Computer Science BSc (Hons)

Each topic will be covered over a six week block, knowledge gained will be applied during several later modules and, depending on your degree programme, will be developed further. An exploration of the history, major advances and trends in computing are discussed to give you a context for subsequent study. Foundations of computer system usability and cyber security are covered during the next two blocks. The final block introduces a technology that is specific to the your degree course, but which is not covered in a dedicated module elsewhere at level 4.

You will explore c urrent and legacy technologies together with the protocols used for developing and managing computer networks. You will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience during practical lab sessions that will encompass both Windows and Linux based operating systems.

This module emphasises the logical and theoretical concepts upon which computing systems are physically constructed. Within this module the underpinning decision logic of computer systems is developed alongside an understanding of operating systems and an examination of the use of algorithms in operating system software.

You will be given ample opportunities to practise developing databases using Crow's Foot Entity Relationship Diagrams (ERDs) and SQL, tools that are crucial in the creation of databases. You will also learn about the concept of normalisation theory, a key principle in simplifying complex information into manageable data. You will learn to craft accurate SQL queries to extract the necessary data and information, a critical skill that allows businesses to generate actionable insights from their data. By the end of this module, you will not only be proficient in creating databases but will also be capable of operating them to meet business requirements.

The module provides you with guidance and support to enable you to increase your knowledge and skills in programming irrespective of your starting point. Techniques of program design are taught alongside the Python programming language. You'll learn how to break problems into logical steps and write programs using practical coding skills and industry-standard programming languages, building confidence through regular hands-on activities.

You will learn about the concepts of object-oriented programming and graphical user interface (GUI) construction alongside the Python programming language. You'll create, test, and refine programs, developing an understanding of how components work together in larger applications and how to improve program design.

This module covers computer systems, including implementation of operating systems, instruction set and microprocessor architectures, and computer internetworking, including routing, mobility, and security protocols.

The first part of this module builds on your existing programming skills by covering concepts and techniques relevant to the construction of complex interactive software applications, including object-oriented polymorphism, exception handling, event-driven programming and user interface development. The second part explores programming language design and implementation concepts including language evaluation, syntax specification, compilation, control structures, memory allocation and abstraction mechanisms.

You'll learn how choosing the right structure impacts the efficiency of algorithms. Through coding exercises, you'll construct data structures from scratch and see first-hand how they enable solving complex problems. You'll review different implementation options and analyse the tradeoffs in memory usage, speed, simplicity, and more. By the end, you'll have developed core skills for designing optimized data structures tailored to algorithm needs. The module builds a strong foundation for writing efficient, scalable code that handles real-world data.

In this module, you'll learn to design, write and test in a functional programming language, and grasp the concepts that underpin it. You'll apply proof techniques and logic to verify solutions, use graph algorithms, and understand the use of mathematical notation for modern computer science.

You will be encouraged to creatively and persistently engage with the tools and techniques for identifying vulnerabilities, evaluating risks, exploiting weaknesses, and implementing appropriate security measures in computer systems and networks. You will also learn how to communicate effectively vulnerabilities found to all stakeholders involved in cybersecurity. This module will cover standard penetration testing topics including information gathering, risk assessments, binary exploitation, OS enumeration, web application exploitation, privilege escalation, persistence, and other post-exploitation techniques.

You will look at the adoption of software engineering in industry, as well as the implications of developing software for safety critical systems without careful consideration of the best practices in software engineering. You will gain key software engineering skills by collaboratively and iteratively developing medium size software applications. You will have the chance to peer review each other's work throughout the year, and be critical and reflective of the development process you put in place.

You'll demonstrate working machine learning modules and build networks and algorithms. You'll learn the skills needed to explain different types of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning in action.

This module will see you evaluate the emerging research in distributed systems and their development; looking at current architectures, technologies and applications.

You'll develop a conceptual model for evaluating these systems and analyse the impact of attacks on distributed systems.

This module encompasses methodologies, project management and analytical skills to manage a large-scale project. You'll have the opportunity to design, implement, test and evaluate a relevant artefact and reflect on the techniques used throughout the process.

In this module you'll discover contextual understanding of significant ICT trends and breakthroughs. You'll understand their impacts on a multitude of areas including business, government and society.

This module will see you apply the tools of computational complexity to solve real-world, relevant issues.