Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

MSc Advanced Computer Science/ Internet Computing and Network Security

Academic Year: 2015/16

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.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department Department of Computer Science
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body

None (BCS accreditation currently applied for for all programmes)

Final award MSc/ PGCert/ PGDip
Programme title Advanced Computer Science (ACS)/ Internet Computing and Network Security (ICNS)
Note the abbreviations in brackets are used throughout this document.
Programme code ACS: COPT15 (full time), COPT16 (part time) ICNS: COPT03 (full time), COPT06 (part time)
Length of programme One year (full time) one to seven years (part time)
UCAS code N/A
Admissions criteria

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/programmes/departments/computer-science/

Date at which the programme specification was published Tue, 11 Aug 2015 20:52:07 BST

1. Programme Aims

Aims

ACS

ICNS

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.

X

X

To give students the knowledge and skills needed to become effective specialist professionals within the computing industries

X

X

To provide students with specialised areas of study so that they can understand and apply the theory and practice of a range of advanced computing topics

X

 

To provide students with specialised areas of study so that they can understand and apply the theory and practice of internet computing and network security

 

X

To provide students with an awareness of the impact and risks of professional, legal, ethical and social issues in their specilsit area

X

X

To provide students with the training to undertake research projects in their specialist area of knowledge in computing

X

X

To provide training, through a range of educational activities, to develop a range of transferable skills applicable to employment

X

X

 

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

  • QAA Computing Benchmark
  • The professional requirements of the British Computer Society
  • The National Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
  • Loughborough University's Learning and Teaching Strategy
  • The particular specialisms of the Department of Computer Science staff.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

Students will gain knowledge and understanding in the following areas:

ACS

ICNS

K1

Theory and programming methods for the construction of complex systems

X

X

K2

Advanced principles of computer networks and distributed computing

X

X

K3

Security issues and vulnerabilities for computing and networked systems

X

X

K4

The principles of encryption and their application to security problems

X

X

K5

Principles of image processing and coding

X

 

K6

Principles of robotics, control and intelligent/autonomous systems

X

 

 

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

Students should gain the ability to:

ACS

ICNS

C1

Analyse requirements for, plan, model and design computer based systems in the specialist fields of the programme

X

X

C2

Critically evaluate computer-based systems

X

 

C3

Critically evaluate visual systems and associated technology

X

 

C4

Critically evaluate networked and Internet-based systems with particular reference to the security of the systems

 X 

X

C5

Plan and manage a research project in computer-based systems

X

X

C6

Assess the possible professional, legal, ethical and social issues associated with a computing project in their specialist area

X

X

C7

Identify and manage commerical and scientific risk associated with a computing project in their specialist area

X

X

                

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

Students should gain the ability to:

ACS

ICNS

P1

Build, implement and test complex computer-based systems that are well structured, reliable and useable

X

 

P2

Build, implement and test computer-based systems which take into consideration context and appropriate visual interfaces

 X 

 

P3

Build, implement and test internet and networking systems that are secure, reliable and useable.

 

X

P4

Assemble and effectively measure and utilise networking equipment

X

X

P5

Effectively deploy tools and computer equipment for the implementation and documentation of computer-based systems

X

X

P6

Deploy research methodologies in a computing context to produce novel and leading edge outcomes

X

X

c. Key transferable skills:

Students should gain the ability to:

ACS

ICNS

T1

Effectively employ research and information-retrieval skills

X

X

T2

Employ numeracy in understanding cases involving a quantitative dimension

X

X

T3

Make effective use of general IT facilities

X

X

T4

Manage their own learning and development, including time management and organisational skills

X

X

T5

Work effectively on their own or as part of a team

X

X

T6

Plan and manage a project to complete within schedule and resource availability

X

X

T7

Present their work in the form of reports, oral presentations or demonstration

X

X

 

4. Programme structure

All modules indicated by ‘X’ are compulsory

Code

Module Title

Credit

Weight

ACS

ICNS

COP324

Project Preparation

30

X

X

COP500

Research Methods

10

X

X

COP501

Advanced Programming

15

X

 

COP502

Building Secure Networks

15

X

X

COP505

Internet Systems

15

 

X

COP507

Computer Vision and Embedded Systems

15

 X 

 

COP512

Network Modelling and Performance

15

 

X

COP514

Cryptography and Secure Systems

15

 X 

X

COP518

Robotics and Intelligent Systems

15

X

 

COP531

Wireless Networks

15

X

X

COP532

Internet Protocol Design

15

 

X

Project

Code

Module Title

Credit

Weight

ACS

ICNS

COP325

Computing Project

50

X

 

COP326

ICNS Project

50

 

X

 

 

 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

Students who fail the assessment at their first attempt are allowed the opportunity for reassessment.  This may take place at the Special Assessment Period (if available) or when the module is offered in the following year.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

N/A

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