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.

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.

Computer Networks is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the basic principles of modern networking and data communications. The module will also enhance your understanding and awareness of emerging new technologies in the field. You will explore the major components of communications networks including Wifi networks. In addition, you will learn how to evaluate, plan, design and present appropriate networking solutions to given specifications, and develop a critical understanding of routing, network addressing and how networks can be subnetted.

Computer Systems Architecture is about advanced features of modern computer architectures which enhance system performance. The central processing unit (CPU) instruction set design and choices have been explored in the context of system performance. Cache and instruction pipeline technologies are studied as examples of techniques developed to get round the limitations of the von Neumann bottleneck. Novel reduced instruction set computer (RISC) architecture is also examined and justified.

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.

Introduction to Digital Forensics teaches the methods, tools, techniques and forensic principles required for evidence recovery from a variety of digital media together. Legal and ethical considerations for undertaking such an investigation will also be considered. The module provides the background knowledge and understanding necessary to undertake a forensic computing investigation in a systematic, methodological manner, to develop an understanding of existing applications and investigative techniques and to understand the forensic issues and obstacles to conducting an investigation.

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.

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.

Wireless and Mobile Networks is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the basic principles of modern wireless and mobile networks. The past decade has seen an enormous expansion in the use of mobile technology. A further trend has been the convergence of various forms of digital communication which has enable enterprises and individuals to make wide use of mobile devices to access personal and corporate data. The business benefits of mobile access require organisations to extend the availability of corporate data, essentially blurring the perimeter of the organisation’s network. Such developments present huge challenges to information security specialists. This module therefore explores the technologies of mobile and wireless networking and discusses security challenges. It also provides you with hands-on experience in the set-up, configuration and testing of wireless networks.

Advanced Databases enhances your knowledge of databases, modelling tools and database management systems including object-relational database management systems and NoSQL systems. You will compare and contrast the range of modern DBMS architectures and critically evaluate the implications of the different tools and techniques they make available. You will also critically evaluate the key concepts of advanced databases and their application to database implementation, as well as designing and constructing databases using advanced concepts and techniques.

Forensic Computing teaches the methods, tools and techniques required for data recovery and analysis. The legal requirements for presenting such data will also be considered. The module provides the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake a forensic computing investigation in a systematic manner, as well as to develop an understanding of the role of a computer forensics analyst through the use of existing applications and investigative techniques.

Internet Security equips you with an in-depth understanding of the principles of computer and network security, outlines the key vulnerabilities of a networked computer system, and demonstrates how to design and construct a secure network. While society depends increasingly on computer systems, the systems are accessible from intranets and the internet, thereby increasing the risk to system integrity. A sound understanding of the threats and vulnerabilities of a system, as well as the associated preventative and recovery measures, is therefore important. This module will develop your analytical and evaluative skills in the context of a complex and unpredictable systems environment in order to define an appropriate level of security to meet the needs of a network owner.

IT Management develops your understanding and knowledge to underpin the acquisition and ongoing management of systems and services within an organisation. The module enhances your awareness of the need for a tactical and operational view in the management of technology services, encompassing selection, implementation, third party relationships, and legal and security necessities. You will gain an appreciation of the issues involved in the management of technology services, enhance your knowledge to manage the pre and post systems acquisition process, gain an appreciation of organisation and user support requirements and build your awareness of the security and compliance needs of modern business organisations.

Operating Systems focuses on the internal structure of modern multi-tasking operating systems. The module explores the techniques used in order to efficiently manage the resources of computer systems and provide protection to these resources and its users. The hardware/software interfaces and the levels of abstractions are studied in detail.

System Penetration Testing provides an introduction to the ethics, principles and practice of an essential component of information security, systematically analysing system vulnerabilities and their exploitation. This process provides evidence of the effectiveness of system security controls. It is sometimes called ‘ethical hacking’, though professionally it is referred to as system penetration testing.

Implementing Secure Network Systems provides an in-depth understanding of concepts of computer and network security. Security is of increasing importance for a number of reasons. Society depends increasingly on computer systems, however the systems are accessible from intranets and the internet, thereby increasing the risk to system integrity. IT professionals need a sound understanding of the threats and vulnerabilities of a system, as well as preventative and recovery measures. This module analyses the key vulnerabilities of, and threats to, a networked computer system together with relevant counter measures. The aim is to enhance your analytical and evaluative skills in the context of a complex and unpredictable systems environment in order to be able to define an appropriate level of internet security to meet the needs of a network owner.

Research and Development Project provides experience of designing and executing a substantial project in a limited time, based on a project plan, employing practical skills, problem solving and underpinned by relevant research. You will apply and extend skills and knowledge learned in taught modules and demonstrate your competency to construct and complete a coherent project as a computing professional.

Research Methods provides you with the knowledge and skills to develop a proposal for, and subsequently undertake, a research project at Masters level. You will engage with the essential considerations when analysing a problem and designing a solution. The module will also immerse you in data collection from the user, literature reviews, interface designs and project planning. On successful completion, you will have a well-formed proposal suitable for Masters level study.

Biometric Security provides you with in-depth knowledge of authentication, authorisation and identification techniques. With the advent and boom of mobile devices the amount of authentication attempts we make has increased exponentially. Therefore the need to devise and develop secure authentication techniques, and safeguard the authenticated information, has become more and more important. Coupled with the huge amount of personal data that is held within systems used daily, the detection and prevention of false authentication techniques is a vital characteristic of any secure system. The module offers a modern focus on biometric devices and biometric security systems. It will enable you to identify traditional security techniques, such as password and key-based environments as well as novel techniques such as biometric security solutions.

Cloud Application Management and Security equips you with an in-depth understanding of the development and management of applications that are deployed in a computing Cloud. You will gain a critical understanding of the security implications that exist when applications are distributed in a global framework and explore the frameworks required to support the management and security of both data and applications in such environments.

Information Security Management outlines the process by which information assets are assessed in order to determine the threats and corresponding risks to those assets. Information assets are of critical importance to organisations in both public and private sectors. Information security therefore needs to be considered in a systematic way to ensure that a comprehensive and effective system exists for identifying and controlling risks. Furthermore, there are legal imperatives which have a critical impact on information security. You will develop analytical and evaluative skills in the context of a complex and unpredictable systems environment in order to be able to develop an information security management System that is fit for purpose. The module also encompasses the methods required for controlling risks, providing a systemic view of the process and exploring legal compliance issues.