Academic Handbook Course Descriptors and Programme Specifications

NCHNAP788 Data Engineering Course Descriptor

Course Title Data Engineering Faculty EDGE Innovation Unit (London)
Course code NCHNAP788 Course Leader Professor Scott Wildman (interim)
Credit points 15 Teaching Period This course will typically be delivered over a 6-week period.
FHEQ level 7 Date approved March 2021
Compulsory/
Optional 
Compulsory
Prerequisites None

Course Summary

This course examines the engineering principles used (general and software) to investigate and manage the design, development and deployment of new data products within business. Learners will understand the techniques applicable to data engineering, data pipelines and the design, development and deployment of scalable data solutions.

Course Aims

  • Train learners in the engineering principles: data engineering and software engineering.
  • Give learners the technical knowledge and tools to develop data solutions in business.
  • Train learners in the use of data pipelines.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

K1d Systematically understand how data products can be delivered to solve a business problem using a range of methodologies.
K2d Comprehensively understand the engineering principles used to deliver new data products.      
K3d Systematically understand iterative and incremental development and project management approaches.     

Subject Specific Skills

S1d Conceptually design scalable data products to solve business problems.
S2d Understand the role of software engineers, deployment and documentation processes.

Transferable and Professional Skills

T1d Use self-direction and originality in problem solving.
T2d Consistently display an excellent level of technical proficiency in written English and command of scholarly terminology, so as to be able to deal with complex issues in a sophisticated and systematic way.
T3d Critically evaluate methodologies.
T4d Use independent learning for continuing professional development.

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: 

  • Online learning
  • Online discussion groups
  • Online assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Learners are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Learners 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:

  • Off-the-job learning and teaching (6 days x 7 hours) = 42 hours
  • On-the-job learning (12 days x 7 hours) = 84 hours (e.g. 2 days per week for 6 weeks)
  • Private study (4 hours per week) = 24 hours

Total = 150 hours

Workplace assignments (see below) will be completed as part of on-the-job learning.

Assessment

Formative

Learners will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide learners with developmental feedback. 

Summative

AE   Assessment Type Weighting Online submission Duration Length
1 Written assignment
(essay)
50% Yes Requiring on average 15 – 25 hours to complete 2,000 words +/- 10%

Excluding references and data tables

2 Report
(workplace example)
50% Yes Requiring on average 15 – 25 hours to complete 2,000 words +/- 10%

Excluding references and data tables

Feedback

Learners will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Regular tri-partite reviews between the learner (apprentice), their apprenticeship advisor (provider) and workplace line manager (employer) formally monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to learners; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books 

Chan, Y., Talburt, J., and Talley, T.M. (2010). Data Engineering Mining, Information and Intelligence. New York : Springer

Kordon, A. (2020). Applying Data Science How to Create Value with Artificial Intelligence. Cham : Springer

Sommerville, I. (2016). Software engineering. Boston: Pearson.

Journals

Learners are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on data engineering as directed by their Course Leader.

Electronic Resources

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant websites on data engineering.

Indicative Topics

Learners will study the following topics: 

  • Data engineering
  • Software engineering
  • Data pipelines
Title: NCHNAP788 Data Engineering Course Descriptor

Approved by: Academic Board

Location: Academic Handbook/Programme specifications and Handbooks/ Postgraduate Apprenticeship Programmes/MSc Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Programme Specification/Course Descriptors

Version number Date approved Date published  Owner Proposed next review date Modification (As per AQF4) & category number
3.0 July 2022 August 2022 Scott Wildman September 2026 Category 1: Corrections/clarifications to documents which do not change approved content or learning outcomes

Category 3: Changes to Learning Outcomes

2.0 January 2022 April 2022 Scott Wildman September 2026 Category 3: Changes to Learning Outcomes
1.0 March 2021 March 2021 Scott Wildman March 2026
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