Samuel Reilly
Samreilly100@hotmail.co.uk
ReillyS1@cardiff.ac.uk
Introduction
I currently live in Cardiff, South Wales. My aptitude in high school for Mathematics and
Computing aided my decision to further study the field of Computing at Cardiff & Vale
College, with the intention of later studying at university. I secured a D*D*D* in my National
Diploma for IT Practitioners and I applied to three different universities. I am now elated to
be in my first year studying Software Engineering at Cardiff University, one of the Russell
Group Universities.
Purpose of the Portfolio
This E-portfolio will allow me to introduce myself to others, particularly educational
institutes and prospective employers in a professional, relevant and organised manner. It
will comprise of my current qualifications, personal strengths, aspiration, goals, projects,
assignments, and current studies. I will update this portfolio regularly to provide up-to-date
information about myself. I will monitor, reflect and evaluate my performance to review
what I am doing well and where improvements can be made. With E-portfolios becoming a
more frequently used tool by interviewers, creating this E-portfolio will also prove essential
in securing a career in the future.
Current Studies
I am currently studying Software Engineering at Cardiff University in South Wales. The
Software Engineering course is a four year degree programme including a year in industry.
I am currently in my 1st year. The modules I studied in my first semester were:
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Computational Thinking
This module aimed to provide an introduction to some of the basic fundamentals of
computing. During the module I had to take part in multiple group tasks, one of which
involved the design, creation and evaluation of a very basic computer game. The assessment
also consisted of a few short exams on basic computing concepts such as binary arithmetic
and computer architecture.
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Web Applications
This module allowed me to gain practical experience in the understanding of the Internet and
World Wide Web including some of the concepts behind them such as HTML, servers,
networking, protocols and server/client side scripting. As part of the assessment I was
expected to create a personal website and blog in order to develop and demonstrate my
practical skills in website design and development. There was also an exam to test the
understanding of the concepts behind the World Wide Web and the Internet which was worth
50% of the module mark.
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Problem Solving With Python
The problem solving with python module was used to introduce basic programming and
problem solving skills. These skills would be required in order to perform successfully in
future modules within Computer Science and Software Engineering. Topics in the module
consisted of:
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Programming in Python
Pseudocode and Algorithms
Discrete maths and mathematical concepts including set theory, probability and graph
theory.
The understanding of the basic programming concepts and practical ability I developed was
assessed by four programming tasks and later a piece of coursework which focused on
probability. The maths was assessed by exercises in the topics covered in lectures. An exam
at the end of the module was used to test my knowledge and understanding in all the areas of
study within the module.
The modules I am studying this semester are:
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Developing Quality Software
Fundamentals Of Computing With Java
Architecture & Operating Systems
Professional Skills
The second year modules I will study include:
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Human Computer Interaction
Database Systems
Object Oriented Applications
Advanced Programming
Systems and Software Management
System Design and Group Project
Communication Networks and Pervasive Computing
Algorithms and Data Structures
About me
Why I chose To Study Software Engineering
In college, programming was one of my preferred subjects. I decided to apply for a software
engineering course instead of the computing courses that were on offer at Cardiff University.
Through the process of completing my studies, I intend to gain a degree in Software
Engineering and practical experience in computing, particularly programming. The course
will help me to develop many skills including technical, practical, problem solving and
interpersonal skills that will prove beneficial to my future studies and career.
Why I chose Cardiff University
I chose to study at Cardiff University as it is is one of the highest ranked universities in the
UK. I knew that the education, teaching and experience I would receive would be of a high
standard, thus allowing me to make the most of the opportunities the university has to offer.
The opportunity to study near home was an attractive factor. The wide range of modules
offered on the Software Engineering course was appealing. I opted for the four year degree
which provides a single year industry placement between years two and three. The industry
placement will allow me to gain practical experience in a computing related work
environment, most likely programming. This will enhance both my practical and technical
abilities and understanding of computing and programming. The placement will prove
valuable to me in securing a job in the future, as work experience, particularly in a relevant
work environment is becoming increasingly essential to prospective employers.
My Aspirations
By studying Software Engineering at Cardiff University I am eager to acquire a degree that is
relevant, stimulating and will prove beneficial in the modern workplace. I am currently on
course to achieving a 2:1 degree classification and I am determined to maintain this high
standard throughout the course by remaining focused on my goals and committed to my
studies. I have participated in four group tasks and I have already seen a pronounced
improvement in my interpersonal and team building skills. My problem solving skills have
improved immensely as I have had to encounter complex tasks such as developing my own
personal website and blog and create an aptitude test system as a group project. The problem
solving skills that I will further develop throughout the course will be put to effective use in
my future career. The many practical experiences provided within the degree will be
necessary in order to get a future career related to programming, which is the area of work
that I intend to participate in during the future.
Goals
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To achieve a 2:1 degree classification in Software Engineering
To improve my confidence in working with others and as an individual
To secure a placement in a programming environment during my year in industry
Continue to improve my technical, practical, team building, problem solving and
interpersonal skills in preparation for the workplace or further study
To work more independently
Secure a job as a programmer
Academic & Personal Strengths
I am dedicated and committed to my education. I always strive to complete any work I am
given on time and to the best of my ability. Currently I have not missed a single lecture at
university and have submitted all my coursework and assignments on time, achieving
consistent and excellent results. I am a very motivated individual who will always persevere.
If I require help in regards to lecture content or coursework and assignments I will ask my
lecturers to ensure I get the assistance I need. Some of the coursework and assignments at
university have been challenging, particularly group projects but I have remained determined
to complete them to an excellent standard.
Qualifications
12(?) GCSE’S including A* in ICT, A in Mathematics & B in Double Science
DDD*(?) National Diploma in IT(18 Modules)
DDD(?) First Diploma in IT(10 Modules)
Include images/scans of certificates etc?
Projects/Work
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Podcast
Group software project(aptitude test)
website
Current Location
Preview
Content
Website and Blog
For the coursework in my Web Applications
module I had to develop a website which
could be either personal or topic based. I
decided that my website would be computer
related. As part of the coursework I was also
expected to create my own blog. By
completing the blog and website I would be
able to show my understanding and ability to
use the various technologies that I had learnt
including HTML, PHP, CSS, JavaScript and
MySQL. The blog was required to have
administration pages to allow the following:
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Create a new blog entry
delete an existing blog entry
modify or update an existing blog entry
You can view my website and blog here:
http://users.cs.cf.ac.uk/S.Reilly/
Aptitude Test System
For my Developing Quality Software module I
was placed in a group with four other students
in order to undertake a software development
project. For the project we had to plan, design,
implement and test an aptitude test system that
would allow students to have realistic practice
at taking aptitude tests. The project involved
developing a set of GUI's in python using the
Tkinter module. The system would provide the
student with the opportunity to take a practice
or real test. The Lecturers could login so that
they could obtain or view results in regards to
the real test. Shown below are two screenshots
of the interface that I developed for the
project:
You can download or view the source code
for the project here: Aptitude Test Source
Files
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