COURSE CURRICULUM

In Year 1, students are introduced to the foundational principles of computing, programming, data analytics, and information systems. Block 1, *Foundations of Computing*, provides students with a comprehensive understanding of computer systems, networks, and ethics, covering key topics such as data representation, desktop virtualization, and mobile computing. Block 2, *Programming in Python*, focuses on teaching beginners the fundamentals of Python programming, helping students develop practical programming skills through real-world applications. In Block 3, *Data Analytics and Statistics*, students gain skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, with a focus on applying financial and statistical techniques in business contexts, including linear programming and project management models. Block 4, *Information Systems Analysis and Design*, introduces the key tasks involved in analyzing and designing information systems, helping students understand how to manage these tasks within a project framework to ensure successful outcomes. Each module spans seven weeks, with a combination of lectures, seminars, practicals, self-directed study, and assessments to provide students with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge.In Year 2, students build on their foundational knowledge and dive deeper into specialized areas of computer science. Block 1, *Programming with APIs and Frameworks*, focuses on extending programming skills by teaching students to interact with existing libraries, frameworks, and APIs. It emphasizes object-oriented development, collaborative tools like GitHub, and writing code to implement business functionality. Block 2, *Business Intelligence*, teaches students the principles of designing and evaluating interactive systems, addressing usability, user characteristics, and iterative development for effective human-computer interaction. Block 3, *Information and Database Development*, provides a thorough understanding of database management systems (DBMS), including both relational and non-relational databases, as well as practical skills in SQL, data modeling, and database design. Block 4, *Introduction to Information Security*, delves into the importance of secure design and implementation, giving students a foundation in security requirements for application and system development. Finally, Block 5, *Integrated Project*, is a project-based module where students apply their learning in a real-world, team-based environment, using modern techniques like Agile/Scrum development to create a specification, documentation, and prototype for a constrained system. Each block involves lectures, practical work, and self-directed study, equipping students with the technical and collaborative skills necessary for the industry.In Year 3, students focus on advanced topics in computer science and Information Systems. Block 1, *Application Architecture*, delves into modern software architecture, exploring security, programming, and design considerations for web, mobile, and desktop development. Block 2, *Human Computer Interaction*, teaches students to critically assess IT decisions at managerial levels, discussing the role of IT in business, including cloud systems and business intelligence. It also emphasizes the ethical implications of technology. Block 3, *Final Year Project*, allows students to undertake individual projects on significant Computing and Information Systems issues, offering an opportunity to integrate and extend their learning through research and self-directed study. For Block 4, students can choose from several specialized options: *Information and Communication Technologies for Development*, which focuses on the use of ICT to address socio-economic challenges in developing countries; *Privacy and Data Protection*, exploring the balance between privacy laws, data protection technologies, and business effectiveness; *Advanced Database Management and Programming*, which covers complex database systems and advanced programming techniques; and *Artificial Intelligence*, which provides an in-depth understanding of AI principles, from neural computation to problem-solving techniques. Each option provides an advanced, hands-on learning experience with varying lecture, seminar, and practical hours, and emphasizes collaborative and self-directed study.