University of Bradford: Undergraduate Programme specification
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDSchool of Lifelong Learning and DevelopmentProgramme/course title: Computing and Networking
Awarding Institution:Teaching Institution: / University of Bradford
Craven College
Final award: / FdSc Computing and Networking [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 5]
Programme title: / FdSc Computing and Networking
Programme approved / accredited by: / University of Bradford
Duration: / 3 years, part-time
UCAS code: / N/A
Subject benchmark statement: / http://www.qaa.ac.uk/reviews/foundationdegree/benchmark/fdqb.asp
Date produced: / December 2010
Last updated :
Introduction
The course is designed for people aspiring to careers in the Computing and Networking sector of IT, providing you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in both front line and management roles.
The Foundation Degree is aimed at those already in industry, those looking for a change in career and younger students moving on from FE level 3 courses.
Network Computing is one of the fastest growing sectors within the IT industry. Recent surveys all conclude that the demand for experienced networking professionals far exceeds the current supply. So serious is this shortfall that the future growth of networks may well be limited by the availability of skilled networking professionals. This makes networking skills a highly desirable and sought after commodity.
Additional recent research has shown that the number of workers in IT aged 50+ has increased, but the number aged below 30 has decreased causing concern in the IT industry that there will be a shortfall of appropriately qualified IT professionals.
Networking professionals are needed to maintain the network infrastructure and associated servers. This award will develop your specialism in the technologies that underpin the Internet, Intranets and other computer-based information networks. The course develops technical skills using networking equipment and network operating systems from a variety of blue-chip manufacturers including Cisco Systems and Microsoft.
To complement the vocational nature of the course you will be required to undertake a program of work based learning. It is desirable that students are able to utilise their current relevant employment as a means to fulfil the work based learning assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to find relevant work experience. Where students are not able to find suitable employment a series of visits and/or work placements may be offered.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
· Provide a high quality programme of study in the processes and development of the computing and networking sector, with a professional and vocational focus which will develop your skills, knowledge and understanding and confidence for employment and wider life.
· Widen participation in the computing and networking sector
· Contribute to the skill base of the region and other local economies in the context of the rapid developments taking place in the computing and networking sector
· Produce capable and well-rounded graduates who will make a contribution to the labour force needs of the regional and national economies and have appropriate knowledge and skills
· Develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life
Programme Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
On successful completion of this programme you will be able to:
· View your own and others’ roles and work within the changing contexts of design & implementation for the internet and the wider computing and networking sector
· Describe the nature and functions of employment and organisations’ within the computing and networking sector
· Describe and comment on tasks, functions, processes and sustainability, which are appropriate within the computing and networking sector.
· Outline the legal, social and economic responsibilities which affect the computing and networking sector, its practitioners and organisations’
· Demonstrate specialist subject knowledge and knowledge of operational practices relevant to the computing and networking sector in the UK
· Analyse and evaluate systems to improve effectiveness and efficiency within the computing and networking sector
· Identify and evaluate processes used and products created within the computing and networking sector and their impact on change within the sector’s employment and organisations
Subject Specialist
On successful completion of this programme you will be able to:
· Apply different approaches to the resolution of specific concerns and problems in the computing and networking sector
· Select and apply techniques and methods of practice associated with the computing and networking sector
· Demonstrate a range of key skills including communication, application of number, ICT and team working in the context of solving computing related problems.
· Demonstrate a range of skills appropriate to the computing and networking sector to a level required for practice
Personal Transferable Skills
On successful completion of this programme you will be able to:
· Demonstrate study skills, self criticism and reflection in relation to your learning
· Take responsibility for your own learning and professional development
· Communicate in a clear and effective manner on limited and well-defined topics
· Present, interpret and evaluate simple quantitative and qualitative data
· Demonstrate evaluation and judgment in relation to your own and others’ decisions and work
Occupational Standards
Modules will meet E-skills Sector Skills Council recommendations.
Curriculum
Level 4
Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / SemesterNetworking Fundamentals / Core / 20 / 4 / 1 or 2
Personal and Professional Development / Scheme Core / 20 / 4 / 1 or 2
Work Based Learning 1 / Scheme Core / 20 / 4 / 1 or 2
Wireless networking / Core / 20 / 4 / 1 or 2
Routing Protocols and Concepts / Core / 20 / 4 / 1 or 2
Deploying Server and Workstation Technologies / Core / 20 / 4 / 1 or 2
Level 5
Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / SemesterWork Based Learning 2 / Scheme Core / 20 / 5 / 1 or 2
LAN Switching / Core / 20 / 5 / 1 or 2
Server Technologies / Core / 20 / 5 / 1 or 2
Wide Area Networks / Core / 20 / 5 / 1 or 2
Linux Operating Systems / Core / 20 / 5 / 1 or 2
Work Based Learning 3 / Scheme Core / 20 / 5 / 1 or 2
See Appendix 1: Curriculum Map
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
Title of named top-up award (progression route)
Sheffield Hallam University:
BSc (Hons) Internet and Business Technologies (top up) (Full-time)
BSc (Hons) Multimedia Technologies (top up) (Full-time)
BSc (Hons) Network Management (top up)
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
Teaching and learning strategies are taken from a wide range and are appropriate to the nature of the student profile. Strategies may include: lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, use of exemplars and case studies, visiting speakers, independent student reading and research, practical sessions, presentations, directed reading, problem-solving, use of VLEs, workshops.
The mode of assessment is designed to match the individual module learning outcomes. A variety of assessment methods may be used including: reports, presentations, case studies, reflective journals; portfolios, training manuals; practical exams; theory exams and essays.
See Appendix 2: Assessment Map
See Appendix 3: Teaching Map
Assessment Regulations
Craven College’s HE Scheme assures consistency and rigour in marking through internal and external moderation or verification as appropriate. Consistency and parity is achieved through the definition of the forms of assessment and a requirement for each programme to adopt a range of assessment methods. Assessment is governed by a structure which is rigorous and transparent. Module assessments are reported through the Route Examination Committee attended by University of Bradford representative/s. Student progression recommendations are made at the Scheme Board of Examiners and ratified by the University of Bradford.
Extract from the Craven College HE Scheme, p13: Figure 4. HE Scheme Board of Examiners Flowchart
Admission Requirements
The admission of any applicant to a programme of study (course) is based on the academic judgement that the applicant has a reasonable expectation of being able to:
· fulfil the aims and outcomes of the course and
· achieve the standard of the course
Merit and Ability: To ensure that students are recruited on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities, admission and selection criteria and procedures will be monitored and reviewed by the Scheme Committee.
Equal Opportunities: The Scheme will offer equal opportunities for access to its programmes and in line with college policy, the admissions procedures will operate so as to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin, colour, age, marital status, disability, social class, political or religious belief and activities, unless those activities are contrary to the policies of the College.
Widening Participation: The College actively seeks to widen access by attracting students who may lack formal qualifications because of lack of opportunities in earlier life, or because they have been disadvantaged due to gender, race or disability. The Scheme supports this objective.
Information for applicants: The admissions policy and criteria for admission to a programme will be detailed in all published and promotional literature: HE Prospectus, college website, course leaflets.
· Level 3 qualification/s (BTEC National Diploma, Certificate or Award; A level/s or equivalent) to 120 UCAS points
· GCSE English Language and Maths (Grade C or above) or equivalent
· Students with a relevant HNC may be able to transfer credit in certain modules onto the Foundation Degree
· Students without the necessary qualifications but with relevant work experience are encouraged to apply.
Entry onto a programme is normally at the beginning of (NQF) level 4 except where applicants may be eligible for admission on the basis of prior certificated and/or experiential learning i.e. APL and/or APEL. Normally applicants will not be admitted to a point more than half way through a level of the proposed programme of study. The importation of credit is up to 50% of the balance of the award. The College’s Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy and Procedures will be applied in all cases, and in discussion with the partner University Liaison Representative where appropriate. For example, undertaking a piece of work relevant to the subject area (s)
Learning Resources
Curriculum Resources
The two principal campuses of Craven College are in Skipton town centre and at Aireville on the outskirts of the town. The Aireville Campus is the principal campus for teaching the curriculum for students aged 16 to 18. As a response to changes in land-use and farming practices Craven College, supported by Yorkshire Forward and the LSC, has joined forces with Skipton Auction Mart to provide a rural studies learning facility, including an engineering workshop (rural mechanics), a commercial horticultural unit and an equestrian centre. At Leeds Bradford International Airport the College, in partnership with Yorkshire Forward, LBIA and the private sector, has created The Aviation Academy. This purpose-built education and training centre has CoVE (Centre of Vocational Excellence) status, in partnership with North Nottinghamshire and Doncaster Colleges, and is producing future employees with the skills and knowledge required for one of the fastest growing industries in the world. A second major development recently has been a new Centre for Construction and Heritage Studies, built to serve the increasing demand for a skilled workforce.
Tyro Training is the commercial training division of Craven College, based in Skipton, serving a range of employment sectors, both locally and further afield with around 5500 clients a year.
Learning Resources
There are two main Learning Resource Centres and smaller focussed facilities, on each of the teaching sites, which hold the relevant resources and materials for further and higher education courses located on that site. Higher level students are supported by the provision of recommended texts, and further subject book stock plus access to study skills materials, research texts and packages, electronic information sources, including CD Roms, Athens, the College intranet, Internet and databases specific to course requirements. Quiet study areas are available. Students receive a specific higher education induction to the Learning Resource Centre and subsequent use is supported through self-help guides, Learning Resource Centre/HE VLE/Course intranet sites and staff.
The College has a Moodle VLE (Virtual Learning Environment), extensively customized to Craven College. Staff are trained to use this facility to:
· Enhance their teaching
· Facilitate independent learning
· Track student progress
· Provide assessments
· Provide resources to support learning and assessment
· Facilitate peer and tutor discussion forums
Computer/IT Equipment, Systems and Software
The College has IT facilities based on IBM compatible computers. All computing workstations are Pentium based PC’s operating Windows XP. All machines are fitted with CD Rom’s which allow access to specialist information and all are connected to professional laser printing facilities. Both students and staff have free access to Internet and e-mail. All staff have access to office based networked PC’s and special IT facilities are available for students with disability. The College has provision for access to Athens. The College’s Technology policy is to integrate on-line learning into all programmes which will be particularly effective with HE students. IT Technicians are available to those students experiencing technical difficulties.
Student Support and Guidance
In order to provide a supportive learning environment, a wide range of academic and pastoral support will be made available to you. Information on support is available direct from Craven College via your Course Team Leader.
The precise form of support available to students registered on the Scheme's courses will be set out in the individual route and course documents, but will include the following:
· Information on admission and induction arrangements;
· Information regarding Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA);
· academic guidance and tutorial support;