Educational aims
Professionals working in the computing industry bring many kinds of expertise to their work. The aim of this degree is to equip you with the knowledge and skills you’ll will need to underpin a career in this sector. Incorporating aspects of electronic engineering, you’ll also develop an understanding of the components and engineering processes that underpin computing. As well as developing your knowledge and understanding of the fundamental technologies and techniques in computing and electronics, and the issues involved in their application, it will also:
- enable you to keep ahead in a rapidly changing subject area, by helping you to develop as an independent learner
- develop relevant skills in communication and mathematical methods
- imbue the qualities that come with being a graduate in any discipline: specialist knowledge, intellectual self-confidence and independence, analytical ability and the life-long learning skills needed to keep up with fast-changing technologies
- enable you to apply your learning in your private, social and professional life.
Additionally, depending on the choices you make at Stages 2 and 3, you may gain:
- highly sought-after skills in collaborative working
- practical experience in the use of information and communication technologies and electronics
- skills in designing electronic instrumentation that can gather, process, transmit and receive data from measurements of real-world phenomena
- an understanding of the types of software and ICT systems that are now being constructed and used, such as distributed internet systems, intelligent systems and databases, and the digital network that underlies the internet itself
- a grasp of the key concepts of computing and of modern computer systems
- a grasp of the key components, instruments and processes in modern electronics
- skills in problem solving, analysis, design, programming, evaluation and testing.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of this qualification, you’ll have knowledge and understanding of:
- the fundamental principles, concepts and techniques underlying computing and electronic engineering
- a range of models, analytical methods and languages to support the understanding and analysis of computing systems and electronic systems
- a range of situations in which computing systems are used, the ways in which people interact with them, and the possibilities and limitations of such systems
- a range of electronic systems, their purpose and how they operate, and the possibilities and limitations of the components from which they are built
- an awareness of major trends in computing and electronic engineering and of the implications of these trends.
Cognitive skills
On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:
- apply and critically evaluate key computing and electronics concepts in a range of contexts
- select and apply techniques and tools for abstracting, modelling, problem solving, and testing computing systems and electronic systems and their components, and be aware of the limitations involved
- compare, contrast, critically analyse and refine specifications and implementations of software systems and/or simple hardware systems
- devise and carry out a project in computing or electronics that applies and extends your knowledge and understanding, and critically reflect on the processes involved and the outcomes of your work.
Practical and/or professional skills
On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:
- analyse, evaluate and/or test computing systems and/or electronic engineering solutions, using appropriate simulation and modelling tools where appropriate
- plan and organise yourself and your work appropriately, including keeping systematic records of work in progress and outcomes
- demonstrate the ability to undertake ongoing learning in order to keep up to date with computing and electronic engineering
- identify and address the ethical, social and legal issues that may arise during the development and use of computing systems and electronic systems
- use appropriate professional tools to support your work.
Key skills
On completion of this qualification, you’ll be able to:
- communicate information, arguments, ideas and issues clearly and in appropriate ways; bearing in mind the audience and the purpose of your communication
- work in a group, communicating effectively in a distance setting where the communication is computer-mediated
- work independently, planning, monitoring, reflecting on and improving your own learning
- find, assess and apply information from a variety of sources, using information technology where necessary
- select and use accurately, appropriate mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems
- recognise and understand a range of technological and engineering problems and select suitable techniques for solving them.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods
You’ll learn independently, using the following types of material provided by us:
- printed teaching texts
- online teaching texts
- multimedia packages
- directed readings from textbooks and papers
- specialised software tools.
We’ll support your learning with:
- self-assessment questions and exercises, included in the teaching texts
- programming tasks, computer-based investigations and open-ended project work
- practical electronics experience using our remote laboratory
- feedback and guidance from a tutor, tutorials and revision
- email and online moderated forums
- study and project guides.
We’ll assess your learning with:
- tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
- multiple-choice computer-marked assignments (CMAs)
- formal examinations
- progress and project reports.