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 2016-17 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

Integrate and outline the fundamental terminology and paradigms of CS

Compare the basic hardware and software components of a computer system

Appreciate the purpose of the operating system and of computer networks
Construct and outline (or design) algorithms in a clear and unambiguous manner
Appreciate what is meant by the complexity of an algorithm and by computability
Produce and structure data organisation, from its initial structure up to databases
Organise and critique current and potential future trends in CS, including Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, modern high level languages

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 Applications, Network Security.

Week 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 st ructures

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

Virtual classroom hours (for online modules) -

Number of hours per week, per student expected in the virtual classroom in discussion, dedicated to group work and individual assessment is 6.

Non-classroom hours (for online modules) -

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)           Number of hours per week, per student expected in the virtual classroom in discussion, dedicated to group work and individual assessment is 6.
Number of hours per week, per student expected for reading, research and other individual work to support engagement in the classroom is 6.5.
 
 
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
Coursework  Weekly Discussion Qu  Whole Session  50  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 
Coursework  Weekly Hand in Assig  Whole Session  50  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 Notes (applying to all assessments) (1) Due to nature of the on-line mode of instruction this work is not marked anonymously. (2) Students who fail the module have the opportunity to repeat the entire module, thus all failed assessments. (3) The "Standard UoL Penalty" for late submission that applies is the "Standard UoL Penalty" agreed with respect to online programmes offered in collaboration with Laureate Online Education. 

Recommended Texts

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