Course and Module Catalogue

Teaching and learning enables students to acquire the knowledge and skills required by the programme. A variety of strategies are used depending on the nature of the material being considered and also taking into account the individual learning styles of the students. Whatever the learning strategy adopted in a particular module, and the timetabled contact hours, it is expected that a 20 credit module will occupy a student for at least 200 hours and a 40 credit module will occupy a student for at least 400 hours.

Typically, both formal and informal lectures are used as a mechanism to provide key facts, concepts, theories and methodologies. These may be backed up by tutorial and/or practical sessions. These sessions allow students to develop their skills in the areas being considered, to receive immediate feedback on their progress and to take charge of their own learning.

In some subject areas, the key facts are less well-structured and therefore dissemination through lectures is not the most appropriate teaching method. These subjects will typically be taught using studio-based sessions or small group seminars. In these sessions the learning is very much student centred with the lecturer providing direction towards a variety of learning and data resources. Subjects falling into this category include many of the design modules and the enterprise element at second year.

Use of IT resources in teaching is made across the full range of subjects. This may be in the form of online learning material, chat rooms and interactive demonstrations and examples. This type of learning environment allows students to take greater control of their own learning and allows study to take place according to the student’s own schedule. However, this type of learning is provided in addition to timetabled sessions where attendance is compulsory. Students are introduced to the University and Departmental systems for C&IT in the Professional Studies and C&IT module.

Formative assessment is seen as an important part of the learning process and may be provided in a variety of ways. Whenever possible, students will be given individual feedback on their progress prior to formal assessment. This feedback may be in the form of verbal comments on work reviewed in a tutorial, seminar or studio session or written feedback on a piece of work submitted prior to assessment. It is important to understand that formative assessment is a student driven process. Students are not required to submit work for formative assessment but must do so if they desire this feedback.

Assessment is used to determine if students have achieved the learning outcomes of individual modules and hence, the learning outcomes of the programme. A number of forms of assessment are used. These can include portfolios of work, essays, reports on laboratory work, audio-visual presentations (both individually and as a member of a group), computer-based tests, short tests and formal examinations. In all cases, assessment takes place under the regulations set down in the Regulations for Awards and repeated in the Students’ Handbook of Regulations.

The wide variety of delivery and assessment methods used makes the course accessible to students with special educational needs and disabilities.

Communication and research introduces the students to the most efficient ways of learning at this level including: how to use the learning centre and other facilities for research; how to take effective notes and use them to present material formally in both spoken and written form and how to organise and prioritise commitments. It also allows students to investigate and discuss a variety of post-Foundation courses.

Foundation of mathematics explores basic topics necessary for computer science, including basic arithmetic, algebra, sets, matrices, vectors, trigonometry and calculus and provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge.

Foundation of computer science allows students to consider some of the main areas of study within computing and information technology. Students will develop knowledge and understanding of computer systems and the principles of computing (including programming), as well as how these are applied to the solution of problems in the real world.

Engineering Investigative studies explores aspects of both mechanical and electrical and electronic engineering including digital electronics, computer interfacing, control, computer aided design, manufacture and mechanical testing.