An Coiste Feabhais Acadúil
The Committee on Academic Quality Improvement
The Academic Quality Assurance Programme 2001-2002
Report to Údarás na hOllscoile
Review of
Denominated BSc in Computing Studies Programme
Self Assessment
Review Group Visit
Follow Up Meeting
Sept 2001 to Jan 2002
20–21 March, 2002
13 June 2002
This Report was compiled for members of Údarás na hOllscoile, NUI Galway and its committees as
a readily accessible but comprehensive source of information on the above review, its context and
its outcomes.
Professor Jim Gosling, Director of Quality, October 2002
Report to Údarás – Review of BSc in Computing Studies Programme 2002
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1. Overview of Programme
1.1 Aims and Objectives
The objective of the programme is to produce graduates with a set of complementary mathematical
and computing skills. Many existing programmes produce graduates with a good background in
computing science, but with poor mathematical skills or vice versa. This programme produces
graduates who are mathematically competent, but who also have a strong background in the
practical and theoretical aspects of computing. The links between mathematics and computing are
very strong, and graduates with a good grounding in both subjects, as well as in those areas where
the two subjects overlap, are much sought after in both industry and education.
1.2 Recent changes
The management of the Programme was reformed in 2000-01 with the formation of a Management
Board. This seven person board represents the departments contributing to the Programme.
1.4 Student numbers
In the academic year 2001-02 the number of students actively engaged in this programme over its
four years was 108.
1.5 Staff to student ratio
The staff to student ratios in the contributing departments were in the range 18 to 24 in the year
2000-01.
1.6 Costs
No costings are available for individual academic programmes.
1.7 Accommodation and facilities
The students use the facilities available to the contributing departments.
2. Review Group Visit and Report
The review Group consisted of Professor David Bell, School of Information and Software
Engineering, University of Ulster (Chairman); Mr. Carl Flannery, Storm Technology Ltd., Galway,
Professor Lester Lipsky, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of
Connecticut; Professor Edmund F. Robertson, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of
St. Andrews, and Dr. Kathryn Cormican, Project Manager, CIMRU, NUI, Galway; and Dr. Niall
W.A. Geraghty, of the CFA acting as rapporteur.
The Group visited on the 20-21 March, 2002. The Management Board had already prepared
and submitted a 'Self Assessment Report' that was made available in advance of the visit.
2.1 Summary, and Main Recommendations from Report
General Conclusions:
• The stated objectives of the programme and the multi-disciplinary activity at its core are both
timely and valuable.
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Although the course material is coherent within the two contributing streams, its overall
coherence would be enhanced by making subject matter which spans the disciplines more
explicit.
There is an imbalance between the theoretical and practical (programming) aspects of the
courses.
On completion of the Programme, the students should have programming and problem solving
skills to "sell", as well as a deep understanding of both the "timeless" aspects of computing and
the state-of-the-art techniques related to mathematics.
The establishment of a Programme Board is a major step forward. This should now move
forward and take on responsibilities relating to course content and development.
The panel supports the suggestion that NUI, Galway consider establishing a School of
Mathematical Sciences in the belief that, among other benefits, this would provide a more
satisfactory environment for the Denominated Degree.
Some elements of staff development, specifically targeted at this Degree, should be available.
In the opinion of the panel certain Computer Science theory subjects are under-represented.
The Programme has many potential opportunities for students to gain programming experience.
These should be utilised.
The Programme should consider pursuing a summer-work experience for interested students.
All members of staff and particularly younger members have heavy workloads which may be
impeding them in their pursuit of research activities.
Specific Action Points
• The content is up to date, in-so-far as it is related to the research work of the presenters.
However the panel encourages the Programme Board to revise the course contents in order to
ensure that modern software and corresponding design and construction methods are included.
• A rather more conscious effort to develop written and communication skills would improve the
quality of the graduates.
• The Programme Board should use the Report of the Academic Council’s Working Party on the
Management of Interdisciplinary Programmes as a basis for the management and development
of the Programme.
• The review panel recommends that this Programme should have a dedicated 4th Year
computing laboratory with 30 - 40 computers and an adjacent room which would be available
to all students taking this Denominated Degree.
• The review panel recommends that the Programme should have a collection of laptop
computers that could be borrowed by students to facilitate off-line work.
• In order to ensure that student expectations are satisfied, further effort should be put into
ensuring that the course is described as accurately as possible in promotional material, etc.
• In so far as it is possible, it is important to organise the assignment of projects based on student
preference. The University at large should be invited to contribute potential project topics.
• The panel recommends that an External Examiner be appointed specifically for this
programme.
• The panel believes that the programming component is insufficient, and that it is important that
the students learn at least one language well.
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Project-based learning, particularly at 3rd year level would allow programming experiences to
be expanded.
A Probability / Statistics module should be part of the core, rather than stay as an elective.
There should be more CS electives available than are presently listed.
Room for an increased CS component can be made by (a) removing EP101, (b) moving the use
and teaching of MAPLE to those Mathematics and Mathematical Physics courses that use
them, and (c) allowing students to emphasise either Mathematics or Mathematical Physics, but
not both.
3. Follow up Meeting
9.00 a.m. Thursday, 13 June 2002
Present: Professor Jim Browne Registrar, Dr. Pat Morgan Dean of Science, Professor Jim Gosling
Director of Quality (Chair), Dr. Niall Geraghty Review Group Rapporteur, Dr. Kathryn Cormican
Review Group Cognate, Mr. Karl Flannery Review Group Member, Dr. John Burns Programme
Coordinator, Dr. Niall Madden, Dr. Gotz Pfeiffer, Dr. Martin Meere, Dr. Micheal O’Confhaola, Dr.
Conn Mulvihill. Maureen Linnane of the Quality Office (in attendance).
3.1 Action Plan for the Management Board:
1. The Report of the Academic Council’s Working Party on the Management of Inter-disciplinary
Programmes will continue to be used as a basis for the management and development of the
Programme.
2. While keeping in mind the recommendations and suggestions made in the Review Report, the
Programme Board will review the content and delivery of all parts of the programme in time
for the academic year 2003–04. In particular, they will consider:
• The expansion of activities to promote the acquisition by each student of significant ability
and experience in at least one programming language, including, in so far as resources
permit, project-based learning
• The introduction of measures to develop general written and communication skills.
3. The variety of student projects will be expanded by seeking proposals for projects from across
all of the University. The mechanism for the allocation of projects to students will be reviewed
also.
4. All promotional materials will be revised in time for recruitment of the first years in 2003–04,
with a view to ensuring that the Programme is described accurately. The Programme title will
be re-examined also in this context.
3.2 Action plan for University Management:
1. The Coordinator and Board of the Computer Studies and Mathematical Science Programme
were warmly complimented on the significant improvements already made.
2. In connection with the review by the Programme Board of the curricula and delivery of the
programme, the Director of Quality will support an ‘away-day’ for contributors and potential
contributors to the Programme.
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3. The Registrar and the Dean of Science will support the appointment of a special External
Examiner, who would work in coordination with the external examiner of the contributing
departments to ensure high standards of examining within a coherent programme.
4. The Registrar will support the provision of a dedicated 4th Year computing laboratory to the
Programme when facilities become available, with a view to achieving this by September 2003.
5. The Director of Quality will support this Programme being selected by CELT as suitable for the
early introduction of Virtual Learning Environment and related systems.
Approved by: Programme Coordinator, Dr. John Burns 8 August 2002
Approved by: Dean of Science, Dr Pat. Morgan 13 August 2002
Approved by: Registrar, Professor James Browne 20 August 2002
Finalised 20 August 2002, Jim Gosling, Director of Quality
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