School of Computer Science

MSci Mathematics and Computer Science with an Industrial Year - 2019

Final Award MSci
Programme TitleMathematics and Computer Science with an Industrial Year
School/DepartmentSchool of Computer Science
Banner Code9496
Length of Programme5 years
Total Credits360
UCAS CodeNone
Awarding InstitutionThe University of Birmingham
QAA Benchmarking GroupsComputing

Educational Aims Of Programme

  • Prepare high-level professionals in both computer science and mathematics who would be able to work as specialists in these subjects. 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.

Programme Outcomes and Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies

Knowledge and Understanding

  • Key mathematical concepts and topics
  • How mathematics can be used to analyse and solve problems including those at an abstract level
  • Essential concepts, principles and theories relating to Computing
  • How the Computer Science theory is related to modelling and design of computer-based systems
  • The latest trends and developments in research in either Computer Science or Mathematics

Skills & Other Attributes

  • To abstract the essentials of problems and formulate them mathematically and in a symbolic form
  • To select and apply appropriate mathematical methods to solve problems including those at an abstract level
  • To be able to construct and develop logical mathematical arguments with clear identification of assumptions and conclusions
  • To present arguments and conclusions clearly and accurately
  • To specify, design and construct computer-based systems
  • To independently solve a substantial problem and present a solution both orally and in a dissertation

Transferable Skills

Footnotes

  • Pre-requisites: Some of the modules in the option block are prerequisites for options available in the final year, so that choices need to be considered across both years.
  • Module Failure: The Syllabus web page for every module defines the resit rules if they are different from the first attempt -- follow the links under the module code.
  • Progress Decisions: Please refer to Section 7 of the University Regulations for further information on assessment, progression and awards. Students on the MSci programme must have acquired at least 100 credits in Year 2, at least 220 credits altogether, and an average of at least 55% in Year 2 modules in order to be eligible for progression to Year 3 of the MSci programme.
  • Joint Honours: For some combinations of disciplines, it may be possible to vary the number of credits taken from the standard 60+60 pattern. Students should consult the relevant Programme Directors. The School of Computer Science will generally allow between 40 and 80 credits of Computer Science to be taken, at least 20 of which must be from taught modules (i.e. modules other than the Computer Science Project).
  • Progress Decisions: There are no progress decisions between Year 3 and Year 4 of an MEng or MSci programme; they effectively form a 'double final year'.
  • Joint Honours: Students should normally do a project in one of their two disciplines. Two projects can only be undertaken with explicit permission from both Programme Directors.
  • Optional Modules: Not all options may be available in any particular year. Some option combinations are only available if the timetable permits. As students may have to make preliminary option choices before timetables are available, changes may be needed later if there are clashes. In selecting options, students need to pay attention to pre- and co-requisites.
  • Optional Modules (Msci/MEng): Students on this degree should note when choosing options that some topics may be studied either in the third year or in the fourth year but not both. Hence it is important to plan option choices across both years. Module descriptions for each module list the prohibited combinations.
  • Degree Classification: Refer to the University Regulations for further information on the general rules governing degree classification.