BSc Computer Science with Security & Forensics

Denna treåriga kurs börjar med att introducera grundläggande datorkunskaper och begrepp som kommer att underbygga examen. Korta projekt i årskurs ett följs av ett rejält teamprojekt i årskurs två då du använder nya färdigheter och kunskaper för att designa och implementera ett mjukvarusystem. Under år tre kommer du att fokusera på framväxande teknologier och forskningsledda alternativ och genomföra ett individuellt projekt som visar din förståelse för datorsäkerhet.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2024/2025 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2024.

Year One

Modules taught in the first two semesters will introduce fundamental computing skills and concepts that form the basis of your degree. This includes the programming of algorithms using languages such as Python and Java™, an understanding of Internet and web technologies, computer architecture and operating systems, software engineering principles and mathematics for computer science. You will be expected to develop new technical and professional skills and to demonstrate individual creativity and originality throughout the year.

Core Modules for Year One

• Computational Thinking
• Web Applications
• Problem Solving with Python
• Architecture and Operating Systems
• Maths for Computer Science
• Object Oriented Java Programming
• Principles, Tools and Techniques for Secure Software Engineering

Year Two

Kärnmoduler som undervisas i år två introducerar avancerade ämnen; vissa valmöjligheter införs i examen genom valfria moduler. Strukturen och bearbetningen av data utforskas ytterligare och enkla algoritmer utökas till applikationer som kan kommunicera via nätverk. Färdigheter som utvecklats hittills tillämpas under ett teamprojekt för att professionellt designa och implementera ett mjukvarusystem med ett informationssäkerhetselement. Samtidigt kommer din framtida karriär, anställningsbarhet eller entreprenörskap och professionella färdigheter att förbättras när du börjar blicka mot livet efter universitetet.

Core Modules for Year Two

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Database Systems
• Enhancing your Employability
• Secure Communication Networks
• Internet of Things
• Group Project
• Object Orientation, Algorithms and Data Structures

Optional Modules for Year Two

• Computational Mathematics
• Data Processing and Visualisation
• Informatics
• Introduction to the Theory of Computation
• Scientific Computing

Year Three

Under år tre kommer du att fokusera på framväxande teknologier och avancerade ämnen som ofta informeras av skolans forskning. Det finns ett antal valfria moduler att välja mellan beroende på dina specifika intressen. Du kommer att öva professionella aspekter av kriminalteknisk datoranalys och få förstahandskunskap vid föreläsningar som hålls av experter inom datorsäkerhet och datorforensik. Din förståelse för datorsäkerhet kommer att visas när du genomför ett enskilt projekt.

Core Modules for Year Three

• Large-Scale Databases
• Security
• Forensics
• Emerging Technologies
• En termins individuellt projekt

Optional Modules for Year Three

• Knowledge Management
• Combinatorial Optimisation
• Artificial Intelligence
• Design Thinking and Prototyping for User Experience
• Political Economies of Computing
• Introduction to Computational Robotics
• Managing Change

How Will I Be Assessed?

Progress in each module will be assessed during or at the end of the semester in which it is taught. All modules include assessments, including written examinations or assessed coursework, or a combination of both. The format of the assessments depends on the learning outcomes of each specific module.

Most modules include coursework elements for assessment. The importance of good referencing, the use of libraries and web-based information retrieval as a prelude to critical, independent study is developed. Assessed essays and reports are used to encourage knowledge and understanding, critical analysis, development of reasoned argument and synthesis of conclusions.

Practical assignments assess programming and design skills. These typically address small, well-defined problems at the start of the course, and become progressively open-ended. Tests are also used to assess knowledge, skills and techniques, which a professional may be expected to use in a time-constrained situation. You can also be assessed by poster presentation.

What Skills Will I Practise and Develop?

Knowledge & Understanding

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• An understanding of the broad range of concepts, principles and theories underpinning Computer Science
• An ability to describe computing systems and solutions to problems
• An understanding of the representation of data in structured forms and its interplay with the implementation of algorithms
• En specialiserad förståelse av säkerhet och kriminalteknik i både ett teoretiskt och tillämpat sammanhang
• En förståelse för begreppen risk och säkerhet i datoranvändning och säker kodningsteknik

Intellectual Skills

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• En förmåga att kritiskt bedöma datorsystem och lösningar på problem, inklusive de som uppstår inom säkerhet och forensik
• An ability to objectively analyse computational problems and develop appropriate, creative solutions
• An ability to model complex scenarios to design computer systems that meet stated requirements
• An ability to select, derive and analyse appropriate algorithms to solve computing problems
• An ability to recognise and specify the constraints, requirements and trade-offs in the design of computer systems
• En förmåga att tillämpa verktyg och tekniker som är lämpliga för att säkra mjukvaruutveckling
• Förmåga att identifiera svagheter i mjukvaru- och mjukvaruarkitektur

Professional Practical Skills

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• Awareness of relevant professional, ethical, legal and social issues that arise in the implementation of existing and future computer systems
• An ability to pursue opportunities for career development and lifelong learning and appreciate the importance of commercial awareness

Transferable/Key Skills

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

• An ability to effectively communicate ideas, principles and theories by oral, written and electronic means
• An ability to work effectively in a team and as an individual
• An ability to make effective use of a range of IT systems

Skilled computer scientists are in extremely high demand. This means the employment prospects for graduates in the computing and ICT industry are very strong. You will be equipped with transferrable skills that open doors to careers in many sectors.

Recent statistics show that the vast majority of our graduates are following their chosen career paths in roles such as Software Engineer, Web Developer, Computer Programmer, Associate Software Developer, Business Analyst and Systems Development Officer.

Många av våra akademiker fortsätter att arbeta för företag inklusive Airbus Group, Amazon, BBC, BT, Cardiff University , Capgemini, Confused.com, GCHQ, IBM, Lloyds Banking Group, MoD, Morgan Stanley, Sky, South Wales Police och Thomson Reuters . Andra har valt vidare studier eller forskning vid Cardiff eller andra toppuniversitet.