Computer Science BSc Honours

This module is centred on the fundamental aspects of the way that a typical computer functions either as a standalone entity or as part of a computer network. Discussion of the main hardware components of a computer system provides the backdrop to introduce the Von Neumann fetch–decode–execute cycle as well as the way in which data and information are stored in the computer. You'll learn about the various number systems (denary, binary and hexadecimal) that are utilised in computer systems. Progressing from the hardware level, you are introduced to the lowest programming level that humans can understand in the form of assembly programming. Above the assembly layer, there is the operating system layer. You'll be able to apply your knowledge of Binary number conversions and Logical Operations to perform Networking Calculations.

The module focuses on trends in Computer Science which currently attract considerable industry and academic interest. It allows you to develop critical thinking skills by research and exploration of these topics. The module also develops employability skills in order to better support employability prospects and placements. It introduces key aspects of working as a professional in the world of computing, including consideration of ethics, privacy, data protection and confidentiality, and how these are incorporated into professional codes of practice such as the BCS Code of Conduct.

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the mathematical concepts and theories that form the backbone of computer science and software engineering disciplines. Designed for first-year students, it spans a broad range of topics, including discrete mathematics, linear algebra, and statistical methods, specifically emphasising set theory, number theory, functions, matrices, vectors, graph theory, and probabilistic and statistical reasoning.

The curriculum is structured to go beyond theoretical learning, promoting the practical application of these mathematical foundations in computing contexts. Students will engage with algorithmic thinking, data representation, and analysis, employing their mathematical knowledge to tackle problems directly related to their field of study. This approach ensures that they not only grasp the essential mathematical processes but also understand their application in real-world computing scenarios, preparing them for subsequent modules and their future careers in technology and engineering.

An introduction to computer programming in a high-level programming language. The module concentrates on teaching the fundamentals of programming and algorithm design. Basic coding structures such as sequence, selection, and iteration will be covered. There will be an emphasis on practical exercises to develop programming experience and confidence.

The module aims to develop skills in the selection and implementation of problem-solving algorithms while learning the Java programming language. It will strengthen abilities in the implementation of algorithms, in terms of adherence to requirements, design and modelling, through to the application of sound programming principles. The understanding of structures and advanced programming methods will also be developed, including sorting, the implementation of classes and methods, as well as more sophisticated data structures such as lists, queues, and stacks.

This module introduces web technologies and covers theoretical and practical concepts of web development. It covers a variety of commonly used Internet programming languages. You'll gain practical experience of web page development, and you'll be expected to write programs and web pages conforming to given guidelines.

This module introduces the concepts of the Client/Server and, more generally, Distributed Architecture that are at the base of systems where the constituting services can be virtualized, replicated and moved. The module explains two fundamental theoretical concepts: the implications of the transition from a single to a distributed execution space and that of digital transmission of data. The module also covers the fundamental aspects of data transmission. The Client/Server Paradigm is analysed in detail both as a simple example of a Distributed System and as a possible building block of more complex Distributed Architectures. The module also covers three main technologies used for implementation: sockets and Web Services (both SOAP and REST).

This module provides solid knowledge and skills in the area of database systems, SQL and XML. It covers the logical design of a relational schema. It also covers the implementation of the database in a major DBMS and the manipulation of the data using SQL. Subsequently, it considers the transformation and rendering of XML documents using XSLT and the extraction of elements from XML documents using XPath and XQuery. Finally, it explores issues related to NoSQL databases and XML databases.

This module will teach the fundamental ideas behind the object-oriented approach to programming. It will provide you with knowledge and practical experience in writing computer programs using object-oriented programming techniques. It will cover in a practical way the design and implementation of object-oriented software for software applications through the entire software development lifecycle.

In this module you gain practical work experience through your participation in a team that develops a prototype for a real-life software application suggested by industry contacts. The module takes you through the different managerial and technical steps of software development. You will gain experience in managing a team and deliver software iteratively by using an agile approach and receiving feedback from industry contacts. The module also provides you with experience in team communication and ways to overcome any problems, as well as the opportunity to reflect on professional issues such as quality of project documentation, cybersecurity, ethics and code of conduct.

This module provides an understanding and hands-on experience in the fields of machine learning and data mining, covering the full life-cycle from preparing data to validating and optimising the learned model. The module covers different algorithms and approaches to machine learning and data mining, and the issues of using them on data sets of different sizes and complexity.

This module explores the principles and practices of web application penetration testing, focusing on how attackers identify and exploit vulnerabilities in modern web systems. Adopting an offensive security perspective, it provides practical, hands-on experience in assessing and exploiting both common and emerging threats, including AI-driven attacks, through carefully structured lab activities. The module also emphasises ethical and legal considerations, enabling the analysis of attack techniques, identification of root causes, and implementation of effective countermeasures to strengthen web application security.

This module provides an introduction to algorithms and the underlying data structures. You will get to know a variety of structures including various kinds of trees and graphs and associated problems such as searching, sorting or pathfinding. Besides specific algorithms for tackling such problems, the module also introduces general concepts of the design and analysis of algorithms.

This module introduces you to the principles and practices of back-end web development. It focuses on designing and implementing dynamic, data-driven web applications that connect a simple user interface to a back-end database. Students develop practical skills in building and deploying web servers, defining application logic, and implementing CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) operations using modern frameworks and secure development techniques.

This module will present and analyse major developments and issues in entrepreneurship and enterprise, underpinned and supported by information communication technologies, especially by cloud computing, the internet and enterprise systems. It will also encourage a mind-set in creative thinking in seeking opportunities for new information-driven start-ups and provide a critical assessment of their impact.

The module is an introduction to software development on mobile devices such as mobile phones, tablets and wearables. It concentrates on the Android platform. The main contents include: The Android mobile programming architecture. Restrictions of using small devices such as mobile phones tablets and wearables. Programming user interfaces, networking, persistent storage and multi-threading. Device profiling, application deployment and installation.

This module provides an entry point into mobile game development, covering key aspects applicable across diverse platforms such as mobile phones, tablets, handheld consoles, and wearables.

Focusing on fundamental principles, it explores UX/UI considerations, constraints imposed by smaller devices, and the development of interfaces and gameplay features optimised for mobile usage. Topics include networking, persistent storage, multi-threading, device profiling, and application deployment, offering a platform-independent understanding of essential concepts in mobile game development, ensuring a versatile skill set that is transferable across various mobile platforms.

The module will provide you with an understanding of the foundations of Artificial Intelligence and principal sub-fields of AI that have made significant impact, including but not limited to: Planning, Multi Agent Systems, Fuzzy Logic, Neural Networks, Evolutionary Computation, Computer Vision, Reinforcement Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Deep Learning. Each week an essential technique will be demonstrated via a complete implementation, followed by a presentation of the theory and conditions needed to enable you to set up and use the techniques yourself.

The module allows you to demonstrate in applied, written and oral forms the effective use of competences required to achieve the degree of study. It requires you to combine previously acquired knowledge and techniques, with new knowledge/ideas gained from investigation and research, and produce an extended piece of work related to your degree of study. It involves the conceptualisation, design, implementation and evaluation of a substantial piece of software, process, model or experimental study.

This module examines various aspects of computer and network security giving a sound introduction to theoretical and practical areas such as network security, cryptography, attack vectors used by hackers, security architecture, methodologies for security hardening and defence and penetration testing strategies. A substantial amount of work will be laboratory based involving the deployment of security tools, the hardening of operating systems and the analysis of compromised systems.

This module provides practical knowledge of applying Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) in real-world business applications, along with techniques and strategies for training, tuning, and deployment. It provides the students with a technical foundation to help them bridge the gap between their taught knowledge in LLM and its counterparts' deployment in marketing, sales, finance, product, and more.

Students will learn the application of LLMs to transform business solutions while ensuring their security, resiliency, ease of management, and integration with existing technology ecosystems.

Apply prompt engineering  to build business generative AI models. This module is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively integrate AI and generative AI into your business operations, processes and strategies. Apply prompt engineering  to build business generative AI models. You will explore AI not only as an automation tool, but as a strategic enabler that transforms business operations, enhances innovation capabilities, and advances your career in an AI-business driven world.

This module explores the techniques and technologies used in building advanced applications. You will explore microservice architecture, learning to design and implement modular, independently deployable services using modern programming languages. Creating and managing containerised environments with tools such as Docker, including orchestrating stacks of containers. The module emphasises CI/CD practices, teaching you to automate testing, code quality checks, and deployment. The module is underpinned by the philosophy of Test-Driven Development (TDD), where you write comprehensive test suites before implementing their microservices.

This module covers cyber security threats and countermeasures at physical and digital level focusing on behaviour of employees and home users. It allows you to identify threats and model them based on behaviour and type of businesses. In this module, you'll also cover emerging trends, their security principles and methods, limitations, and challenges.

Recent advances in AI and Machine Learning make traditional financial services more accessible and play a crucial role in promoting financial opportunities for businesses. You'll explore the significant impact of FinTech on businesses, industries and financial markets through real-life examples and case studies.

You'll learn how FinTech is reshaping the future of finance industry by using innovations to meet the evolving needs of businesses and enhance your employability in FinTech related job roles. 

Creating robust game world environments and model individual components using logic and mathematical modelling to replicate human behaviour is one of the greatest challenges for game developers, yet the commercial success of a game is often dependent on the quality of its intelligent modelling. This module introduces an engagingly realistic and immersive experience in modern videogames for creating game terrains and simulating complex behaviour of game objects. The main focus of the module is to learn how to create an automatic random game world with metrics to generate human-like intelligent behaviours primarily in non-player characters (NPCs). The algorithms and logic covered in this module are also widely used in a variety of computing sectors which will make the module a great choice for CS students.

This module shall give you the necessary knowledge and practical experience to develop native applications for mobile platforms and, in particular, the  iOS family of devices. Swift and relevant OOD principles are taught. Essential frameworks and design patterns required for the development of rich data and UI centric applications are taught and utilised.