BSc (Hons) Computer Science

In this module you will study programming and problem-solving skills with no prior assumptions of programming experience. You will gain an understanding of how software is developed and become familiar with a range of computer programming paradigms.

This module provides you with fundamental knowledge of modern computer architecture and networks. This knowledge forms the core of all computing courses and will be built upon in subsequent modules in Level 5 and 6.

This module provides you with an opportunity to consider your future role as a computing professional. The seminars will be used to develop strategies that you can use, providing opportunities for you to apply concepts to real-world scenarios. You will develop your understanding of professionalism in computing, of working in the computing industry, and of the ethical frameworks and codes of conduct for a computing industry in which Artificial Intelligence has considerable impact.

The module begins by exploring data and its domain in the context of Computer Science. The students explore the methodology & technology necessary in taking data and deriving info using industry standard tools for BI (Business Intelligence). The module moves on by exploring ERM (Entity Relational Modelling) & Normalisation, ultimately leading towards viable designs for RDBs (Relational Database). This module thusly supports students in further study, most notably in feeding necessary knowledge into NQF5’s Database Systems module.

This module is intended to provide students with a strong foundation in the topics underpinning computer science. The module engages the student with modelling systems and analysis techniques that are used to investigate and understand computing and software engineering problems. The intention is for the student to develop a scientific and engineering ethos that will enable the computer science student to understand the science of computing and translate this into practice.

On the first weeks, the module intends to introduce the main concepts in small lecture fragments intertwined in otherwise tutorials slots. The tutorials will be based in computer labs and students will be expected to work as a group starting from Week 3. Almost every week, you will receive a new, small scale, computer science problem that links your group working and problem-solving skills with your knowledge from the previous lectures and tutorial sessions. Through these small problems you will see how to approach larger and larger problems similar to the coursework. The team-working and problem-solving skills will be aided by the delivery team. This module introduces you to the skills required for developing technical computer science solutions in software as part of a development team. Each team will be fully supported by the delivery team. You will be expected to arrive at solutions yourself, acquire most of the necessary skills and knowledge yourself, and support your team members to strengthen cohesion and to arrive at solutions earlier.

This module introduces the concepts of client-side web development. Students will learn how to create interactive web pages that present a user interface using HTML5 and CSS, processed using custom JavaScript code.

The module begins by exploring the operation of database systems through a scrutiny of modern RDBMS (Relational Database Management Systems), the SQL (Structured Query Language) along with database connectivity APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). The module moves on by exploring some of the managerial considerations of large-scale RDBMS. The module concludes by exploring the operation of emerging NoSQL (Not Only SQL) database systems. This module thusly represents the logical follow-on to NQF4’s Data Modelling module.

Operating systems are the backbone of modern computing. Knowledge of their design, structure and use is of critical importance. In response, this module provides a comprehensive introduction to the design principles, concepts, and technologies of modern operating systems. Students will explore the fundamentals of operating system design and function, command-line control, as well as emerging topics in virtualisation and containerisation.

This module introduces you to methods for solving computational problems. It covers the modern theory of algorithms, focusing on the themes of efficient algorithms and intractable problems. You will gain an understanding of how to select and design data structures and algorithms to solve computational problems alongside developing an understanding of key concepts of complexity theory, illustrating their relevance to practical problems of algorithm design.

This module provides an introduction to automata theory and formal language theory and emphasizes real life application where these ideas are applicable. Particular attention is paid to compiler design considerations using regular expressions and context-free grammars. The module also investigates the limits of effective computation by studying undecidable problems.

The module has two main purposes. First, you will be equipped with adequate research skills and experience of working on subject-related research topics, to lead into your final year project. Second, this module works to enhance your professionalism, including teamworking, which boosts employability and your awareness of what is expected in an employment scenario.

The module begins by exploring the OO (Object Oriented) paradigm from analysis & design through implementation & testing to maintenance. The UML (Unified Modelling Language) is employed alongside OOP (OO Programming) to demonstrate key concepts, resulting in mature, fully functioning OO systems. The module moves on by applying principles & patterns to OO systems with Unit Testing & Source Control playing a supporting role. This module thusly represents the logical follow-on to NQF4’s Introducing Programming module.

In this module, students will examine common software security problems and how to apply security by design principles during software development to prevent them. Students will explore how to detect and assess vulnerabilities and threats in the context of software-based systems. They will undertake a group software development task involving the application of DevSecOps principles. As part of this task, they will be expected to undertake a variety of roles as seen in secure software development teams (i.e., developer, software tester, vulnerability researcher, etc.) They will be expected to complete this task following a suitable secure design pattern. They will also be expected to complete a report that demonstrates an understanding of how software should be designed, implemented, and tested to reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities.

This module builds on the topics introduced in the earlier Web Development I module and focuses on building server-side applications. Practical server-side applications will be developed using the Node.js platform, further enhancing the JavaScript skills developed earlier on the programme to build performant and secure web applications and web-based APIs.

The aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. All placements need to be assessed and approved prior to commencement in line with the LJMU Placement Learning Code of Practice. The Code of Practice requires students to conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner during the placement - failure to do so may lead to the placement being terminated prematurely. Placements are normally for one calendar year on a full-time basis. Split placements of a shorter duration may be permissible. There is an expectation that a minimum of 1200 hours will be spent in the workplace.

The aim is to provide students with an additional year of study at an approved overseas partner that will complement their programme at LJMU. This is an additional year of full-time study at an approved higher education institution. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be appropriate for the student's programme of study. Assuming successful completion of this year, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the Faculty Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the year abroad.

Massive amounts of data are being generated by modern digital systems and there is a demand for rapid and effective analysis and communication of the relevant data. This module covers topics related to interpreting and displaying data for visualisation alongside techniques to present various types of data in appropriate formats. You will use computer graphic techniques to develop data and information visualisation and be introduced to the theoretical concepts of graphical display, both 2D and 3D, leading to the practical development of visualisation solutions using relevant tools and techniques.

A course on current trends in Computer Science. It provides a wide ranging look at current interests and provides a more thorough overview of a highly relevant topic.

This module presents you with the opportunity to complete a substantial project in a chosen area relevant to your programme. The scope of what is an appropriate artefact varies between programmes and you will discuss this with your programme teams. This module will enable you to use rigorous development or scientific methods to produce an artefact, resulting in an oral and written report.

This module uses lectures to deliver core concepts and theoretical underpinnings in Artificial Intelligence.

Hands-on activities with AI tools and frameworks are undertaken in the practical workshops.

This module aims to develop your understanding of computer security and network defence. Through critically assessing a variety of security technologies for protection of computer networks, you will develop practical skills in the use of security countermeasure technologies and associated tools.

The spectacular growth of the Internet has spawned a great demand for awareness of security threats to computer networks and application of security techniques to network protection. In response to the demand, this module examines various security issues, cryptographic algorithms and security services that are essential for network security. It also explains various applications based on cryptographic techniques.

This module provides a software engineering-focused review of Embedded Systems.

You will look at system and software development for embedded systems, with consideration of the Internet of Things.