Welcome to your Cloud and Network Computing course

Welcome to University of Staffordshire. You are joining us in the Department of Computing within the School of Digital, Technologies, Innovation, and Business. With over 50 years of experience in delivering computing degree courses, our enthusiastic and highly qualified staff bring a wealth of academic and professional expertise, along with commercial and research backgrounds.

We are dedicated to helping you learn and achieve an excellent education, paving the way for a successful and rewarding future career.

Course delivery

  • Your lectures will be delivered live on campus (may be recorded), practical tutorial sessions will also be live on campus.
  • All learning materials will be hosted on our Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard).
  • Tutorial (practical sessions) are normally maximum capacity of 25. Lectures can be up to 150 students in the lecture theatre.

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. Here's a snapshot of the first modules you'll be studying:

  • Computer Architecture and Operating Systems Design – This module enables you to explore the different areas of technology within computing and identify 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.
  • Networks and Communications – This course is intended to equip you with not only the knowledge but also the practical skills to be able to create and understand an enterprise grade network. The Syllabus incorporates the content of the Cisco ICND1 qualification (Network fundamentals and routing/switching fundamentals). You’ll be starting off learning the key concepts in networking and working in our specialist labs to put that theory into practice.
  • Algorithms and Programming Concepts – In this module, you will begin an exciting journey of discovery that will lay the programming foundation for your professional career. In the first semester, you will focus on writing programs in Python using the procedural programming paradigm. On the way, you will also learn about algorithms, data structures, analysing problems, modelling solutions, and testing programs.

Pre-learning

It would be good if you could review the following videos in preparation for your core modules:

Please feel free to watch other introductory videos. TED Talks and YouTube are a good starting place. Please do not worry if you do not understand everything, that is what we are going to help you with.

Our library services offer some excellent guides to help you with your studies and workshops sessions can be booked for individual support. Please look at these additional resources that may be of use during your studies: 

Foundation year semester one activities

When you arrive, you will be starting three modules in the first semester. These modules are designed to begin your journey into both computing, and academia itself.

All our courses in the Foundation Year start from scratch but move forward quickly.

  • Study Skills and Data Analytics 1 – This module is designed to introduce you to the world of academia and provide you with the skills that you will need to successfully read for your degree, and also complete assignments effectively first time! You’ll be working on building up your research and writing skills to help you through your university journey. In particular you will learn how to approach assignments and to undertake literature reviews and reflective reports at university level.
  • Programming and AI – This module is your introduction to programming and web- based technologies. 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.
  • Communication and Cyber – NSP is your introduction to key concepts that you will need to really get to grips with computing itself. These concepts are extremely important as you progress into understanding how computers work and talk to each other! You will start studying networking concepts utilising industry-standard Cisco Academy training materials. You will then move on to studying Cyber Security concepts utilising industry-standard Cisco Academy training materials.

Throughout your University journey you will be supported by a specifically assigned academic mentor, as well as a team of module tutors who will always be on hand to help you with whatever you need!

You also have a dedicated course leader, and level leader, who you can always turn to if you have any concerns or need anything at all!

Foundation year pre-learning

We recommend you read news articles around digital technologies to get an idea of the latest ideas and innovations. Consider how technology supports day to day processes and how data is collected and stored.

The following resources are useful:

Equipment and software

Software

The software requirements will vary based on the individual modules you are studying. The University provides software at no extra cost to all students, which you can access from our University Software Portal.

Hardware

All of our labs are equipped with powerful computers, and additional computers are available in various areas for student use.

For personal hardware, we recommend a laptop with at least an i7 processor (or equivalent.), and at least 16 GB of RAM to ensure you can complete specific assignments. Using Linux or Apple-based laptops is perfectly fine, but please note that not all software has a compatible version for macOS. This is particularly true for some freeware utilities that might be used in your modules.

Trips and activities

There may be an opportunity for us to run a number of visits, these will be optional and communicated out to you closer to the time.

Our goal is to offer you a diverse range of opportunities to engage in research and attend industry guest talks. Although these talks are not mandatory components of your coursework, they provide valuable insights into the latest developments in computing. By participating in these events, you can stay up-to-date with the cutting-edge trends in the industry and expand your knowledge and expertise.

Clubs and societies

While studying with us, we encourage you to engage with at least one of our numerous clubs or societies. Joining a club or society offers you the chance to meet and connect with like-minded peers, enriching your student life and experience.

For more information on the types of clubs and societies available here at University of Staffordshire please visit our Students Union website.

Meet the team

Dr David Dyke

Course Director

David's expertise focuses on control engineering, electrical circuit analysis, analogue electronics and hardware-based digital electronics. His research interests focus on social implications of technology and the use of AI for power systems design.

David's profile

Stephen Cahill

Senior Lecturer

Steve is a Networks and Server Specialist who focuses primarily on teaching Virtualisation and Infrastructure Modules. His area of interest is primarily Hardware Platforms and Monitoring Systems.

Stephen's profile

Fiona Knight

Senior Lecturer

Fiona is a senior lecturer in Computer Science, specialising in web development, user interfaces and mobile application development. She is a second-year leader for Computer Science, and is a specialist on the web and software development routes.

Fiona's profile

Dr Carolin Bauer

Senior Lecturer

Carolin has been working for Staffordshire University for a number of years in her capacity as a senior lecturer. She is currently the Course Leader for the MSc Software Engineering course.

Carolin's profile

Dr Justin Champion

Senior Lecturer

Justin has worked for the University for a number of years as a Senior Lecturer in Networking. He is a member of the university's CISCO teaching team and has a wide set of experiences within this field, and has mostly specialised in the area of…

Justin's profile

Dr Mostafa Tajdini

Senior Lecturer

Mostafa is Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Cyber Security course at Staffordshire University as well an active researcher in Cyber and Network Security. His main area of the interest is Intrusion Detection/Prevention System in IPv6 and Phishing Attack.

Mostafa's profile

Dr Benhur Bakhtiari Bastaki

Senior Lecturer

Benhur is Course Leader for BSc Artificial Intelligence. His is an active researcher and his current areas of interest are artificial intelligence, machine learning, ambient intelligence, ubiquitous sensing, contextual information and data mining.

Benhur's profile

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.

We are here to help you learn, please ask questions and seek advice as and when needed so that we can make your studies with us fun and lead on to a fantastic career.

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Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

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The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

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Research Excellence Framework 2021

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