What will I learn

You will learn the core elements of computing, such as programming, algorithms, operating systems, computer architecture, databases and data retrieval, user experience design and software development methods. Advanced topics such as artificial intelligence and pervasive computing can provide you with a wide-range of computing knowledge and a complete skillset.

The main study themes are:

• Programming: You will learn the underlying concepts, technologies and algorithms which enable you to apply programming techniques that are appropriate for the problem encountered. You will develop core skills in programming by learning and applying syntax, problem-solving strategies, and theories common to most programming languages. We also examine professional practices associated with the industry, including key software development concepts such as testing code, version control, functional decomposition and event driven programming, as well as how to interact with non-technical users and clients.
• Computer Hardware and Networks: We provide a broad overview of computer architecture, including the origin, structure and use of fundamental hardware components of a computer. We will explore practical and theoretical aspects of computer hardware and software, as well as fundamental concepts of networking and the internet, fundamental to modern computing. We integrate hardware, software and networking through a range of work in IoT (Internet of Things).
• Data Science: One of the major contemporary developments in computing is big data and data analytics, which powers a whole range of applications including social networking, e-commerce, autonomous vehicles, and medical, financial and weather modelling. You will learn how data and information retrieval systems are designed, and study database concepts, theory and design. You will make practical use of database and information retrieval tools and techniques. You will learn a range of concepts related to the data science process, from data collection, to processing, analysis and visualisation.
• Web Development: Modern computing depends on the internet. You will learn how to implement web architectures, from simple chat rooms to large-scale client-server applications which integrate data, data analytics, interface design and user experience work. You will learn technologies including HTML, css, and JavaScript, as well as a range of java and python-based web development frameworks. You will deploy technologies used to produce a range of standards based websites, incorporate multimedia content, implement database technologies for the web, and design and build a data-driven dynamic websites which utilises both server-side and client-side scripting language technologies and APIs.
• User Experience: User Experience or UX is concerned with two things: how people feel when they use technology, and how rewarding user experiences can be designed at the interface (UXD). This theme will provide you with knowledge on how to create compelling interfaces and to evaluate them, working with real users.
• Security Security is a crucial issue in computing. You will learn the concepts and practical considerations relevant to creating and evaluating secure computer systems. You will analyse systems at both the application level and at the level of interconnected devices in architectures such as client-server and cloud-based, with attention given to security-by-design, security legislation and regulation and the associated products and services.
• Software Design and Development You will learn how to design and implement software from the simple to the more complex. You will study the process of software development including techniques such as Agile Development, learning how to scope, plan, evaluate and implement software within given timeframes. You will learn how to test software, and to ensure quality and standards.