Information Systems
School of Computing and Mathematics
Faculty of Natural Sciences


Last Updated 7 September 2009

Principal Course Timetable Blocks 1


Information Systems is one of the computing programmes offered by the School of Computing and Mathematics. This programme is mainly concerned with studying how information within organisations is provided and used through a combination of software, hardware, data, people and procedures. A number of core modules are shared with the Computer Science programme, but there is less emphasis upon programming, and there are specialist modules addressing the needs of information systems.

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 Dual Honours principal course in Computer Science and a Single Honours course in Information Technology Management for Business.


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 Aboad students please confirm availability with the School when applying.


Information 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-10027 Human Computer Interaction C M 7.5 15
This module will explore the human-computer interface and introduce concepts, techniques and tools that support the analysis of needs for, and design of, system interfaces. The main focus will be on web interfaces.
CSC-10028 Introduction to Information Systems C M 7.5 15
This module provides students with an introduction to Information Systems and their main business and personal uses; and an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and understanding they gain to a practical task.

Information Systems Dual Honours - Level 2 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
~ CSC-20001 Human Factors C M 7.5 15
Covers a number of people-oriented topics such as system usability and evaluation, group working and professional, ethical and social issues relevant to IT professionals.
CSC-20011 Web Server Scripting C M 7.5 15
To provide an understanding of the client-server model of Internet communication, with reference to standard protocols. To enable the development of multi-tier web applications and the configuration of the servers on which they rely.
CSC-20016 Information Systems - Study Abroad I O C 7.5 15
CSC-20017 Information Systems - Study Abroad II O C 7.5 15
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
~ CSC-20002 Database Systems C M 7.5 15
Introduces the database approach, data modelling, design and use of a proprietary DBMS.
~ CSC-20005 Systems Development C M 7.5 15
Addresses the forms and elements of the larger-scale system development process and some of the major notations and mechanisms employed for this.
CSC-20018 Information Systems - Study Abroad III O C 7.5 15
CSC-20019 Information Systems - Study Abroad IV O C 7.5 15

Information Systems Dual Honours - Level 3 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
~ CSC-30002 Advanced Databases and Applications O M 7.5 15
The course will provide a high level understanding of database techniques and current issues relating to database deployment.
~ CSC-30008 Artificial Intelligence O M 7.5 15
Prolog programming, natural language processing, state spaces and search, neural network algorithms and tasks, design, testing, validation of neural networks. 2 hours lectures, plus practical work
CSC-30016 Software Engineering Project Management O M 7.5 15
Problems, processes and techniques associated with managing software development and maintenance projects. 2 hours of lectures.
~ CSY-30001 Advanced Information Systems C M 7.5 15
This course covers the use of information systems for decision support and provides an understanding of the issues involved in their management.
Semester 1-2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-30013 Third Year Project C C 7.5 15
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-30012 Communications and Networks O M 7.5 15
CSC-30018 IT Architectures O M 7.5 15
~ CSY-30002 Electronic Commerce O M 7.5 15
Provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the problems involved in the development of web-based electronic commerce applications

Information Systems Major - 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-10027 Human Computer Interaction C M 7.5 15
This module will explore the human-computer interface and introduce concepts, techniques and tools that support the analysis of needs for, and design of, system interfaces. The main focus will be on web interfaces.
CSC-10028 Introduction to Information Systems C M 7.5 15
This module provides students with an introduction to Information Systems and their main business and personal uses; and an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and understanding they gain to a practical task.

Information Systems Major - Level 2 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
~ CSC-20001 Human Factors C M 7.5 15
Covers a number of people-oriented topics such as system usability and evaluation, group working and professional, ethical and social issues relevant to IT professionals.
CSC-20011 Web Server Scripting C M 7.5 15
To provide an understanding of the client-server model of Internet communication, with reference to standard protocols. To enable the development of multi-tier web applications and the configuration of the servers on which they rely.
CSC-20016 Information Systems - Study Abroad I O C 7.5 15
CSC-20017 Information Systems - Study Abroad II O C 7.5 15
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
~ CSC-20002 Database Systems C M 7.5 15
Introduces the database approach, data modelling, design and use of a proprietary DBMS.
~ CSC-20005 Systems Development C M 7.5 15
Addresses the forms and elements of the larger-scale system development process and some of the major notations and mechanisms employed for this.
CSC-20018 Information Systems - Study Abroad III O C 7.5 15
CSC-20019 Information Systems - Study Abroad IV O C 7.5 15

Information Systems Major - Level 3 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
~ CSC-30002 Advanced Databases and Applications O M 7.5 15
The course will provide a high level understanding of database techniques and current issues relating to database deployment.
~ CSC-30008 Artificial Intelligence O M 7.5 15
Prolog programming, natural language processing, state spaces and search, neural network algorithms and tasks, design, testing, validation of neural networks. 2 hours lectures, plus practical work
CSC-30016 Software Engineering Project Management O M 7.5 15
Problems, processes and techniques associated with managing software development and maintenance projects. 2 hours of lectures.
~ CSY-30001 Advanced Information Systems C M 7.5 15
This course covers the use of information systems for decision support and provides an understanding of the issues involved in their management.
Semester 1-2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-30014 Third Year Double Project C C 15 30
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
CSC-30012 Communications and Networks O M 7.5 15
CSC-30018 IT Architectures O M 7.5 15
~ CSY-30002 Electronic Commerce O M 7.5 15
Provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the problems involved in the development of web-based electronic commerce applications

Information 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-10027 Human Computer Interaction C M 7.5 15
This module will explore the human-computer interface and introduce concepts, techniques and tools that support the analysis of needs for, and design of, system interfaces. The main focus will be on web interfaces.
CSC-10028 Introduction to Information Systems C M 7.5 15
This module provides students with an introduction to Information Systems and their main business and personal uses; and an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and understanding they gain to a practical task.

Information Systems Minor - Level 2 Modules

Semester 1 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
~ CSC-20001 Human Factors C M 7.5 15
Covers a number of people-oriented topics such as system usability and evaluation, group working and professional, ethical and social issues relevant to IT professionals.
CSC-20011 Web Server Scripting C M 7.5 15
To provide an understanding of the client-server model of Internet communication, with reference to standard protocols. To enable the development of multi-tier web applications and the configuration of the servers on which they rely.
CSC-20016 Information Systems - Study Abroad I O C 7.5 15
CSC-20017 Information Systems - Study Abroad II O C 7.5 15
Semester 2 C/O TYP ECTSCATS
~ CSC-20002 Database Systems C M 7.5 15
Introduces the database approach, data modelling, design and use of a proprietary DBMS.
~ CSC-20005 Systems Development C M 7.5 15
Addresses the forms and elements of the larger-scale system development process and some of the major notations and mechanisms employed for this.
CSC-20018 Information Systems - Study Abroad III O C 7.5 15
CSC-20019 Information Systems - Study Abroad IV O C 7.5 15

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.