University of Birmingham School of Computer Science
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Programme Specification for the Intercalated Year in Computer Science

Final Award N/A
Interim Awards None
Programme Title Intercalated Year in Computer Science
School/Department School of Computer Science
Banner Code 5955
Mode(s) of Study Full-time
Length of Programme 1 year
Total Credits 120
UCAS Code N/A
Awarding Institution The University of Birmingham
Teaching Institution The University of Birmingham
Designed for accreditation by -
QAA Benchmarking Groups Computing
Completed by Dr P Coxhead
Date 1 June 2003
Educational Aims of Programme

Computer Science is both an academic discipline in its own right and an enabling technology for other discipline: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences as well as Science and Engineering. The focus here is firmly on Computer Science as an enabling technology. The programme aims to provide a solid, self-contained and coherent core of computer science suitable for combination with a variety of other academic disciplines. It aims to provide:

  1. A grounding in the theory underpinning modern developments in computer science.
  2. An introduction to practical software design and implementation.
  3. A range of options in computer science to cater for a variety of interests and backgrounds.
Reference Points used to inform Programme Outcomes
Computing Benchmarking Statement, the University and School Teaching and Learning Strategies.
Special features of the Programme
The Intercalated Year in Computer Science is taken between the second and third years of a main degree programme. It is assessed on a pass/fail basis. Neither credits nor marks gained during the year contribute to the main degree. Successful students graduate with a degree in their main programme, but with the addition of the extra words 'with Intercalated Year in Computer Science'.

 

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 computer 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 simple computer-based systems. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Independent study Examinations, Coursework, Reports

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 problem. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Independent study Examinations, Coursework, Reports
2 The ability to specify, design and construct simple computer-based systems, using appropriate tools, and to document all stages of this process. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Independent study Coursework, Examinations
3 The ability to evaluate computer based systems in terms of general quality attributes and possible trade-offs presented within a given information handling problem. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Projects, Independent study Coursework, Reports, Examinations, Presentations
(transferable skills)
4 Enhanced awareness of and ability to use general IT facilities, including basic information-retrieval skills. Practical work Coursework
5 '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
6 Management of learning and development, including time management, organizational skills, and the ability to pursue independently further development of their IT education. Lectures, Tutorials, Exercise classes, Practical work, Independent study Coursework, 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.

See also: