Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title COMPUTER STRUCTURES
Code CKIT501
Coordinator Prof FP Coenen
Computer Science
Coenen@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

1. This module analyses the dynamics of Computer Science by reviewing topics in an historical perspective, whilst challenging the participants to monitor their possible future developments as Information Technology (IT) professionals.

2. This module presents an overview of many aspects of Computer Science and links them together into a coherent whole. Many of the topics covered also act as an introduction to the various subjects that make up the other modules offered by the programme.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Integrate and outline the fundamental terminology and paradigms of CS

(LO2) Compare the basic hardware and software components of a computer system

(LO3) Appreciate the purpose of the operating system and of computer networks

(LO4) Construct and outline (or design) algorithms in a clear and unambiguous manner

(LO5) Appreciate what is meant by the complexity of an algorithm and by computability

(LO6) Produce and structure data organisation, from its initial structure up to databases

(LO7) Organise and critique current and potential future trends in CS, including Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, modern high level languages

(S1) Skills in using technology - Online communications skills

(S2) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Presentation skills - written

(S3) Time and project management - Personal organisation


Syllabus

 

Week 1: Participating in the global classroom
Participating in an online academic community; how to submit Discussion postings. Introduction to study cohort. Explore the characteristics of an increasingly multicultural professional environment. Understand the characteristics of the environment in which you work or aspire to work. History of Computing.

Week 2: Outlining arguments for scholarly discourse
Logical Arguments, Critical Thinking, Supporting your work with academic sources, Current Trends in Computing.

Week 3:  Exploring new Avenues with Computing
Social impact of computing.

Week 4: Machine architecture
Computer Hardware, Data Storage, Data Manipulation.

Week 5: Operating systems and networks
OS Architecture, OS components, Processes, Deadlock, Security.

Week 6: Computer Networks
Network Topologies, Network Protocols, Communications,  Distributed Systems, Internet A pplications, Network Security.

Weeks 7 and 8: Algorithms and Analysis
Determining and Expressing algorithm, pseudocode, algorithm analysis.

Week 9: Programming Languages
Programming Languages, Functions and Procedures, Compilation and Interpretation, Object-oriented Programming.

Week 10: Software engineering and data structures
SDLC, Software Engineering Methodologies, UML, Data Structures.

Week 11: Databases and file structures
Database structure, Distributed Databases, Data Mining and Data Warehouses.

Week 12: Issues in current research in Computer Science
Trends and Topics of contemporary computer science research.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Virtual classroom hours (for online modules)
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided
Notes: Number of hours per week, per student expected in the virtual classroom in discussion, dedicated to group work and individual assessment is 6.

Teaching Method 2 - Non-classroom hours (for online modules)
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided
Notes: Number of hours per week, per student expected for reading, research and other individual work to support engagement in the classroom is 6.5.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           72

78

150
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 0
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :Whole Session  Weekly Discussion Qu    50       
Assessment 2 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :Whole Session  Weekly Hand in Assig    50       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.