Computer Science with Cyber Security with Foundation Year

This module will introduce object-oriented programming in Python using Visual Studio Code, covering console based and desktop applications.

This module will explore low-level details of some key computer components. It will teach you how to decompose some real-world systems into smaller subsystems, and how to make complex operations out of simple operations.

This module will cover some core mathematics in order to get you up to something between GCSE and A2 level. The maths included is targeted at what will be useful later in the course, such as algebra, trigonometry, calculus, coordinate geometry, probability and statistics.

This module gives an introduction to developing content and applications for the Web. The module covers the basics of the WWW followed by core technologies and standards such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Further topics are design principles, development as a process, testing and validation. The module is delivered as a blend of lectures and hands-on workshops. Successful completion of this module will enable you to create standard compliant websites following best practice.

The module is delivered as a blend of lectures and hands-on workshops. Successful completion of this module will enable you to understand computer components and computer architecture, convert numbering systems from one type to another, and how to data pass through input, memory, processor and output.

This module will share fundamental knowledge of database management systems, their design, implementation and applications. It will develop your knowledge and understanding of the underlying principles of relational database management system, and how to implement and maintain an efficient database system.

This module will provide you with an in-depth low-level knowledge of computer systems, concentrating on computer architecture, operating systems and communications technology. You will also start to develop skills in the use of Unix-like operating systems at command-line level, writing and using simple scripts and batch files and the simple system administration of a standalone Linux PC.

You will be introduced to a practical, hands-on approach to programming where workshops will provide focused practical activity on a managed learning curve. You will learn excellent programming practice through design, implementation and testing, and will be introduced to the basics of structured programming language using an integrated programming environment.

You will strengthen your syntax and semantics base of Java developed in the ‘Programming 1’ module. You will develop an appreciation of recursion as well as your knowledge of dynamic data structures. Additionally, you will learn how to test and debug code, along with an appreciation of more sophisticated programming behaviour.

You will be introduced to the business context and application of computing and information systems. You will explore this through societal, professional, ethical and legal issues surrounding business practices and the theory and process of project delivery to a professional standard.

You will be introduced to theory and practice of website design and development and develop knowledge and understanding of human-computer interaction and techniques for designing and analysing user interfaces. You will also gain skills and practical experience of designing, developing and testing websites using HTML5 & Cascading Sheets (CSS).

You will develop data-driven interactive web applications, with client-side and server-side components, using industry-standard software development tools and techniques. You will design, create, test and demonstrate software implementing a data-driven web application, programming, industry standard scripting languages (such as PHP and Javascript), connecting to industry standard databases, identifying security risks, and working within legal constraints such as data protection, accessibility and copyright.

In this module you will first be introduced to some of the most important data structures used in the design and implementation of computer software and shown how these are implemented using Java. You will then learn to analyse the requirements of algorithm resources to allow you to provide a sound basis for objective choice when dealing with competing algorithms

You will develop a range of employability 'soft skills' to give you an advantage when applying for (and carrying out) a placement as well as graduate roles. Employers value a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. This module will draw from our extensive industry contacts to demonstrate the range of skills needed to succeed in your career and to help you develop a career plan.

You will learn in detail how the Internet works, from local area networks to global networks. This will include designing and troubleshooting networks, and configuring and testing network applications. You will also look at security vulnerabilities, cryptographic principles, protocols, C-I-A trade-offs, firewalls and legal implications. You will apply these principles to designing solutions for some realistic case studies.

You will be introduced to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Mining (DM) techniques for problem solving. You will become familiar with AI techniques and terminology for knowledge representation and searching, and gain an understanding of DM algorithms, and learn how these techniques are used in real world applications.

This module combines technical work in computer programming with personal development planning. You will work in a group to design, develop, document and demonstrate a solution to a problem, working to a professional standard using Java programming. This module also introduces agile techniques and methodologies and provides an opportunity for applying, evaluating and reflecting on these techniques.

You will go further into digital investigation techniques and methodologies, covering specific forensic details for Windows, mobile devices, multimedia files and networks and using a variety of tools.

You will learn to examine a range of exploits, malware and malicious programmes, using network and system monitoring tools and disassemblers to determine what they do and how they avoid detection. You will evaluate and analyse incident management and recovery procedures.

This module will prepare you for the creation and implementation of information security policies in organisations, with an emphasis on risk management and business continuity planning, taking account both the practicalities of implementation in a real-world setting and the various legal and ethical issues involved. You’ll learn to identify assets, vulnerabilities, threats and controls and to consider issues of security culture.

You will undertake an individual project that will demonstrate your understanding of security issues. You can select your own area of study, identify and develop a realistic problem and, working independently and in a professional manner, organise, sustain and report on your project in a way which is both detailed and reflective.

The module will provide an introduction to the key technologies used to provide interactive web sites and interactive applications for use with mobile devices, taking into account the unique environment in which these applications operate. Consideration will be given to how to use these technologies whilst still maintaining web standards, particularly accessibility.

You will learn business and enterprise concepts so you can analyse and evaluate business practices, concepts, theories and frameworks and their relationship to the strategic and operational management of an enterprise or a project. This is intended to complement the technical project management content of the course and provide a real-world context linked to current enterprise activities at the university. You will also learn about freelancing.

This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices and measures of virtual reality technology and the development of interactive 3D worlds. Applications of the technology that will be used are from across sectors including the computer games industry, medicine, energy, engineering and science. You will develop your programming to an advanced level of understanding and experience of modern interactive 3D engine development.

Introducing you to the field of deep learning and its applications, you will learn about the deep learning architectures and algorithms that are used in applications such as face recognition, speech recognition and medical diagnosis. You will also have the opportunity to develop your professional skills using the Python programming language and utilizing a deep learning framework to develop predictive models and applications. 

You will learn the common stages of creating a large-scale web application. This consists of the following: development of a scalable web application using design patterns, frameworks and other industry best practices; discussion of the concepts of APIs; designing a fully RESTful API for the application; and create a client to consume the application API .