First activity
In the first few weeks we will be starting to deliver the technical content of your course and help you build working relationships with the staff and other students. We will also help you solve any issues you have and help you with the transition into higher education and the different methods of learning used, leading onto you becoming an autonomous, self-motivated learner.
The modules in your first year are:
Algorithms And Programming Concepts - In this module, you will begin an exciting journey of discovery that will lay the programming foundation for both your academic and professional career. You will focus on designing and developing programs in Python. On the way, you will also learn about algorithms, data structures, analysing problems, modelling solutions, and testing programs.
Cloud And Cyber - Computing infrastructure and the data which is stored upon this is essential to businesses from the smallest through to global enterprises. In this module we will be looking at how corporations have adapted to this changing landscape with the increased reliance on the data which is stored. As data is becoming more important, we need to ensure that everything is stored in a manner which makes it accessible within the timeframe defined by the company and to ensure that it remains secure from people both outside and inside of a company. We will look at the transition which is taking place of moving corporate data and infrastructure to a Cloud based environment and ensuring that this meets the requirements of local legalisation and locally defined security requirements. This module will make use of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academic Learning environment to allow students to build confidence in Cloud computing and cyber security. Additionally, we will focus on the essential concepts of cyber security through understanding Cybersecurity principles applied to services, applications, servers, Cloud, and network devices, the module will also cover incident response management, Access control, basic concepts of network security, Backup, and recovery basics, how to identify vulnerabilities and put in place safeguards, Concepts of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Software Development and Application Modelling – In this module, you will begin an exciting journey of discovery that will lay the programming foundation for your professional career. In the first semester, you will focus on writing programs in Python using the procedural programming paradigm. In the second semester, you will begin to explore the Object-Oriented paradigm using C# as the programming language. On the way, you will also learn about analysing problems, modelling solutions, and testing programs.
Computer Architecture And Operating Systems Design - This module explores the different areas of technology within computing and identifies core elements within the field to make an informed choice for purchasing, designing, and developing systems. In addition to these core skills you will consolidate your understanding of an operating system and will be able to commission and program typically Windows and Unix derivative OS as used within your chosen field. Considering Operating Systems outside of traditional x86 computing is also a key skill for fundamental computing decision making.
Data And Distributed Systems - Relational databases are extremely common in the IT industry. This module will teach students how to manage a relational database and will provide and discuss issues relating to the management and control of replicated and distributed databases. This module will take both a theoretical and practical focus with assessment requiring you to work on two case studies to explore problems and identify solutions.
Networks And Communications - In studying this module, you will learn about the fundamental concepts e.g. OSI/TCP suit, TCP and UDP communications, IP addressing, Ethernet, wireless networks, switching, routing, network design, documentation, management and troubleshooting. Upon successful completion of the module, you should become a skilled user who is able to design a network efficiently, can configure network devices e.g. switches, routers etc., can manage and troubleshoot network issues.
Software Development - In this module, you will continue your journey to build your software development skills by learning more about programming in languages such as Java, as well as designing and developing web applications with HTML, CSS and JavaScript. You will also look at how APIs are created and how they can be consumed by web applications. As part of the whole process, you will create and follow a test-and-deploy strategy to ensure the quality of your application.