Programme specification
This programme specification is aimed at prospective students and represents the most current course structure.
SECTION A: DETAILS OF THE COURSE AND AWARD
| Programme: | COMPUTERS WITH ELECTRONICS (4 YEARS INCLUDING FOUNDATION YEAR) |
|---|---|
| Awarding body: | University of Essex |
| Teaching institution: | University of Essex |
| Department: | International Academy |
| Final award: | BSC |
| NQF Level of Qualification: | Honours |
| Full / Part Time | Full-time |
| QAA Benchmark Group: | Engineering |
| JACS code: | GH46 |
| Publication date: | 28/05/2010 |
| Admission criteria:
if the applicant does not meet the specified criteria, he or she may discuss the application with the Head of Undergraduate or Head of Postgraduate admissions. |
A-levels: 180 points, including DD at A-level or equivalent GCSE Mathematics: C English Language: IELTS 5.0 or equivalent |
SECTION B: PROGRAMME AIMS, OUTCOMES, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS
This section provides a concise overview of the programme of study, identifying the aims, learning outcomes and the corresponding methods of learning, teaching and assessment.
Programme: BSC COMPUTERS WITH ELECTRONICS (4 YEARS INCLUDING FOUNDATION YEAR)
Programme aims:
The teaching aims of BSc in Computers and Electronics are: to equip students with the knowledge and skills that are currently in high demand in computer engineering and related industries; to provide students with a foundation for further study and research; to enable students to acquire a broad understanding of computer systems engineering and associated electronics, whilst providing opportunities for them to develop expertise within particular areas of specialisation; to develop students' ability to make an effective contribution to team-based activity; to encourage students to adopt an investigative approach and develop autonomous study skills in order to ensure their continuing professional development; to provide students with an understanding of the industrial context and an appreciation of a range of external factors that affect the work of the professional computer and electronic engineer; to provide students with a broad set of skills in the preliminary stage of study (year 0 and accelerated route) to allow progression to a wide set of degree courses.
Programme Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
A1 : Principles, techniques and processes of project management A2 : The industrial context and the professional, legal and ethical responsibilities of computer systems and electronic engineers A3 : Mathematical principles that underpin the analysis and generation of computing models and algorithms, and the analysis and design of electronic systems A4 : Programming models, languages and development environments A5 : Computer systems, including computer architecture, operating systems, embedded computer systems and computer networks A6 : Information systems, including data modelling, database design, information retrieval and visualisation, and access via interactive web pages A7 : Digital systems, including representing audio and video media as digital signals, digital signal processing and digital system design A8 : Principles, techniques and applications in those areas of computer systems and electronic engineering or related disciplines in which the student has chosen to develop special expertise |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
|
B1 : Analyse a given problem and select the most appropriate methods for its solution B2 : Evaluate the relative strengths of a range of theories, techniques, tools, languages, etc. used in the design and construction of computer and electronic based systems B3 : Interpret the contents of articles and other sources, and form a critical judgement of their relative importance and relevance to an area of study B4 : Construct informed, succinct and reasoned descriptions of, and proposals for, computer or electronic-based systems |
C: Practical Skills
|
C1 : Make effective use of a range of theories, techniques, programming languages, operating systems, design support tools, and development environments C2 : Specify, design, implement, test and document a computer-based system C3 : Work as a member of a team, contributing to the planning and execution of a computer system development task C4 : Propose, plan, undertake and report a self-directed individual programme of investigation, design and implementation |
D: Key Skills
|
Communication: D1 : Communicate effectively in written reports and oral presentations using appropriate terminology and technical language IT Skills: D2 : Retrieve information using search engines, browsers and catalogues; use appropriate IT facilities to prepare and present technical reports in various formats (documents, oral presentations) Numeracy: D3 : Use mathematical techniques in the processes of analysis and design Problem Solving: D4 : Analyse complex problems and design effective solutions Working with Others: D5 : Plan and manage team projects using available support tools; work effectively as part of a team Self Learning: D6 : Organise activity and manage time in a programme of self-directed study |
Learning, Teaching & Assessment Methods or Strategies for the following:
A: Knowledge and Understanding
|
Learning Methods Lectures are the principal method of delivery for the concepts and principles involved in outcomes A1 - A8. Students are also directed to reading from textbooks, academic papers and material available on-line. Understanding is reinforced by means of exercise classes, discussion groups, laboratories, assignments and project work. Specialist knowledge (A8) is further developed during supervision of the final year individual project. Assessment Methods hievement of knowledge outcomes is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations, and also through marked coursework. An assessment of the understanding of underlying concepts and principles forms part of the overall assessment of the final year individual project report and oral presentation. |
B: Intellectual/Cognitive Skills
|
Learning Methods The basis for intellectual skills is provided in lectures, and they are developed by means of recommended reading, guided and self directed study, assignments and project work. B1 is a key element of most assignments and project work. B2 is developed through exercises and exposure to a range of systems software. B3 is developed through guided reading and tutor led discussion groups. B1 - B4 are all important aspects of the final year project, and are developed in the course of individual supervision. Assessment Methods Achievement of intellectual skills is assessed primarily through unseen closed-book examinations, and also through marked assignments and project work. |
C: Practical Skills
|
Learning Methods Practical skills are developed in exercise classes, laboratory classes, assignments and project work. C1 is developed through exercises and exposure to a range of systems software. Various aspects of C2 are acquired in programming, software engineering and other assignments, and further developed in team and individual project work. C3 is developed in group assignments and the first and second year team projects. C4 is developed during the supervision of the final year individual project. Assessment Methods Achievement of practical skills is assessed through marked coursework, project reports, oral presentations and demonstrations of completed systems. |
D: Key Skills
|
Learning Methods Students learn key skills in research, problem solving, communication and team project work in the first year module CE121, and thereafter the development of key skills forms an integral part of their overall learning activity. In particular: D1 and D2 are developed in team and individual project work. D2 is developed through the use of the internet as a major information source, and practice in the use of tools such as Word and PowerPoint. D3 and D4 are developed in exercises and assignments. D5 is developed in group assignments and the first and second year team projects. D6 is developed in the final year individual project. Assessment Methods Assessment of the key skills D3 and D4 is intrinsic to subject based assessment. The assessment of project work includes specific allocations of credit for project management (D5, D6) and the quality of presentations (D1 and D2). An individual's contribution to team projects (D5) is determined by means of a submission containing reflective and self-assessment components. The assessment of the final year individual project report includes specific allocation of credit for the quality, extent and relevance of a bibliography, including internet sources (D2). |
SECTION C: COURSE STRUCTURE
Please refer to your option list as issued by the department where necessary,
and view module details in the module directory.
Additional notes on module choices:
In choosing module options, students are advised to maintain a balance across both terms, but may choose modules to a maximum of 75 credits in either the autumn or spring terms. Note that a full year 15 credit module is worth 7.5 credits in each term; a full year 30 credit module is worth 15 credits in each term.
First Year Autumn Term exams will take place in week 15, the week before the start of the Spring Term. All other exams will take place during the main examination period in May / June of the academic year.
Foundation year
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | IA105-3-FY | COMPUTERS FOR COMMUNICATION | Compulsory |
| 02 | IA112-3-FY OR IA117-3-FY | Compulsory with Options | |
| 03 | IA119-3-FY | COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS | Compulsory |
| 04 | IA140-3-FY | ACADEMIC SKILLS | Core |
| 05 | IA160-3-FY | COMPUTER PROGRAMMING | Compulsory |
Year 1
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | SEE DEPARTMENT 3 YR VERSION | Compulsory | |
| 02 | SEE DEPARTMENT 3 YR VERSION | Compulsory | |
| 03 | SEE DEPARTMENT 3 YR VERSION | Compulsory | |
| 04 | SEE DEPARTMENT 3 YR VERSION | Compulsory |
Year 2
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | ONE LEVEL 5 OPTION FROM LIST (15 CREDITS) | Core with Options | |
| 02 | CE222-5-SP | OPERATING SYSTEMS | Core |
| 03 | CE243-5-AU | C PROGRAMMING AND EMBEDDED SYSTEMS | Core |
| 04 | CE201-5-SP | GROUP PROJECT & INDUSTRIAL PRACTICE | Core |
| 05 | CE264-5-AU | DIGITAL SYSTEMS DESIGN | Core |
| 06 | ONE LEVEL 5 OPTION FROM LIST (15 CREDITS) | Core with Options | |
| 07 | ONE LEVEL 5 OPTION FROM LIST (15 CREDITS) | Core with Options | |
| 08 | ONE LEVEL 5 OPTION FROM LIST (15 CREDITS) | Core with Options |
Year 3
| Component No. | Module Code | Module Title | Status in Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | CE301-6-FY | INDIVIDUAL PROJECT | Compulsory |
| 02 | LEVEL 6 OPTION FROM LIST (15 CREDITS) | Core with Options | |
| 03 | LEVEL 6 OPTION FROM LIST (15 CREDITS) | Core with Options | |
| 04 | LEVEL 6 OPTION FROM LIST (15 CREDITS) | Core with Options | |
| 05 | LEVEL 6 OPTION FROM LIST (15 CREDITS) | Core with Options | |
| 06 | LEVEL 6 OPTION FROM LIST (15 CREDITS) | Core with Options | |
| 07 | LEVEL 6 OPTION FROM LIST (15 CREDITS) | Core with Options |
SECTION D: RULES OF ASSESSMENT
Rules of assessment are here: http://www2.essex.ac.uk/academic/students/ug/rules.htm
Assessment information for individual modules can be found on the Module Directory at http://www.essex.ac.uk/courses/
See also: details of individual modules in the module directory and links to course materials and resources in the Course
Materials Repository.
External Examiner Information
- Name: Prof Andrew Tyrrell
- Institution: THE UNIVERSITY OF YORK
- Academic Role: Chair of Digital Electronics
NOTE
The University of Essex Programme Specifications Catalogue is updated annually in April/May. The specifications represent the most current course structures and may be subject to review and change. Should you have any queries about the Catalogue's pages, please contact the Course Records Team, Systems Administration Office, Academic Section; email: crt (non Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk)