HND Computing Science Foundation degree at Coventry University

This introductory module aims to provide knowledge of key networking and computer architectures. Focusing on the origins, structure and fundamental components of a computer network, you will gain foundational knowledge of relevant technologies including wireless, wired and optical computer networking. This includes access controllers, hubs and transceivers.

In this module, you will learn basic operating system concepts including processes, memory management, drivers and file systems, while examining security risks and security management strategies. You will also examine favoured operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Mac OSX and Linux.

This module will cover the issues of IT security and risk. You will critically analyse risks a computer may face, from viruses to computer hacking. Exploring the pros and cons of ethical hackers, website hacking and internet security, you'll gain specialist knowledge of legal, social, ethical and professional issues associated with cyber security.

Basic problem-solving and algorithm design techniques will be studied in this module, alongside programming and programming language concepts. You will learn the syntax and semantics of a high-level programming language (e.g. Python) and the basic principles of developing well-engineered software and the supporting tools and techniques.

This module focuses on computer architecture and operations, particularly as it affects the support of operating systems and applications. You will investigate the impact of computer architecture on performance issues and examine advanced topics such as uniprocessor design, storage system design and parallel architectures.

During this technical module, you will be set a number of increasingly challenging communication, interface and application design problems commonly faced in modern-day society. Developing your problem-solving ability, you will be encouraged to respond creatively to the challenges through the techniques of participatory design, rapid prototype evaluation and contextual, task and user interaction modelling.

In this module, you will extend your programming and algorithm design skills and gain the ability to structure and manipulate intricate data sets through extensive work with complex software. In addition, you will refine object-oriented analysis, design and implementation skills and learn to effectively utilise libraries, components and supporting tools.

In preparation for the final year project, this collaborative module aims to enhance your skillset by developing key skills such as communication, teamwork, co-operation and collaboration, project planning, commercial awareness, cultural awareness and distributed working. In addition, you will develop the critical thinking, research, academic and professional writing skills required as a reflective practitioner.

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your course. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your course. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

You will work with databases and datasets of varying sizes and levels of complexity in this module, from small-scale use to enterprise-scalable implementations. You will use technical skills to understand the big data ecosystem and carry out a range of data analytics tasks on large-volume datasets.

The underlying principles, technologies and architecture of wireless sensor networks will be examined in this module along with current practical applications and future trends. You will critically evaluate the security, privacy and trust implications of IoT technology and explore the approaches and mechanisms that mitigate security risks.

You'll look at a range of contemporary and emerging technologies, applications and professional issues in computing. Throughout the module, you will engage with research and advanced practice literature with the aim of extending and broadening your subject knowledge. There's a focus on professional, ethical, business and societal issues, through an international lens.

You have the opportunity to focus on an area of interest within the field of computing science, which may be aligned with your future career interests. Throughout the project, you will need to demonstrate research, problem-solving, design and development skills, through practical implementation, investigation (possibly including the gathering and analysis of secondary evidence) and evaluation.