COMPUTER SCIENCE

The module introduces algorithmic techniques for various sets of problems and teaches how to analyse algorithms in terms of their complexity. The techniques build upon the data structures and algorithms studied in previous modules so that you can further develop your use of methods for solving complex problems. Examples will be used throughout to demonstrate each approach.

This module covers the era of Big Data. Massive amounts of data are beginning to be amalgamated from diverse sources giving rise to both opportunity and issues. This module will familiarise the candidate with the concept and application of 'Big Data', where does it come from, what the opportunities might be, and a look at some of the potential risks and issues involved.

The need for computational power and data storage continues to drive demand for more highly capable systems. Highly data-intensive applications demand fast access to terabytes, petabytes, even exabytes of storage; processor intensive applications demand access to various types of processors in various configurations. Such applications are increasingly being developed in both scientific and industrial contexts and need to be variously scalable and supportable for large numbers of geographically distributed users. This module will provide insights into how Cloud Computing attempts to meet the varying needs of such applications.

Cyber security and defence is vital to the effective deployment of technology today. The challenges faced by industry to defend against rapidly evolving threats and attacks is driving the Cyber Security field forward at an unprecedented rate. This module develops the understanding of Cyber risks and their impact on commercial operations. It looks into the threats and their countermeasures, the strategies employed and the role of the security officer. Legal obligations and international data processing regulations and an introduction to digital forensics.

This module will provide a deep and systematic understanding of the nature and conduct of computer science research. It will equip you with the ability to undertake independent research. You will also consider the Legal, Social, Ethical and Professional (LSEP) issues applicable to the computer industry.

This module will provide you with the opportunity to improve your understanding of web development, and your judgement of the effectiveness of different development techniques, both in theory and in practice. You will cover important techniques and issues in designing and building large scale web systems, as well as considering development methods and patterns which enhance maintainability and testability, such as web components, Model-View-Controller, Object Relation Mapping, and HTML template engines. The module will familiarise you with relevant web development frameworks such as ASP.NET, and compare this with alternatives such as Object-Oriented PHP, Enterprise Java, and server-side JavaScript.

You will gain valuable work experience on a 48 week work placement. This is an exciting opportunity to put what you have learned into practice, broaden your experience and demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.

The module studies in detail the activities associated with software development process as performed by a development team that adopts an Agile methodology. Topics covered include the concepts, principles, practice and philosophy of an Agile approach to software development. Students will work in groups to learn about collaboration: environment, programmer collaboration, team values, customer involvement, standards and reporting. The module covers planning, release, risk assessment and estimating. It also considers agile development: incremental requirements, customer tests, test-driven development, refactoring, simple design, incremental design and architecture, spike solutions and performance optimisation. Students will learn to manage agile projects: roles, values and team philosophy; management of scope and the business/economic issues such as time, cost, quality and risk.

The module will introduce the field of artificial intelligence and study the principal ideas and techniques in key topic areas including problem solving, knowledge representation and machine learning. The module will cover problem solving (problem representation, uninformed and informed search), knowledge representation (logic-based languages, e.g. description logic, and ontologies and the semantic web) and machine learning (symbolic learning, decision trees and Bayesian learning).

This module will provide an opportunity for you to conduct research into an unfamiliar aspect of Computing Science and enable you to develop and apply computing skills to a substantial problem. You will synthesise what you have learned from other modules and be provided with an opportunity to work independently.

This module covers the integration of network flexibility into the architecture and policies of a commercial network. It looks at the issues related to the security and productivity linked to the deployment of a BOYD policy and in the use of diverse integrated delivery models.

The purpose of this module is to bring together material in the key areas of professionalism and careers, finance, health and safety, environmental concerns, law and intellectual property, in the context of the software industry. You will apply relevant computing-related legislation and professional codes of conduct to day-to-day situations that arise in business, and evaluate risks associated with those situations. You will also explain your five-year career plan and know what steps need to be taken to achieve it.