Course specification and structure
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UDBUSCOM - BSc Business Computing (Top-Up)

Course Specification


Validation status Validated
Highest award Bachelor of Science Level Honours
Possible interim awards Bachelor of Science, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Bachelor of Science
Total credits for course 360
Awarding institution London Metropolitan University
Teaching institutions London Metropolitan University
School Faculty of Life Sciences and Computing
Subject Area School of Computing
Attendance options
Option Minimum duration Maximum duration
Full-time 1 YEARS  
Part-time 2 YEARS  
Course leader  

About the course and its strategy towards teaching and learning and towards blended learning/e-learning

The delivery of modules involves face-to-face teaching in lectures, supported by seminars, tutorials and workshops as appropriate to the needs of each module. Teaching and learning materials are made available online through the university's VLE (virtual learning environment). In addition, students are encouraged to participate in, and are supported by, module leader blogs, use of video, role playing, visits to external organisations, presentations and workshops presented by external guest speakers. In addition to timetabled use of PC workshops, students are encouraged to make use of PC provision in their personal study time, as well as using the study facilities in the library and learning centre (including ebooks and ejournals).

Support for International Students is provided in a variety of ways, centrally by the international office, by the undergraduate office and by the faculty. International students are invited one week earlier than home students and offered both social and academic events. The undergraduate office and PAAs ensure that international students arriving late (often for visa-related reasons) receive a late induction, including their personal timetable. In the faculty, international students have been in the forefront of student self-organisation, including the Maths Society, the IEEE Society and the BCS IMPACT Young Professionals Group. In addition, learning support is available in the form of English classes, report writing workshops etc, to which international students may be referred by their PAA or course leader.

Course aims

This degree is specifically designed for those students who wish to specialise in the design and implementation of modern computer-based applications with particular reference to management support systems, databases and ecommerce systems in a business environment. Students work on case studies to hone their skills in system design and development, and utilise this skills in a significant design and development exercise in a final year project. The course fosters skill development across a range of tools and development platforms, and encourages students critically to evaluate the role of computer applications in business. Emphasis throughout is on what the student learns and can achieve by putting what has been learned into practice.

The aims are:

• To provide an education in the development and use of information systems and computer applications that will equip students with intellectual, practical and problem-solving skills;

• To provide graduates with transferable skills to enable progression in management or technical areas, with the ability to master new developments and have flexibility in career structure in an era of rapid organisational change and technological innovation;

• To equip graduates with the necessary skills to progress to advanced postgraduate courses in related areas of study, and enable them to be effective and independent lifelong learners;

• To provide industry, commerce and research laboratories with the effective and adaptive specialists in business computing systems that society demands.

The specific aims of the course are:

  • to develop students’ knowledge of computer software and hardware systems
  • to provide students with a sound foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of business computing systems and technology
  • to develop students’ awareness, understanding and skills in the design, development and implementation of business computing systems
  • to build an awareness the professional, legal, ethical and social issues in business computing systems

Course learning outcomes

LO 1 To demonstrate an awareness of key legal, social, ethical and professional issues pertinent to information systems, and their use in the business environment

LO 2 To able to select and applying appropriate problem-solving strategies in the context of information systems and information technology

LO 3 to be able to identify, specify, analyse and evaluate business problems within a business information systems environment

LO 4 To be able to demonstrate professional skills in a work-related context (including e.g. presentations, report-writing, ability to work as part of a team)

LO 5 To be able to understand the needs of business users, and plan, design, develop and implement a software solution to meet their requirements

Course learning outcomes / Module cross reference

- Demonstrate an understanding of the main principles of computer science:

Computer Hardware & Software Architectures (LO1 - LO3)
Information Systems (LO3 – LO6)
Logic and Mathematical Techniques (LO3, LO4)
Programming (LO1)
Networks & Operating Systems (LO1, LO2, LO4)
Software Engineering (LO1, LO3, LO5)
Data Structures and Specialist Programming (LO1)
Databases (LO1, LO2)
Formal Specification & Software Implementation (LO1,
LO3)
Distributed and Internet Systems (LO1)

- Apply analytical and design techniques to the solution of problems in computer science:

Computer Hardware & Software Architectures (LO4, LO5)
Information Systems (LO4)
Programming (LO2, LO3)
Software Engineering (LO4)
Data Structures and Specialist Programming (LO2, LO3)
Databases (LO2, LO3)
Project (LO5)
Formal Specification & Software Implementation (LO2)

Distributed and Internet Systems (LO2)

Mobile Applications (LO6)

- Develop and use software applications and tools across a range of platforms:

Computer Hardware & Software Architectures (LO3, LO6)
Programming (LO3 - LO5, LO7)
Networks & Operating Systems (LO5, LO6)
Software Engineering (LO1-LO3)
Data Structures and Specialist Programming (LO4 - LO7)
Databases (LO4)
Formal Specification & Software Implementation (LO5)
Distributed and Internet Systems (LO3 , LO4)
Mobile Applications (LO1 - LO4)

- Use self evaluation:

Programming (LO6)
Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law (LO4)
Project (LO8)
Formal Specification & Software Implementation (LO6 -
LO7)
Distributed and Internet Systems (LO5)
Mobile Applications (LO6)

- Work effectively as a member of a team:

Information Systems (LO3)
Software Engineering (LO6)
Formal Specification & Software Implementation (LO7)

- Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of legal, social, ethical and professional issues underpinning the IT discipline:

Information Systems (LO7)
Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law (LO5)

- Research, plan, structure and deliver an academic report and presentation:

Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law (LO6)
Project (LO1)

- Demonstrate an understanding of the personal qualities, skills and qualifications needed for employment in a range of roles and organisations:

Professional Issues, Ethics and Computer Law (LO4)
Software Engineering (LO7)

Assessment strategy

A variety of methods are in use, and each is specified in the appropriate module specification and handbook. Methods of assessment include:

  • Case study focussed reports
  • Research reports
  • Presentations
  • Software development and testing
  • Unseen examinations

Part-seen examinations (e.g. with seen case study)

Organised work experience, work based learning, sandwich year or year abroad

Work placement modules are available as designates at level 6.

Course specific regulations

The project module must be passed.

Career opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers as developers for databases and E-business applications, or in software development and project management. This course also prepares graduates to continue their studies at postgraduate level.

The Faculty of Computing's World of Work (WOW) Agency offers opportunities to enhance employability skills, gain real experience and 'earn while you learn' through placements into real client-driven projects - working with business and industry.

Entry requirements

In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have:

  • a minimum of 240 credits from a Higher National Diploma (HND) or Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Computing, IT or Business Information Technology

As this is a level 6 course, the University’s standard advanced-entry requirements for English language also apply, which is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with minimum 5.5 in each component.

Official use and codes

Approved to run from 2013/14 Specification version 1 Specification status Validated
Original validation date 01 Sep 2013 Last validation date 01 Sep 2013  
Sources of funding HE FUNDING COUNCIL FOR ENGLAND
JACS codes I100 (Computer Science): 100%
Route code BUSCOM

Course Structure

Stage 1 Level 06 September start Offered

Code Module title Info Type Credits Location Period Day Time
CC6001 Advanced Database Systems Development Core 30        
CC6002 Ecommerce & Ebusiness Core 30        
CC6052 Management Support Systems Core 15        
FC6P01 Project Core 30 NORTH AUT+SPR WED PM
CC6051 Ethical Hacking Option 15 NORTH SPR THU AM
FC6W51 Work Related Learning II Option 15        
XK0000 Extension of Knowledge Module Option 15 NORTH SPR NA  
          NORTH AUT NA