UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Computing Informatics and Media
Department of Computing
Programme/course title: Computer Science
Awarding and teaching institution:
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University of Bradford
BSc (Honours) [Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications level H]
Computer Science
British Computer Society
3 years full time; 4 years sandwich; 6 years parttime, 4 years part-time intensive
G400 BSc/CS (3-year) G401 BSc/CS4 (4-year)
Computing
April 2003
July 2011
Programme Aims
Computer Science concentrates on the theoretical foundations of computation and
computer technology. It incorporates ideas from many other disciplines, including
mathematics, engineering, psychology and graphical design and has a close affinity
with electronic communications as illustrated by the Internet and World Wide Web.
The term ‘convergence’ is often used to describe how these two disciplines are
coming together.
The aim of the course is to provide you with a sound grounding in the fundamentals
of computer software development (programming) and the tools and applications that
modern computer scientists use. This aim will be achieved by:

Providing you with a core of fundamental modules, in stages 1 and 2 that are
essential to all computer scientists, plus a wide range of options, particularly in
the final stage, so that you may choose the particular area in which you are strong
or wish to specialize, which builds on the knowledge and understanding gained
earlier.

Providing the support in the form of lectures, labs and tutorials that will enable you
to develop your personal portfolio of skills. The School of Computing, Informatics
and Media (SCIM) is committed to providing a very high standard of up-to-date
computing facilities to support the practical hardware and programming
requirements of the courses.

Developing discipline skills and personal transferable skills so that on graduation
you may move directly into responsible positions in industry or commerce, or may
pursue further programmes of study.

Promoting educational opportunities for ethnic minorities, women, mature and
alternatively qualified students, as well as for school-leavers and traditionally
qualified students.
The BSc Computer Science is offered by the Department of Computing, part of the
School of Computing, Informatics and Media in the University of Bradford, which
includes a large number of undergraduate and postgraduate courses concerned with
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the understanding, design, and exploitation of computation and computer technology.
The Department places great emphasis on both teaching and research, and there
are opportunities for you to join one of our research teams and progress on to
postgraduate taught courses or research degrees on completion of your first degree.
Note that the British Computer Society (BCS) for computing professionals, the route
to further professional qualifications, accredits undergraduate and postgraduate
courses offered by the Department. Its accreditation of our courses, including the
BSc Computer Science, also means that successful honours graduates are
exempted from further examinations for BCS membership. Employment prospects for
graduates of the BSc Computer Science should be excellent. Our current BCSaccredited courses currently enjoy a 91% graduate employment rate, and we expect
similar success for the BSc Computer Science.
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes indicate what you should know, understand and be able to do on
successful completion of your course. Computer Science is a subject where current
practices in the field are changing rapidly as technologies evolve and new
programming languages emerge. However the underlying theory and principles do
not change rapidly. You will study these fundamentals and learn how to apply them
to the analysis of problems and how to plan, implement and evaluate the solutions.
You will learn about new technologies and languages required to implement
solutions. In order to achieve the learning outcomes you will develop the following:

Knowledge and Understanding:
a systematic understanding of the
fundamental concepts and theories of computer science including detailed
knowledge of hardware, computer architecture, information and communication
technologies; a firm grasp of the mathematical foundations of computing and how
they underpin the formal specification and design of commercial applications;
specific knowledge networks and computer communications; ability to comment
on aspects of current research in the discipline.

Discipline Specific Skills including; how to analyse problems and develop
solutions using leading edge ideas and techniques; how to develop computer
programs using object oriented programming languages; how to choose which
programming languages to use for specific applications; ability to manage and/or
contribute to a team approach to software engineering projects; an ability to read
and make use of research articles in journals and research literature; competence
in the use of major software application packages.

Personal and Transferable Skills: exercise of initiative in information
management, interpretation and presentation; ability to make decisions in a
variety of contexts; application of IT and communications skills to management
problems; report writing and presentation skills; creative and systematic problem
solving ; teamwork and leadership; project management; and personal
management
The Curriculum
The map of your studies is detailed below showing core(C) and optional (O) modules.
Each year, or stage, of an Honours course comprises two semesters with 60 credits
of full time study in each semester. For 10 credit modules and 20 credit double
modules (last character in module code is a ‘D’) all of the teaching and assessment is
undertaken in the same semester. For 20 credit linked modules (last character in the
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module code is an ‘L’) and the 40 credit project there is teaching and assessment in
both semesters. Students following the part-time route will normally study half the
number of credits per year, with the programme of study agreed by negotiation.
Although the University does not recruit directly to Ordinary degrees this route is
available to students for whom a less intense course of study is appropriate. Ordinary
degrees comprise 100 credits in stage 1 and 80 credits in stages 2 and 3. For
entrants 2011/12 onwards placed on ORDINARY after level 1, in addition to meeting
the requirements for Stage 1, students must study units amounting to 100 credits in
stages 2 and 3 respectively.
Diploma of Industrial Studies
Diploma of International Studies
You have the option to undertake an industrial placement, or of studying or working
abroad for a year between stages 2 and 3; this option is strongly encouraged. SCIM
has an industrial training tutor who has contacts with a large number of outside
organizations and who assists in helping you find a placement. Successful
completion of the industrial year qualifies you for the award of the Diploma of
Industrial Studies in addition to your degree. The university’s International Office
provides a wide range of opportunities and support for students to gain international
experience. Successful completion of the international year qualifies you for the
award of the Diploma of International Studies in addition to your degree. Both
options provide the opportunity to gain valuable experience, and are viewed
favourably by prospective employers.
Unit Code
CM0113L
CM0107L
CM0111L
CM0211M
CM0116D
CM0202M
CM0117D
CM0312M
CM0307M
CM0304D
CM0315L
CM0415L
CM0316L
and
CM0318L
CY0218L
and
CY0219L
CM0347K
CM0353D
CM0606D
CM0616D
CM0340D
CM0332D
CM0352D
CM0615D
CM0328D
CY0317M
and
CM0330M
Cr
20
20
20
10
20
10
20
10
10
20
20
20
20
Stage
Sem
Lev
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
1,2
1,2
1,2
1
1
2
2
1
1
2
1,2
1,2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
1,2
2
20
2
1,2
2
20
2
1,2
2
20
40
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
10
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1,2
1,2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
10
3
2
3
Module Title
Developing Professional Skills
Computer Architecture and Systems Software
Formal Foundations
Introduction to Web Technologies
Software Development (Part 1)
Foundations of Human Computer Interaction
Software Development (Part 2)
User Interface Development
Database Systems
Software Engineering with Group Project
Computer Communications and Networks
Computer Architecture and Systems Software 2
Data Structures and Algorithms
and
Symbolic and Declarative Computing/
Artificial Intelligence
Systems Administration 1
and
Unix Programming 1&2
Final Year Project
Advanced Rendering and Real Time Graphics
Decision Support Systems
Deploying Web Technologies
Neural Networks and Fuzzy Systems
Formal Methods
Sustainable Computer Technology
Advanced Database Systems
AI for Games
Digital Image Processing
and
Computer Graphics
3
Hons
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
Ord
C
C
C
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
C
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
CM0518D
CM0348D
CM0331D
CM0506D
CM0334D
CM0333D
CM0354D
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Concurrent and Distributed Systems
Foundations of Cryptography
Human Computer Interaction (Design and Dev’t)
Real Time Systems
Systems Administration 2 (N.B. needs CY0218L)
Web Engineering
Real Time Simulation and Modelling
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
Course arrangements for students commencing part time intensive course, over 4
years in September 2010:
Code
Year 1
CM0113L
CM0116D
CM0107L
CM0117D
Year 2
CM0211M
CM0202M
CM0111L
CM0415L
CM0316L
Year 3
CM0307M
CM0312M
CM0318L
Lev
Crd
Sem
Module Title
Hons
1
1
1
1
20
20
20
20
1,2
1
1,2
2
Developing Professional Skills
Software Development Part 1
Computer Architecture and Systems Software
Software Development Part 2
C
C
C
C
1
1
1
2
2
10
10
20
20
20
1
2
1,2
1,2
1,2
Introduction to Web Technologies
Foundations of Human Computer Interaction
Formal Foundations
Computer Architecture and Systems Software 2
Data Structures and Algorithms
C
C
C
C
C
O
O
2
2
2
10
10
20
1
1
1,2
Database Systems
User Interface Development
Symbolic and Declarative Computing and Artificial
Intelligence
Computer Communications and Networks
Software Engineering with Group Project
C
C
C
C
C
O
C
C
O
C
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
C
CM0315L
2
20
1,2
CM0304D
2
20
2
Year 4 (choose 80 credits)
CM0332D
3
20
1
CM0606D
3
20
1
CM0616D
3
20
1
CM0340D
3
20
1
CM0615D
3
20
2
CM0328D
3
20
2
CM0330M
3
10
2
CY0317M
3
10
2
CM0518D
3
20
2
CM0348D
3
20
2
CM0331D
3
20
2
CM0506D
3
CM0333D
3
Summer period
CM0347K
3
20
20
2
2
Formal Methods
Decision Support Systems
Deploying Web Technologies
Neural Networks and Fuzzy Systems
Advanced Database Systems
Artificial Intelligence for Games
Computer Graphics
Digital Image Processing
Concurrent and Distributed Systems
Foundations of Cryptography
Human Computer Interaction (Design and
Development)[not available 2009/10]
Real-Time Systems
Web Engineering
40
1,2
Final Year Project
Ord
Please note that, while every effort will be made to accommodate your choices, it may not be
possible to permit every possible combination of optional modules, due to timetabling constraints.
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review
procedures.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
You will experience a wide range of teaching and learning environments. Concepts,
principles and theories are generally explored in formal lectures, practiced in
associated tutorials and seminars, and demonstrated in laboratory classes. Practical
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O
O
O
O
O
O
O
skills are developed in laboratory sessions. Professional and personal skills are
developed through the Developing Professional Skills module which involves
communications skills, library skills, group work and presentations. The Software
Engineering Group Project develops an appreciation of how to manage group
dynamics in whilst working on a substantial software engineering exercise. Honours
students undertake a major individual project in their final year, drawing together the
knowledge and experience gained throughout the course. The project provides the
opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to solve problems using current ideas
and techniques that are at the forefront of computing and information systems
disciplines. Students who achieve an Ordinary degree may be given the opportunity
to ‘top-up’ to a classified Honours degree at a later stage at which time they will
undertake the individual project.
Each 10-credit module on the course requires you to commit 100 hours of study.
Some of these hours will be formally timetabled - lectures, laboratories, seminars and
tutorials – and others will involve you in carrying out private study. The balance
between these forms of study changes as you pass through the three years of the
course. There are a lot of “contact hours” (time spent with tutors) in the earlier stages
of the course; in the final year you will be expected to manage your own learning,
under the general guidance of your tutors.
Methods of assessment are similarly varied and your progress will be assessed using
a mix of formal examinations, presentations and seminar papers, reports, laboratory
tests, essays, coursework assignments, and projects. The appropriate method is
chosen so that you may demonstrate the particular learning outcomes of each
module.
Admissions Criteria
In addition to a degree, successful completion of the Honours degree course will give
candidates a qualification that is recognized by the British Computer Society.
Offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most
important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential
to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular course.
Entrance requirements will vary but are set after consideration of each applicant’s
academic background and achievements and all other relevant experience. A typical
offer to someone seeking entry through the UCAS scheme would be CCC or 240
UCAS tariff points. Applications are welcome from candidates with non-standard
qualifications or who, lacking academic qualifications, have significant relevant
experience.
Progression Criteria and Exit Points
To pass and proceed from each stage to the next, and also to be eligible for a
classified Honours award, you must achieve at least 40% in 100 credits and 35% in
the other 20 credits.
The class and division of the Honours degree that you are awarded is based on the
overall weighted marks that you receive for each stage. Stage 2 contributes 30% and
stage 3 70%. The classes and divisions of the Honours degree are awarded on the
basis of the following minimum final overall weighted average marks:
70.0% or above:
60.0% or above:
First Class Honours
Second Class Honours – First Division
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50.0% or above:
otherwise:
Second Class Honours – Second Division
Third Class Honours
If you complete Stage 1 successfully, you are eligible for a Certificate of Higher
Education; if you complete stage 2 successfully, you are eligible for a Diploma of
Higher Education. The learning outcomes for these awards and the final award are
consistent with those of the national qualifications framework for England.
The progression and award regulations for Ordinary courses are similar to those for
the Honours courses except 40% must be achieved in 80 credits at Stage 1 and 60
credits at subsequent Stages.
Regulations Summary
Comprehensive information on the University’s Regulation Governing Undergraduate
Awards is at http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Undergrad_Regs_.html
Student Support Arrangements
All students admitted to SCIM go through a process of induction that includes
detailed talks by the Dean and Head of Department.
Afterwards, ongoing support for students is provided in the form of one-stop facilities
located at the SCIM Student Support Office (SSO) in Horton Building, open all day
during term time, with limited daily opening hours during non-term time.
Support for registered students also is provided 24/7 via the SCIM intranet. This
includes the SSO website at http://www.inf.brad.ac.uk/internal/sso/ which contains
the following information:







SCIM Student Handbook
SCIM Learning and Behaviour Agreement
Course Timetable
Examination timetable
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Coursework submission record
E-mail Archives
The SCIM intranet also includes the Computing department website at
http://www.inf.brad.ac.uk/internal/computing/ which offers further information to
support students and includes the following:
 Student Staff Liaison Minutes
 Courses and modules
 Course Tutors contact information
 Equipment Loans Service
The SCIM intranet includes the Technical Support website at http://ts.inf.brad.ac.uk/
which supports students by offering detailed information on all the technical and
services offered by the School, including:
 Equipment Loans Service
 IT suites
 Hosting
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All students on the BSc Computer Science are allocated a personal tutor who will
provide both academic and pastoral support. There are also a number of named
individuals within Computing who have specialist responsibilities, and are able to
deal with specific issues relating to factors such as disability, equal opportunities and
gender.
The Student Staff Liaison Committee gives the opportunity for students to give formal
feedback to the Course Tutor and/or Department about curricular issues and the
general running of the programme.
The School also uses the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
Blackboard to support students via their individual modules
The University of Bradford provides important facilities such as extended access to
library and computing services, counselling and welfare services, and careers advice.
The Disability Office provided targeted support for all students with known disabilities
and routinely arranges dyslexia assessments and appropriate support (i.e.
reasonable adjustment) for disabled students.
Further Information
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The Recruitment and Marketing Office
The University of Bradford
School of Computing, Informatics and Media
Richmond Road
The University of Bradford
Bradford, BD7 1DP
Horton Building
UK
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
+44 (0)1274 235963
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
ugadmissions@scim.brad.ac.uk
http://scim.brad.ac.uk/courses/ug/
Disclaimer
The details of this Programme Specification and information contained therein are
subject to change in accordance with the University of Bradford’s course approval,
monitoring and review procedures.
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