This module provides students with a foundation of computer skills, knowledge and understanding, targeting students with a specific interest in Computer Science and typically combined with the Maths module in delivery as there is some co-dependency or mathematical confidence required.
The module provides students with an introduction to computing systems, system software and communications, enabling them to develop a number of central computing skills. The module embeds skills and knowledge used to plan and design systems and/or software. The module is designed to develop students’ skills in problem solving, where they learn how to identify a problem and devise a solution according to standard practices in information technology. In this module, students learn about the principles of software development and managing data, including the design and development of database applications. There is also an emphasis on ethical and moral considerations in the field of Computer Science and a structure that encourages students to develop the creative and persistent approaches that bigger projects will demand of them. It also uses an authentic assessment approach for a third of the module, asking students to work on a project for a notional client.
Learning Aims (include but not limited to)
Students will be able to:
- Understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation;
- Analyse problems in computational terms;
- Write programs to demonstrate practical experience of solving problems;
- Think independently about a range of problems, work creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically;
- Identify and articulate relationships between different aspects of computer science;
- Apply mathematical skills related to Boolean algebra, comparison and complexity of algorithms & number representations and bases;
- Understand and articulate the moral, ethical, legal and cultural opportunities and risks of digital technology.
Assessment Objectives
Assessment objectives (AOs) are designed to mirror those in use for UK AS and A-level Computer Science specifications.
The assessment tasks will measure how students have achieved the following assessment objectives.
AO 1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation.
AO 2: Apply knowledge and understanding of the principles and concepts of computer science, including to analyse problems in computational terms.
AO 3: Design, program and evaluate computer systems that solve problems, making
reasoned judgements about these and presenting conclusions.
| Assessment | Indicative weighting | Indicative length | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
Paper 1 AO 1 |
10 credits | 2 hours |
| 2. |
Paper 2 AO 2 |
10 credits | 2 hours |
| 3. |
A Project Completion; this will be selected
from a pre-published task list and students will work under controlled & supervised conditions mirroring a work environment to deliver the solution. AOs 1-3 |
10 credits | 20 hours 2000 words (notional) |