BSc in Applied Computer Science and Cybernetics

UCAS code: GH4P (For students entering Part 1 in 2007)
Programme length: 4 years
Accreditation: British Computer Society

This course combines an understanding of computer science and cybernetics, with a knowledge of relevant modern technologies, theories and techniques; to produce good practically oriented graduates able to work in an academic, research or industrial environment, as individuals or as part of a team. It aims to impart skills in the assimilation of technically complex material, team working, meeting deadlines, and the production of clearly written reports. It is distinctive in that it gives an overview of both computer science and cybernetics.

Many students find that the experience and knowledge gained during the Industrial Year allows them to make better use of their final year of University study, and provides useful background knowledge for more permanent career choices.

You will obtain knowledge and understanding of:

• computer science and cybernetics
• relevant technology and research
• appropriate mathematical techniques for analysing and designing systems
• business context
• engineering practice.

Course content

The course is divided into 3 Parts (years) with an industrial year between Part 2 and Part 3, and each part comprises a number of modules as listed below:

Part 1

Compulsory Modules

• Cybernetics and its Application
• Electronic Circuits
• Computer and Internet Technologies
• Programming
• Software Engineering
• Engineering Mathematics or Mathematics for Computer Scientists

Part 2

Compulsory Modules

• Databases
• Introduction to Algorithms
• Human Computer Interaction
• Control and Measurement
• Neurocomputation
• Signals
• Further Computer Systems
• Digital Circuit Design
• Engineering Applications

Industrial Year

• Industrial Placement

Part 3

Compulsory Modules

• either
• Computer Science Project or Cybernetics Project
• Computer Controlled Feedback Systems
• Social, Legal and Ethical Aspects of Science and Engineering

Optional Modules

• Computer Networking
• GUI, Web and Multimedia Design
• Computer Graphics II
• Distributed Computing
• XML and Semantic Web Technologies and Applications
• Computer Graphics I
• Evolutionary Computation
• Image Analysis
• Visual Intelligence
• Multi-Agent Systems
• Robot Systems
• Machine Intelligence
• Virtual Reality
• Modern Heuristics
• Bionics
• Mechatronics
• Medical Image and Signal Processing
• Mechanical Design
• Manipulator Robotics
• Institution Wide Language Programme

Career prospects

Career prospects are good, as the programme is very relevant to today's high technology society. Most graduates are employed in a technological capacity, often associated with programming, either in a large company or a smaller company or consultancy; whereas others choose to further their research interests either in the School or at other Universities.

For a full description of this course please download the  BSc Applied Computer Science and Cybernetics (PDF - 156KB) programme specification.