Semester 1
This module consists of two parts. The first part, Computer Architecture, provides the basic engineering foundations of detailed design and implementation of a digital computer system; designs for the CPU, I/O subsystems, and memory organizations; ALU design and computer arithmetic. Bus, memory organization and interrupt structures, control function implementation, pipelining, performance measurement and further Computer Organisation topics. The second part, Operating Systems, is designed to teach students about the role that the operating system has in computing. It also considers the applications in systems such as distributed, multimedia systems and the role that the OS has in supporting the functioning of these. Students will view the operating system from several vantage points. Assessment methods: 40% coursework, 60% exam.
This module provides a thorough discussion on cybersecurity and cryptography. It covers thoroughly computer security, network security, information security and mobile security. It discusses critical network security techniques, including the use of firewalls, encryption, intrusion detection, and enterprise-wide security policies. Network security is a major concern when designing and maintaining modern networks, which typically use open protocols and connect to public networks such as the Internet. Cryptographic algorithms in network protocols and network applications as well as the security of computers against intruders (e.g., hackers) and malicious software (e.g., viruses) are examined. Assessment methods: 40% coursework, 60% exam
This module covers computer systems from database system to advance computer Architectures. It provides a co-ordinated and consistent coverage of theory, design and development of database systems. Then it focuses to the development of modern computer architectures for servers, workstations, hand-held devices, signal processing and embedded systems. Emphasis is given to design approaches and applications of Data-Level Parallelism in Vector, SIMD, and GPU Architectures. This module also provides students with a theoretical understanding and practical experience in software engineering. The module concentrates on the whole life-cycle of a software product, including: requirement analysis, software architecture and design, implementation, quality assurance, maintenance activities. Assessment methods: 50% coursework, 50% exam.
Semester 2
This module focuses on the signal processing in intelligent systems applications and consists of two parts. The first part, Artificial Intelligence, covers the history and contemporary development of artificial intelligence systems and looks forward to likely near-future developments. It will cover all the major techniques of problem description, knowledge representation and data searching that represent the current toolkit for developing intelligent applications. The second part, Signal Processing, encompass the following: need for and tradeoffs made when sampling and quantizing a signal, linear, time-invariant system properties, frequency as an analysis domain complementary to time, filter design and implementation, control system properties and applications. Assessment methods: 40% coursework, 60% exam.
This module presents the nature and characteristics of embedded systems and the Internet of Things (IoT). It presents techniques for embedded applications, parallel input and output, serial communication, interfacing, interrupt handling, applications involving data acquisition, control, sensors, and actuators, embedded micro controllers, implementation strategies for complex embedded systems. It is discussed advanced challenges in embedded systems design using contemporary practice; interrupt driven, reactive, real-time, object-oriented and distributed client/server embedded systems. It is further discussed how IoT connects devices and various systems aiming to understand that it is a network of multiple connected physical objects, the things, involving myriad of applications.
The individual BSc project requires students to plan, execute, review and report upon a major piece of technical work directly related to their degree discipline. In this regard, it provides students with the opportunity to develop a high degree of subject specific expertise.
