Programme Specification for the MSci in Pure Mathematics and Computer Science
| Final Award | MSci |
| Interim Awards | None |
| Programme Title | Pure Mathematics and Computer Science |
| School/Department | School of Computer Science |
| Banner Code | 5256 |
| Mode(s) of Study | Full-time |
| Length of Programme | 4 years |
| Total Credits | 480 |
| UCAS Code | |
| 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 | 9 May 2011 |
| Educational Aims of Programme | |
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The aim of this programme is to prepare professionals in both computer science and pure mathematics who would be able to work as specialists in these subjects and in particular in those areas of the computer science research which require knowledge of abstract structures and rigorous mathematical reasoning. This programme is an extension of the existing BSc programme of the same name. It provides a deeper understanding of both subject areas and enables students to get close to the frontiers of research. |
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| 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 |
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Knowledge & Understanding |
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| 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 | Key mathematical concepts and topics | Lectures and tutorials; computer practicals; projects. | Class tests, examinations, assignments, oral presentation. |
| 2 | How mathematics can be used to analyse and solve problems including those at an abstract level | Lectures and tutorials; computer practicals; projects. | Class tests, examinations, assignments, oral presentation. |
| 3 | Essential concepts, principles and theories relating to Computing | Lectures and tutorials; computer practicals; projects. | Class tests, examinations, assignments, oral presentation. |
| 4 | How the Computer Science theory is related to modelling and design of computer-based systems | Lectures and tutorials; computer practicals; projects. | Class tests, examinations, assignments, oral presentation. |
| 5 | The role of rigorous mathematical proofs in analysing computer-based systems | Lectures and tutorials; computer practicals; projects. | Class tests, examinations, assignments, oral presentation. |
| 6 | The latest trends and developments in research in either Computer Science or Mathematics | Lectures and tutorials; computer practicals; projects. | Class tests, examinations, assignments, oral presentation. |
Skills & Other Attributes |
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| 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 | To abstract the essentials of problems and formulate them mathematically and in a symbolic form. | Lectures, tutorials, computer practicals and projects | Tests, examinations and oral presentations |
| 2 | To select and apply appropriate mathematical methods to solve problems including those at an abstract level | Lectures, tutorials, computer practicals and projects | Tests, examinations and oral presentations |
| 3 | To be able to construct and develop logical mathematical arguments with clear identification of assumptions and conclusions | Lectures, tutorials, computer practicals and projects | Tests, examinations and oral presentations |
| 4 | To present arguments and conclusions clearly and accurately. | Lectures, tutorials, computer practicals and projects | Tests, examinations and oral presentations |
| 5 | To specify, design and construct computer-based systems. | Lectures, tutorials, computer practicals and projects | Tests, examinations and oral presentations |
| 6 | To use rigorous mathematical argument analysing or solving problems related to computer-based systems. | Lectures, tutorials, computer practicals and projects | Tests, examinations and oral presentations |
| 7 | To independently solve a substantial problem and present a solution both orally and in a dissertation. | Lectures, tutorials, computer practicals and projects | Tests, examinations and oral presentations |
| (transferable skills) | |||
Footnotes
- 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.
- 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.
See also: