Programme Specifications

N/A

September 2023

This three-year joint honours degree scheme is offered jointly between Computer Science and the physics department. Students spend equal amounts of time in both departments and whilst they may not cover the breadth of the two subjects, they certainly cover the main core areas.

From the Computer Science perspective:

The aim of this degree scheme is to produce good quality computing graduates with a strong software engineering bias who are highly sought after by industry. The scheme has a well-defined set of core modules that must be studied to ensure that graduates have a wide range of experiences with a good grounding in the major fields of Computing.

The scheme has  the following fundamental aims:

• to enable students to develop the skills to be expected of any graduate, including the following skills: to reason logically and creatively; to communicate clearly both orally and in writing; and to be able to obtain and interpret information from a wide range of sources

• to equip students with the skills necessary to program in high-level computing languages

• to enable students to understand and apply the range of principles and tools available to the software engineer

• to  give students a good grounding in the major fields of Computing through a wide range of experiences

• to give students an appreciation of the political, economic, legal and social issues surrounding software.

• to instil the professional and ethical responsibilities required of computer practitioners

• to produce graduates who have the potential to succeed in a rapidly changing industry

1. To provide a programme in which the study of physics can be combined with that of mathematics, such that student time is divided equally between both disciplines.

2. To provide a thorough understanding of the core principles of physics within the general areas of classical and quantum physics.

3. To apply research activity to inform the learning and teaching.

4. To produce graduates with competence in subject-specific skills: problem solving, scientific methodology, experimental and computing techniques.

5. To provide training, and use of, in a wide range of transferable key skills needed for employment at a graduate level.

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas as identified in the QAA benchmark for Computing which may be found on-line at:

https://www.qaa.ac.uk/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements/computing

and is displayed in the tables below.

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

The scheme focuses on the following components of the QAA benchmark:

• Hardware

Computer architecture and construction

Processor architecture

• Software

Programming languages

Software tools and packages

Computer applications

Structuring of data and information

• Communications & interaction

Computer networks, distributed systems

Human-computer interaction

Operating systems

• Practice

Problem identification and analysis

Design, development, testing and evaluation

Management and organisation

Professionalism and ethics

Commercial and industrial exploitation

• Theory

Algorithm design and analysis

Modelling and frameworks

Analysis, prediction and generalisation

Human behaviour and performance

And will equip students in the following Computer Related Cognitive areas:

• Knowledge and understanding: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to Computing and computer applications.

• Modelling: use such knowledge and understanding in the modelling and design of computer-based systems for the purposes of comprehension, communication, prediction and the understanding of trade-offs.

• Requirements, practical constraints and computer-based systems (including computer systems, information systems, embedded systems and distributed systems) in their context: recognise and analyse criteria and specifications appropriate to specific problems, and plan strategies for their solution.

• Critical evaluation and testing: analyse the extent to which a computer-based system meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development.

• Methods and tools: deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems.

• Reflection and communication: present succinctly to a range of audiences (orally, electronically or in writing) rational and reasoned arguments that address a given information handling problem or opportunity. This includes assessment of the impactof new technologies.

• Professional considerations: recognise the professional, moral and ethical issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology and be guided by the adoption of appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices.

The first year provides a foundation of programming and computer infrastructure.

The second year builds on the information and techniques studied in the first year by expanding them further and introducing more specialised subjects. This year includes a required module with a group project.

The third year introduces the most advanced topics of the degree scheme and includes a required individual project that allows the student to gain deeper knowledge and understanding in an area of particular interest.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

A1-A5

A1 Understanding of fundamental concepts of a core of physics

A2 Ability to apply these fundamental concepts to advanced topics approaching the frontiers of the subject

A3 Appropriate working knowledge of mathematical techniques

A4 A range of skills in practical physics, including experimental work, data manipulation and computing techniques

A5 Ability to interpret topics and results in terms of relevant literature and to construct and communicate the arguments logically

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods used to enable the outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated encompass:

• Lectures (A1-A5)

• Problem-solving workshops (A1,A3-A4)

• Feedback classes (A1-A3)

• Laboratory work (A4)

• Group and individual project work (A4-A5)

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Assessment methods include:

• Time-constrained examinations (A1-A3,A5)

• Open- and closed-book tests (A1-A3)

• Examples sheets (A1-A3)

• Laboratory diaries and reports (A4)

• Literature searches and reviews (A5)

• Project reports (A4-A5)

• Oral/Poster presentations (A4-A5)

• Mathematical and numerical exercises (A1,A3)

The Computing schemes at Aberystwyth have a significant emphasis on vocational skills.

In this scheme, students will also be expected to develop practical computer related skills giving them:

• The ability to specify, design and construct computer-based systems.

• The ability to evaluate systems in terms of general quality attributes and possible trade-offs presented within the given problem.

• The ability to recognise any risks or safety aspects that may be involved in the operation of computing equipment within a given context.

• The ability to deploy effectively the tools used for the construction and documentation of computer applications, with particular emphasis on understanding the whole process involved in the effective deployment of computers to solve practical problems.

• The ability to work as a member of a development team, recognising the different roles within a team and different ways of organising teams.

• The ability to operate computing equipment effectively, taking into account its logical and physical properties.

10.2.1 Intellectual skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

B1-B5

B1 Analytical and problem-solving skills

B2 Numerical skills

B3 Ability to plan, execute and report on an experiment or investigation

B4 Capability of independent work and group work in physics

B5 Ability to develop mathematical and computing skills used to model and describe the physical world

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods used to enable the outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated include:

• Problem-solving workshops (B1-B2,B5)

• Laboratory classes (B3-B5)

• Group and individual projects (B1-B5)

• Lectures (B1-B2)

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Assessment methods include:

• Example sheets (B1-B2)

• Laboratory diaries and reports (B3)

• Group and individual project reports (B3-B5)

• Time constrained examinations (B1-B2)

• Oral presentations (B3)

• Open- and closed-book tests (B1-B2)

10.2.2 Professional practical skills / Discipline Specific Skills

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

C1-C6

C1 Competency in working in a practical laboratory

C2 Ability to estimate uncertainties in measurements and results

C3 Ability to assess and minimise risks in practical situations

C4 The use of numerical, IT and computing skills to support practical work

C5 Competency in recording practical work in laboratory diaries and reporting on the work in written accounts and oral presentations

C6 Competency in carrying out a literature review and reporting on a project via written and oral presentations

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods used to enable the outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated include:

• Laboratory classes (C1-C5)

• Project work (C1-C6)

• Oral presentations (C5-C6)

• Lectures and workshops (C2-C6)

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Assessment methods include:

• Laboratory diaries and reports (C1-C5)

• Group and individual project reports (C1-C6)

• Oral presentations (C5-C6)

• Coursework examples (C2)

• Numerical exercises (C4)

On completion of the programme the student will be able to take responsibility for themselves and their work. They will be able to:

• Work independently

• Work in a team

• Respect the views and beliefs of others

• Listen

• Communicate orally

• Communicate in writing

• Communicate electronically

• Word-process

• Use the Web

• Manage time and work to deadlines

• Research issues

• Solve problems

• Adapt to change

• Develop career awareness

And they will exhibit:

• Effective information-retrieval skills.

• Numeracy in both understanding and presenting cases involving a quantitative dimension.

• Effective use of general IT facilities.

• Managing one's own learning and development including time management and organisational skills.

• Appreciating the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for lifelong learning.

By the end of their programme, all students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

D1-D6

D1 Problem-solving, analytical and investigative skills

D2 Ability to work independently and in groups

D3 Time-management and planning skills

D4 Ability to communicate in writing and orally

D5 Ability to apply IT skills

D6 Professional behaviour including appreciation of the requirements: to be objective, unbiased and truthful; to acknowledge the work of others; and to adopt a safe working environment.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods used to enable the outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated include:

• Project work (D1-D6)

• Laboratory classes (D1-D6)

• Lectures (D1)

• Workshops (D1)

Assessment Strategies and Methods

Assessment strategies and methods include:

• Group and individual project work (D1-D6)

• Laboratory diaries and reports (D1,D4-D6)

• Oral presentations (D4)

• Written project reports (D4,D6)

• Example sheets (D1-D2)