Computer Science with Foundation Year

Program Overview

This four-year BSc (Hons) in Computer Science with Foundation Year at LSBU equips students with the core knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in computing. The foundation year provides a solid academic and technical foundation, while the BSc degree covers essential topics such as programming, data structures, algorithms, and software engineering. Students also gain hands-on experience in industry-standard equipment and facilities. Upon completion, graduates are well-prepared for various career opportunities in the tech industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program is designed for students who do not meet the standard entry requirements for a direct entry into a Computer Science degree but possess the experience, maturity, and determination to succeed in the field. The foundation year serves as a preparatory year, providing the necessary academic and technical grounding for students to progress into the BSc (Hons) Computer Science degree at LSBU upon successful completion.

Objectives:

• To equip students with the core knowledge and skills required for a successful career in computing.
• To prepare students for the academic demands of a Computer Science degree.

Outline:

Foundation Year:

• Foundations of Computing Skills (20 credits): Covers fundamental concepts such as programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and problem-solving methodologies.
Students gain practical experience in software development, database management, and computational thinking.
• Principles of Discrete Mathematics (20 credits): Enhances basic mathematical skills and develops knowledge and skillset in formalising and resolving theoretical and practical problems in Computer Science.
• Introduction to Programming (20 credits): Introduces fundamental programming concepts and Python syntax through hands-on exercises and projects.
Covers techniques, tools, skills, and knowledge of a data analyst.
• Foundation project (40 credits): Students undertake a software development project, combining knowledge and skills from the other foundation modules.
They produce software with supporting documentation and a demonstration/presentation.

Year 1:

• Fundamentals of computer science: Explores the history of computing, algorithms, abstraction, binary numbering system, Boolean logic, computer hardware, building computer circuits, the von Neumann model, and introduces hardware, data, software, and the nature of data.
• Fundamentals of software development: Teaches fundamental computer programming concepts, covering variables, datatypes, arrays, algorithms, conditional and iterative code, and the use of functions.
Students learn to write simple programs using a contemporary programming language and development environment.
• Professional practice: Introduces students to academic study, the world of work, and the professional and personal skills required for success.
Covers topics related to computer-based information systems, e-business, and business organization.
• Data structures and algorithms: Defines data structures, attributes, arrays, records, linked lists, binary trees, and hash tables.
Covers the derivation of algorithms, problem-solving techniques, sequences, selections, repetitions, sorting, and searching.
• Discrete mathematics: Introduces logical and discrete mathematical structures and models commonly used in Computer Science.
Emphasizes problem formulation, solution interpretation, and identification of problem characteristics.
• Requirements Analysis and UCD: Provides practical tools and techniques for designing, developing, and evaluating effective interactive systems.
Covers user-centered design and usability.

Year 2:

• Big Data and Database Systems: Covers concepts and practice of Database Systems Management and the fundamentals of Big Data processing.
• Object-oriented programming: Introduces sophisticated programming constructs associated with object-oriented programming, event-driven programming, and graphical user interface development.
• Operating systems: Covers the design of operating systems and their functions, including virtualisation and CPU features for performance optimization.
• Software engineering: Covers all aspects of software engineering, including systematic approaches to development, testing, maintenance, and ongoing development of software.
• Advanced programming: Explores the development of complex Graphical User Interface (GUI) applications, multi-threaded programming, and the design of effective GUIs.

Year 3:

• Optional sandwich year: Students can choose to undertake a year of industrial or commercial training.

Year 4:

• Honours computer science project: Students undertake a significant project demonstrating their theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ability to complete a professional piece of work.
• Systems and cyber security: Covers all aspects of security in computer systems and networks, including fundamental principles, threats, and countermeasures.
• ICT project management in practice: Students work collaboratively with students from other disciplines on ICT projects, going through the full ICT development lifecycle.
• Optional modules: Students choose one module from the following:
• Mobile computing:
Covers architectures, protocols, and technologies underlying mobile computing.
• Data Mining and Big Data Analytics: Introduces the theory, concepts, and techniques of data mining and its role in business and scientific research.
• Final optional module: Students choose one module from the following:
• Artificial intelligence:
Covers the history, development, and techniques of artificial intelligence systems.
• Smart internet technologies: Covers enablers for dealing with limitations of existing internet, including All-IP Networking Architectures, Cloud Computing, 5G networking architectures, and IoT technologies.
• AR/VR technologies: Covers technologies and algorithms for developing and deploying virtual reality and augmented reality applications.

Assessment:

• Modules are assessed either as 100% coursework or a combination of coursework and examination.
• Combined modules typically use a weighting of 60% coursework and 40% examination.
• All modules in the first year are assessed by coursework alone.
• Four of the six modules in the second year have exams as well as coursework.
• Three modules in the final year have exams as well as coursework.

Teaching:

• Students are allocated a named tutor during their first three weeks at LSBU.
• Students have appointments with their personal tutor at least twice a semester.

Careers:

• The Employability Service provides free workshops, events, online job boards, and one-on-one support to help students find employment.
• Upon completion of the degree, students will understand how to specify, develop, design, and test software and use industry-standard software for computer systems.
• Career opportunities include computer programming, software and web development, IT consultancy, and application design.
• Students can work in various sectors or start their own businesses.
• LSBU has a professional relationship with the British Computer Society and is recognized for full exemption from their professional examinations.
• LSBU and IBM are strategic partners and collaborate on the content of this course.

Other:

• The course is accredited by the BCS (British Computer Society).
• Students gain experience using industry-standard equipment, computer programming, and simulation facilities, including large-scale calibrations for deep learning networking and simulation for cyber security.
• LSBU offers a range of extracurricular activities for Engineering students, including AI machine learning boot camp and silent film processing.
• Students can also rent privately with the help of LSBU's Accommodation Service.
• the Outline section is limited to the module titles and general descriptions.