LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY
Programme Specification
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of
the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be
expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning
opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be
found in Module Specifications and other programme documentation and online at
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/ The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed
by the University and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher
Education.
Awarding body/Institution
Department
Loughborough University
Computer Science
Teaching Institution (if different)
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory
body
Name of final award
BSc(Hons)(+DPS)
MComp(Hons)(+DPS)
Programme title
Computer Science and Artificial
Intelligence
Computer Science and Artificial
Intelligence Extended
UCAS code
BSc GG4T,GG47
MComp GG4R,GGK7
Date at which the programme specification was
written or revised
August 2007
1. Aims of the programme:

To inspire students to have interest and enthusiasm for subjects they have
chosen to study, and to involve them in an intellectually stimulating and
satisfying experience of learning and studying.

To develop knowledge, understanding and skills in information technology
and artificial intelligence.

To give students the knowledge and skills needed to become effective
professionals within the computing industries

To provide students with selected specialised areas of study so that they can
experience the frontiers of practice and research in information technology
and artificial intelligence.

To provide training, through a range of educational activities, to develop a
range of transferable skills applicable to employment.

To prepare students for research in the fields of Computer Science and
Artificial Intelligence.
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
To give students the knowledge and skills needed to be able to provide
computer science and artificial intelligence solutions to information technology
problems.

To develop specific skills in areas described as artificial intelligence, such as
robotics, image processing, data mining and computer vision.

(MCOMP only) To prepare students for their career by both broadening and
deepening the skills and abilities of the BSc programme.
2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and
internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

QAA Computing Benchmark

The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications

Loughborough University's Learning and Teaching Strategy

Departmental Assessment Policy and Assessment Strategy

Annual and Periodic Programme Review

External Examiners' reports

Staff/student committees

The particular specialisms of the involved department (Computer Science)
staff

BCS Accreditation Documents.
3. Intended Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas of the Computing
Curriculum:

Architectures

Artificial Intelligence

Comparative Programming Languages

Compilers and Syntax Tools

Computer Based Systems

Computer Communications

Computer Networks

Computer Hardware Engineering

Computer Vision & Image Processing

Concurrency and Parallelism

Databases

Data Structures and Algorithms

Distributed Computer Systems
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
Document Processing

e-Commerce

Engineering and scientific principles applicable to information systems

Graphics and Sound

HCI

Information Retrieval

Information Systems

Intelligent Information Systems Technologies

Management techniques in a computing context

Mathematical underpinning principles

Multimedia

Natural Language Computing

Operating Systems

Professional, legal and ethical issues

Programming Fundamentals

Security and Privacy

Simulation and Modelling

Software Engineering

Systems Analysis & Design

Theoretical Computing

Web-based Computing
This particular programme concentrates on the field of artificial intelligence in the
third year through compulsory modules and project work.
Students on the MComp programme will cover the same ILOs as the BSc, but at a
greater depth in at least one area of the above list of topics. In addition they will be
expected to show knowledge and understanding of:

Appropriate research techniques applicable to their specialised interest area.

Professionalism and management in a commercial and economic context.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated:
Most modules are allocated three hours of contact time per week, which are often
used by the module organiser for two lectures and one tutorial. The style of lectures
is very varied from the classic "chalk & talk" to complete presentations using data
projection. Where staff load permits, tutorial groups are smaller than the lecture
classes and usually discuss "problem sheets" related to recently presented material.
Staffed practical sessions in the departments laboratories are sometimes timetabled
but it is more common to expect the students to organise their own visits to the
laboratories. Some modules in parts A & B (and Part D for MComp students) require
students to work in groups on structured assignments which may involve interviewing
the 'customer'. Each group of students is given the opportunity to submit evidence of
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the relative work per group member. MComp students, in their final year, are also
given experience of assisting and supervising first year team work.
Students are expected to attend all contact periods for their modules. They have
access to the teaching staff by email which they can also use to arrange personal
visits. Students are supported by teaching materials on the departmental intranet.
They also have rooms in which they can arrange meetings and discussion
forums/email to allow electronic communication amongst themselves. Quantitative
and qualitative feedback relating to assessment is made available to students as
soon as possible.
Assessment in all cases is by the most appropriate mechanism. This varies from
group-based project work for the analysis modules to written examination where a
student will be expected to show particular knowledge and understanding. A number
of modules are assessed through presentation, where such skills are necessary to
show understanding of the presented material.
Subject-specific cognitive skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to

Modelling: use the appropriate knowledge and understanding described
above in the modelling and design of computer-based systems and intelligent
machines for the purposes of comprehension, communication, prediction and
the understanding of trade-offs.

Requirements, practical constraints and computer-based systems and
intelligent machines in their context: recognise and analyse criteria and
specifications appropriate to specific problems, and plan strategies for their
solution.

Critical evaluation and testing: analyse the extent to which a computer-based
system meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development.

Methods and tools: deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools, including
engineering principles founded on appropriate scientific and technological
disciplines, appropriate scientific principles and mathematical principles and
notation, for the analysis, specification, design, implementation and
evaluation of computer-based systems and intelligent machines.

Reflection and communication: present succinctly to a range of audiences
(orally, electronically or in writing) rational and reasoned arguments that
address a given information handling problem or opportunity.

Professional considerations: recognise the professional, moral and ethical
issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology and be guided by
the adoption of appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices.

Management techniques: use management techniques to achieve objectives
within a computing context.
In addition MComp students should be able to:

Show critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights in their
chosen specialist area.

Deploy appropriate research techniques within their chosen field of
specialism.

Apply the professional and management techniques within a commercial and
economic context.
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Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated:
These cognitive skills are based on the knowledge and understanding taught in the
modules throughout the programme. All modules generally have set coursework
consisting of exercises, essays, presentations or mini-projects to enable the students
to consolidate their learning and develop their cognitive skills in the subject area.
Many of the modules have a timetabled tutorial or supervised lab session to further
enable the building of these skills. The coursework may or may not be directly
assessed. In some modules examinations test the skills developed during the
module and other skills are only assessed during the separate project modules. In
many of these modules the students have the opportunity to increase their marks by
displaying additional information they have researched.
The projects in the third and fourth years require students to understand and
contribute to the building of complex computer solutions to realistic problems. This
will require research and development, which students will undertake with guidance
mainly from their project supervisor but also from the project coordinator in a series
of lectures given throughout the duration of the project. In most cases the project will
build on a foundation of knowledge obtained from other modules taken. The second
year team projects also require students to research and apply their knowledge to
produce complex systems relevant to an industrial computing environment. Guidance
is given during the team projects module by a module team of lecturers and support
staff. In modules with a laboratory content students are expected to investigate and
learn possible solutions to problems with help being available from laboratory
supervisors as required. In other modules the students are required to solve a variety
of problems building on the knowledge acquired during the module and supporting
modules.
MComp students are given additional research experience through the thesis project
and additional professional and management experience through the group project
and management modules in Part D.
Subject-specific practical skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

use appropriate processes to specify, design, implement, verify and maintain
computer-based systems, including working with technical uncertainty.

investigate and define a problem, identify constraints, understand customer
and user needs, ensure fitness of purpose and manage the design process
and evaluate outcomes.

evaluate systems in terms of general quality attributes and possible trade-offs
presented within the given problem.

deploy effectively the tools used for the construction and documentation of
computer applications, with particular emphasis on understanding the whole
process involved in the effective deployment of computers to solve practical
problems, including applying the principles of appropriate engineering,
scientific and mathematical disciplines.

operate computing equipment effectively, taking into account its logical and
physical properties.
In addition, MComp students should be able to:

Apply appropriate research techniques
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
Develop and apply new technologies

Show originality and innovation

Identify and manage cost drivers

Make general evaluations of commercial risk
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated:
These topics concern the application of computer science and as such are taught
formally in modules, where examples and exercises in lectures and tutorials cover
the practical application of the theory taught. In modules with a laboratory content
students are expected to investigate and learn possible solutions to problems with
help being available from laboratory supervisors as required. In many cases the skills
are directly assessed by coursework or, where appropriate, by examination. Some
practical skills are only assessed in the project modules. The third and fourth year
projects and the Part B team projects allow students to consolidate their knowledge
by practical application and to research and develop new knowledge and skills.
Consideration of structure, reliability and usability are taken into account when
marking these projects. Instruction is given in the Software Project Management
module on planning and managing projects which students are expected to follow in
their final year projects.
For MComp students, the group project and management of IT modules of the final
year give experience of an industry based project to further develop practical and
professional skills, including cost evaluation and risk, and the thesis project gives
experience of research techniques and new technologies giving an opportunity to
show originality and innovation. MComp final year students are also given practical
leadership and managerial experience in working with first year teams.
Key/transferable skills:
On successful completion of these programmes, students should have the following
skills:

The ability to make concise, engaging and well-structured presentations,
arguments and explanations of varying lengths by using various media

The ability to work as a member of a development team, recognising the
different roles within a team and different ways of organising teams.

Effective information-retrieval skills (including the use of browsers, search
engines and catalogues).

Numeracy in both understanding and presenting cases involving a
quantitative dimension.

Effective use of general IT facilities.

Communication skills in electronic as well as written and oral form to a range
of audiences.

Managing one's own learning and development including time management
and organisational skills.

Appreciating the need for continuing professional development in recognition
of the need for lifelong learning.
Teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be
achieved and demonstrated:
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Many of these transferable skills will be acquired while developing the cognitive and
practical skills associated with the programme. Information retrieval skills are
obtained while researching subjects for many modules, including project work.
Numeracy skills will be acquired in the mathematical modules. General IT skills are
obtained while developing software solutions and preparing presentations and
reports. The management of one's own learning is achieved when balancing the
workload within and between modules. The appreciation of the need for continuing
professional development is achieved through the exposure of students to the latest
technologies and methods in the final year. These skills are not directly assessed
though graduating from this programme would not be possible without these skills
being obtained. However, the ability to work in a team is directly considered in the
marking of the Team Projects module and communication skill is directly considered
in the marking of the final year project. In the Team Projects and the final year
projects students are assessed on the demonstrations/ presentations they make.
4. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and
awards:
Students are required to take modules amounting to 120 credits in each year of study
and this will normally be made up from 60 credits in each semester.
In Part A students follow the common computing core set of modules covering
introduction to programming, requirements analysis, server-client web-based
computing and computer architectures. This is complemented by specific teaching
on e-business and the fundamentals of computer science.
In Part B, the Part A work is built upon with modules covering the development of
larger systems in the common core, and in-depth specific aspects of computer
science in the complementary section.
Students are encouraged to spend an optional year in industry between Parts B & C
leading to the supplementary award of Diploma in Industrial/Professional Studies.
Apart from the award, students gain real work experience, are often placed in
positions of responsibility and can be offered sponsorship and/or future employment.
The year in industry can also bring a more professional attitude to remaining year(s)
of study and particularly in project work.
Summary of modules in Parts A and B:
Title
Part A
Essential Skills for Computing
Programming for the WWW
Logic and Functional Programming
Introduction to e-Business
Computer Systems
Server Side Programming
Requirements Analysis
Mathematics for Computer Science
Object-Oriented Programming and Algorithms
Part B
Operating Systems, Networks and the Internet 1
Databases
Programming Languages
Weight
Semester
10
20
20
10
10
10
10
10
20
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
10
10
10
1
1
1
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Formal Specification
Team Projects
AI Methods
Computer Graphics 1
Systems Design and HCI
Programming for Scientific Applications
Operating Systems, Networks and the Internet 2
10
20
20
10
10
10
10
1
1+2
1+2
2
2
2
2
Part C allows students to focus on their specific interests through options and an AI
Specific project.
Part C has compulsory modules in AI-related fields, notable Robotics, Vision and
Advanced AI Systems.
Students taking the M.Comp. degree undertake a research project, group project and
management work in their final year.
For more information on the programme structure including detailed lists of modules,
please see the programme regulations.
5. Criteria for admission to the programme:
Admission to the programme is usually on the basis of 280 A level points for the BSc
degree or 300 points for the MComp Degree. In both cases at least 50 of these
points must be in Mathematics.
Other relevant qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
6. Information about assessment regulations:
Most modules are assessed by a mixture of written examination, coursework and
some will include practical assessment .
Part A and Part B assessment is for progression to the second and third year
respectively. Part A and B results are weighted 1:3 for the BSc degree in calculating
final degree classification. For the MComp degree the weighting of parts B, C and D
is 14:43:43 (approx 1:3:3) respectively.
Students follow modules weighted at 120 credits per year. In order to progress to the
next year of the programme, or to be awarded a degree at the end of Part C,
students must, each year, accumulate at least 100 credits (110 credits for Part B
MComp students). A pass mark of 40% is applied to each module.
Any student who fails to meet these module requirements has the automatic right of
reassessment on one occasion only. Candidates are permitted to undertake
reassessment iin the modules necessary to obtain a pass. Students who have
achieved a minimum of 60 credits for the year can opt for reassessment in either the
September following the end of the academic year or during the course of the
following academic year. Students with less than 60 credits must wait until the
following year to be reassessed. Students who are reassessed in the following year
may choose to take the reassessment with or without tuition. Students who are
reassessed with tuition are required to take both coursework and examination
components of the module (and the new mark supersedes the original mark).
Students who are reassessed without tuition may be allowed to carry forward the
component which has been passed. The overall mark, averaged over coursework
and examination, for reassessed modules is capped at 40%.
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7. What makes the programmes distinctive:
In the last 3 years that the National Student Survey has run, the Department of
Computer Science has consistently been at or near the top of the tables.
Three labs of around 50 computers each, provide support for student work. We are
one of the first universities to adopt a triple-booting Windows/Linux/Macosx
environment providing experience of all major platforms. The department maintains
two student study room and is located very close to other amenities on campus. An
Intranet provides access to all learning resources for our students, together with
other information. Lectures and other sessions are presented in University supported
pool rooms, all equipped to high standards, many with data projection facilities. All
students are supported by a comprehensive support structure including Personal
Tutors, Year Tutors, Programme Tutors and a Senior Tutor.
Our programmes support both three- and four-year taught variations leading to a
bachelor (honours BSc) or masters (MComp) degrees with specialisation available
through project work in both the 3rd and 4th years. In addition all students can
undertake a sandwich year in industry, where the department provides support both
during the year and in finding placement opportunities.
The programmes have been recently restructured. This has created an IT core that
concentrates on key computing learning outcomes for all students, and a Computer
Science specialist addition for single- honours programmes. The former allows the
student to learn requirements analysis, system design and the creation of web-based
systems. The latter concentrating on the foundations of computing, AI, graphics and
advanced IT topics.
Development of our programmes has take place with input from the Department's
Industrial Advisory Committee which meets regularly in order to keep our programme
content up-to-date with the needs of industry. Several companies offer prizes to
students as individuals and groups, the department also funds prizes for the best
students.
Our programmes are regularly accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and
our aim is for all programmes to receive accreditation by the BCS and the
Engineering Council. Accreditation for the Computer Science and Artificial
Intelligence programmes will be sought during the next visit of the BCS which will
take place in March 2008. On their most recent visit the QAA awarded the
department the top possible grading for its programmes and their delivery.
The final year optional modules are based on the research strengths of the
department's staff. This gives a set of modules truly reflecting the skills of the
department. The quality of the Programme is endorsed by the external examiners
who are consulted at each stage of the examination process who view and comment
on papers, coursework and undertake viva voce examinations during their summer
visit.
8. Particular support for learning
8.1 Departmental Support
The department has an integrated structure for the management, appraisal and
planning of teaching and learning. This is comprised of the Teaching Coordinator
(who manages the Learning and Teaching Committee and has overall responsibility
for teaching matters); the Senior Tutor who is responsible for student welfare and
arranges social events for the students to take part in; Programme Directors who
have responsibility for the academic content and the general organisation of the
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course, and the academic welfare of the students); Year Tutors who monitor students
performance and attendance; and Personal Tutors who are responsible for matters
relating to academic welfare.
On the first day of their academic studies, students receive information from the
department directing them towards the departmental intranet site which contains
important information including the management structure of the department,
programme and module specifications and general points relating to coursework and
examination. The students are also assigned a personal tutor who is responsible for
their personal welfare who arranges to see them during the first semester. Thereafter
the personal tutor arranges to see their tutees at important times, such as after
examinations, at the start of a new year or when problems have been raised in
respect to the tutees by Year Coordinator, Programme Director or Teaching
Coordinator.
The department runs its own computer labs specifically for the use of students on its
own programmes. All material related to programme learning and administration is
available on the departmental intranet. In addition, the department provides several
study areas for student use during the semester.
8.2 University Support
For further information please see:

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/templates/notes/lps/
9. Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of
learning
For information please see:

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/templates/notes/lps/
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