Semester one activities
In the first few weeks we will be starting to deliver the technical content of your course and help you build working relationships with the staff and other students. We will also help you solve any issues you have and help you with the transition into higher education and the different methods of learning used, leading onto you becoming an autonomous, self-motivated learner.
So that you know what modules you are going to be studying in the very beginning:
FOUNDATION YEAR STUDENTS, your first semester modules will be:
- STUDY SKILLS AND DATA ANALYTICS 1
This module is designed to help you to develop study and research skills. You will learn about research which will lead you to creating a Literature Review. You will find out about different approaches to research and develop the skills so you can analyse and select from these to apply in your own studies. The module will look to develop your knowledge of referencing and aid you in building sound academic writing skills. Part of the assessment will get you to write a report where you will put your research and analysis skills in practice in relation to gathering data and representing this in the best way for others such as businesses to use.
- COMMUNICATIONS AND CYBER
This module will prepare students to understand communications principles and implement a small network using industry grade equipment. Once this is completed you will be able to define the term Cybersecurity, identify attacks and threat attackers allowing you to understand data privacy and how to protect the user and organisation. This module will contain Theory and Practical implementations ensuring you have a well-rounded knowledge.
- PROGRAMMING AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
You will learn about problem-solving in the context of programming on this module, and how to analyse a problem and produce a basic application. The module will introduce programming to help you implement a solution with different interfaces. You will also be introduced to areas of artificial intelligence (AI), using voice assistants as an example.
For LEVEL 4 STUDENTS, your first semester modules will be:
- COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE AND OPERATING SYSTEMS DESIGN
This module explores the different areas of technology within computing and identifies core elements within the field to make an informed choice for purchasing, designing, and developing systems. In addition to these core skills you will consolidate your understanding of an operating system and will be able to commission and program typically Windows and Unix derivative OS as used within your chosen field. Considering Operating Systems outside of traditional x86 computing is also a key skill for fundamental computing decision making.
- ALGORITHMS AND PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS
In this module, you will begin an exciting journey of discovery that will lay the programming foundation for both your academic and professional career. You will focus on designing and developing programs in Python. On the way, you will also learn about algorithms, data structures, analysing problems, modelling solutions, and testing programs.
- NETWORKS AND COMMUNICATIONS
In studying this module, you will learn about the fundamental concepts e.g. OSI/TCP suit, TCP and UDP communications, IP addressing, Ethernet, wireless networks, switching, routing, network design, documentation, management and troubleshooting. Upon successful completion of the module, you should become a skilled user who is able to design a network efficiently, can configure network devices e.g. switches, routers etc., can manage and troubleshoot network issues.