justify a course of action. X X X X X X
7. See patterns and make orderly connections in complex situations. X X X X X X X
8. Manage people, resources and time including one’s own. X X
9. Co-operate with others to achieve a common goal and accept leading and subordinate roles in a team. X X X
Creative Technology Level 5
Primary links to Programme Outcomes
2013/14
IC P2 0 2 7 Da ta S tru cts & Alg s. IC P2 1 5 1 Ad v . Ja v a P ro g . IC P2 3 0 2 S o ftwa re Hu t IC P2 0 3 6 C o m p Gra p h ics Alg s. O S X2 0 0 7 P rin ce M ad o g Cru ise (2 0 ) O S X2 0 1 0 P h y sic al Oc ea n o g ra p h y (2 0 ) O S C2 0 0 5 Earth a n d Oc ea n Ob se rv ati o n (2 0 )Compulsory (C), Optional (O) C C C C C C C
A. Knowledge & Understanding Credits 10 20 20 10 20 20 20
1. Underpinning Theory and Mathematics for Computing and Oceanography X X X X
2. Design and implementation of computing X X X X
3. Use and deployment of Computer Science, relevance to human endeavour and oceanographic systems X X X X
4. Scientific Method, Approach and Transferable Skills X X X
5. Science and Engineering Practice X X
6. Develop oceanographic knowledge and abilities X X X
B. Cognitive Abilities and Skills
1. Knowledge and understanding of the broad cognate areas CS & Ocean Sci. in an international context. X X X X
2. Appreciation of the breadth of computer applications (particularly for oceanography) X X X X X
Understanding and appreciation of modelling and simulations. X X X
Ability to formulate and analyse requirements and practical constraints of computer systems. X X X X X
5. Reason critically to pose and solve problems. X X X X X X
6. Solve problems logically and systematically. X X X X X X
7. Formulate and critically evaluate test requirements. X X X X
8. Assess and choose optimal methods and approaches for specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems particularly those used in ocean science.
X X X X
C. Practical Skills
1. Specify, design, construct and operate computer-based systems including programming. X X X X X X
2. Design and carry out experiments to evaluate systems and design trade-offs. X X X X
3. Recognise risks or safety aspects in computer systems. X X
4. The ability to choose and use the appropriate computing tools including programming languages. X X X X X
5. Edit and manipulate textual information and other on-line data in relevant contexts. X X
6. Access information in written and electronic form, including library and Internet search techniques. X
D. Transferable Skills & Professional Issues
1. Organise data for visualisation, analysis, extraction and evaluation of information. X X X X X
2. Prepare descriptive and interpretative written reports. X X X X X
3. Use word processors, spreadsheets and databases. X X
Creative Technology Level 6
Primary links to Programme Outcomes
2013/14
ICP 3 0 3 6 C o m p Gr ap h ics R en d . ICP 3 0 1 1 C o m p & Netwo rk Sec ICP 3 0 9 9 In d i-v id u al Pro ject O S X3 0 1 6 Ocean Mo d ellin g ( 2 0 ) OS X 3 0 1 8 Nu m er ical Me th o d s (2 0 ) O S X3 0 0 6 S ed ime n t Dy n am ics (O) O S X3 0 1 2 P alae o ce an o g ra p h y (O) OS X3 0 0 7 Co asta l S ed ime n ts F iel d S tu d y (O) C C C C C O O OA. Knowledge & Understanding Credits 20 10 30 20 20 20 20 20
1. Underpinning Theory and Mathematics for Computing and Oceanography X X X X X
2. Design and implementation of computing X X X
3. Use and deployment of Computer Science, relevance to human endeavour and oceanographic systems X X X X X X
4. Scientific Method, Approach and Transferable Skills X X X X X X
5. Science and Engineering Practice X X X X X X X
6. Develop oceanographic knowledge and abilities X X X X X
B. Cognitive Abilities and Skills
1. Knowledge and understanding of the broad cognate areas CS & Ocean Sci. in an international context. X X X X X
2. Appreciation of the breadth of computer applications (particularly for oceanography) and an understanding of common approaches to application architecture and development.
X X X
3. Understanding and appreciation of modelling and simulations. X X
4. Ability to formulate and analyse requirements and practical constraints of computer systems. X X X X X X X
5. Reason critically to pose and solve problems. X X X X X
6. Solve problems logically and systematically. X X X X X
7. Formulate and critically evaluate test requirements. X X X X
8. Assess and choose optimal methods and approaches for specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems particularly those used in ocean science.
X X X X X
C. Practical Skills
1. Specify, design, construct and operate computer-based systems including programming. X X X X X X X
2. Design and carry out experiments to evaluate systems and design trade-offs. X X X X X X
3. Recognise risks or safety aspects in computer systems. X X X X
4. The ability to choose and use the appropriate computing tools including programming languages. X X X
5. Edit and manipulate textual information and other on-line data in relevant contexts. X X X
6. Access information in written and electronic form, including library and Internet search techniques. X X
D. Transferable Skills & Professional Issues
1. Organise data for visualisation, analysis, extraction and evaluation of information. X X X X X X
2. Prepare descriptive and interpretative written reports. X X X X X X
3. Use word processors, spreadsheets and databases. X X
4. Learn independently and appreciate the need for continuing personal professional development and life-long learning.
X X X
5. Communicate effectively - written, oral, graphical, mathematical. X X X X X X
6. Present a case and justify a course of action. X X X X
7. See patterns and make orderly connections in complex situations. X X X X X X X
8. Manage people, resources and time including one’s own. X X
9. Co-operate with others to achieve a common goal and accept leading and subordinate roles in a team. X
