Smart Systems
School of Computing and Mathematics
Faculty of Natural Sciences
Last Updated 23 January 2012

Principal Course Timetable Blocks 1


Smart Systems is one of the computing programmes offered by the School of Computing and Mathematics. It is a specialist course for students with an interest in computational intelligence, with topics such as adaptive and evolutionary algorithms, neural networks, robotics, the similarities and differences between natural and synthetic intelligent systems and research and development in this exciting area. A number of core modules are shared with the Computer Science programme, but there is less emphasis upon web technologies and database systems, and there are specialist modules on computational intelligence.

The School can provide students with 24-hour access to the computer facilities within the Colin Reeves Building. Computer facilities are also available in many other parts of the University.


The School also offers a Single Honours course in Computer Science, and Dual Honours principal courses in Computer Science, Information Systems and Creative Computing.


NB. Because of variations in staff availability and research interests from time to time, certain courses may not run in particular semesters. Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students please confirm availability with the School when applying.


Smart Systems Dual Honours - Level 1 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-10024 Programming I - Programming Fundamentals C C 7.5 15
This module introduces the fundamental concepts underlying computer programming together with techniques for applying these using a contemporary programming language. The module will have a strong practical element.
CSC-10029 Fundamentals of Computing C M 7.5 15
This module will provide students with an overview of the core concepts of the discipline, and act as a foundation for other modules covering these topics in more detail. It will enable students to understand the links between individual modules on their course, and to understand them properly in context.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-10030 Programming II - Data Structures and Algorithms C M 7.5 15
In this course students learn about the important properties of some data structures and algorithms that are of foundational importance to modern computer science and IT. As they do so, there is ample opportunity to develop and practice their general purpose computer programming skills so that in the future they are able to develop their own software solutions to straightforward problems.
CSC-10032 Information Systems and Interaction C M 7.5 15
This module provides students with an introduction to Information Systems and an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and understanding they gain to a practical task. It also explores the human-computer interface and introduces concepts, techniques and tools that support the analysis of needs for, and design of, system interfaces. The main focus will be on web interfaces.

Smart Systems Dual Honours - Level 2 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-20020 Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism C M 7.5 15
This module will develop skills in the design and execution of empirical studies to gather evidence about software systems, methods and processes. It will also cover requirements engineering and will enable students to recognize the professional, economic, social, environmental and ethical issues involved in the development and use of computer technologies.
CSC-20023 Computational Intelligence I C M 7.5 15
This module will provide students with an introduction to the core computational intelligence topics of evolutionary algorithms and neural networks, their use in vision systems and robotics, and some of the similarities and differences between natural and synthetic intelligent systems.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
~ CSC-20004 Advanced Programming Practices O M 7.5 15
This module provides an understanding of object-oriented programming and its concepts, with particular emphasis on advanced features of Java and their applications.
~ CSC-20004 Advanced Programming Practices EP M 7.5 15
This module provides an understanding of object-oriented programming and its concepts, with particular emphasis on advanced features of Java and their applications.
CSC-20022 System Lifecycles and Design C C 7.5 15
This module will provide students with knowledge of the techniques and processes to undertake the design of a system once the requirements and analysis activities have been completed.
CSC-20024 Virtual Worlds O C 7.5 15
This module introduces students to three dimensional computer modelling, animation and programming and their use within the creative digital sector of the economy.
CSC-20024 Virtual Worlds EP C 7.5 15
This module introduces students to three dimensional computer modelling, animation and programming and their use within the creative digital sector of the economy.

Smart Systems Dual Honours - Level 3 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-30016 Software Engineering Project Management O M 7.5 15
This module provides an understanding of the scope of, and problems and techniques associated with, software engineering project management.
CSC-30016 Software Engineering Project Management EP M 7.5 15
This module provides an understanding of the scope of, and problems and techniques associated with, software engineering project management.
CSC-30019 Games Computing O M 7.5 15
This module delivers comprehensive knowledge of a games engine and the theory and practice of computer game design, and explores the human factors involved in game design and interactive media environments.
CSC-30019 Games Computing EP M 7.5 15
This module delivers comprehensive knowledge of a games engine and the theory and practice of computer game design, and explores the human factors involved in game design and interactive media environments.
Semester 1-2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-30014 Third Year Double Project - ISP C C 15 30
This module enables students to integrate and apply theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills to a relatively large or complex programming, research or business problem within the discipline.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-30012 Communications and Networks O M 7.5 15
This module extends students&© knowledge of principles and practice in communications and computer network technologies and their deployment.
CSC-30012 Communications and Networks EP M 7.5 15
This module extends students&© knowledge of principles and practice in communications and computer network technologies and their deployment.
CSC-30018 IT Architectures O M 7.5 15
This module delivers the concepts, methods and tools involved in the IT architecture discipline, and examines the role of IT architects and software architecture within development projects. The module also outlines current architectural developments, such as service-oriented architectures. Students gain practical experience by undertaking a case study.
CSC-30018 IT Architectures EP M 7.5 15
This module delivers the concepts, methods and tools involved in the IT architecture discipline, and examines the role of IT architects and software architecture within development projects. The module also outlines current architectural developments, such as service-oriented architectures. Students gain practical experience by undertaking a case study.
CSC-30020 Computational Intelligence II C M 7.5 15
This module will expand on the range of computational intelligence (CI) themes introduced earlier in the degree. Importantly, the module will allow students to explore in greater depth, selected research-led topics at the forefront of current thinking in the rapidly evolving CI field. Upon completion of this module good students will be well placed to pursue further research in industry or in education (e.g. as an MSc or PhD student).

Smart Systems Minor - Level 1 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-10024 Programming I - Programming Fundamentals C C 7.5 15
This module introduces the fundamental concepts underlying computer programming together with techniques for applying these using a contemporary programming language. The module will have a strong practical element.
CSC-10029 Fundamentals of Computing C M 7.5 15
This module will provide students with an overview of the core concepts of the discipline, and act as a foundation for other modules covering these topics in more detail. It will enable students to understand the links between individual modules on their course, and to understand them properly in context.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-10030 Programming II - Data Structures and Algorithms C M 7.5 15
In this course students learn about the important properties of some data structures and algorithms that are of foundational importance to modern computer science and IT. As they do so, there is ample opportunity to develop and practice their general purpose computer programming skills so that in the future they are able to develop their own software solutions to straightforward problems.
CSC-10032 Information Systems and Interaction C M 7.5 15
This module provides students with an introduction to Information Systems and an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and understanding they gain to a practical task. It also explores the human-computer interface and introduces concepts, techniques and tools that support the analysis of needs for, and design of, system interfaces. The main focus will be on web interfaces.

Smart Systems Minor - Level 2 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-20020 Requirements, Evaluation and Professionalism C M 7.5 15
This module will develop skills in the design and execution of empirical studies to gather evidence about software systems, methods and processes. It will also cover requirements engineering and will enable students to recognize the professional, economic, social, environmental and ethical issues involved in the development and use of computer technologies.
CSC-20023 Computational Intelligence I C M 7.5 15
This module will provide students with an introduction to the core computational intelligence topics of evolutionary algorithms and neural networks, their use in vision systems and robotics, and some of the similarities and differences between natural and synthetic intelligent systems.
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
~ CSC-20004 Advanced Programming Practices O M 7.5 15
This module provides an understanding of object-oriented programming and its concepts, with particular emphasis on advanced features of Java and their applications.
~ CSC-20004 Advanced Programming Practices EP M 7.5 15
This module provides an understanding of object-oriented programming and its concepts, with particular emphasis on advanced features of Java and their applications.
CSC-20022 System Lifecycles and Design C C 7.5 15
This module will provide students with knowledge of the techniques and processes to undertake the design of a system once the requirements and analysis activities have been completed.
CSC-20024 Virtual Worlds O C 7.5 15
This module introduces students to three dimensional computer modelling, animation and programming and their use within the creative digital sector of the economy.
CSC-20024 Virtual Worlds EP C 7.5 15
This module introduces students to three dimensional computer modelling, animation and programming and their use within the creative digital sector of the economy.

Smart Systems Minor - Level 3 Modules

Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-30020 Computational Intelligence II EP M 7.5 15
This module will expand on the range of computational intelligence (CI) themes introduced earlier in the degree. Importantly, the module will allow students to explore in greater depth, selected research-led topics at the forefront of current thinking in the rapidly evolving CI field. Upon completion of this module good students will be well placed to pursue further research in industry or in education (e.g. as an MSc or PhD student).
C Compulsory Core Module
O Optional Core Module
EP Programme Elective Module
EA Approved Elective Module
EF Free-Standing Elective Module
M Mixed Assessment e.g. a mixture of essay(s) and examination, with the latter's weighting below 90%.
E Examination, providing 90% or more of the mark.
C Continuous Assessment e.g. essay(s) or practical work (as appropriate).
+ Available to qualified non-principal, Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students but there may be a restriction on the number of places available
~ Specific pre-requisite(s) needed by non-principal, Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students wishing to take these modules
# Not normally available to Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students (except by prior negotiation with Departmental Tutor)
Note: Modules not marked with a # are available to suitably qualified Erasmus, Exchange and Study Abroad students.