SE1FA15-Fundamentals and Applications of Computing
Module Provider: School of Systems Engineering
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2015/6
Module Convenor: Dr James Anderson
Email: j.anderson@reading.ac.uk
Summary module description:
This module introduces computer structures, information representations, algorithms and various applications associated with computers, including communication, artificial intelligence and robotics.
Aims:
The module aims to introduce the main features of computer systems and algorithms, with applications including communication, the internet, artificial intelligence and robotics.
Assessable learning outcomes:
Students completing this module should be able to understand computer structure and information representation. They will be able to explain the role of designing algorithms, as distinct from designing programs; will be able to analyse an algorithm and assess its efficiency; and will be able to construct pseudo-code algorithms from problem specifications.
They will also be able to describe computer communication including the internet, and describe various techniques used in artificial intelligence and robotics.
Outline content:
Computers: Computer systems, Hardware and software interface, Information representation.
Algorithms: Searching and sorting, Time order, Introduction to Computer Science.
Artificial intelligence: here various methods are looked at which are used to produce intelligent machines and where it is shown how some of these methods, such as neural networks, have arisen from considerations of human intelligence.
Robotics : different types of robot are described, applications, and behaviour.
Computer communication and the internet: connected networks, including wireless, optical fibres, Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) at the lower level; protocols/standards; different physical layers (throughputs, error rates, packet sizes and so on); how routers work; how to stream video.
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module comprises 2 lectures per week, associated laboratory practicals, an assignment and some revision tutorials. Laboratory practicals are used to reinforce the relevant lectures.
Summative Assessment Methods:
| Method |
Percentage |
| Written exam |
70 |
| Set exercise |
30 |
Other information on summative assessment:
The module includes an algorithms assignment and practical assignments in the laboratory.
Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy:
• where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy.
where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.
The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at:
http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.
Length of examination:
One 3-hour examination paper in May/June.
Requirements for a pass:
40%
Reassessment arrangements:
Examination only.
One 3-hour examination paper in August/September.
Last updated: 7 August 2015