MSc - Computer Science

University of Hertfordshire

In this module, you will approach the subject of computer architecture in a hierarchical manner, starting with elements from which digital systems can be built. Those are combined into more complex units, which in turn are aggregated into functional devices for processing, holding and storing/retrieving data. At each level of abstraction, you will be shown specific solutions, and those will be fully analysed and discussed. The presentation of theory will be accompanied by worked examples you will be offered exercises for independent solutions.

The project module includes both a taught and a non-taught component. During the taught part, you will cover the following topics: Project plan development, Project risk assessment, Ethics and working with human participants, Problem analysis and decision-making, Literature review, Conducting investigative work, Documenting a project, and Report writing and presentation. In the non-taught part, under the guidance of a supervisory team, through a series of scheduled meetings lasting up to 6 hours, you will work towards completing a project in Computer Science.

In this module, you will explore a variety of real-world problems alongside their corresponding AI-based solutions. You will actively implement these solutions, closing the feedback loop to deepen your understanding of both the theoretical concepts and practical applications. In certain cases, you will dive deeper into the surrounding problem domain, analysing current and emerging challenges that AI systems face. Through this exploration, you will evaluate why specific design decisions are made, considering trade-offs and alternatives to better address the problems at hand or mitigate operational risks. Additionally, the module will address broader risks and challenges associated with AI, including ethical considerations, unintended consequences, and societal impacts. These discussions aim to equip you with a holistic perspective on the development and deployment of AI systems, emphasising responsible and informed decision-making.

This module provides a comprehensive overview of relational database systems, focusing on design theory and implementation. A significant practical component allows you to gain experience using an industry-standard database platform. Topics include schema design, query processing, and/or transaction control. The module also introduces emerging database technologies.

In this module, you will explore the main functionalities of a modern operating system and how these functions may be implemented. You will gain detailed knowledge of complex networking principles, with examples primarily drawn from the TCP/IP protocols of the Internet. You will also identify key solutions for security issues, concepts, and algorithms that can be applied to any type of network.

In this module, you will explore embedded systems that often operate on platforms with limited resources, where low-level programming is crucial to achieving acceptable performance. You will approach the concept of low-level programming by studying a microprocessor and examining how familiar control structures and arithmetic operations can function in a constrained setting. You will receive a detailed introduction to the study platform, a compiler, and a simulated execution tool for practical work.

This module provides students with an opportunity to work in teams in order to put a selected software development methodology into practice through the development of a software application. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the Module Guide.

In this module, you will explore the complexities of modern Information Environments, which have become large, diverse, and heterogeneous. You will learn how system boundaries and jurisdictions have blurred, with system assets now spread across different geographical locations. You will understand how stakeholders span an integrated supply chain, how new vulnerabilities are continually discovered, and how threat agents can expand their operations internationally with little effort. You will also examine the importance of a thorough, explicitly defined, and well-implemented risk and threat assessment process as the first and last line of defence in any information environment. The module will discuss procedures and controls for ensuring and assuring the information assets of an organisation, covering threat, risk, and vulnerability management methods. Additionally, you will explore security models, standards, and compliance issues to train you in conducting and managing risk and threat assessments.

In this module, you will explore legal, social, ethical, and professional issues that may affect the work of practitioners in the computing and technology sectors. You will focus on the ethical considerations inherent in the development of responsible technologies. The topics covered will vary from year to year to reflect contemporary research and issues.