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Postgraduate Computer Science courses 2015/16

University of Hertfordshire

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Module table 4

About the courses 5

Courses for computer science graduates - overview 6Courses for computer science graduates - modules 7 - 10

Course for graduates of other disciplines- overview 12Course for graduates of other disciplines - modules 13 - 14

Start dates and entry requirements 15

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Contents

About the coursesWe offer a range of taught Master’s courses in Computer Science suitable for many different backgrounds and career aspirations.

There are two distinct routes and both are offered with an optional twelve month work placement.

If your first degree is in Computer Science or a very closely-related subject, please refer to courses for Computer Science graduates (pages 6–10). These are advanced courses for professional development to enhance your career prospects in technically demanding environments or as sound preparation for industrial or academic research.

We offer three specialist courses for you to choose from. Alternatively you can opt for the broader based MSc Advanced Computer Science, which enables you to study a wider choice of modules, including those offered on the specialist courses.

If your degree is in a non Computer Science discipline, please refer to our course for graduates of other disciplines, MSc Computer Science (pages 12–14). This course is designed to complement your existing qualifications, for example to change career direction or to apply advanced computing techniques to your existing discipline.

For more information please visit go.herts.ac.uk/cs

Work PlacementAll our one year full-time Computer ScienceMaster’s courses are available with an optionalone year industry placement. The ‘with placement’ programmes give you additional industrial experience by applying the skills you have learned throughout your studies.They offer you the opportunity to work for one year in a highly professional and stimulatingenvironment. You will be a full-time employee in a company earning a salary and will learn new skills that cannot be taught at University. During theplacement you will be able to gain further insightinto industrial practice that you can take forwardinto your individual project.

Please note that we cannot guarantee a placement and those applying for a placement will have to secure a 60 per cent average in 60 credits of taught modules taken in Semester A at the first attempt to be able to take this route. The placement is only available to applicants who join us in September – not in the January intake.

Computer Science courses

Courses for Computer Science graduates Award titles (see key below)

Taught Modules Credits MACS AIR NPP SE

Advanced Databases 30

Artificial Life with Robotics 30 -

Data Mining 15 -

Distributed Systems Security 30

Human Computer Interaction: Principles and Practice 30

Investigative Methods for Computer Science 15

Measures and Models for Software Engineering 30 -

Mobile Standards, Interfaces & Applications 15 -

Multicast and Multimedia Networking 15

Network System Administration 15 -

Neural Computation & Machine Learning 30 -

Professional Issues 15

Programming for Software Engineers 30 -

Programming Paradigms 30

Secure Systems Programming 15 -

Software Engineering Practice & Experience 30

Theory and Practice of Artificial Intelligence 30

Wireless, Mobile and Ad-hoc Networking 15

Optional Professional Placement (September start only)

Professional Work Placement in Computer Science 0

Project Modules

Advanced Computer Science Masters Project 60 - - -

Artificial Intelligence with Robotics Masters Project 60 - - -

Computer Networking Principles & Practice Masters Project 60 - - -

Software Engineering Masters Project 60 - - -

Course for graduates of other disciplines Award title (see key below)

Taught Modules Credits MCS

Computer Architectures 15

Operating Systems and Networks 15

Professional Issues 15

Programming and Program Design 30

Software Development Exercise 15

Systems Modelling 30

Optional Professional Placement (September start only)

Professional Work Placement in Computer Science 0

Project Modules

Computer Science Masters Project 60

KeyMACS MSc Advanced Computer ScienceAIR MSc Artificial Intelligence with Robotics NPP MSc Computer Networking Principles and Practice SE MSc Software Engineering MCS MSc Computer Science

Options Required (must take all of these) Core (must take at least 60 credits) Optional– not available for this degree

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For information on core and optional modules for each pathway please refer to page 4.

MSc Artificial Intelligence with RoboticsTaking advantage of the international reputation of the School’s research in the area, this course explores current research and practice in artificial intelligence and robotics. It can lead to a career in areas such as the design of intelligent systems or research. MSc Computer Networking Principles and PracticeThis course considers current research and practice in computer networking, distributed systems and security. You will develop technical expertise and practical skills in the design, management and evaluation of networks, and in the use of tools and techniques for system security. It can lead to a career in areas such as network system design or administration, or as a security consultant.

MSc Software EngineeringThis course examines current research and practice in software engineering. You will develop knowledge and skills in the models, methodologies, measures and tools that can be employed in software development considered as an engineering discipline. It can lead to a career in areas such as project management, software engineering or the development of large-scale systems.

MSc Advanced Computer ScienceThis course allows you to study two or more areas of computing that relate to your interests along with key core areas of computer science. Depending on the modules chosen, it can lead to a career in areas such as software development, systems design, user interface design, or database design and administration.

Advanced DatabasesThe aim of this module is to enhance your understanding and knowledge through the study of selected current and emerging issues in the database field. This study is grounded in sound understanding of the appropriate theory, practice and principles and you will acquire a practical understanding and critical awareness of the relevant issues, typically using Oracle® and other modern software. This module is primarily designed for those with existing knowledge and experience of database design and implementation.

Artificial Life with RoboticsYou will study techniques including the modelling of real-life biological systems, the application of ideas and principles from biology and evolution to computer science in the areas of optimisation, intelligent agents, and engineering. There is a practical element to the module and you will gain experience in developing artificial life models.

Data MiningThis covers the discovery of hidden knowledge, unexpected patterns and new rules from large databases. It views data as a strategic source of opportunity for the organisation, and includes descriptive data mining, association analysis, classification and prediction, cluster analysis, mining complex types of data, applications and trends in data mining, and ethical issues.

Distributed Systems SecurityThis module covers the theoretical and practical techniques used to provide security and protection to networked and distributed systems. You will examine how the issues and concerns of operating systems design are modified when extended in this context, using recent case studies. Themes include models, design, standards, protocols, and performance.

Human Computer Interaction: Principles and PracticeThis module explores the concepts, tools, techniques, standards and guidelines that are needed to design and evaluate interactive systems. You will undertake practical design projects and evaluate systems in a variety of contemporary domains. Topics covered typically include usability of interactive systems, eliciting user requirements, interaction design, universal design, standards and recommendations, and evaluation techniques.

Investigative Methods for Computer ScienceAt postgraduate level you are expected to understand a range of investigative methods for research in computer science and to apply them to your own work. Topics covered on this module include conducting a literature review, identifying a research question, choosing appropriate research methods, collecting and analysing data, presenting results, and evaluating your own work. The module is designed to enable you to plan, manage, and write up your Master’s dissertation (project).

Measures and Models for Software EngineeringYou will explore state-of-the-art examples for both research and practice in software engineering. The range of software engineering products (for user requirements, design documents, code etc) and processes (testing, de-bugging etc) which make up a software project are measured and modelled. This module shows you how the modelling and measuring of such products and processes enable quantified decision-making to be carried out during software development.

Courses for Computer Science graduates Courses for Computer Science graduates

Overview Modules

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Mobile Standards, Interfaces and ApplicationsMobile and pervasive computing is rapidly evolving, and include pervasive computing, mobile human computer interaction, privacy and security, location and context awareness, mobile development platforms, networking and data standards. You will follow a practical course in programming for mobile devices based on an industry-standard development platform and will work in a group to create a substantial mobile application.

Multicast, and Multimedia NetworkingThis module addresses the issues that must be solved to integrate diverse network applications onto a single network infrastructure; how to deal efficiently with applications that have to send the same data to many different destinations and how to mix applications with very different quality of service requirements. Topics include multicast applications, real-time media, new service models, multimedia protocols, and video compression.

Network System AdministrationThe module is designed for those with an existing knowledge of fundamental computer networking concepts, protocols and architectures who wish to build on that knowledge by developing high-level practical networking administration skills. You will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of computer networks and the internet by gaining hands-on experience with real networks.

Neural Computation and Machine LearningHere you will study a selection of research topics such as evolutionary neural networks, neural network design and interesting applications of these techniques. Applications could include data mining, bio-computation, evolutionary algorithms, neural networks as models of human cognition, and data visualisation.

Professional IssuesA key aspect of working in information technology is having an understanding of the legal and ethical implications of decisions you make, and of the relationship between technology and society. This module explores social, legal and ethical aspects relating to IT practice. Subjects include intellectual property, data protection, computer contracts, and security and cybercrime. This will prepare you to meet the standards expected of you as a professional in the IT industry or on related career paths.

Programming for Software EngineersModern software engineering depends upon the use and re-use of components that are tightly specified and thoroughly tested, an approach supported by software frameworks and APIs implemented as libraries. In the module you will learn to develop such libraries, selecting appropriate data structures and algorithms, then producing test suites to establish their quality. Topics also covered include virtual machines; design trade-offs, modularity, coding for re-use, component level design, clean-room techniques, coupling, dependency, cohesion, and refactoring.

Programming ParadigmsThis module explores the extent to which different programming paradigms, such as imperative, functional, concurrent and object-oriented programming can be applied. Laboratory sessions will help you acquire practical skills in representative programming languages, such as LISP for functional programming, Ruby for object-oriented programming, and Erlang for concurrent programming.

ProjectThe project is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to extend and to apply the knowledge you have gained on the course. You will make critical use of the literature and develop an understanding of the design, management and realisation of a programme of investigative work. The project is carried out independently under the guidance of an individual project tutor. You will write a report (dissertation), present, and justify your findings. If you are studying one of the specialist courses the topic must be in that area. If you are studying for the generalist degree then it must extend and apply knowledge gained in taught modules.

Secure Systems ProgrammingThe variety and proliferation of malicious attacks against users of networks and distributed systems have led to a need for proactive defence mechanisms. For individuals and enterprises, the impact ranges from extreme frustration to significant cost and damage to their reputation. This module is both theoretical and practical, and will cover concepts and applications of computer systems and their security weaknesses.

Software Engineering Practice and ExperienceYou will develop advanced knowledge and skills in software engineering that are readily transferable to industrial practice. The module covers each element of the software engineering process and explores the use of overarching development approaches such as eXtreme programming and component-based software engineering. Leading-edge practices are also introduced, for example using program slicing to find code faults. Specialised software development approaches are investigated.

Courses for Computer Science graduates Courses for Computer Science graduates

Modules Modules

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Theory and Practice of Artificial IntelligenceThis module provides an in-depth study of a range of ideas, theories and techniques used in the creation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in application areas such as intelligent modelling, problem-solving, learning, decision-making, reasoning, and robot control. There is a large practical element. Topics typically covered include history and paradigms of AI, logic and resolution proof, temporal reasoning, case-based reasoning, agents, reinforcement learning, game-playing, knowledge representation, Bayesian learning, natural language processing, and tools for AI research and applications.

Web ServicesThe term ‘web services’ is used to define protocols, technologies and standards that allow communication of information between applications distributed over a decentralised network environment. In this module you will learn about the fundamental architectures of web services and their underlying protocols and standards, from a brief introduction to the basic technologies through to architectural issues and evaluation. You will study real world examples such as e-commerce, information retrieval and knowledge management.

Wireless Mobile and Ad-hoc NetworkingThis module addresses issues such as how to handle users and computers that move from place to place and yet wish to remain in contact with the net. It also covers topics such as Mobile IP, Wireless LANs, Bluetooth, Cellular Systems, CDMA.

Work PlacementIf you choose to take the optional work placement you will work for one year full-time as an employee in a company earning a salary. Although the responsibility for finding a placement is with you, our Careers and Placements Service maintains a wide variety of employers who offer placement opportunities and organise special training sessions to help you secure a placement,from job application to the interview. The ‘with placement’ degrees are available with our September intake only. You will have to secure a 60 per cent average in 60 credits of taught modules taken in Semester A at the first attempt to be able to take this route. You enter the University in September and study 120 credits of taught modules until May of the following year. You then enter industry and begin your one year placement period, returning to the University a year later to complete your project. This means you complete your MSc and placement in two years full-time.

Courses for Computer Science graduates

Modules

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MSc Computer ScienceOur course is especially designed for graduates of numerate subjects other than computer science.

It intensively covers a broad range of the key principles and techniques of computer science. There is an emphasis on software development, in particular when applied to solving problems in other disciplines. Depending on the modules chosen, it can lead to a career in areas such as systems development, IT management, or the deployment of advanced applications in specific disciplines.

Computer ArchitecturesDesigned from the perspective of a programmer rather than an engineer, the module starts with fundamentals such as number systems, digital logic, and data representation. It then covers the main architectural components of modern computers: the processor, memory, and I/O sub-systems, including an introduction to low-level programming languages. It concludes with advanced topics such as performance improvement through multi-processor systems, parallelism and pipelining.

Operating Systems and NetworksThis module explores the main concepts and functionalities of a modern operating system including processes, memory management, and filing systems. It provides an overview of general networking principles, with examples drawn mainly from the TCP/IP protocols of the Internet. Key topics covered include network switching, encapsulation, inter-networking, reliable transfer, network performance, Inter-process communication, security threats and security controls.

Professional IssuesA key aspect of working in information technology is having an understanding of the legal and ethical implications of decisions you make, and of the relationship between technology and society. This module explores social, legal and ethical aspects relating to IT practice. Subjects include intellectual property, data protection, computer contracts, and security and cybercrime. This will prepare you to meet the standards expected of you as a professional in the IT industry or on related career paths.

Programming and Program DesignHere you will explore the basic concepts found in procedural and object-oriented programming languages and develop the skills needed to use them. The module assumes no previous programming experience and adopts a practical approach with up-to-date tools based on modern approaches to program development. You will learn how to write simple procedural programs in order to master basic concepts and algorithms and then move onto object oriented programming to design, implement and test more complex programs.

ProjectThe project is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to extend and apply the knowledge you have gained on the course. You will make critical use of the literature and develop an understanding of the design, management and realisation of a programme of practical work. The project is carried out independently, under the guidance of an individual project tutor. You will write a report (dissertation), to present and justify your decisions. It is expected that you apply the learning gained in your taught modules to a problem area related to the subject domain of your first degree, or your recent work experience, or to a topic relevant to your chosen career path.

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Course for graduates of other disciplines Course for graduates of other disciplines

Overview Modules

All of our Computer Science Master's courses are available with an optional

one year industry placement, giving you additional industrial experience vital to

helping you in your future career.

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All courses can be started in either September or January each year.

If you start your course in September you may complete your course in twelve months full-time. You also have the option of including a twelve month work placement which will mean your course will be twenty-four months. If you start your course in January this will be seventeen months full-time (which includes a four-month vacation from June until September). The work placement is not available if you wish to start your course in January.

You should have the equivalent to a UK second class honours degree in computer science or closely related subject for courses for computer science graduates; or in any subject for the MSc Computer Science which is available to graduates from other backgrounds.

You must also satisfy the University’s English language requirement for these courses, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

If you have not yet achieved the required English language level for entry to these courses you could complete one of our English language preparatory programmes prior to your chosen degree. For more information please see go.herts.ac.uk/prep

Software Development ExerciseIn this module you have an opportunity to work in a small team through the complete development cycle of a software application, thus experience at first hand the challenges involved. Lectures will focus on software development methodologies, tools, notations and languages. These methodologies typically include plan-driven approaches like Waterfall, Prototyping, Rapid Application Development and some Agile approaches like XP, Scrum and DSDM. The laboratory sessions will introduce the tools used and provide you with practical support.

Systems ModellingHere you will study a range of best practice, industry-standard techniques and notations for the requirements capture, analysis and early design phases of a project. The module will develop your awareness of the need for good software engineering practices. There are three

strands, firstly, formal languages such as EBNF and Z, secondly, structured analysis and design techniques using notations such as entity-relationship models and data-flow diagrams, thirdly, object-oriented concepts using, for example, ObjectZ and UML.

Work PlacementIf you choose to take the optional work placement you will work for one year full-time as an employee in a company earning a salary. Although the responsibility for finding a placement is with you, our Careers and Placements Service maintains a wide variety of employers who offer placement opportunities and organise specialtraining sessions to help you secure a placement,from job application to the interview. The ‘with placement’ degrees are available with our September intake only. You will have to secure a 60 per cent average in 60 credits of taught modules taken in Semester A at the first attempt to be able to take this route. You enter the University in September and study 120 credits of taught modules until May of the following year. You then enter industry and begin your one year placement period, returning to the University a year later to complete your project. This means you complete your MSc and placement in two years full-time.

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Course for graduates of other disciplines

Modules

Postgraduate Computer Science courses

Start dates and entry requirements

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