university of york undergraduate programme … · 2019. 12. 20. · meng (hons) computer science...

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UNIVERSITY OF YORK

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

This document applies to students who commence the programme(s) in:

September 2016

Awarding institution Teaching institution

University of York University of York

Department(s)

Computer Science

Award(s) and programme title(s) Level of qualification

MEng (Hons) Computer Science with Embedded Systems Engineering

MEng (Hons) Computer Science with Embedded Systems Engineering (with a year in industry)

Level 7/Masters

Level 7/Masters

Interim awards available

Certificate of Higher Education Generic Level 4/Certificate

Diploma of Higher Education Generic Level 5/Intermediate

BSc Ordinary Degree Generic Level 6/Honours

BSc (Hons) Computer Systems

BSc (Hons) Computer Systems (with a year in industry)

Level 6/ Honours

Level 6/ Honours

MEng (Hons) Computer Systems

MEng Computer Systems (with a year in industry)

Level 7/Masters

Level 7/Masters

UCAS code

G412, G413

Admissions criteria

For A-Level entrants to our single subject courses, we normally require three A-levels of AAA including A-Level Mathematics for our MEng courses and AAB including A-level Mathematics for our BEng / BSc courses. Applicants could receive an offer of AAB for the MEng or ABB for the BSc / BEng should they have attended an interview. Corresponding requirements for UK qualifications are an overall score of 36 with 6 in Higher Level Maths for our MEng courses and 35 with 6 in Higher Level Maths for our BEng / BSc courses in the International Baccalaureate, or AA in Advanced Scottish Highers, including Mathematics, plus AAAAA at Higher Level for our MEng courses or AB in Advanced Scottish Highers, including Mathematics, plus AAAAB at Higher Level for our BEng / BSc courses.

International students are required to have equivalences to such qualifications and in addition have an English Language qualification. Applications from students from 'non-standard' educational backgrounds are encouraged and are dealt with on an individual basis. All UK-based applicants are given the option to attend a Visit Day including an optional interview.

The programme aims to attract outstanding students irrespective of gender, race or background both from within the UK and from overseas. The Departments and the University are committed to a policy of equal opportunities and believes that those with disabilities should have access as far as reasonably possible to the full range of academic, cultural and social activities which the University can offer.

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Length and status of the programme(s) and mode(s) of study

Programme Length (years) and status (full-time/part-time)

Mode

Face-to-face, campus-based

Distance learning Other

MEng (Hons) Computer Science with Embedded Systems UMCOMSEMB4 MEng (Hons) Computer Science with Embedded Systems (with a year in industry) UMEMBSIND5

4 years, full time

5 years, full time

yes

NB: a year in industry (after Stage 2), is off

campus

no

no

n/a

n/a

Programme accreditation by Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Bodies/PSRBs (if applicable)

Accredited with The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) (to 2017 intake), Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) (to 2016 intake) – Full CITP, Full CEng or Full IEng status. Educational accreditation requirements are built in to the programme - the Independent Study Module (ISM) cannot be compensated and compensation is limited to 20 credits per stage of study. Interim awards are not accredited. Students who do not meet accreditation requirements for an award may still be eligible for a University of York award (detailed in transfer section).

Educational aims of the programme

To develop the intellectual, practical and critical skills of a student in the theory and practice of computer science, with a particular emphasis of embedded systems, in preparation for a career in computer science, hardware engineering, systems support and related areas, non-specific employment, life-long learning or research.

Intended learning outcomes for the programme – and how the programme enables students to achieve and demonstrate the intended learning outcomes

This programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:

The following teaching, learning and assessment methods enable students to achieve and to demonstrate the programme learning outcomes:

A: Knowledge and understanding

Knowledge and understanding of:

1. The structure, workings and testing of typical computer-based architectures and embedded hardware

2. The theoretical underpinnings of computers and computation, including areas of discrete mathematics, algorithm design and computational theory

3. The theory, practice and implementation of programming, including comparative understanding of major programming idioms

4. Design, analyse and evaluate the interfaces between people and computer applications

Learning/teaching methods and strategies (relating to numbered outcomes):

lectures (1-8)

laboratory work (1-8)

supported practicals and group tutorials (1-8)

reading and web-based research (1-8)

Team work (1-8)

VLE (7,8)

ISM project (any)

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5. Design, analysis and implementation of embedded systems

6. Application areas relating to embedded systems, real time systems, artificial intelligence, vision and graphics

7. Research method, experimental design and analysis, report writing and presentation skills

8. Legal, social, ethical and professional issues

supervisions (7,8)

Types/methods of assessment (relating to numbered outcomes):

closed examinations 1-7

open assessments 1-8

in-class tests 1-7

self-test, VLE tests (7,8)

B: (i) Skills - discipline related

Able to:

1. Demonstrate critical understanding of the structure and workings of typical computer-based architectures and embedded hardware, and their evolution

2. Conduct principled design and implementation of typical hardware components of a computer-based architecture

3. Demonstrate and synthesise understanding of theoretical underpinnings of computers and computation, and apply the understanding to typical theoretical and practical problems

4. Develop, using appropriate techniques and analysis, computer programs in a range of idioms (for instance, imperative, OO, procedural, declarative logic, functional)

5. Design, analyse and evaluate interfaces between people and computer applications, using appropriate techniques and tools

6. Design, build and analyse embedded system applications and systems using engineering techniques that support quality attributes and quality processes


lectures (1-6)


supported practicals (1-6)


ISM project (any)

supervisions (1-6)


closed examinations (1-6)

open assessments (1-6)

in class tests (1-6)

B: (ii) Skills - transferable

Able to:

1. Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences, in written and oral forms

2. Identify, exploit and judge sources of information, using the internet and published media

3. Demonstrate time management and goal identification, personal responsibility

4. Construct a research hypothesis, experiments to test the hypothesis, and analyse the results

5. Understand what it means to be a professional in an engineering discipline, including codes of practice and ethics

6. Use engineering tools, diagramming and mathematical techniques

7. Work effectively a team, from pairs to teams of 6 or more


lectures (1-7)


Team work (1-7)

supported practicals (1-7)


ISM project (any)

supervisions (1,2,3,5,7)


closed examinations (1,3,4,6)

open assessments (1-7)

in class tests (1-7)

Self,VLE (1-7)

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B: (iii) Skills – transferable (for students who successfully complete their industry placement)

Able to: 1. Perform a broad range of work, sometimes complex

and non-routine 2. Demonstrate effective communication skills 3. Plan, schedules and monitors own work

competently within limited deadlines and according to relevant legislation and procedures

4. Work to required standards


Learning by performance in a work-place environment, with an industrial mentor to oversee the process, plus oversight by the Industrial Placement Consultant (1-4)


Preparation and maintenance of a workplace Journal, listing the tasks required, and documenting evidence for their achievement. The Journal is submitted for assessment (1-4)

C: Experience and other attributes

Able to:

1. Identify and work towards targets for personal, academic and professional development

2. Develop skills necessary for self-managed life-long learning

3. Work on a substantial project involving independent research, development and evaluation

4. Identify the class of algorithmic problems and select appropriate algorithmic solutions


All (1-4)

ISM (3,4)


Not assessed

Relevant Quality Assurance Agency benchmark statement(s) and other relevant external reference points (e.g. National Occupational Standards, or the requirements of Professional, Statutory or Regulatory bodies)

QAA subject benchmark statement:

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subject-benchmark-statement-Computing.aspx.pdf

BCS and IET accreditation:

http://www.bcs.org/category/5844

http://www.theiet.org/academics/accreditation/index.cfm

The Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA):

http://www.sfia.org.uk/

University award regulations

To be eligible for an award of the University of York a student must undertake an approved programme of study, obtain a specified number of credits (at a specified level(s)), and meet any other requirements of the award as specified in the award requirements, programme information, and other University regulations (e.g. payment of fees). Credit will be awarded upon passing a module’s assessment(s) but some credit may be awarded where failure has been compensated by achievement in other modules. The University’s award and assessment regulations specify the University’s marking scheme, and rules governing progression (including rules for compensation), reassessment, award requirements and degree classification. The award and assessment regulations apply to all programmes: any exceptions that that relate to this programme are approved by University Teaching Committee and are recorded at the end of this document.

http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Subject-benchmark-statement-Computing.aspx.pdf

http://www.bcs.org/category/5844

http://www.theiet.org/academics/accreditation/index.cfm

http://www.sfia.org.uk/

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Departmental policies on assessment and feedback

Detailed information on assessment (including grade descriptors, marking procedures, word counts etc.) is available in the written statement of assessment which applies to this programme and the relevant module descriptions. These are available in the student handbook and on the Department’s website:

Written statement of assessment: http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/student/assessment/policies/

Module Descriptions: http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/modules/

Projects Website: http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/projects

Undergraduate Student Handbook: http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/student/handbook/

Information about Academic Misconduct is available:


University Regulations: https://www.york.ac.uk/about/organisation/governance/corporate-publications/ordinances-and-regulations/regulation-5/#5.7

Information on formative and summative feedback to students on their work is available in the written statement on feedback to students which applies to this programme and the relevant module descriptions, found online through the Department’s website:

Written statement of assessment: http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/student/assessment/policies/

Module Descriptions: http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/modules/


Are electives permitted? Yes in Stage 3

Can a Languages For All (LFA) module be taken ab initio (i.e. beginner level) in Stage 1?

Yes (but not for credit)

http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/student/assessment/policies/

http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/modules/

http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/projects

http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/student/handbook/


https://www.york.ac.uk/about/organisation/governance/corporate-publications/ordinances-and-regulations/regulation-5/#5.7

https://www.york.ac.uk/about/organisation/governance/corporate-publications/ordinances-and-regulations/regulation-5/#5.7

http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/student/assessment/policies/

http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/modules/


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Diagrammatic representation of the programme structure by stage, showing the distribution and credit value of core and option modules

Stage 1: all modules are core

Autumn Term Spring Term Summer Term

Human Aspects of Computer Science (HACS) (20, core)

Skills, Knowledge and Independent Learning (SKIL) (5, core)

Introduction to Computer Architecture (ICAR) (15, core)

Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science (MFCS) (20, core)

Theory and Practice of Programming (TPOP) (20, core)

Foundation in Electronics, Signals and Circuits (FESC, 20 core)

Numerical Analysis (NUMA) (10, core)

Programming of Micro-Controllers (PROM, 10 core)

Stage 2: all modules are core

Stage 3


Analysable Real‐Time Systems (ARTS) (20, core)

Embedded System Design and Implementation (EMBS) (20, core)

80 credits of modules from options

Stage 4


ISM project (60, core)

Group project (20, core)

40 credits of modules from options


Embedded Systems Project (EMPR) (30, core)

Principles of Programming Languages (POPL) (20, core)

Implementation of Programming Languages

(IMPL) (10, core)

Computability and Complexity (COCO) (10, core)

Vision and Graphics (VIGR) (10, core)

Artificial Intelligence (ARIN) (20, core)

Systems (SYST) (20, core)

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UMCOMSEMB4 - Overview of modules by stage

Stage 1 Core module table

Module title Module Code

Credit level1

Credit value2

Prerequisites

Assessment rules3

Timing and format of main assessment

(AuT – Autumn Term, SpT- Spring Term, SuT – Summer Term)

Foundation in Electronics, Signals and Circuits (FESC)

COM00009C 4 20 None Open: SpT 2 - SuT 2 Closed: SuT 6-7, 3 hours

Human Aspects of Computer Science (HACS)

COM00003C 4 20 None Open: AuT 2-10 (group) & AuT 6 – SpT 5 (group)

Introduction to Computer Architecture (ICAR)

COM00001C 4 15 None Open: AuT 6 – SpT 3 Closed: SuT 6-7, 2 hours

Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science (MFCS)

COM00005C 4 20 None Closed: SprT 1, 1.5 hours Closed: SuT 6-7, 1.5 hours

Numerical Analysis (NUMA) COM00006C 4 10 None Closed: SuT 6-7, 2 hours

Programming of micro-controllers (PROM)

COM00010C 4 10 None Open: SuT 5

Skills, Knowledge and Independent Learning (SKIL)

COM00008C 4 5 None Open: AuT 2-9 and SpT 2-9

Theory and Practice of Programming (TPOP)

COM00007C 4 20 None Dept-administered 3 hour closed lab: SuT 5 Closed: SuT 6-7, 2 hours

1 The credit level is an indication of the module’s relative intellectual demand, complexity and depth of learning and of learner autonomy (Leve l 4/Certificate, Level 5/Intermediate, Level 6/Honours, Level 7/Masters) 2 The credit value gives the notional workload for the module, where 1 credit corresponds to a notional workload of 10 hours (including contact hours, private study and assessment) 3 Special assessment rules P/F – the module marked on a pass/fail basis (NB pass/fail modules cannot be compensated) NC – the module cannot be compensated NR – there is no reassessment opportunity for this module. It must be passed at the first attempt

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Module title Module Code

Credit level

Credit value

Prerequisites

Assessment rules



Artificial Intelligence (ARIN) COM00001I 5 20 MFCS, TPOP Open (Practical): SpT 5 Closed: SuT 5-7, 3 hours

Computability and Complexity (COCO) COM00002I 5 10 MFCS, TPOP Closed: SuT 5-7, 1.5 hours

Embedded Systems Project (EMPR) COM00012I 5 30 FESC, PROM, TPOP

Open: Team project with staged hand-ins SpT-SuT

Implementation of Programming Languages (IMPL)

COM00013I 5 10 ICAR, MFCS, TPOP

Closed: SpT 1, 1.5 hours

Principles of Programming Languages (POPL)

COM00005I 5 20 TPOP Open: SpT 8-10 Closed: SuT 5-7, 2 hours

Systems (SYST) COM00014I 5 20 ICAR Closed: SuT 5, 2 hours (Networks) Closed: SuT 6, 1.5 hours (Databases)

Vision and Graphics (VIGR) COM00009I 5 10 MFCS Closed: SpT 1, 2 hours

Stage 3 Core (designated Embedded Systems) module table

Module title Module code

Credit level

Credit value

Prerequisites

Assessment rules



Analysable Real‐Time Systems (ARTS) COM00001H 6 20 POPL, SYST (was SYAC)

Closed: SpT 1, 1.5 hours Closed: SuT 5-7, 1.5 hours

Embedded Systems Design & Implementation (EMBS)

COM00003H 6 20 POPL, SYST (was SYAC)

Open: AuT, SpT & SuT

The MEng needs 120 credits of Embedded Systems designated modules to conform to the requirement for 25% designated Embedded Systems. In Stage 2, there is EMPR (30 credits). The Stage 4 ISM contributes 60 credits. The remaining credits of designated Embedded Systems modules are made up by taking the two Stage 3 modules designated as core (ARTS and EMBS, 20 credits each).

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Stage 3 Option modules (subject to change - the below are indicative of 16-17 academic year) Students choose 80 credits from the options list:


Credit level

Credit value

Prerequisites

Assessment rules



Computer Vision (CVIS) COM00002H 6 20 MFCS, VIGR Closed: SuT 5-7, 2 hours

Computing by Graph Transformation (GRAT)

COM00005H 6 20 MFCS, TPOP Closed: SpT 1, 1.5 hours Closed: SuT 5-7, 1.5 hours

Information & Coding Theory (ICOT)

COM00006H 6 20 None Closed: SpT 1, 1.5 hours Closed: SuT 5-7, 1.5 hours

Introduction to Neural Computing & Applications (INCA)

COM00007H 6 20

None (though mathematical background in matrices, vectors, linear algebra etc., is stated in the prerequisite knowledge notes)

Open: SpT 8 – SuT 2

Multi-Agent Interaction & Games (MAIG)

COM00009H 6 20 ARIN Closed: SuT 5-7, 2 hours

Machine Learning and Applications (MLAP)

COM00010H 6 20

None (though mathematical background as per NUMA module is stated in in the prerequisite knowledge notes)

Open: SpT 6 – SuT 4 Closed: SuT 5-7, 2 hours

Programing: Correctness by Construction (PCOC)

COM00012H 6 20 MFCS, TPOP Closed: SpT 1, 1.5 hours Closed: SuT 5-7, 1.5 hours



Credit level

Credit value

Prerequisites

Assessment rules



ISM MEng CSEmb Project (PRIF) COM00078M 7 60 Core modules NC Report: AuT 2 – SuT 3; Presentation: SuT 3

Group MEng Project (GPIG) COM00073M 7 20 Core modules NR Open: Group Initial Report SuT 4-5; Final Group Report and Presentation SuT 4-8

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Stage 4 Option modules (subject to change - the below are indicative of 16-17 academic year) Students choose 40 credits from the options list:


Credit level

Credit value

Prerequisites

Assessment rules



Adaptive and Learning Agents (ALAS) COM00066M 7 10 None Open: SpT 10 – SuT 1

Critical Systems (CRSY) COM00069M 7 10 None Open: AuT 4 – SpT 1 Presentation: AuT 3-5

Cryptography Theory & Applications (CTAP)

COM00093M 7 10 None Open: AuT 6-10

Evolutionary Computation (EVCO) COM00071M 7 10 None Open: AuT 5 – SpT 3

Functional Programming Technology (FUNC)

COM00123M 7 10 None Closed: SuT 1

Model-Driven Engineering (MODE) COM00111M 7 10 None Open: AuT 2 – SpT 1

Natural Language Processing (NLPR) COM00106M 7 10 None Open: SpT 10 – SuT 1

Topics in Privacy & Security (PSEC) COM00082M 7 10 None Open: SpT 5-10

Quantum Information Processing (QIPR) COM00042M 7 10 QUCO Closed: SuT 1, 1.5 hours

Quantum Computation (QUCO) COM00045M 7 10 None Closed: SpT 1, 1.5 hours

Software Testing (SOTE) COM00122M 7 10 None Open: SpT 10 – SuT 1

Systems Architecture (SYAR) COM00087M 7 10 None Closed: SuT 1, 2 hours

Stage 4 rules: students choose 40 credits of option modules, no more than 4 modules (40 credits) in Autumn term; 2 modules (20 credits) in each half-term Spring block:

Block

Autumn Term (AuT 1) to (AuT 10) All blocks are split between teaching and assessment (remaining weeks) unless otherwise indicated Details will be co-ordinated by Masters Teaching Committee, in the normal process of annual planning.

Spring Term 1 (SpT 1, exam week ) (SpT 2-5) (SpT 7-10)

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Additional year variants e.g. year in Europe, year in industry

Year in industry, after Stage 2. P/F.

Replacement year variants

Students on all programmes (without a year in industry) may apply to spend Stage 2 on the University-wide North America/Asia/Australia student exchange programme. Acceptance onto the programme is on a competitive basis.

Marks from modules taken on replacement years count toward progression and classification.

Transfers out of or into the programme

A student can apply to transfer to the "with a year in industry" variant of their degree at any time up to the end of Stage 2, if a suitable placement can be obtained. A student on any "with a year in industry" route who does not obtain a placement, who does not complete or is deemed otherwise to have failed the placement, is transferred to the standard variant. Transfers at Stage 1: On successful completion of Stage 1, a student may transfer between MEng in Computer Science with Embedded Systems Engineering and MEng in Computer Science, BEng in Computer Science with Embedded Systems Engineering, BEng/BSc in Computer Science or MEng in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence. Transfers at Stage 2: On successful completion of Stage 2, a student may transfer from MEng in Computer Science with Embedded Systems Engineering to MEng* in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence, MEng* in Computer Science, BEng/BSc in Computer Science On successful completion of Stage 2, a student who has taken the Stage 2 Embedded Systems Project module may transfer from MEng in Computer Science and Embedded Systems to BEng in Computer Science with Embedded Systems Engineering, *NB Students need to achieve an average mark of at least 55% at the end of Stage 2 to continue on any of the MEng programmes Restricted transfers: Transfers between Computer Science programmes and the Computer Science and Mathematics joint degree programmes are not normally permitted, owing to incompatible core modules. Transfer off MEng: Transfers are not normally permitted after Stage 2. However, a student who successfully completes stage 3 of the MEng in Computer Science with Embedded Systems, but fails to achieve the conditions for entry to Stage 4 of the MEng in Computer Science with Embedded Systems, or who cannot complete Stage 4, or does not pass Stage 4 of the MEng in Computer Science with Embedded Systems, is transferred to the BSc Computer Systems, an exit-only award (and a route without PSRB accreditation). Transfers to BSc Computer Systems (a route without PSRB accreditation) for not meeting accreditation requirements (throughout Stages): University regulations state that up to 40 credits can be compensated in any stage of study but to receive a degree that has IET accreditation only 20 credits can be compensated. Both BCS and IET in addition state that no ISM can be compensated. Students who meet the criteria for a BSc University of York award, but do not meet accreditation requirements will be transferred to the exit

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only route of BSc Computer Systems. Similarly MEng finalists, who meet criteria for a University of York award, will be transferred to the exit only route (a route without PSRB accreditation) to MEng Computer Systems.

Exceptions to University Award Regulations approved by University Teaching Committee

Exception Date approved

ISM Project: NC (the module cannot be compensated)

September 2009

GPIG: NR (there is no reassessment opportunity for this module)

December 2009

Compensation: 20/120 maximum per stage of study - to meet PSRB requirements

October 2012

Variance to UG Modular Scheme: Framework for Programme Design:

Stage 3 – up to 6 modules can be studied simultaneously

December 2012 (and part of modularisation documentation from 2010-11 academic year)

Stage 1 – 7 modules studied simultaneously in Spring term

May 2014

Teaching and supported learning beyond Summer term, week 4

September 2014

Quality and Standards

The University has a framework in place to ensure that the standards of its programmes are maintained, and the quality of the learning experience is enhanced.

Quality assurance and enhancement processes include:

the academic oversight of programmes within departments by a Board of Studies, which includes student representation

the oversight of programmes by external examiners, who ensure that standards at the University of York are comparable with those elsewhere in the sector

annual monitoring and periodic review of programmes

the acquisition of feedback from students by departments, and via the National Student Survey.

More information can be obtained from the Academic Support Office:

http://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/support-and-admin/academic-support/staff/#quality

Date on which this programme information was updated:

August 2016

Departmental web page: http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/

Please note

The information above provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

Detailed information on the learning outcomes, content, delivery and assessment of modules can be found in the module descriptions.

The University reserves the right to modify this overview in unforeseen circumstances, or where the process of academic development, based on feedback from staff, students, external examiners or

http://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/support-and-admin/academic-support/staff/#quality

http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/

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professional bodies, requires a change to be made. Students will be notified of any substantive changes at the first available opportunity.