Welcome to your Cloud and Network Computing course

Your lectures will be delivered live on campus (may be recorded), practical tutorial sessions will also be live on campus.

All learning materials will be hosted on our VLE (Blackboard).

Tutorial (practical sessions) are normally maximum capacity of 25. Lectures can be up to 150 students in the lecture theatre.

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.

Computer Architecture and Operating Systems Design – This module enables you to explore the different areas of technology within computing and identify 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.

Networks and Communications – This course is intended to equip you with not only the knowledge but also the practical skills to be able to create and understand an enterprise grade network. The Syllabus incorporates the content of the Cisco ICND1 qualification (Network fundamentals and routing/switching fundamentals). You’ll be starting off learning the key concepts in networking and working in our specialist labs to put that theory into practice.

Algorithms and Programming Concepts – 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. On the way, you will also learn about algorithms, data structures, analysing problems, modelling solutions, and testing programs.

It would be good if you could review the following videos in preparation for your core modules:

Networking

Computer Architecture:

Programming Concepts

Please feel free to watch other introductory videos, TED Talks and YouTube are a good starting place. Please do not worry if you do not understand everything, that is what we are going to help you with.

Our library services offer some excellent guides to help you with your studies and workshops sessions can be booked for individual support. Please look at these additional resources that may be of use during your studies: 

When you arrive, you will be starting three modules in the first semester. These modules are designed to begin your journey into both computing, and academia itself.

All our courses in the Foundation Year start from scratch but move forward quickly.

Study Skills and Data Analytics 1 – This module is designed to introduce you to the world of academia and provide you with the skills that you will need to successfully read for your degree, and also complete assignments effectively first time!

You’ll be working on building up your research and writing skills to help you through your university journey. In particular you will learn how to approach assignments and to undertake literature reviews and reflective reports at university level.

Programming and AI – This module is your introduction to programming and web- based technologies. You will learn about problem-solving in the context of programming on this module, and how to analyse a problem and produce a basic application. The module will introduce programming to help you implement a solution with different interfaces. You will also be introduced to areas of artificial intelligence (AI), using voice assistants as an example.

Communication and Cyber – NSP is your introduction to key concepts that you will need to really get to grips with computing itself. These concepts are extremely important as you progress into understanding how computers work and talk to each other! You will start studying networking concepts utilising industry-standard Cisco Academy training materials.

You will then move on to studying Cyber Security concepts utilising industry-standard Cisco Academy training materials.

Throughout your University journey you will be supported by a specifically assigned academic mentor, as well as a team of module tutors who will always be on hand to help you with whatever you need!

You also have a dedicated course leader, and level leader, who you can always turn to if you have any concerns or need anything at all!

Read news articles around digital technologies to get an idea of the latest ideas and innovations.

Consider how technology supports day to day processes and how data is collected and stored.

The following are useful:

The podcast Twit (This Week in Tech)

The British Computer Society Impact page

Software link

A suitable PC/Laptop preferably Windows OS, ideally Intel i5 or equivalent with a minimum of 16GB memory.

Alternatively, a Mac or Linux based machine, warning Macs that are “M” series based are not recommended at present due to virtualisation incompatibility.

There may be an opportunity for us to run a number of visits, these will be optional and communicated out to you closer to the time.

We hope to offer you opportunities to get involved in several research and commercial guest talks, these are not mandatory to your course but offer an insight into the future of computing.

Information about several clubs is available

These are run by our Student Union, a fantastic way to get involved in your student experience and meet people! Don’t forget all students form the union, it only works if everyone is involved!