Programme Specification for Computer Technology BEng (Hons)
Recruitment to this programme is currently suspended.
|
Final award |
BEng (Hons) |
|
Intermediate awards available |
CertHE, DipHE |
|
UCAS code |
- |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
None |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Engineering |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
June 2012 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
This is a demanding and practical programme that covers the essentials of computer technology and communications.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
GCE Advanced level or equivalent including Mathematics OR a science subject. A minimum UCAS tariff of 240 is required at A level or a BTEC/EDEXEL National qualification in a cognate subject with 7 merits at level III including Mathematics or an appropriate analytical subject. Entry may also be available to graduates of an approved foundation programme.
Applications from mature students will be considered on merit and all applicants will be interviewed. Those who do not meet the specified entry criteria may be accepted on to the extended degree programmes in preparation to commencing their programme. Entry will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then an overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) is required together with a minimum of 6.0 for Writing and Speaking and 5.5 for Reading and Listening. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is Computer Technology?
Computer Technology includes the following essential areas:
- Using Computers in a variety of applications
- Computer programming and software development
- Hardware configuration, installation and interfacing
- Networks and systems administration
Computer Technology at UEL
The Computer Technology programme at UEL has been carefully constructed to provide practical experience in state-of-the-art tools and techniques as well as introducing underlying theories. Throughout the programme students experience a wide range of learning activities involving PC, UNIX and Internet access.
Programme structure
The normal modes of attendance are three years of full-time study or four years in the sandwich mode. The sandwich option requires an industrial placement between years two and three. The programme is modular and is based on six modules of study each year.
Learning environment
The programme benefits from access to purpose built laboratories and computer suites for use by students studying Computing and Electronics based programmes. Teaching is delivered through formal lectures, tutorials, and laboratory sessions. Lectures are supported by coursenotes that allow you to concentrate on the lecture and to aid independent study.
Assessment
Assessment varies from module to module but will include examinations, coursework, project work, laboratory reports and tests of competence in theoretical and practical sessions.
Work experience/placement opportunities
The School has strong links with industry and in conjunction with the careers office hosts a number of visits at which informal interviews for full and part-time employment opportunities take place. We have an Industrial Placement Tutor who will assist in making applications.
Project work
Project work is an important feature of this programme. Throughout your studies you will undertake small projects as part of the module assessment. During the final year of the programme you will be required to complete a project in the form of independent research and study of a computing subject. This project will be supervised by a member of staff with an interest in the subject and will normally include laboratory work or the analysis of a specific computing problem. The project constitutes one quarter of the final year of the programme.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- Using computers to solve problems
- Computer configuration and interfacing
- Computer programming
- Operating systems
- Computer networks
- Systems administration
- Software engineering
If you enjoy...
- Learning new and changing technologies
- Developing solutions to problems
- Putting theory into practice
- Working as an individual and in a group
- Providing a technical service to others
- Investigation, experimentation and research
If you want...
- To gain experience in a wide range of computing applications
- To work in a computing related job
- To gain a highly respected higher education qualification
- To become a credible candidate for employment in highly competitive market
- To further your study to MSc level programmes
Your future career
Opportunities are available in a wide range of computer related employment. When you graduate you would expect to obtain a job in computer programming, systems administration, computer support, hardware construction or many specific computer application areas.
How we support you
The School prides itself on its student support systems. We operate an open door policy with students encouraged to consult with their tutors. Personal Tutors and Programme Tutors will monitor your progress and provide assistance and advice with academic and personal problems. We are pleased for students to consult whichever tutor they are most comfortable talking to.
The School facilities include dedicated computer laboratories and equipment that you are free to use whenever it is not being used for a class. Each laboratory has a Laboratory Technician permanently on hand to help. All formal laboratory classes are supported by academics.
Employer links are maintained through our Industrial Liaison Group and employers are invited to attend the University to talk about careers.
Bonus factors
Computer Technology is studied at the Docklands Campus. Transport links are available via bus or tube linking Central London and major airports.
Our external examiner system provides a continuous check on the health of our programmes and is also used to provide feedback to final year project students. Industrial links and the work of our industrial liaison panel maintains the currency of our programmes and thereby the employment and career paths of our students.
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
- Acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the computing profession
- Apply computer hardware and software to a range of technical problems
- Deliver a technical computing service to groups of users
- Develop personal resources that enable investigation, experimentation and research.
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- Detailed knowledge of computer application packages
- Coherent understanding of computer programming
- Understand technical aspects of computer organisation and architecture
- Application of fundamental knowledge of digital electronics
- Understanding of software engineering
- Detailed knowledge of theory and practice of operating systems
- Appreciation of various computer networking and communications
- Understanding of hardware configurations and interfacing
- Understand concepts of systems and network administration
Thinking skills
- Apply problem solving and problem analysis techniques in complex situations
- Develop computer algorithms and data structures
- Analyse systems and systems design
- Critically evaluate assumptions and datasets
- Enhance learning skills, experimentation and research
Subject-Based Practical skills
- Application of knowledge to a diverse range of Information Technology
- Undertake consistent laboratory testing and analysis
- Application of knowledge and skills to a wide range of IT to problems
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- Ability to communicate information to a wide range of audiences
- Application of problem-solving techniques to a variety of problems
- Application of established techniques and analysis tools
- Management of time and ability to plan and management projects
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit rating of this programme is 360 credits.
Typical duration
The normal duration of this programme is three years full-time or four years sandwich. Although the programme is not offered on a part-time basis it may be possible for students to enrol on individual modules and so build up the required number of modules over a programme of more than three years. Students wishing to do this must establish an agreed personal programme of study with the Programme Tutor and be able to fit into the normal timetable. In certain cases it may be possible to obtain direct entry to the second level of the programme.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year is divided into two semesters of roughly equal length.
A typical full-time student will study the equivalent of 60 credits every semester.
What you will study when
There are no optional modules on this program. In each of years one and two, students study six 20-credit modules. In year three there are four 20-credit modules and one (project) 40-credit module.
This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A typical full-time student will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.
It is possible to bring together modules from one subject with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:
- Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
- Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
- Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
- Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three
Modules are defined as:
- Core - Must be taken
- Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
- University wide option - Select from a wide range of modules across the University
The following table shows the core and optional requirements of the single and major routes for this programme.
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single and major pathways for this programme
| Level | Module Code | Module title | Credit | Status Single | Status Major |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
EE1003 |
Engineering Computing I |
20 |
core |
- |
|
1 |
EE1303 |
Computer Organisation |
20 |
core |
core |
|
1 |
EE1304 |
Computer Applications |
20 |
core |
core |
|
1 |
EE1001 |
Skills for Academic Learning |
20 |
core |
core |
|
1 |
EE1301 |
Computer Architecture |
20 |
core |
core |
|
1 |
EE1302 |
Digital Electronics |
20 |
core |
- |
|
2 |
EE2301 |
Engineering Computing II |
20 |
core |
- |
|
2 |
EE2305 |
Microprocessors |
20 |
core |
- |
|
2 |
EE2304 |
Operating Systems |
20 |
core |
core |
|
2 |
EE2302 |
Computer Networks |
20 |
core |
core |
|
2 |
EE2004 |
Employability Skills & Group Design |
20 |
core |
core |
|
2 |
EE2303 |
Software Engineering |
20 |
core |
core |
|
3 |
EE3301 |
Integrated Systems Design |
20 |
core |
core |
|
3 |
EE3304 |
Shell Scripts & System Utilities |
20 |
core |
option |
|
3 |
EE3302 |
Further Applications Programming |
20 |
core |
- |
|
3 |
EE3303 |
Communications Networks |
20 |
core |
option |
|
3 |
EE3008 |
Project and Research Skills |
40 |
core |
core |
Requirements for gaining an award
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
|
The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
× |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
× |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
|
60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Degree Classification
-
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- Lectures and Seminars
- Assignments
- Projects
- Use of computing equipment and software
Thinking skills are developed through
- Problem analysis and problem solving
- Development of computer algorithms and data structures
- Critical assessment of information
- Implementation of computer based solutions
Practical skills are developed through
- Computer laboratory and experimental work
- Hardware installation and configuration
- Software installation and configuration
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- Interactive communication exercises
- Individual and group working activities
- Reflecting on learning through personal development planning
- Developing employability and research skills
Assessment
Knowledge is assessed by
- Time constrained examinations
- Laboratory exercises
- Assignments and project work
Thinking skills are assessed by
- Approach to solving problems
- Analysis of alternative solutions
- Practical solutions to complex tasks
- Development of original and novel solutions
Practical skills are assessed by
- Laboratory reports and experimental assessment
- Group work
- Application to practical problem-solving
Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by
- Oral Presentations
- Written communication exercises
- Team exercises
- Research and problem solving
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before the programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the University’s Quality Standing Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments
- Attending assessment boards
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks
- Ensuring that regulations are followed
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module evaluations
- Staff/Student representation on programme committees (meeting 2 times per year)
- Field feedback information analysis for programme and module evaluation
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- Circulating the Minutes of the programme committee
- Providing details on the programme noticeboard
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
- Feedback from external examiners
- Industrial Liaison committee
- Information from professional bodies
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site
- The student handbook
- Module study guides
- UEL Manual of Regulations and Policies http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
- School of Computing & Technology web pages http://www.uel.ac.uk/cite
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
