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The aim of this module is to equip you with a grounding in the foundations of computing; it underpins many aspects of computer science-related degree programmes. This module aims to provide the skills needed for other modules on computer science-related degree programmes. More specifically, it introduces you through regular lectures and labs to computer systems (devices), computer networks (networks), and ethics in computing.

Firstly, you will gain knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with computing, and be exposed to the theoretical and practical aspects, including data representation, computer components, desktop virtualisation, mobile computing, traditional PCs, cloud services, etc. Moreover, this module will help you develop a sufficiently rich and detailed, generally applicable theoretical and practical knowledge of computer networks and the internet, including networking concepts, techniques and typical networking components. Additionally, this part of the module will cover how to install, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot, backup and maintain client ICT solutions.

Secondly, this module is intended to give you a chance to reflect on the social and professional impact of computer technology in modern society, by focusing on ethical and legal issues faced-by and facilitated-by computing professionals, including those related to professional responsibility and accountability, networking and the internet, intellectual property, privacy, security, reliability, and liability.

Python is an interpreted language with a simple syntax, a rich programming environment, and a powerful set of libraries. The Python programming module has no pre-requisites; it is designed for learners with no prior programming experience and avoids all but the simplest mathematics. Anyone with moderate computer experience should be able to master the materials in this course. As well as covering the basics of how one constructs a program from a series of simple instructions in Python, this module aims to teach you the basics of programming computers using Python.

You will be introduced to fundamental theories and related concepts of the Python programming language; the module will help the learner develop a sufficiently rich and detailed, generally applicable background and hands-on practical knowledge. Learners will solve problems, explore real- world software development challenges, and create practical applications. It aims to prepare you for more advanced programming at level 5.

This module introduces the techniques for data collection, summary and presentation. You will develop an understanding of basic concepts associated with the analysis and interpretation of statistical data within a business and organizational context. The module will allow you to understand the theoretical foundation of data analytics, data analytic processes and techniques. Extensive use will be made of a variety of software, e.g. Minitab, Excel etc. Indicative Content: Descriptive Statistics, Data visualisation, Probability, Normal distribution, Statistical inferences, Sampling, Hypothesis Tests, Descriptive data analytics, predictive data analysis, prescriptive data analytics etc.

This module will also provide you with skills on data analytics and basic quantitative techniques to be able to summarise and present financial data within a business and organisational context. You will be able to apply financial mathematical techniques to simple but real-life scenarios to make decisions. The module will also introduce the formulation, solution and interpretation of linear programming models and cover network models and project management. Extensive use will be made of a variety of software, e.g. Minitab, Excel, The Management Scientist etc. Indicative Content: Mathematical function to solve financial problems. Descriptive data analytics, predictive data analysis, prescriptive data analytics etc. Correlation and Simple linear regression analysis, Linear Programming Problem formulation, Graphical solution and sensitivity analysis, Network models, Project management, PERT/CPM.

This module gives an insight into the many tasks that must be carried out during the analysis and design stages of an information system development project. It provides a practical introduction to the techniques used at different stages of a project. It also illustrates how these tasks fit together within the overall project framework and how they can be managed to ensure that the aims of the project are met.

The intention of this module is to provide you with a practical, integrated overview of the Information Systems (IS) analysis and design, from project selection and inception, through the capture and analysis of user requirements, to the design of a solution that satisfies those requirements. A constrained case study will be used to take the student through the steps of the project lifecycle. The module also introduces relevant theory including- the concept and different types of IS; the impact of IS on people, organisations and society; the systems development lifecycle (SDLC) and the various forms it can take; the nature and purpose of abstraction; typical models created during systems analysis and design; the key documents produced at stages of the SDLC. Information systems depend on their databases to provide information essential for their day-to-day operations. Therefore, an understanding of database tools and technologies is an essential skill for designing and developing systems.

Databases stand as the back-end of most information systems to support the needed functionality of the IS. Database design is a fundamental and highly beneficial skill for you to master. The module lays a foundation of skills and understanding for a number of later modules. It also provides an understanding of the context in which all IS work is undertaken, and thus helps you to develop a coherent view of their future profession.

This module introduces the key concepts and tools for engaging in systems thinking in an organisation, applying this in a Social Media context. Its critical purpose is to enable you to think in a holistic manner, seeing the organisation as a whole and hence enables an understanding of the complex human purposeful activity systems within which ICT systems develop and reside. Systems involve the interaction of many elements, including communicating and connecting within networked hierarchical structures to attain purposes and goals. You will develop an understanding of a range of concepts (e.g. cultural context) key to understanding systems and recognise that the behaviour of the system is emergent.

You will study, use, design and evaluate Social Media. This will encourage candidates to practically explore the issues raised in the module, building on their existing and developing knowledge and understanding of social, organisational, economic and technical issues in interaction and systems design. In addition, throughout the module, key systems concepts are explored, and tools are explained and practised to give you a fundamental grasp of systems concepts and practice in a business context. Examples of systems from a wide range of disciplines are used, whilst the core of the module is grounded in ICT systems and issues. At the end of the term, you should be able to apply your knowledge to suggest solutions to complex problems, e.g. when introducing and leveraging Social Media in businesses of all types.

This module provides a grounding in systems thinking, which is critical to industry practice, building on curricula offered in those universities which tackle systems thinking, such as Hull (a key centre for systems thinking research), University College London (UCL) and the Open University (OU).

Business Data Analytics is used by business organisations for data-driven and fact-based decision making. Firms that are guided by data-driven decision making have higher productivity, market value, and increased output and profitability. Business Data Analytics has emerged as a field and skill fundamental to the business analysis and information systems discipline – it is important that you understand the theory behind it, and how it is applied in industry. The aim of this module is to introduce you to the field of analytics and business modelling, highlighting the key fundamental concepts that define the field. You will explore the importance of decision-making and the role of business analytics in supporting the business problem-solving process. Key frameworks that guide the application of business data analytics will be discussed, as well as the lifecycle of a business data analytics project. Furthermore, key to the effective application of analytics technologies is an understanding of the legal/regulatory environment within which such applications are operating, as well as, the ethics of analytics. Finally, the module will allow you to apply an analytics tool (e.g. Tableau, Power BI, Cellonis, etc.) to a case study, to solve a business problem.

This module is an extensive introduction to the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL), commonly known as the de-facto industry adopted framework for IT Service Management. Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to understand the ITIL service lifecycle and its key components, holding the knowledge necessary to pass the ITIL V3 Foundation Certificate examination - a qualification recognised throughout the world and external of this degree. Service Management is a term used to describe the delivery of IT services to business in whatever shape or form that is required in order to achieve specific business outcomes. A business exists to deliver desired outcomes to its customers for which it receives a payment - IT exists to facilitate the delivery of these desired outcomes on behalf of the business, making the business more efficient and thereby more competitive.

In an emerging digital world, data is essential to all aspects of human life. What is of more importance is how data is efficiently stored, retrieved, and presented in a way that makes sense. using appropriate database management systems (DBMS). This module will take you through the fundamentals of DBMS, shedding light on the two broad categories of DBMS: relational (structured) and non-relational (unstructured) databases. You will understand the business and technical motivations behind the use of specific DBMS for managing information in specific situations.

Whilst unstructured DBMS will be discussed at an introductory level, the module will provide a more detailed understanding of structured DBMS, such as relational DBMS design principles, data modelling using Unified Modelling Language (UML), entity relationship diagrams, and manipulating data using Structured Query Language (SQL). The relational database design may be related to business scenarios. You may also be expected to make modifications to pre-prepared databases through redesign, allowing them to reflect on the implications.

The module will investigate the importance of Information Security in the context of Information Systems. The module will investigate the challenges to application and system developers in relation to the requirement for secure design and implementation. The module is a foundation of security foundations as required in terms of requirements analysis and the design of software. The module will provide a theoretical framework for providing security solutions with reference to secure application development.

This module consolidates and integrates knowledge gained in earlier stages of the BSc (hons) degree. You will work in teams to manage and complete a substantial project for a given scenario. The project integrates the various aspects of software development encountered on the programme (project management, analysis, design, development and testing). To develop your teamworking and project management skills, you will build on knowledge gained from previous modules, engage with programme-specific materials, and work on a more complex and substantial scenario than you have encountered before. The project will also help you to contextualise the material already covered, as well as to investigate new content.

Practical Systems Thinking involves a wide range of activities and disciplines. This module explores the fundamental of processes and the standard problem space around the management of IT in organisation. It tackles fundamentals, starting with the use of CATWOE and stakeholder analysis frameworks in order to set the context. ITIL is outlined in two lectures. This provides an overview if you have not come across ITIL before and revision for those who are ITIL-competent having done ITIL in the Level 5 IT Service Management modules. The focus at Level 6 moves to critically appraising the shortcomings of ITIL and recognising how frameworks such as SIAM, IT4IT are stepping in to fill the gaps and deal with the inadequacies of ITIL. Key to understanding the fundamentals is exploring the governance and organisation of IT services.

Questions are asked such as:

How can we effectively manage IT in organisations? What is alignment and how do we align the business and the IT? What is ITIL? (if you don't already know!) Is there life after ITIL? Can we critically appraise ITIL phases? What are the technical and managerial challenges that face IT service departments? Does IT matter? Or is it just a commodity? What are SIAM and IT4IT? What is CoBIT? Why are standards important and how do we use them?

The point of view of this module is that of the IT staff, the people inside IT services. It is more looking inward to the IT service organisation, its processes and its approaches to information technology services delivery. Where appropriate and practicable, visiting industry speakers are involved.

This module covers an important aspect of Information Systems Development (ISD) and discusses how to ensure that digital solutions meet a range of business and managerial criteria: the selection and evaluation of methodologies used in the Systems Development process. A variety of ISD paradigms and methodologies will be considered, including ‘hard’ approaches, both Object-Oriented and Structured, ‘soft’ and participative approaches, and ‘heavyweight’ and ‘agile’ methodologies. Social, ethical and professional aspects of ISD will be widely discussed to raise your awareness of ISD impact on stakeholders, society and environment as well as their professional responsibility while implementing bespoke business systems solutions. A framework will be developed to compare and evaluate methodologies to help determine their applicability to particular development projects and environments taking into consideration a variety of quantitative and qualitative factors and success measures, including scope, timeframe, budget, team skillset, feasibility, stakeholders’ needs and perspectives. The way in which methodologies are used in practice will also be considered.

Choose one from the following:

Information and Communication for Development

The gaps in the socio-economic wellbeing of developed, developing and underdeveloped countries often indicate how they use emerging technologies for solving problems. As Information and Communication Technology (ICT) evolves, it offers a wide range of opportunities for closing these socio-economic gaps, particularly, from a developing country viewpoint. This module will expose you to issues that influence the adoption, implementation, uptake, and sustainability of ICTs in developing countries. You will recognise the historical perspectives to the ICT4D concept and why it offers significant possibilities towards addressing some diverse development issues, but also at times exacerbating these existing issues. You will learn how to apply theoretical frameworks, such as (but not limited to), the ICT4D value chain, stakeholder matrix, and responsible research and innovation (RRI), in the analysis of ICTs issues and appraisal of ICT implementation solutions and uptake status of a developing country. In addition, the module will discuss the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and debate how ICTs might, if at all, progress these Goals.

Privacy and Data Protection

The aim of this module is to provide an opportunity for the student to explore the concepts of ethics, privacy and data protection in the context of IT, IS, Business Information Systems and other related disciplines. The module engages you critically with the underpinning ethical and social responsibility issues surrounding advances in ICT. Therefore, responsible research and innovation (RRI) will be central to the module's approach. The module considers in detail how technological development must include the ethical, privacy and data protection issues that often arise, and how professional codes of conduct/ethics alongside an RRI approach can inform ethical policy making and promote ethical behaviour. Ethical concepts and the consideration of computer ethics as a discipline provide a necessary philosophical foundation for this module.

Advanced Database Management and Programming

Contemporary organizations, whether in the commercial or not-for-profit sectors, rely on effective database management systems (DBMSs). With the increased reliance on databases for business intelligence and operation, the acquisition of the skills of advanced database design and implementation are more essential than ever for the competent computer professional. Building on previous modules on databases and computer programming, this module provides you with further training on the essentials of advanced database management and programming, developing your ability to differentiate between relational databases and non-relational (NoSQL) databases. It develops the skills to choose a suitable database for an application from a business perspective to meet stated requirements using realistic scenarios and the ability to analyse semi-structured data and to choose an appropriate storage structure.

The project provides you with the opportunity to carry out a significant piece of work involving critical analysis and reflection to provide an effective solution to a given technical and/or research-based problem. It enables you to apply and integrate previous material covered in the programme as well as to extend the work covered in the programme through research and self-learning. You will be expected to demonstrate appropriate and proactive project management and written/verbal presentation skills throughout the period of the project. As well as analysing, designing, delivering and appraising a product of suitable quality, you will be expected to undertake, research, analyse, evaluate and report on some aspects of a subject explicitly allied to the project.