Digital World: Computer Architecture and Networks explores how the world of the 21st century is underpinned by computing technology while challenging you to envision your future developments as a Computing professional. The module discusses how current and modern computer architectures operates. It also analyses the technology on which computer architecture depends, starting with current central processing units (CPUs) and their instruction sets and progressing to the principles of modern multitasking operating systems that are supported by the underlying hardware architectures. An important aspect of modern computer technology is networking. The module introduces and covers basic principles of networks, their interconnecting components and protocols used in enabling reliable communications.

Digital World: Information Systems and Design explores how the world of the 21st century is underpinned by computing technology. The module will develop your understanding of the essential concepts of systems analysis, including identifying systems processes, understanding business needs and presenting appropriate IT solutions. You will then apply this knowledge of systems analysis and design methods to make suggestions for improvement of a business, its processes and information systems.

Foundations of Computer Science introduces you to the concepts and practices of problem solving through a series of innovative class seminars and individual experiments.  You will learn to identify a problem, analyse it, and produce a structured solution. Exploring common issues within computing, you will also see how all of the separate areas merge, overlap and depend on each other in order for a robust computing system to be developed.

Programming: Concepts to Construction 1 provides a practical introduction to the fundamentals of an object-oriented approach to software development. You will be introduced to the analytical techniques and processes that are essential for specifying, designing and implementing applications.

Programming: Concepts to Construction 2 provides a practical introduction to the fundamentals of an object-oriented approach to software development. You will explore and develop object-oriented modelling techniques and receive an introduction to programming through event-driven program design and graphical user interfaces.

Differential Calculus provides a foundation in calculus, introducing the fundamental mathematical concepts which underpin mathematics at degree level. Calculus is one of the foremost branches of mathematics and its mathematical discipline has a unique legacy over the history of mathematics. This module enables you to use a mixture of numerical and analytical techniques to help achieve a deeper understanding of key concepts. It also embraces topics such as functions, limits, the fundamental theorem of calculus, differentiation from first principles, differentiating hyperbolic functions and inverse hyperbolic functions, improper integrals, numerical solutions, numerical differentiation, numerical integration and approximations to functions.

Web Design and Development is a fusion of two distinct areas in the world of web content production. The module will enable you to develop a sound understanding of the World Wide Web, the related technologies, the relationships between them and also their use. You will also explore colour and design theories, layout and typography. In addition, the module provides an appropriate setting to introduce some of the more powerful, user friendly web development tools used widely in the industry today, along with HTML and CSS and both client and server side scripting.

Data Analytics covers the theoretical underpinning of data analytics while also exploring the practical aspects of applying existing methods and tools to large data sets.  You will undertake the role of a data analyst from the initial processing of a raw data set to the final visualisation and recommendations derived from the data analysis.

Databases introduces you to the fundamental concepts in database design. You will acquire practical skills in database modelling, development and design using the rules of normalisation and entity relationship modelling. The module will enable you to identify the legal implications of creating and maintaining a database system, recognise and apply the principles underpinning the relationship model, utilise an appropriate database language, and extract and present data in a meaningful format suitable for the required use.

Employability simulates, as accurately as possible, what it’s like to work in a given Computer Science specialism. You will be introduced to the ‘world of work’ via a simulated work environment, as part of a team representing a fictional company, but which need to produce real products or engage in realistic work-related activities. A 15-day placement will also enhance essential employability skills and provide you with the opportunity to relate theory to practice, build on your transferable skills and evaluate your learning.

Foundations in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence recognises exciting innovations are being built which increasingly automate our world. The foundations of the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence have roots in the work of Alan Turing, investigating the boundary between human intelligence and computers. This module examines how artificial intelligence techniques and principles from biological systems can be applied to robots to control behaviour and sense environments. You will develop an understanding of the theoretical problems, for example behaviour and basics of learning techniques, inherent in robotics and use pre-built robots to design, implement and test different control and perceptual systems. You will develop your expertise in various aspects of robotic programming, including using multi-sensors to collect environmental measurements, designing control strategies and making smart decisions by finding optimal solutions.

Introduction to Security is designed to introduce you to the key concepts in information security and computer forensics. Society depends increasingly on computer systems; the systems are accessible from the internet, therefore increasing the risk to system integrity.  Furthermore, the growth of social networking systems and e-commerce means that personal data is also at risk.  It is therefore essential that internet users have a sound understanding of the risks involved, together with preventative and recovery measures. Security is a complex topic and this module provides an understanding of the context and overall security issues that apply in the use of networked computer systems from a perspective of personal data. You will explore the concepts of information security and identify security risks in different scenarios.

Knowledge Representation and Reasoning enhances your programming skills in developing efficient expert systems for addressing a wide range of different complex tasks, such as automated reasoning, theorem provers, natural language understanding and question-answering. You will be introduced to fundamental computational methods for knowledge representation and reasoning such as first-order logic, ontology engineering and propositional and predicate logic. The module will enable you to design, implement and evaluate knowledge representation and reasoning methods and analyse the strengths and limitations of these methods.

Advanced Robotics and Artificial Intelligence presents an overview about how to model and analyse human and robot behaviour in an algorithmic way. The module also focuses on how to tackle the human-robot interaction and collaboration challenges under the framework of artificial intelligence and robotics. You will develop an understanding of the basic principles about how to design user-friendly human-robot interaction systems, integrate what you have learnt to understand the impact of applications of human-robot interaction systems to modern society, and develop skills in individual thinking, algorithm implementation and teamwork.

Autonomous Secure Systems and Smart Devices deepens your theoretical foundations of ubiquitous computing methods together with the practical aspects of developing secure, smart and autonomous digital devices, from smart phones and wearable devices to household controllers. You will be introduced to the underlying theory underpinning the design and implementation of autonomous secure systems and smart devices. This includes modelling key ubiquitous computing properties, smart architecture models, data analytics and machine learning methods on sensor data, and security management of smart devices such as encryption support for confidentiality and authentication. The practical aspects of the module will enable you to design, implement and evaluate a software system that can be embedded into a smart and secure digital device and critically analyse the strengths and limitations of the developed software system.

Intelligent Systems focuses upon the artificial intelligence (AI) techniques that are embedded within many games to add greater depth and challenges to players. The module explores the theory behind AI programming and provides the opportunity to develop your skills in writing AI code, using a range of techniques and theories which are relevant to the gaming industry, among others. You will be introduced to paradigms which facilitate the creation of AI routines and enable you to integrate these concepts into gaming code.

Research and Development Methods prepares you to undertake a software development project or dissertation. The module will enhance your ability to manage an individual project and act autonomously with limited supervisor guidance. You will be introduced to the main methods of research and the contexts in which they are conducted and enhance your understanding of the principles and perspectives of research. Building your practical experience and confidence in using a range of research methods, the aim is to demystify research and recognise the everyday skills and techniques which are involved.

Research and Development Project provides you with the opportunity to show individual creativity and originality and apply appropriate knowledge and skills taught throughout the programme. The module requires you to demonstrate investigative, problem-solving, communication, management and other transferable skills as you undertake an individual  project. You will conduct in-depth work on a substantial problem. This will include researching and analysing the problem and identifying and achieving a solution.

MAT1001 Differential Calculus (20 credits) replaces SUG1023 Understanding Continuous Functions (20 credits) as an optional module in Year 1.