Computer Science

University of Greenwich

Among the desirable skills that employers ask for in a computing graduate is the ability to decompose a problem into manageable logical components and to use appropriate algorithms to solve the resulting sub-problems. Building on the Level 4 computing and mathematics-based modules, this module takes the student through the data structures, algorithms and problem solving through modelling before examining algorithms for sorting and searching, analytical and eventually numerical methods. A wide range of algorithms will be explored through their application to solving a variety of problems by formulating appropriate models in a series of practical exercises.

Working effectively as a programmer or software engineer requires a sophisticated mixture of technical skills and knowledge. Although details of technologies may change frequently many concepts such as: componentisation, concurrent programming, use of design patterns, and programming in a distributed environment are likely to remain relevant for the foreseeable future. All programmers and software engineers should have an understanding of the role and use of supporting tools e.g. for testing, version control and documentation and project building. This course aims to broaden and deepen the skills and knowledge that the students will have gained from completing their level 4 programming courses. The skills and concepts mastered will be useful in themselves and will form a firm foundation on which higher-level skills can be built at level 6.

This course aims to provide computer science students with the knowledge and understanding of mathematical methods, numerical and statistical techniques required to solve problems and analyse data throughout their undergraduate studies as well as in their further studies of computer science or in the work place.

Information security focuses on information security threats, risks and corresponding countermeasures. This includes confidentiality, integrity and availability in different computer systems, taking into account also privacy, secure design and introducing cryptography and its applications.

To provide an introduction to fundamental methods used in Artificial Intelligence: knowledge representation, reasoning, search and learning. The module introduces the underpinning concepts and techniques, the problems for which they are applicable, and their limitations. You will gain the necessary skills to identify problem contexts that can be addressed using these AI techniques, and gain practical experience in developing systems that utilise them to address a given problem. You will explore the philosophical issues that underlie AI, the challenges and associated ethical questions. The module will prepare you for entry positions in AI application design and development, and enable you to pursue more advanced topics in this exciting field.

Modern computers bring together a range of hardware components into a single complex machine. Managing these components is a complex and challenging task handled by the operating system. Modern operating systems allow people to use sophisticated computer systems without any knowledge of its inner workings. In addition, it is possible to develop software applications with little or no knowledge of the operating system upon which they run. There comes a point however, where an understanding of the principles and the implementation design decisions and compromises becomes necessary. This course aims to provide a solid theoretical background in operating system architectures with a focus on the implementation and management of; memory, I/O devices, processes, file systems and users, taking into account networks, concurrency, virtualisation and security.

The Final Year Project requires students to work independently, abstract the essentials of a problem, obtain solutions by appropriate methods, and present their arguments through a user acceptance testing of the end-product/artefact as well as a well-reasoned formal dissertation report. Prospective employers often require that the student is able to tackle a non-standard problem, organise their work, show a high level of commitment with an awareness of their target audience and present their conclusions in a number of forms. Projects develop practical, analytical and communication skills, and are specifically designed to encourage students to initiate, plan and execute research programmes. Similarly, admissions tutors for Postgraduate courses and Research awards need to be reasonably certain that an applicant will be able to employ these same skills in order to carry out research and put those results in a thesis.

To teach the necessary technical knowledge and skills to design effective human computer interactions and carry out user-centred design activities to inform the creation of system and applications. The course will extend the student's knowledge and experience of managerial issues affecting the development of human-computer interactions, including relevant legal, social, ethical and professional issues.

To build a strong foundation with the Java Virtual Machine, its concepts and features. To exploit modern programming languages that run on the Java Virtual Machine and evaluate the key commonalities, differences and trade-offs between these languages and their applicability to different programming problems and environments.