Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
LE11 3TU
+44 (0)1509 222222
Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

Computer Science Undergraduate Programmes

Academic Year: 2019/20

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

British Computer Society (BCS) gives full or partial accreditation for all programmes

The Tech Partnership – Information Technology Management for Business

Final award See Programme Structure
Programme title Computer Science
Computing and Management
Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
Information Technology Management for Business
Computer Science and Mathematics
Programme code COUB01 Computer Science (CS) BSc
COUM01 Computer Science (CS) MSci
COUB02 Computing and Management (CM) BSc
COUM02 Computing and Management (CM) MSci
COUB04 Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (CSAI) BSc
COUM04 Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (CSAI) MSci
COUB06 Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) BSc
COUM06 Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) MSci
COUB08 Computer Science and Mathematics (CSM) BSc
COUM08 Computer Science and Mathematics (CSM) MSci
Length of programme BSc - 3 years
BSc with placement - 4 years
MSci - 4 years
MSci with placement - 5 years
UCAS code See Programme Structure
Admissions criteria

Computer Science 

MSci DPS/DInts - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/g403 / MSci  - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/g402 

BSc DPS/DInts - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/g401 / BSc - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/g400

Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence 

MSci DPS/DInts - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/ggk7 / MSci - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gg4r /

BSc DPS/DInts - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gg47 / BSc - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gg4t

Computer Science and Mathematics 

MSci DPS/DInts - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/ggl1 / MSci - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/ggk1 /

BSc DPS/DInts - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gg4d / BSc - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gg4c

Computing and Management

MSci DPS/DInts - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gnl2 / MSci - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gn4f /

BSc DPS/DInts - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gn42 / BSc - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gnk2

Information Technology Management for Business

MSci DPS/DInts - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/g500 / MSci - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/g501 /

BSc DPS/DInts - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gn51 / BSc DPS - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/gn52

Date at which the programme specification was published Fri, 09 Aug 2019 12:29:18 BST

1. Programme Aims

Aims

CS

CM

CSAI

ITMB

CSM

To give students the knowledge and skills needed to become effective professionals and managers within the IT industry, or to progress immediately to a masters degree programme or postgraduate research in the computing or information industries

X

X

X

X

X

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

X

X

X

To develop knowledge, understanding and skills in information technology and business.

X

X

X

X

X

To provide students with selected specialised areas of study in information technology.

X

X

X

X

X

To provide students with selected specialised areas of study in business.

 

X

 

X

 

To provide students with selected specialised areas of study in information management.

 

 

 

 

 

To provide students with selected specialised areas of study in mathematics.

 

 

 

 

X

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

X

X

X

X

X

To give students the knowledge and skills needed to be able to provide computer science solutions to information technology problems.

X

X

X

X

X

To develop specific skills in areas described as artificial intelligence, such as robotics, image processing, multi-agent systems and computer vision.

 

 

X

 

 

To develop specific skills in the technical, organisational, financial, marketing and planning issues of web development.

 

 

 

 

 

To develop specific skills in the technical, organisational, financial, marketing and planning issues of information management.

 

 

 

 

 

To provide project, communication and interpersonal skills relevant to industry as specified by the Tech Partnership.

 

 

 

X

 

(MSci only) To prepare students for their career by both broadening and deepening the skills and abilities learned in the BSc programme within a research and industrial environment.

X

X

X

X

X

(MSci only) To give students the knowledge and skills to undertake research in a specialist area of their course.

X

X

X

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 and where applicable the School of Business and Economics and the Department of Mathematics
  • ITMB only: the requirements of the Tech Partnership

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

CS

CM

CSAI

ITMB

CSM

K1

Programme specification, design, implementation, testing, maintenance and evaluation

X

X

X

X

X

K2

Object-oriented programming methods

X

 

X

 

X

K3

Computer systems, including computer architectures, operating systems and networks

X

X

X

X

 

K4

Information systems requirements, modelling, design and use

X

X

X

X

X

K5

Computer Science theory and mathematical methods, including programming and data structures

X

 

X

 

X

K6

Software project management and the software development life cycle

X

X

X

X

 

K7

Computer graphics

X

 

X

 

 

K8

Artificial Intelligence methods, logic and logic programming

X

 

X

 

X

K9

Knowledge systems

 

X

 

X

 

K10

Applications of Artificial Intelligence, such as Internet agents, robotics and computer vision

 

 

X

 

 

K11

Legal, professional, ethical and security issues of computing and information systems

X

X

X

X

X

K12

Web design and web analytics

 

 

 

 

 

K13

Industrial methods in IT management

 

 

 

X

 

K14

The human resource, organisational, financial, marketing, theoretical and strategic aspects of business management

 

X

 

X

 

K15

Mathematical methods, including algebra, calculus, statistics, analysis and quantitative methods, the formation of problems in mathematical form and the application of computers to solve mathematical problems

 

 

 

 

X

K16

Information Management, including information systems and architectures, the requirements, gathering, analysis, storage, retrieval, evaluation, personalisation and dissemination of information, the role of information for individuals, organisations and society

 

 

 

 

 

K17

A range of specialist topics that broaden or deepen the student’s knowledge

X

X

X

X

X

Additional knowledge and understanding for MSci students:

K18

Appropriate research techniques applicable to a specialised interest area

X

X

X

X

X

K19

Professionalism and management in a commercial and economic context

X

X

X

X

X

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

CS

CM

CSAI

ITMB

CSM

C1

Elicit, specify, analyse, model and evaluate requirements for computer-based systems

X

X

X

X

 

C2

Specify, model, design and plan the implementation of computer-based systems for the solution of real problems

X

X

X

X

X

C3

Evaluate computer-based systems in terms of meeting requirements and other quality, legal and ethical attributes

X

X

X

X

X

C4

Apply theoretical,  mathematical and logical methods to specify, analyse, design and evaluate real world problems

X

 

X

 

X

C5

Apply the principles of interactive design to analyse, evaluate and design web sites and applications

 

 

 

 

 

C6

Analyse business problems from a human resource, organisational, financial, marketing and strategic perspective

 

X

 

X

 

C7

Apply management theory and statistics to design and plan a solution to business problems

 

X

 

X

 

C8

Analyse, plan, design and evaluate solutions for information and knowledge problems, taking into account the effects of individuals, organisations, societies and environment involved

 

 

 

 

 

C9

Abstract the essentials of problems and formulate them mathematically, select and apply the appropriate mathematical tools to solve problems, and construct and develop logical mathematical arguments with clear identification of assumptions and conclusions

 

 

 

 

X

Additional skills for MSci students:

C10

Show critical awareness and/or new insights in their chosen specialist area

X

X

X

X

X

C11

Deploy appropriate research techniques to analyse a problem in their chosen specialist area

X

X

X

X

X

C12

Apply professional and management techniques within a commercial and economic context

X

X

X

X

X

 

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

CS

CM

CSAI

ITMB

CSM

P1

Build, test, maintain and operate computer-based systems

X

X

X

X

X

P2

Deploy effectively the tools used for the construction, testing and documentation of computer applications

X

X

X

X

X

P3

Deploy configuration management, quality assurance and security principles to backup and manage computer software in a changing environment

X

X

X

X

 

P4

Construct systems to solve problems using  artificial intelligence methods

 

 

X

 

 

P5

Employ business principles for decision making and the management of projects and processes

 

X

 

X

 

P6

Monitor and evaluate processes and projects to identify and implement change when required

 

X

 

X

 

P7

Use information and communication technologies for the management of information and implementation, testing, maintenance and operation of information services

 

 

 

 

 

P8

Develop programs for systems with limited resources such as embedded devices

x

 

x

   

Additional skills for MSci students:

P9

Apply appropriate research techniques to develop new technologies and/or new insights to investigate and solve real problems

X

X

X

X

X

P10

Apply appropriate techniques to manage IT projects and project teams in a commercial and economic context

X

X

X

X

X

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

CS

CM

CSAI

ITMB

CSM

Produce well written, concise and well structured reports

X

X

X

X

X

Give oral presentations, arguments and explanations

X

X

X

X

X

Communicate effectively using electronic media to a range of audiences

X

X

X

X

X

Be numerate in the analysis and presentation of cases involving a quantitative dimension

X

X

X

X

X

Work effectively in a team, recognising the different roles and different ways of organising teams

X

X

X

X

X

Manage a project

X

X

X

X

X

Work effectively with clients and other project stakeholders

X

X

X

X

 

Use effective selling and negotiation techniques

 

X

 

X

 

Present arguments and proposals to business and industry representatives

 

 

 

X

 

Manage their own learning and development, and appreciate the need for continuing professional development

X

X

X

X

X

Make effective use of general  IT facilities

X

X

X

X

X

Additional skills for MSci students:

Apply research techniques

X

X

X

X

X

Be creative and innovative

X

X

X

X

X

Manage and evaluate the performance of others

X

X

X

X

X

 

4. Programme structure

Programme Award:

BSc – all programmes 

MSci – all programmes except Information Management and Computing; and Web Development

DPS – additional award available on all programmes if a placement year is taken in professional studies.

DInts - additional award available on all programmes if placement year is taken. (For students undertaken a year of study abroad from 2019/20 onwards)

 

UCAS Codes:

 

 

Course

BSc

BSc with

DPS

MSci

MSci with DPS

Computer Science

G400

G401

G402

G403

Computing and Management

GNK2

GN42

GN4F

GNL2

Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence

GG4T

GG47

GG4R

GGK7

Information Technology Management for Business

GN52

GN51

G501

G500

Computer Science and Mathematics

GG4C

GG4D

GGK1

GGL1

 

Programme Structure:

4.1 Part A

In this table x indicates a compulsory module and o indicates an optional module

Code

Title

Weight

Semester

CS

CM

CSAI

ITMB

CSM

COA107

Logic for Computer Science

10

1

x

 

x

 

x

COA108

Functional Programming

10

1

x

 

x

   

COA111

Software Engineering 1

10

1

x

x

x

x

x

COA122

Introduction to Programming

10

1

x

x

x

x

     x

COA124

Computer Systems

10

1

x

x

x

x

 

COA220

Mathematics for Computer Science

 10  1  x    x    

COA105

Introduction to Algorithms

10

2

x

 

x

 

x

COA123

Web Programming

20

2

x

x

x

x

 

COA201

Databases

10

2

x

x

x

x

x

COA202

Embedded Systems Programming

10

2

x

 

x

   

COA256

Object-Oriented Programming

10

2

x

 

x

 

x

BSA080

 Quantitative Methods for Business A  10  1    x ()    x ()  
 BSA085  Quantitative Methods for Business B  10  1    x ()    x ()  

BSA505

Organisational Behaviour

10

1

 

x

 

x

 

BSA525

Introduction to Accounting

10

1

 

x

 

x

 

BSA110

 Business Modelling A  10  2    x ()    x ()  
 BSA115  Business Modelling B  10  2    x ()    x ()  

BSA506

Management of Human Resources

10

2

 

x

 

x

 

BSA526

Accounting for Managers

10

2

 

x

 

x

 

MAA142

Linear Algebra 1

10

1

       

x

MAA143

Analysis 1

10

1

       

x

MAA150

Mathematical Methods 1

10

1

       

x

MAA241

Linear Algebra 2

10

2

       

x

MAA242

Geometry and Groups

10

2

       

x

MAA250

Mathematical Methods 2

10

2

       

x

() For students without a post GCSE Maths qualifications

() For students with a post GCSE Maths qualification

 

4.2 Part B

In this table x indicates a compulsory module and o indicates an optional module

Code

Title

Weight

Semester

CS

CM

CSAI

ITMB

CSM

COB106

Formal Languages and Theory of Computation

10

1

x

 

x

 

x

COB120

Computer Graphics

10

1

x

 

x

 

x

COB122

Software Engineering 2 

10

1

x

x

x

x

 

COB231

Operating Systems, Networks and the Internet 1

10

1

x

x

x

x

 

COB107

AI Methods

20

1+2

x

 

x

 

x

COB290

Team Projects

20

1+2

x

x

x

x

 

COB301

Industry Insight

10

1+2

     

x

 

COA256

 Object Oriented Programming  10  2    x    x  

COB150

Formal Methods

10

2

x

 

x

 

x

COB155

 Mobile Application Development  10  2  x    x    

COB201

Professional Issues in Computing

10

2

x

x

x

x

 

COB232

Operating Systems, Networks and the Internet 2

10

2

x

 

x

   

COB295

Team Project

10

2

       

x

BSB555

Organisational Studies

10

1

 

x

     

BSB560

Principles of Marketing

10

1

 

x

 

x

 

BSB572

Management Science Methods

10

1

 

x

 

x

 

BSB550

Company Finance

10

2

 

x

 

x

 

BSB562

The Marketing Mix

10

2

 

x

 

x

 

BSB580

Operations Management

10

2

 

x

 

x

 

  MAA143*

Analysis 1

10

1

       

x

MAB151

Mathematical Methods 3

10

1

       

x

MAB360

Numerical Methods

20

1+2

       

x

MAA243

Analysis 2

10

2

       

x

 MAB250

 ODE's and Calculus of Variations

 10

 2

       

* For students in the cohort 2018/19 only

4.3 Part I

Candidates on degree programmes with a placement take a year in industry (DPS), or undertake study abroad for a year* (DInts), between Parts B and C or alternatively, for MSci candidates with permission from the Director of Studies, between Parts C and D. This year leads to the award of Diploma of Professional Studies (DPS) or a Diploma in International Studies (DInts).

*Available to students who take a Placement from 2019/20 Academic Year onwards.

4.4 Part C

In the tables below X indicates a compulsory module and o indicates an optional module.

4.4.1 Project Modules:

All candidates must take one project module according to the table below:

Code

Title

Weight

Semester

CS

CM

CSAI

ITMB

CSM

COC251

Computer Science Project

40

1+2

x

       

COC252

Computing Project

40

1+2

 

o

 

o

 

COC253

IT Project

40

1+2

 

o

 

o

 

COC255

Computer Science and Mathematics Project

40

1+2

       

x

COC257

AI Project

40

1+2

   

x

   

4.4.2 Other Modules:

Code

Title

Weight

Semester

CS

CM

CSAI

ITMB

CSM

COB120

Computer Graphics

10

1

 

o

 

o

 

COB122

Software Engineering 2 

10

1

       

o

COC100

Enterprise Resource Planning Systems

10

1

o

o

o

o

o

COC101

Agent-Based Systems

10

1

o

 

x

 

o

COC104

Algorithm Analysis

10

1

o

 

o

 

o

COC105

Cloud Computing

10

1

o

o

o

o  

COC108

Knowledge based Decision Support 

10

1

 

o   x  

COC118

Human-Computer Interaction

10

1

o

o

o

o

 

COC195

Difficult Problems in Computer Science 10 1 o   o   o

COC196

Distributed Systems 10 1 o   o   o

COB155

 Mobile Application Development  10 2  
  o±  
  o±   o

COB232

Operating Systems, Networks and the Internet 2

10

2

 

o

 

o

 

COC001

Robotics

     10         2       o         x          o

COC102

Advanced Artificial Intelligence Systems

10

2

o

 

x

 

o

COC131

Data Mining

10

2

o

o

o

o

o

COC140

Cryptography and Network Security

10

2

o

o

o

o

o

COC190

Advanced Networking

10

2

o

 

o

   

COC202

Computer Vision

10

2

o

 

x

 

o

COC213

Cyber Security

10

2

o

 o

o

 

COC220

Computer Animation

10

2

o

 o

o

 o

o

BSC063

Decision and Efficiency Analysis

10

1

 

o

 

o

 

BSC105

International Human Resource Management

10

1

 

o

 

o

 

BSC110

Marketing Strategy and Planning

10

1

 

o

 

o

 

BSC520

Business Systems

10

1

o

o

o

o

 

BSC522

Entrepreneurship and Innovation

10

1

o

o

o

o

 

BSC565

Fundamentals of Strategic Management

10

1

 

x

 

x

 

BSC067

Simulation of Decision Support

10

2

 

o

 

o

 

BSC068

 Consulting Practice and Decision Making  10  2    o    o  

BSC072

Strategic Information Management

10

2

 

o

 

o

 

BSC080

Analysing Careers

10

2

 

o

 

o

 

BSC085

The Changing Work Organisation

10

2

 

o

 

o

 

BSC124

Marketing Communications

10

2

 

o

 

o

 

BSC524

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Planning

10

2

o

o

o

o

 

BSC575

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

10

2

 

x

 

x

 

ISC027

Information and Knowledge Management

10

1

   o    o  

ISC336

Social Informatics

10

1

 

o

 

o

 

ISC334

Intelligent Project Management

10

2

 o  o  o  o  

MAB141

Analysis 3

10

1

       

o

MAB150

Vector Calculus

10

1

       

o

MAB170

Probability Theory

10

1

       

o

MAB242

Abstract Algebra

10

1

       

o

MAC147

Number Theory

10

1

       

o

MAC175

Operational Research

10

1

       

o

MAC197

Introduction to Differential Geometry

10

1

       

o

MAB142

Vector Spaces

10

2

       

o

MAB241

Complex Variables

10

2

       

o

MAB250

ODEs and Calculus of Variations

10

2

       

o

MAB270

Statistical Modelling

10

2

       

o

MAC233

Studies in Science and Mathematics Education

10

2

 o o o

o

MAC249

Linear Differential Equations

10

2

       

o(x)

MAC265

Game Theory

10

2

       

o

MAC297

Mathematical Biology

10

2

       

o

MAC298

Elements of Topology

10

2

       

o

± Only for students who have previosuly taken COA256

(x) See CSM MSci programme specific option restrictions

In exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Director of Studies, candidates may be allowed to substitute an alternative Loughborough University Part C module for any of the above modules.

 4.4.3 Option Restrictions for All Programmes

  • Candidates must not take more than 30 credits of options coded COB or MAB.
  • Candidates should choose options that, with their compulsory modules, will give 40 credits in each Semester, excluding the project.
  • Candidates may not take any module at Part C if they have previously taken it at Part B.
  • Candidates must take note of pre-requisites for each option as some options can only be taken if the candidate has taken a pre-requisite option in an earlier Part or Semester.
  • Candidates should note that staff availability may mean that it may not be possible to offer some options in any particular year, and that timetabling restrictions may mean that certain combinations of options may not be possible.

 4.4.4 Programme Specific Option Restrictions

Programme

Restriction

CS

Students must choose options of value 80 credits.

CMS

Students must choose options of value 60 credits.

CSAI

Students must choose options of value 40 credits.

ITMB

Students must choose options of value 50 credits.

CSM

Options of at least 40 credits must be taken from option lists offered by Mathematics.

Additionally for MSci students, MAC249 is a compulsory module for all students.

 4.5 Part D

In the tables below X indicates a compulsory module.

Candidates in Part D of a MSci degree programme take the following modules:

Code

Title

Weight

Semester

CSM

Other

BSD523

Enterprise Technology for Computer Scientists

10

1

x

x

MAP111

Mathematical Modelling 1

15

1

x

 

COD280

Managing a Project Team

10

1+2

x

x

COD290

Thesis Project

60

1+2

x

x

COD292

Group Project

30

1+2

 

x

COD300

 Learning Evaluation in a Specialised Subject  10  1+2  x  x

MAP211

Mathematical Modelling 2

15

2

x

 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to C, from C to D (if applicable) and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX. 

For MSci students in the cohort that started their degree course in or before the academic year 2017/18, in order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to Part C, and from Part C to Part D, candidates must accumulate 120 credits in each of Parts A, B, and C. For MSci students in the cohort that started their degree course in the academic year 2018/19, in order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to Part C, and from Part C to Part D, candidates must accumulate 120 credits and obtain an overall average of 55% in each of Parts A, B, and C.  For MSci students in the cohort that started their degree course in or after 2019/20, Regulation XX Para 26.2 applies.

Candidates who, after reassessment, fail the MSci requirements for Parts A or B but who have passed the requirements for the corresponding BSc programme, will automatically be transferred to the corresponding BSc programme. Candidates who fail Parts C or D after reassessment will be considered for a BSc degree at the programme board, in accordance with Section 6 below.

Re-assessment

Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XX for candidates who have the right of re-assessment in any Part of the Programme to undergo re-assessment in the University's special assessment period or next academic year.

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

Candidates' final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level Module Assessments in Parts B and C (and D if applicable). The percentage mark for each Part will be combined in the ratio given below to determine the final percentage mark.

BSc programmes

Part B : Part C

1:3

MSci programmes

Part B : Part C : Part D

14:43:43  (approx 1:3:3)

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