1:02 PM computer science degree, courses, UK, London, modules, year 1, online, computing jobs, career, CV | ||||
These courses are becoming more and more popular for two main reasons firstly because of their potential to unlock numerous career opportunities. Secondly because of the energy, buzz and excitement associated with being involved in cutting edge research within the IT field. Programmes will provide students with an education in computing, programming, software development and other key related areas of information technology. Contemporary computer science degree courses should also keep you up to date with all the rapid pace of developments in the sector through a combination of high academic standards along with focused vocational relevance. Under the guidance of lecturers and administers, students will obtain not only the technical skills but also the academic qualifications required for a successful, highly paid and specialist career in IT. Computer science degree overview Computer scientists try to make computers, software and programmes smaller, faster, easier to use and more intelligent. The degree covers a broad field of computing, programming and other related areas of information technology. Most universities courses are a combination of high academic standards along with practical vocational relevance, that are available as Bachelors (B.Sc.), Masters (M.Sc.) and Doctorates (Ph.D.). Good courses will give students a firm foundation in a wide number of computing skills like human computer interaction, robotics and agile methodologies. They will also educate undergraduates with a comprehensive knowledge of the theoretical basis and practical applications of computer science. Many courses also tend to touch on hardware, giving students a basic understanding of motherboards, memory and processors etc. All computer science degrees will involve some introductory level programming being taught, with the most popular languages at the moment being Java and C++. If you have little or no knowledge of computing then it is advisable to try to learn the basics of at least one programming language before you start any degree course. Although you will not be disadvantaged if you have no programming ability it can help. Much of what you learn on the course will be based on mathematical concepts and the degree will touch on related areas such as statistics, Boolean basics, linear algebra and also calculus. It is also worth noting that due to the nature of the subject many computer science departments will often have close links to other university departments. The benefit of this is that you may be exposed to other related fields which other subjects could not do. Due to the changing nature of technology it is possible to specialise in various subjects such as Internet Systems, Hardware or software development, E-Commerce or Software Engineering etc. You will be taught in the following methods:
computer science degree assessment Modules are assessed by examinations, continuous assessment or a combination of both. Some supervised practical element is also included in the continuous assessment, as well as independent study and report writing. Your individual project marks and module results will all contribute to your degree final grade. Entry and admission Typical entry requirements are a minimum of 200 UCAS tariff points, plus GCSE Maths and English Language at grade C. Having prior programming skills is preferred and a good knowledge of maths is essential. If you posses a understanding of either or both of these topics then it will make everything a lot easier to understand. If you don t then do not worry as many courses are tailored to the needs of individuals from non technical backgrounds. Computer science degree structure and typical course content Year 1 modules Programming principles and practise Programmes are at the heart of what makes computers adaptable, they are in essence detailed instruction to computers and software to perform certain functions. This is a highly technical subject which is aimed at giving students a introduction to the fundamental concepts and techniques of software development. On this course you will discover the basics of writing useful, proper and efficient code and gain a insight into simplifying programming tasks. Areas of study may include:
Database Management Systems You will be studying the computer programmes and software that are used in the creation and maintenance of database systems. DBMS is a group of software programmes that allow users to store, change, delete and recall information from the database. You will learn all about how data and information is stored in a organised and efficient manner, so that it takes up the minimum amount of memory space and can be accessed quickly by users. Areas of study may include:
The principles of data management A subject where you will learn the basics about how to collect, organise, maintain and protect information. Explore the need of organisations to logically organise data and the benefits to their business. The subject includes a introduction to various database administration topics such as architecture, performance tuning, recovery, defragmentation and disaster planning. Areas of study may also include:
Discovering interaction design Look into the interaction as well as the flow of information between not only computers and users but also hardware and software. The ultimate aim of all interaction if to make software and computers more responsive to the requirements, needs and tasks of users. Good user experiences can help to improve efficiency as well as help companies and individuals meet their goals quicker. Other possible areas of study:
Java programming This topic will focus on giving students a introduction to the Java programming language. Obtain a clear understanding of the basics of this popular and widely used general purpose and object orientated programming language. It is a language that can be used to develop application software as well as on website development. Areas of study may include:
Introduction to Networks, Architectures and Operating Systems. Module content will include learning about how computers and operating systems and interlinked and networked for greater efficiency and information sharing. The course will also explain how operating systems run computers and how architectures help to stabilise and build them. Areas of study may include:
Mathematics for computing. Gain up to date knowledge on mathematical field that are related to modern computing. This discipline offer a wide range of subjects to choose from discrete mathematics, probability and statistics programming right through to website design. Areas of study may include:
History of Computation Delve into the background of how computers came to become a dominant and essential part of the business world and also everyday life. Research the beginnings right from the Z1 in the 1930 s right through to today s latest super computers. Other possible areas of study;
Software Development: Tools and Techniques On this module learn the fundamentals of building effective software systems and also examine the various tools that are available to programmers. Other possible areas of study :
Mathematics for Software Learn how software development is reliant on the use of mathematical calculations. Areas of study on this topic may include:
Introduction to the tools and techniques for managing large-scale IT projects. Gain a introduction into the project management processes and procedures used in planning, organising and managing the IT projects. A project can either be one of three things, firstly a one off effort to produce a specific result or achieve a certain goal. Secondly it can be a ongoing process or long term programme or thirdly it can be a series of interlinked projects all running together. Areas of study may include:
The module will teach students how to avoid:
Studying usability and evaluation principles. Get to know the basic techniques that should be used to enhance the visitors and users experience. For instance learn the importance of using consistent navigation throughout the site as well as plain simple English to communicate quickly and effectively with users. The aim being twofold, firstly to create websites or software which people can effortlessly navigate through and quickly find what they are looking for. Secondly to achieve subjective satisfaction, where your aim is to try to make the user like your system or site and thereby encourage them to come back. Other areas of study may include:
Year 2 modules Introduction to computer graphics and games. Software processes. Foundations of Artificial Intelligence High Integrity Systems Concepts of Programming Languages High Performance Microprocessors Designing Algorithms Scientific Modelling and Simulation Pattern Recognition and Neural Networks Other areas of study
Questions to ask about the course If you have a good idea of where you want to go then it is advisable to investigate first and only then choose modules and subjects within your course that suit your future aspirations.
How long does the degree course last Most full time course will last the standard three years. Career prospects and relevancy With technology now touching all areas of modern life from mobile phones, flat screen televisions right through to cars, the demand for capable and qualified computer scientists has never been greater. This demand for suitable CS graduates is expected to continue exceeding supply for the foreseeable future. With the ever increasing importance of software and computer systems in the world of business, public sector and the internet, employment opportunities and earning potential for graduates have never been better. The course will provide students with the necessary skills for a number of computer based jobs and will certainly increase the professionalism of your job application. Also remember that many of the skills you learn will be transferable to a number of other careers and fields. With the rapid evolution of computer technology numerous employment studies have predicted that competent and qualified computer science graduates will be in demand for many years to come. Typical positions open to graduates include;
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