s
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Final
PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION
Course summary
Final award BSc(Hons) Software Engineering / BSc Computing Intermediate award CertHE Computing, DipHE Computing
Course status Validated
Awarding body University of Brighton
Faculty Faculty of Science and Engineering
School Computing Engineering and Mathematics
Location of study/ campus Moulsecoomb
Partner institution(s)
Name of institution Host department Course status
1. SELECT
2.
3.
Admissions
Admissions agency UCAS
Entry requirements
Include any progression opportunities into the course.
Applicable for 2013 entry. Check the University's website for 2014 entry requirements.
300 UCAS points (BBB)
The UCAS tariff may be obtained by a variety of U.K. level 3 or international qualifications equivalat to three GCE at Advance level. In addition to the required UCAS tariff all candidates must have GCSE passes or its equivalant including Maths and English at grade C or above.
Preference is given to students who can demonstrate, e.g. through their personal statement on the UCAS application, an informed interest in studying software engineering.
Direct entry to level 5 or 6 for FdSc/FdA graduates is possible if candidates meet the Computing division's conditions for direct entry (see Appendix A), the prerequisites for studying the modules at the entry level, and have graduated from a course with comparable learning outcomes to this award
Entry to degree programme for FdSc/FdA graduates is detailed in appendix A
Start date (mmm-yy) Normally September
Mode of study
Mode of study Duration of study (standard) Maximum registration period
Full-time 3 years Select 8 Years
Part-time Other: 6 Years Select 8 Years
Sandwich 4 years Select 8 Years
Distance Select N/A Select N/A
Course codes/categories
UCAS code G600
Contacts
Course Leader (or Course Development Leader)
Gulden Uchyigiti Admissions Tutor Gulden Uchyigit
Examination and Assessment
External Examiner(s)
Name Place of work Date tenure expires Dr. Paul Hanna University of Ulster 2015
Examination Board(s) (AEB/CEB)
AEB / CEB
Approval and review
Approval date Review date
Validation May 20031 May 20092
Programme Specification September 20123 September 20134 Professional, Statutory and
Regulatory Body 1 (if applicable):
BCS N/A5
Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 2 (if applicable):
Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 3 (if applicable):
1
Date of original validation. 2
Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years). 3
Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved (normally September).
4 Date programme specification will be reviewed (normally approval date + 1 year). If programme specification is applicable to a particular cohort, please state here.
5
PART 2: COURSE DETAILS
AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES Aims
The aims of the course are:
• To develop Software Engineer professionals who have a broad range of knowledge from a mixture of computer science and software Engineering specialism.
• To enable students to develop the abilities expected of any graduate, including being able to: o Think logically and imaginatively
o Carry out research effectively using a range of methods and sources
o Communicate clearly in both spoken and written English through different media, including digital communication technologies.
• To instil a professionalism characterized by:
o the competent practice of appropriate professional skills
o an understanding of the theories and models that underpin the application of those skills o the identification of appropriate technologies and methods necessary to design, develop
and deliver products and services, related to the current Software Engineering technologies that satisfy client needs.
o an understanding of the context, including the ethical and legal imperatives, in which professional activities are undertaken.
• To produce graduates with:
• Knowledge and expertise in Software Engineering technologies.
• With in-depth understanding of the underlying principles which enables them to adapt their skills to future demands.
Learning outcomes
The outcomes of the main award provide information about how the primary aims are demonstrated by students following the course. These are mapped to external reference points where appropriate6. Level 4/ CertHE
Knowledge And understanding
1. Structure of software
2. Databases data types and structures, 3. Software components of computer systems 4. professional, legal and ethical issues 5. Hardware Systems Architecture
6. human-computer interaction and usability 7. Mathematical concepts
Level 4/CertHE Intellectual Skills:
8. Problem analysis and problem solving 9. Evaluation 10. Research Level 4/CertHE Professional and practical skills: 11. Software Development
12. Data analysis, database design/ implementation 13. System modelling
14. Web page Construction 15. Hardware analysis
Level 4/CertHE Transferable skills:
16. Information gathering
17. written and oral presentations
18. Working in and managing groups.
Level 5 & 6 / Intellectual Skills 19. Problem Solving 20. Systems analysis 21. (Hardware/software). 22. Research ability 6
23. System design proposal 24. Expert knowledge
Level 5 & 6 /Transferable Skills
25. Hardware/ software analysis of systems 26. Design and implementation of systems 27. System evaluation & testing
28. Information gathering 29. Research methods 30. Team working 31. Project management
Level 5 & 6 /Knowledge & understanding
32. Databases
33. Artificial intelligence
34. Project Planning & implementation 35. Software design and implementation 36. Formal specifications
37. Implementing projects. 38. Communication technology 39. Computer networks 40. Interactive systems
QAA subject benchmark statement (where applicable)7
The QAA benchmark for computing, 2007 -
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/statements/computi ng07.pdf
PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODIES (where applicable)
Where a course is accredited by a PSRB, full details of how the course meets external requirements, and what students are required to undertake, are included.
Currently seeking accreditation by the British Computer Society (BCS)
LEARNING AND TEACHING Learning and teaching methods
This section sets out the primary learning and teaching methods, including total learning hours and any specific requirements in terms of practical/ clinical-based learning. The indicative list of learning and teaching methods includes information on the proportion of the course delivered by each method and details where a particular method relates to a particular element of the course.
The information included in this section complements that found in the Key Information Set (KIS), with the programme specification providing further information about the learning and teaching methods used on the course.
Learning and teaching strategy and methods
Full-time students normally study 60 CATS points each semester. The standard model of weekly teaching for a module is a one hour lecture outlining the scope of the subject and a one hour tutorial or practical class. Some modules are taught in two hours of studio classes, combining formal teaching with demonstrations and practice. Other modules are undertaken through mainly independent learning, directed through occasional lectures, tutorials and crits.
Students learn independently during the academic year, through guided activities such as reading, practical skills development and completion of assessed coursework. For each module, they are expected to spend on average five hours per week on independent study.
Learning and teaching method % of student effort
per module/per semester
Levels 4 and 5
7
Lectures 13
Tutorial, seminar or practical lab-class 13
Independent study 74
Level 6
Lectures 8.5
Tutorial, seminar or practical lab-class 8.5
Independent work on individual project 33
Independent study 50
At level 4, in semester 1, module CI164 is taught through small group tutorials (6-10 students) facilitated by the students’ personal tutor. Students are supported through the induction process for the course, acquire the study skills necessary for succeeding as an undergraduate and practice professional skills relevant to their award.
At level 6, the individual project accounts for 40 CATS points. Students work independently and are supported by a supervisor who they meet regularly to discuss issues relating to their project. The project enables students to extend and deepen their knowledge and skills within the field of their award and to practice the self management of a major intellectual and practical challenge.
Work-based learning
The optional placement for full-time students is undertaken between Levels 5 and 6 and normally lasts around 48 weeks. Part-time students do not normally take the placement. Module CI282 is used to assess the placement year: the assessment includes reflection on the placement and how it has helped the student to develop professionally.
E-Learning
All modules require the use of computer-mediated communication and digital management of content, by both students and staff. Extensive use is made of studentCentral, the university’s Managed Learning Environment (MLE) for delivery of learning and teaching material and as a communication channel. Online submission and assessment are used where appropriate. In addition, some modules make use of a range of e-learning tools such as websites, social media and blogs, that may be hosted on the
computing division’s servers. A number of modules, particularly those involving learning web
technologies, are supported by online resources and open source software. Students are provided with access to these through the module areas on studentCentral and social bookmarking tools.
Professional accreditation
This course is seeking accreditation by the British Computer Society (BCS).
Faculty sustainable development plan
The University of Brighton is committed to the principles of sustainable development. The products of the computing industry are largely intangible, but require material and energy in the form of computers and data networks for their storage and activation. Greater impact on ecological sustainability may be made by the informational content of business computing systems, through their support for increased efficiency in utilisation of natural resources, or conversely by encouraging increased consumption. The University Sustainability Policy’s Key Principles are inherent in the topics covered and the teaching approach adopted on this course. Open technologies and standards are used where appropriate; the principles of universal and accessible design are built into the course. The capabilities described in these principles are developed in students i.e.
- critical thinking and problem solving
- a participatory, value-driven and inter-disciplinary approach - understanding local situations and global implications - action-orientation
These are all required attributes for working as a reflective, ethical computing professional.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment methods
matrix which reflects the variety of modes of assessment, and the volume of assessment in the course. The information included in this section complements that found in the Key Information Set (KIS), with the programme specification providing further information about how the course is assessed.
All modules conform to the School’s current assessment policy as specified in the document titled ‘CEM Assessment Policy’.
In particular, a variety of assessment methods are used to assess students’ knowledge and skills. These methods include:
• Examinations:
demonstration of knowledge and analytical skills. • Projects:
research skills, problem analysis and problem solving, solution building and evaluation. • Portfolios:
demonstration of the ability to apply knowledge, problem analysis and problem solving, integration of techniques to carry out tasks.
• Reports:
demonstration of analytical and communication skills. • Web-pages:
as for reports, but also skills in information design and presentation. • Presentations:
knowledge and communication skills
• Computer based assessment (particularly in the early programming work): knowledge and problem solving skills
• Tests (short usually in class, but may for convenience be in the exam periods): knowledge and understanding.
The coursework schedules are published at the start of the academic year to ensure that student will be able to plan their time to facilitate the orderly completion of course work.
Work-based learning on the optional year in industry is overseen by an academic supervisor who visits the student at their place of work and discusses their progress with a representative of the employer. Supervisors are responsible for around 3 or 4 placement students, enabling them to have a broad view of the roles and tasks carried out by undergraduates in the workplace. The industry year is assessed by module CI282 Placement Learning through –
• evidence of engagement with the acquisition of a placement, including a CV • a monthly log documenting work and progress
• a final report written by the employer
• a reflective report on the experience and student’s professional development, including an updated CV or portfolio of work
Assessment matrix
Learning outcome Assessment methods Modules Number
of credits Level 4/ CertHE Knowledge
And understanding
1. Structure of software Examination, portfolio, viva CI101 , CI116 40
2. Databases data types and
structures, Test, examination, portfolio
CI101, CI102,CI135 60
3. Software components of computer systems
Test, examination, portfolio, D&D, viva, presentation
CI101, CI102, CI116, CI135,
4. professional, legal and ethical issues
Blog, report, project, crit, presentation
CI135, CI164,CI152 30
5. Hardware Systems Architecture
Portfolio of practical lab activities.
CI1XY,CI143 10
6. human-computer interaction and usability
Project, crit, portfolio, report, D&D
CI116, CI135, CI141,CI143
30
7. Mathematical concepts Coursework , examination CI107 10
Level 4/CertHE Intellectual Skills:
8. Problem analysis and
problem solving Coursework and Examination CI101, CI102, CI143,
50
9. Evaluation Report, Coursework and
Examination CI152, CI164,CI116
30
10. Research
Report, Coursework & portfolio. CI152,CI164,CI116 30
Level 4/CertHE Professional and practical skills:
11. Software Development Assignment, demonstration of program, Coursework and Examination
CI101,CI102,CI116 50
12. Data analysis, database design/ implementation Portfolio, Coursework demonstration and Examination CI101,CI102, CI116, 50 13. System modelling
Coursework and Examination CI102,CI143, CI116 40
14. Web page Construction Lab based demonstration Viva
and projects.. CI135
15. Hardware analysis Lab based portfolio, Viva and
Examination CI116
10
Level 4/CertHE Transferable skills:
16. Information gathering Coursework, reports.
CI152, CI164,
CI101,CI102 70
17. written and oral
communication Presentation, Coursework,
and Examination
CI152, CI164, CI116,
CI101, CI102 70
18. Working in and managing groups.
Group assignments, reports, Presentation.
CI164, CI135
30
Level 5 & 6 / Intellectual Skills
19. Problem Solving Project, report, viva CI301 40
20. Systems analysis 21. (Hardware/software).
Projects, portfolio and
Examination Ci209,CI334,CI227,CI228 60
22. Research ability Reports, presentation, projects. CI222,CI301 60
23. System design proposal Coursework and Examination CI209,CI334,CI228 60
24. Expert knowledge Project, viva, reports and
Examination CI334,CI301,CI346 80
25. Hardware/ software analysis of systems
Lab assignments portfolio, and
Examination CI209, CI334 20
26. Design and implementation of
systems Coursework and Examination
CI209,CI228,CI227,CI284
,CI301 90
27. System evaluation & testing Coursework and Examination CI301,CI334,CI209 80 28. Information gathering Coursework and Examination CI222 20 29. Research methods Coursework and Examination CI222,CI301 60
30. Team working Group assignments, reports,
Presentation. CI228,CI233, CI334 40 31. Project management Reports and Viva CI222, CI301 60
Level 5 & 6 /Knowledge & understanding
32. Databases Projects, Coursework and
Examination CI204 20
33. Project Planning &
implementation Reports. CI301,CI222 40
34. Software design and implementation
Lab assignments, Tests and
Examination CI228,CI284 60
35. Formal specifications Coursework and Examination CI231,CI311 20
36. Implementing projects. Coursework, presentation,
Report. CI301 40
37. Communication technology Lab activity portfolio, and
Examination CI334 20
38. Computer networks Tests, Coursework and
Examination CI334 20
39. Interactive systems Coursework and Examination CI304 20
SUPPORT AND INFORMATION
Institutional/ University All students benefit from:
University induction week
Student Handbook: the University and you Course Handbook
Extensive library facilities Computer pool rooms E-mail address Welfare service
Personal tutor for advice and guidance Course-specific
Additional support, specifically where courses have non-traditional patterns of delivery (e.g. distance learning and work-based learning) include:
In addition, students on this course benefit from:
• The school’s Student Support and Guidance Tutor, who provides support throughout level 4 and in exceptional circumstances for level 5 and 6 students
• School, course and module areas on studentCentral
• The help and guidance of the Faculty Placement Unit in finding an optional paid internship between levels 5 and 6; support from the Placement Unit and an academic supervisor during the year working in industry
PART 3: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS
COURSE STRUCTURE
This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study and progression points. Course Leaders may choose to include a structure diagram here.
The main aim of the course is to produce graduate specialist who are able to create complex software applications or maintain existing software using good engineering practice in different roles in software engineering industries.
The ethos of the course is to combine a sound technical foundation in software development
technologies underlying the creation of software for systems and user’s application for industrial and commercial organisations. These organisation require competence and skills in software production as a prerequisite.
LEVEL 4 - students study a broad foundation of computing, computer science and software engineering
subjects covering the following areas – • Programming.
• Introduction to data bases
• Introduction to website development • Introduction to requirement analysis • Human-Computer Interaction • Mathematics
• Computer in context
• Embedded Architecture & Programming • professional, legal and ethical issues • academic and professional skills
LEVEL 5 – students apply their foundation knowledge to more specialised areas of Software
Engineering discipline , including - • Intelligent systems
• Project planning and control
• Object-oriented software design &implementation • System components
• Data Bases II
• Formal underpinning and specifications • User Experience Design
LEVEL 6 – students progress direct from level 5, or may choose to spend a year on placement in
industry (see below). The curriculum in the final year consolidates and deepens the knowledge of students in software engineering discipline by studying specialised modules in software engineering. Students work independently to plan, research and carry out a major project, which strengthens and extends their knowledge and skills in a chosen area. Students also study a further 40 CATS points of elective modules that explore more specialised areas relevant to a career in software engineering. At all levels of the course there are opportunities for students to engage with local or national software engineering firms, either through in-house sessions with visiting speakers, or through extra-curricular meetings and other events taking place in Brighton & Hove.
Optional industry placement
Students are encouraged to spend a year working in industry between levels 5 and 6. The Faculty Placement Unit initiates the process of finding a placement at Placement Day, held during Induction Week for students progressing to level 5 and direct entrants. The Unit supports students throughout the year, helping them to prepare a CV, to find and apply for jobs.
Students undertaking the placement year study CI282, through which they can gain 20 CATS points of credit for successfully completing the placement, assessed through coursework in which interns reflect on and document their experiences and professional development.
Each student is visited at their workplace by an academic supervisor at least once during the placement year.
Subject benchmark statement
The Computing Benchmark Statement was used as the input to the design process for the course and informed the review of the course in 2009. The benchmark statement is available at:
Modules Status:
M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award) C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award)
O = Optional (optional modules)
Level8
Code Status Module Credit
4 CI01 C Programming 20
4 CI102 C Introduction to databases 20
4 CI107 C Mathematics 10
4 CI116 C Embedded Architecture and programming 10
4 CI135 C Introduction to website development 20
4 CI141 C Human computer Interaction 10
4 CI143 C Introduction to requirement analysis 10
4 CI152 C Computers in context 10
4 CI164 C Professional & study skills 10
5 CI204 C Databases II 20
5 CI222 C Project planning and control 10
5 CI227 C Web technologies 10
5 CI228 C Object oriented software design & implementation 20
5 CI231 C Formal underpinnings and specifications 20
5 CI233 C Integrated group project 10
5 CI282 O Placement learning 20
5 CI283 C Operating Systems 10
5 CI284 C Data Structures & Algorithms 10
6 CI301 M The individual project 40
6 CI304 O Usability evaluation 20
6 CI315 C Object oriented design & architecture 20
6 CI316 C Verification & validation 10
6 CI312 O Computer graphic algorithm 10
6 CI320 O Intellectual property law & IT 20
6 CI322 O 3 D dynamic modelling 20
6 CI328 O Internet Games design & development 20
6 CI329 O Project management 20
6 CI330 O Data management 20
6 CI334 O Mobile Engineering 20
6 CI341 O Project management 10
6 CI360 O Mobile application development 20
6 CI346 C Programming languages concurrency and client server computing
20
B.Sc.(Hons) Software Engineering – course structure
Normal point of entry – LEVEL 4
Semester 1 Semester 2
CI101 Programming
CI102 Introduction to data bases
CI135 Introduction to website development CI143 Introduction to requirements
analysis
CI107 Mathematics
CI152 Computers in Context CI116 Embedded Architecture & Programming
CI164 Professional & study skills CI141 Human computer interaction
Progress to LEVEL 5
Possible direct entry from Foundation degree
Semester 1 Semester 2
CI204 Databases II CI227 Web Technologies
CI228 Object oriented software design & implementation CI231 Formal underpinnings and specifications
CI284 Data Structure & algorithms CI283 Operating Systems CI222 Project planning and control CI233 Integrated group project
CI282 Placement learning – for students doing an optional year working in industry
Progress to LEVEL 6
Possible direct entry from Foundation degree
Semester 1 Semester 2
CI301 The individual project
Students choose 30 CATS points of options CI315 Object Oriented design & architecture
Optional module
CI316 Verification & validation
AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION
Award type Award* Title Level Eligibility for award Classification of award
Total credits9 Minimum credits10 Ratio of marks11: Class of award
Final BSc Software Engineering (Hons) 6 Total credit 360 Minimum credit at level of award 120
Levels 5 and 6 (25:75) Honours degree Final BSc Computing 6 Total credit 300 Minimum credit at level
of award 60
Select Not applicable
Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select
Select Select
Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select
Select Select
Select Select Total credit Select Minimum credit at level of award Select
Select Select
*Foundation degrees only Progression routes from award:
Award classifications Mark/ band % Foundation degree Honours degree Postgraduate12 degree (excludes
PGCE and BM BS)
70% - 100% Distinction First (1) Distinction
60% - 69.99% Merit Upper second (2:1) Merit
50% - 59.99%
Pass Lower second (2 2) Pass
40% - 49.99% Third (3)
9 Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award. 10
Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award. 11
Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g, dissertation) must be in the corresponding class of award.
EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS
Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section.
The examination and assessment regulations for the course should be in accordance with the University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses (available from staffcentral or studentcentral).
Specific regulations which materially affect assessment,
progression and award on the course
e.g. Where referrals or repeat of modules are not permitted in line with the University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses.
1. The course regulations are in accordance with the University's General Examination and Assessment Regulations (available from the school office, website or the Registry) and the undergraduate modular framework CEM undergraduate framework
2. Students who meet the University requirements for an ordinary award will be awarded a BSc Computing
3. At level 6 modules may be referred but cannot be repeated or replaced. Exceptions required by
PSRB
These require the approval of the Chair of the Academic Board
APPENDIX A
Conditions for direct entry to an honours degree in computing from a foundation
degree and an HND
1. Conditions for direct entry to an honours degree in computing from a foundation
degree in computing awarded by the University of Brighton and taught at a
partner college
The table below sets out the conditions for progressing from an FdSc Computing to
an honours degree in computing with which the FdSc is aligned, as specified in the
Foundation Degree in Computing Programme Specification 2010.
Progression from FdSc to level 6 of a linked honours degree in computing Students may opt to do the
placement year before
progressing to level 6
After successful completion of level 5, 240 CATS points
Conditions:
• Pass all modules at the first attempt AND achieve 70% in level 4 AND complete the FdSc with a Project gaining a Distinction,
OR
• Achieve 60% in level 5 with a project gaining a Distinction
Entitlement is to transfer to level 6 of the honours degree with which the FdSc is aligned (or to BSc Computing) i.e.
• FdSc Networked Systems at CCB with BSc Software Engineering • FdSc Games Development at SDC with BSc Computer Science (Games) • FdSc Internet Systems Architecture at UCH with BSc INET (UCH) • FdSc Networking at UCH with BSc Software Engineering
• FdSc Information Systems at Northbrook with BA Information Systems • FdSc Games Design at Northbrook with BSc Digital Media Development
Progression FdSc to level 6 of a linked honours degree in computing after a bridging course
After completion of level 5, 240 CATS points
Conditions13:
• Undertake a minimum of 40 CATS points of modules as a part-time student, of which 20 CATS may be workplace based in order to fulfil the
pre-requisites of final year modules
• Direct entrants may be considered as a placement student if their workplace is approved as suitable and their employer is agreeable (the Faculty Placement Unit’s role being limited to approving a placement which has been found directly by the student)
• Direct entrants may be required to complete the whole level 5 of the chosen degree especially if holding a bare pass at FdSc, or wishing to change to a course to which the FdSc is not aligned.
Some students may decide to study the whole of level 5 for financial reasons. If a student entitled to do a limited set of bridging modules opts for full level 5 study they must achieve the full conditions for passing level 5 of their chosen Honours degree to progress to Level 6.
The bridging element will consist of modules taken from level 5 of the honours degree to provide students with the extra knowledge required to undertake level 6 of the chosen honours degree.
13
The decision whether to allow a candidate to progress to level 6 after successfully
Students who are already in a suitable work environment with a computing role are likely to continue with the bridging year (if necessary), and are expected to choose to study the final year of the Honours degree in a continuing part-time mode. This will take a further two or three years after the award of FdSc.