Programme Specifications

August 2021

This scheme is concerned with methods and technologies that are appropriate in order to create effective IT systems as solutions to business problems. In the past, this would have needed to include a strong focus on programming, but as tools have developed, it has been possible to concentrate on using tools as ‘building blocks’ to build effective applications with very little programming. This allows a stronger concentration on the process of building business applications and the needs of businesses, while reducing the importance of the programming activity. At the same time, the breadth of knowledge needed for typical business applications has increased - an understanding of internet technologies and a good grasp of database issues is vital for many business applications.

This degree will place less emphasis on programming skills than our Computer Science degree, but will concentrate more strongly on the area of understanding business requirements and translating them into business systems made from standard software building blocks.

This scheme differs from G500 in that it includes a Sandwich Year in Industry. The department prepares students for this year through residential weekends in team-building and professional skills, in addition to the relevant modules. The department also helps students find a placement and supports their year in industry with an industrial year supervisor who visits them at their place of employment.

Main aims of the scheme are:

·         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 to be able to obtain and interpret information from a wide range of sources

·         to develop in students a grasp of the basic skills needed to write computer programs

·         to enable students to build systems using tools such as databases and web site generation tools;

·         to instil in students an underlying understanding of the technologies necessary to be able to adapt the way they build systems as the available tools change;

·         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. 

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:

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/Subject-benchmark-statement-Computing.aspx

and is displayed in the tables below.

A document that links detailed Body of Knowledge topics from the subject benchmark to specific UWA modules may be found at:

http://www.aber.ac.uk/~dcswww/prog-specs/BoK.htm

See section 11 for a detailed list of modules and options required for this scheme.

120 credits in years 2 and 3 must be at level 3.

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

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

The first year is split only on whether students have previous programming experience. If they do, then they receive a more intense programming course, and have a chance to take a further option in the first semester.  The remaining modules are common to all students on the scheme.

After the first semester students may concentrate more on the application of tools than on computer programming.

The second year builds on the information and techniques studied in the first year by expanding them further and introducing more specialised subjects in Business Information Technology. 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.

The Computing schemes at Aberystwyth have a significant emphasis on vocational skills. All students are encouraged to participate in an optional industrial year scheme that strongly enhances the professional practical experiences of the graduates.

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

On completion of the programme the student will be able to take responsibility for themselves and their work. S/he 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 s/he will exhibit: