Academic Handbook Course Descriptors and Programme Specifications
NCHNAL475 Intensive Foundations of Computer Science and Programming II Course Descriptor
Course Title | Intensive Foundations of Computer Science and Programming II | Faculty | EDGE Innovation Unit (London) |
Course code | NCHNAL475 | Teaching Period | This course will typically be delivered over a 6-week period. |
Credit points | 15 | Date approved | March 2021 |
FHEQ level | 4 | ||
Compulsory/ Optional |
Compulsory | ||
Prerequisites | None | ||
Co-requisites | None |
Course Summary
This course covers more advanced topics in computing and programming principles. Students will explore advanced Python programming and design principles. Students will engage in an extensive programming task which will result in the creation of a test suite. Students will explore pair programming and public code review techniques, as found in industry today. Students will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge of computer systems and programming using industry-standard cloud-based technology e.g. using ServiceNow training.
Course Aims
- Train students in more advanced computing and programming principles.
- Train students to design a test plan when given a set of criteria, business standards, and expected outcomes.
- Allow students to explore when a programmatic solution can be applied to a business need.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
K1a | Understand the advanced concepts and principles associated with programming languages and design. |
K2a | Understand to use Python libraries to analyse data, perform mathematical transformations, effectively plot, visualise, import and export data. |
K3a | Understand how to practically and conceptually develop industrial strength software using Python. |
Subject Specific Skills
S1a | Apply Python to a range of mathematical and data problems. |
S2a | Develop tests to exercise implemented code and appreciate the importance of good testing in the software development process. |
S3a | Document, test, evaluate and critique advanced code. |
Transferable and Professional Skills
T1a | Demonstrate the ability to critically investigate, make judgements and use self-initiative. |
T2a | Demonstrate the development of logical analysis and conceptual thinking. |
T3ai | Demonstrate the ability to manipulate, structure and transform data. |
T3aii | Display a developing technical proficiency in written English and an ability to communicate clearly and accurately in structured and coherent pieces of writing. |
Teaching and Learning
This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year.
This course can be offered as a standalone short course.
Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include:
- On-line learning
- On-line discussion groups
- On-line assessment
Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
Students are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Students are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.
The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:
● Learning and teaching (6 days x 8 hours) = 48 hours
● Independent study = 102 hours
Indicative total learning hours for this course: 150 hours
Assignments (see below) will be completed as part of private study.
Assessment
Formative
Students will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide students with developmental feedback.
Summative
AE | Assessment Type | Weighting | Online submission | Duration | Length |
1 | Set exercises | 50% | Yes | Requiring 15-25 hours to complete | N/A |
2 | Report | 50% | Yes | Requiring 15-25 hours to complete | 2,000 words +/- 10%, excluding data tables |
The summative assessment will be assessed in accordance with the assessment aims set out in the programme specification.
Feedback
Students will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Students will also attend a formal meeting with their Mentor. These reviews will monitor and evaluate the student’s progress.
Indicative Reading
Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to students; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.
Books
Summerfield, M. (2009), Programming in Python 3: A Complete Introduction to the Python Language, Upper Saddle River, NJ: Addison-Wesley
Lutz, M. (2011), Programming Python, Beijing; Farnham: O’Reilly
Allen, B. (2015), Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist. Farnham: O’Reilly
Journals
Students are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on Computer Systems and Programming as directed by their Course Leader.
Electronic Resources
Students are encouraged to consult relevant websites on Computer Systems and Programming.
Indicative Topics
- Variables and primitive data types
- Sequential and binary search algorithms
- Stacks and Queues
Title: NCHNAL475 Intensive Foundations of Computer Science and Programming II
Approved by: Academic Board Location: Academic Handbook/Programme specifications and Handbooks/ Undergraduate Online Programmes/Applied BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions/Course Descriptors |
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Version number | Date approved | Date published | Owner | Proposed next review date | Modification (As per AQF4) & category number |
3.0 | December 2022 | December 2022 | Dr Yu- Chun Pan | June 2026 | Category 3: Change to Teaching and Learning Strategy; Change to English Proficiency Learning Outcome
Category 1: Corrections/clarifications to documents which do not change approved content or learning outcomes |
2.1 | July 2022 | August 2022 | Scott Wildman | June 2026 | Category 1: Corrections/clarifications to documents which do not change approved content or learning outcomes |
2.0 | January 2022 | April 2022 | Scott Wildman | June 2026 | Category 3: Changes to Learning Outcomes |
1.0 | March 2021 | – | Scott Wildman | March 2026 |