HND Diploma in Computing and Systems Development: Programme Specification and Modules, Exercises of Design

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Programme Specification

Awarded by

HND Diploma in Computing and Systems

Development

Programme Specification

Title of Programme: HND Diploma in Computing and

Systems Development

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.

1. Awarding Body Edexcel BTEC 2. Teaching location Blossomfield Campus, Solihull College 3. Accreditation details N/A 4. Final award Higher National Diploma 5. Name of award Higher National Diploma in Computing and Systems Development (QCF) 6. Codes

a. UCAS code

b. Solihull Qualification Code

c. Edexcel Programme Code (& approval dates)

105G

IPHHB061BCF

MN

7. QAA Subject Benchmark or other external reference such as published by Edexcel if the course is a Higher National

Computing

8. Date this specification applies from

Approved Mohammed Maher

Head of School – Computing & ICT

10. Intended Learning Outcomes

The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:

Subject knowledge and critical understanding includes:

A sound basic knowledge and understanding that includes:

A1. Computer systems and network architecture and how they support software applications; A2. Theory and practice of programming; A3. Techniques available for evaluating, designing, and specifying information systems; A4. Tools and techniques for the design and development of applications; A5. Awareness of the impact of the new technologies and of professional considerations that inform the exploitation of computer technology.

Higher level academic / intellectual skills includes

The practical and professional skills to:

B1. Install and support computer systems on a stand-alone and network basis; B2. Deploy appropriate tools, techniques and methods for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems’ B3. Design and develop software solutions using appropriate programme languages and techniques; B4. Ability to work effectively as a member of a development team; B5. Use ICT equipment competently and safely.

Higher practical and professional skills includes:

The ability to:

C1. Understand and apply principles and concepts C2. Present reasoned arguments and apply judgement; C3. Analyse and evaluate practical problems and provide logical solutions.

Higher Level transferable skills development includes:

The ability to:

D1. Communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing D2. Apply numeracy D3. Apply technology D4. Manage tasks and solve problems D5. Apply design and creativity.

Teaching and Learning Methods

The following learning opportunities are provided to enable learners to develop and demonstrate their achievement of learning outcomes:

 Acquisition of core knowledge is through a mixture of lecture/presentations/demonstrations, tutorials, group seminars and directed study;

 Analytic thinking skills are developed through discussion and debate in group and tutorial sessions;

 Practical work is an essential component of the programme and may involve presentations and demonstrations;

 Common skills such as oral and written communication will be developed in group and tutorial sessions, through assignments and particularly through project work;

 Additionality, including study towards Cisco and Microsoft qualifications such as CCENT, CCNA, MTA or MCSA can also be undertaken. See section 16 for further details.

 Global hours for this program is 420 hours including tutorials

Assessment methods

Assessment activities provide major opportunities for learning. Assessment criteria are linked to individual module outcomes.

Assessment methods include:

 Case studies

 Time constrained assessments

 Reports

 Individual / group presentations

 Practical assessments

 Individual / group project work

Notes:

 Student commences HE study at Level 4.  Programme code: MN  Qualification code IPHHB061BCF  All modules have a 15 credit rating, except for L/601/0995 - Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation, which has a 20 credit rating.  Students must achieve a minimum of 240 credits (16 modules passed) to achieve the HND award, with a minimum of 125 credits at level 5.  The four core modules are mandatory.  The HND offer consists of 16 formally taught modules, selected from the core and key modules from each pathway listed above.

 Alternative or Additional modules can be studied within each pathway subject to availability and agreement with the course tutor.  Units highlighted orange above are pre-requisites for eligibility for the top up degree or bridging module(s) can be completed.  Unit 50 is assessed in the work place via an agreed portfolio.  Units designated at Level 5, require students to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge more widely and to use critical analysis where appropriate.  Further unit details are available at: www.edexcel.com/quals/highernationals10/computing-sys-dev

Modules:

Unit 1 Business Skills for e-Commerce (15 Credits – Level 4) – Core Unit

To enable learners to apply the business skills needed to design an e-Commerce solution for an organisation.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Understand the structure and aims of business organisations  Understand the impact of e-Commerce  Be able to design e-Commerce solutions

Unit 2 Computer Systems (15 Credits – Level 4) – Core Unit

To enable learners to understand computer systems and apply theoretical knowledge to practical application when building, configuring and maintaining computer systems.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Understand the function of computer systems  Be able to design computer systems  Be able to build and configure computer systems  Be able to undertake routine maintenance on computer systems.

Unit 3 Employability and Professional Development (15 Credits – level 4) – Core Unit

To provide learners with the opportunity to acquire employability skills required for effective employment and to manage their own personal and professional development.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Be able to take responsibility for own personal and professional development  Be able to demonstrate acquired interpersonal and transferable skills  Understand the dynamics of working with others  Be able to develop strategies for problem solving.

Unit 4 Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation (20 Credits – level 5) – Core Unit

To develop learners’ skills of independent enquiry by undertaking a sustained investigation of direct relevance to their vocational, academic and professional development.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Be able to formulate a project  Be able to implement the project within agreed procedures and to specification  Be able to evaluate the project outcomes  Be able to present the project outcomes

Unit 7 Research Skills (15 Credits – Level 4)

To equip learners with the knowledge and research skills needed to select a research question, and design a research proposal for a chosen topic of interest.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Understand different research methodologies  Know how to conduct a literature review  Be able to present a research proposal  Be able to contribute to a research seminar

Unit 24 Networking Technologies (15 Credits – Level 4)

To enable learners to understand computer networking concepts, how they work, how they operate and the protocols, standards and the models associated with networking technology.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Understand networking principles  Understand networking components  Be able to design networked systems  Be able to implement and support networked systems.

Unit 25 Routing Concepts (15 Credits – Level 4)

To provide learners with an understanding of the complexities of routing and routed networks, which includes the management of reliable communication across a distributed LAN or WAN infrastructure.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Understand the impact of routing technologies  Be able to design complex routed environments  Be able to implement complex routed environments  Be able to troubleshoot and monitor routed environments.

Unit 26 Design a Small or Home Office (SOHO) Network (15 Credits – Level 4)

To provide learners with opportunities to design, implement, manage and support a small or home office network as a standalone system or as part of a larger remote infrastructure.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Understand the impact of small or home office networks  Be able to design small or home office networks  Be able to implement small or home office networks  Be able to support small or home office networks.

Unit 29 e-Commerce Strategy (15 Credits – Level 5)

To enable learners to understand how businesses and organisations develop e-Commerce strategies to remain competitive in the global market.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Understand the impact of e-Commerce on business  Be able to plan an e-Commerce strategy  Be able to manage an e-Commerce strategy.

Unit 33 Data Analysis and Design (15 Credits – Level 5)

To provide learners with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, design, query and implement database systems.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Understand data models and database technologies  Be able to design and implement relational database systems  Be able to use manipulation and querying tools  Be able to test and document relational database systems.

Unit 34 Data Structures and Algorithms (15 Credits – Level 5)

Provides learners with an understanding of how data structures are used in algorithms and enables them to design and implement data structures.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Understand data structures and algorithms  Be able to implement data structures  Understand how strings are structured and processed.

Unit 35 Web Applications Development (15 Credits – Level 5)

To enable learners to understand the concepts of web applications and apply the skills to develop and test web applications using server-side technologies.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Understand the concepts of web application development  Be able to design web applications  Be able to implement web applications  Be able to test web applications.

Unit 36 Internet Server Management (15 Credits – Level 5)

To enable learners to implement and manage secure internet technologies for networking systems.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Understand internet technologies  Understand internet server architectures  Be able to implement internet server and services  Be able to manage internet server and services.

Unit 41 Programming in Java (15 Credits – Level 5)

To provide learners with an understanding of the principles of programming in Java, exploring the object oriented nature of the language and the multi-platform versatility offered.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Understand the principles of programming in Java  Be able to design Java solutions  Be able to implement Java solutions  Be able to test and document Java solutions

Unit 42 Programming in .NET (15 Credits – Level 5)

To provide learners with an understanding of the principles of programming using a .NET framework as an underpinning technological concept in the fields of programming and systems development.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Understand the principles of programming using a .NET framework.  Be able to design .NET solutions  Be able to implement .NET solutions  Be able to test and document .NET solutions.

Unit 48 IT Security Management (15 Credits – Level 5)

The aim of this unit is to provide an understanding of IT security management to enable learners to manage organisational security.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Understand risks to IT security  Understand mechanisms to control organisational IT security  Be able to manage organisational security.

Unit 49 Digital Forensics (15 Credits – Level 5)

To provide learners with an understanding of the principles of digital forensics and the impact on commerce, society and the individual.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Understand the impact of digital forensics on the social and commercial environments  Understand the principles of evidence gathering  Be able to plan and implement digital forensics investigations  Be able to analyse the outcomes of digital forensics investigations.

Unit 50 Work-Based Experience (15 Credits – Level 5)

This unit aims to enable learners to experience the scope and depth of learning which may take place in a work-based context by planning, monitoring and evaluating the work experience.

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

 Be able to negotiate industry experience  Understand the specific requirements of the placement  Be able to undertake work experience as identified  Be able to monitor and evaluate own performance and learning.

12. Support for Students and Their Learning

Student progression on course is supported both by subject tutors and central College services and includes:

 An induction programme introducing new students to the subject of study, higher level skills that need to be developed, and the college facilities (including the library, IT facilities, staff and other students).

 College and course/ module handbooks available in print and electronic format on Moodle.

 Personal and academic support is integrated in teaching provided by supportive and accessible tutors and identified 1:1 support sessions are also available.

 A modern well-equipped library and up-to-date ICT equipment.

 Study skills sessions integrated in programme.

 Personal development planning sessions integrated into programme via specific Personal Development Plan sessions and a Personal Skills Development module.

 Up-to-date Computer laboratories with specialist facilities for computer networking and multimedia computing.

 Access to counsellors and support for students with special needs.

 Written assignment / assessment feedback (normally provided with 2 weeks of assessment submission).

 Regular 1:1 and group tutorial support.

 Access to regularly updated course section and college wide sections on the college’s intranet Moodle.

 Dedicated HE area and new computing block for taught sessions.

14. Progression

On completion of the Higher National Diploma programme at Solihull College the learner will have the opportunity to progress to an Honours Degree or a Graduate Diploma. The level at which the learner will be able to access the degree will depend on the HND grades achieved and the type of course applied for.

To progress directly to stage 6 (final Year) of the Bsc (Hons) In Business Systems and Technology (Newman University) a student must normally have gained a HND in Computing and Systems Development, including the pre-requisites described in the table above, passing the H2 (stage 5) modules with at least a Merit. Alternatively, bridging module(s) will be offered to allow progression to this course.

Progression to other Honours Degree courses in Networking or Software Development at other Universities will also be considered, the admissions criteria will be determined by the Universities Admission Tutor.

Students who do not reach the standards described above but who have gained a HND may normally join stage 5 of a corresponding Honours Degree course at many Universities.

The course offers the opportunity to work towards vendor specific qualifications (Cisco and/or Microsoft) within their program of study, which will greatly enhance employability opportunities within the sector.

15. Evaluating the Quality of Teaching and Learning

The Quality of the Programme is monitored and assured by evaluation of the Standards of Teaching and Learning using the results of the following documents:

 Student feedback questionnaires, initial impressions and the spring survey

 Module review forms completed by students at the end of every module and summarised by the course leader.

 Student input to the Programme Quality Board held twice a year.

 Student representations made through the HE Student Council.

 Action areas fed by the above to the course based Self-Assessment Reviews, Annual Monitoring Report and Quality Improvement Plan.

 Findings of the teaching observation scheme and recommendations for improvement that are made.

 External Examiners report and audit of assessed work

 Annual Teaching Observation scheme, Annual Appraisal and Personal Development Log

 Internal Verification process within teaching team

 Regular team meetings

17. Enhancement

Actions identified in the evaluation process are developed into the enhancement plan for the improvement of teaching and learning across the whole programme. An action plan is produced in each Annual Monitoring Report and this feeds to the programme Self-Assessment document which informs the Business Plan for the School.

Good practice in Teaching and Learning is developed through the regular staff development and staff meetings at programme and school level. It is further enhanced by the integration of lecturers on this programme teaching and assisting the learning of students on other programmes in the College, thus contributing to a sharing of best practice across different programmes. Lecturers also take part in Internal Verification of fellow lecturer’s assignments and assessment vehicles.

Development and enhancement of individual lecturers knowledge of up to date technical knowledge and of modern teaching practices is ensured through the annual appraisal scheme. Lecturers are encouraged to identify their own needs and to make their own arrangements with suitable companies to update their skills and knowledge.

Enhancement of the Student learning experience takes place via the arrangements of visits both academic and social, the introduction of speakers from outside the College, usually from a related industrial background; this increases the experience of the student, adds to their knowledge and improves understanding at a practical level.

Students are encouraged to work towards vendor specific qualifications within their program of study, such as Cisco CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry), CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) or Microsoft MTA (Microsoft Technology Associate) or MCSA (Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate) awards. Access to vendor approved course materials are included in the program, as well as official course completion certificates. If the student requires external certification then these costs are not included in the HND course fee.

18. Programme Resources

 Due to the nature of this programme access to networking and other specialised computer hardware and software facilities such as, virtualisation tools, Cisco and Microsoft based curricula and facilities are required.

 Dedicated Higher Education teaching area.

 Dedicated Higher Education computing areas (e.g. Computing centre. Microsoft and Cisco Academy room)

 Vocationally relevant equipment.

 Student resource facility for the loan of specialist equipment (e.g. lap top computers, digital cameras, video cameras etc.)

 Well stocked library with frequent review and update of books.

 E-library resources including access to online journals and e-books.

 A wide range of external links with the public sector for student trips or external specialist speakers.

Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook