University of Birmingham School of Computer Science
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Programme Specification for the BSc in Artificial Intelligence & Computer Science with an Industrial Year

NOTE: This is a formal specification for the degree programme. If you are not yet a student in the School, you will find more appropriate information on the Undergraduate Admissions pages.

Final Award BSc
Interim Awards None
Programme Title Artificial Intelligence & Computer Science with an Industrial Year
School/Department School of Computer Science
Banner Code 9502
Mode(s) of Study Full-time
Length of Programme 4 years
Total Credits 480
UCAS Code GG47
Awarding Institution The University of Birmingham
Teaching Institution The University of Birmingham
Designed for accreditation by British Computer Society [See Footnote 2]
QAA Benchmarking Groups Computing
Completed by Dr J E Rowe
Date 14 April 2011
Educational Aims of Programme

Within the context of the general Learning & Teaching Aims of the School, this four-year single honours degree programme aims to provide:

  1. A solid foundation for a career or further study in computing/IT, including areas involving Artificial Intelligence.
  2. Coverage of the core areas of Artificial Intelligence and general computer science.
  3. A solid grounding in the theoretical underpinnings of contemporary developments in Artificial Intelligence and general computer science.
  4. A solid grounding in practical software development skills, including those appropriate to Artificial Intelligence applications.
  5. A choice of options in the second year and a wide choice of advanced and specialist options in the final year, covering both Artificial Intelligence and general computer science.
  6. The vocational aspect of an honours degree in Computer Science is considerably enhanced when students are able to augment their academic study by working in a commercial environment. The integration of an industrial placement of one year's duration in the programme aims to provide the opportunity for a student to: (1) understand how theoretical and academic work completed within the university environment relates to its practical application in the work place; (2) learn how computing professionals operate within a commercial organisation; (3) improve his or her skills of organisation, time management and record keeping over a significant period of work; (4) undertake technical project work in a commercial environment.
Reference Points used to inform Programme Outcomes
Computing Benchmarking Statement, UK-SPEC, Requirements of Accrediting Bodies, the University and School Teaching and Learning Strategies.
Special features of the Programme
None.

 

Programme Outcomes and Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies

Knowledge & Understanding
Ref A. Students are expected to have knowledge and understanding of... Teaching, Learning & Assessment Strategies to enable outcome to be achieved and demonstrated
Learning & Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
1 The essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to Computing and Artificial Intelligence and their applications as appropriate to the topics covered in the programme. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Independent study Examinations, Coursework
2 Appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems, particularly those with an Artificial Intelligence orientation. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Independent study Examinations, Coursework, Reports
3 The role of computing professionals within a company and the interactions that normally take place with other disciplines. Working in a commercial environment under the supervision of an Industrial Tutor Report
4 The application of technical knowledge in a commercial context at an appropriate level for the student's qualifications. Working in a commercial environment under the supervision of an Industrial Tutor, in particular completing one or more technical projects as required by the company Successful completion of at least 30 weeks of the placement (as determined by the Industrial Tutor and the Academic Tutor), Report
5 The standard of professional presentation and reporting skills required in industry and commerce. Maintenance of a log-book; undertaking presentations and/or making reports as may be required by the company under the supervision of an Industrial Tutor Log-book, Report, Evaluation by the Industrial Tutor and the Academic Tutor

Skills & Other Attributes
Ref B. Students are expected to have attained the following skills and other attributes: Teaching, Learning and Assessment Strategies to enable outcome to be achieved and demonstrated
Learning & Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
1 The ability to apply the knowledge and understanding noted above to the analysis of a given information handling or Artificial Intelligence related problem. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Projects, Independent study Examinations, Coursework, Reports
2 The ability to specify, design and construct computer-based systems, using appropriate tools, and to document all stages of this process. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Projects, Independent study Coursework, Reports, Examinations, Presentations
3 The ability to evaluate computer-based systems in relation to a given information handling or Artificial Intelligence related problem. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Projects, Independent study Coursework, Reports, Examinations, Presentations
4 A responsible, ethical and open-minded attitude to their work and an understanding of the scope of Artificial Intelligence approaches. Lectures, Projects Coursework, Reports, Presentations
5 The ability to work as a computing professional in a commercial environment, demonstrating a professional and responsible attitude. Exposure to normal working practices in a commercial environment, under the supervision of an Industrial Tutor Log-book, Report, Evaluation by the Industrial Tutor and the Academic Tutor
(transferable skills)
6 The ability to work both independently and as an effective team member. Practical work, Projects, Independent study, Working in a commercial environment under the supervision of an Industrial Tutor Coursework, Reports, Presentations, Log-book, Report, Evaluation by the Industrial Tutor and the Academic Tutor
7 The ability to use and apply general IT facilities, including those required for effective information-retrieval. Practical work, Projects Coursework, Reports, Presentations
8 Numeracy, in both understanding and presenting cases involving quantitative or similar formal, symbolic dimensions. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Projects, Independent study Coursework, Reports, Presentations, Examinations
9 Management of learning and development, including time management, organizational skills, and the ability to pursue independently further professional development. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Projects, Independent study Coursework, Reports, Presentations

Footnotes

  1. The Learning & Teaching and Assessment Methods above are not intended to be exclusive, but to indicate the main methods in use. Module Descriptions contain more detail.
  2. Whether to award accreditation is a decision made from time to time by a professional body according to criteria which are then current; hence there is no guarantee that the programme will actually be accredited for any particular year of entry by any particular professional body.

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