BEng Computer Systems Engineering

Key details

BENG COMPUTER SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Start Year

2021

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Bachelor of Engineering

UCAS course code

HG65

Entry Requirements

BBB or ABC

Duration (years)

This degree is highly practical, allowing you to combine your interest in computing science alongside hardware-based subjects such as electronics, embedded devices and networking. Crucially, it will give you the flexibility to deepen your knowledge in specialised areas or explore a broader range of subjects.

You’ll start by mastering computer programming using various languages and on different platforms, giving you a solid grounding in software. You’ll then build on this by focusing on hardware – including looking at computer architectures and networks, not just in PCs but in a range of devices. Underpinning this will be the practical study of electronics, and you’ll develop your skills in circuit design and construction too.

Your final year project will allow you to bring all of this work together to focus on a particular real-world problem.

About

How do everyday items like cars, mobile phones, games consoles and washing machines work? How can we use computer science to control equipment and machinery in the food and oil industries? On this course you’ll master computer science and discover how to apply it to hardware – including embedded devices, networks and electronics.

If you’re a digital native who already lives and breathes computing, whether it’s through building your own hardware or coding your own apps, this course is for you. You should also be passionate about the contribution computing can and does make to humanity, in everything from arts, culture and entertainment, to business, health, communications, and society as a whole. And you should already avidly follow the exciting developments of the field in the press and on blogs, and be excited about contributing your own ideas and creativity to this always-evolving sector.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

You’ll experience a range of assessment methods, depending on module content and learning objectives. These include programming assignments, essays, class tests, problem sheets, laboratory reports, presentations and demonstrations.

Most modules are assessed through a mixture of coursework and exams, while some are entirely assessed by coursework. In your final year, you will be assessed particularly on your understanding and how you integrate knowledge from different areas of the subject.

Structure

You’ll start by mastering the core material underpinning computer science. You’ll then specialise in the areas of computer systems engineering that most spark your interest, structuring your degree to suit you.

Year 1

In your first year you’ll get to grip with the fundamentals of computing science with an emphasis on programming. And you’ll study mathematical modules and learn how they’ll be relevant to your future work.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching

You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, seminars and lab classes – where the lab and seminar classes reinforce and expand on the lecture material. And you’ll spend a substantial amount of your time carrying out practical coursework and projects.

You’ll use a variety of programming languages depending on the devices and application areas we’re focusing on. Importantly, you’ll be working with the software and hardware development tools and practices used in the industry right now, building your experience each year. Upon graduation you’ll have the technical ability to develop high quality software and hardware for a range of platforms.

Independent study

Alongside your formal learning, you’ll study independently to gain a deeper appreciation of specialist topics. You’ll build up to your final year project, where you will explore a real-world topic or work on a problem in depth, under the supervision of a member of the faculty. This experience of developing working software and hardware to address real problems is highly valued by employers.

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Assessment for Year 3

Structure

Year 3

In your final year you’ll complete an independent project, focusing on your specialist area of computer systems engineering in more depth. For this you’ll receive one-on-one supervision from a member of faculty. The project you choose will depend on our own interests and career aspirations.

You’ll also study advanced subjects such as embedded devices and choose from several optional modules.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching

Independent study

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Assessment for Year 1

Compulsory Modules

SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT

Code CMP-4013A

Credits 20

The complexity of Computer Based Systems, appropriate development approaches, and their inherent activities will be discussed using case studies and guest speakers where appropriate. Emphasis will be placed on the processes involved with systems requirements, creative designs, and careful development, in a professional manner, ensuring that issues such as project management, safety, security and data protection are taken into account. The module will include a number of modelling techniques to support the systems development process. These will be put into practise during the group exercise that will run throughout the semester. There are also opportunities for students to hone their transferable skills through literature searching, report writing, seminar discussions and presentations.

WEB-BASED PROGRAMMING

Code CMP-4011A

Credits 20

In this module you will be introduced to some of the tools used for web development. You will then build a substantial dynamic web site using the current HTML family of standards. An understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the technologies used in the Internet and World Wide Web is essential for any computing science student. Therefore, in the latter part of the module you will learn about these technologies and undertake a practical approach to exploring them. You will learn about issues of cyber security.

COMPUTING PRINCIPLES

Code CMP-4002B

Credits 20

The module introduces formulations and techniques essential for any degree in computing science.

DATABASE SYSTEMS

Code CMP-4010B

Credits 20

This module is based on the relational model and will introduce you to important aspects of databases, database manipulation and database management systems. You will explore the tools and methods for database design and manipulation as well as the programming of database applications. You will use a modern relational database management system to gain practical experience. You will also develop programming experience using SQL, and using a high level programming language to write applications that access the database.

PROGRAMMING 1

Code CMP-4008Y

Credits 20

In taking this module you will gain a solid grounding in the essential features of object-oriented programming, using a modern programming language such as Java. The module is designed such that you are not expected to have previously studied programming, although it is recognised that many students taking the module will have done so in some measure.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

MATHEMATICS FOR COMPUTING A

Code CMP-4004Y

Credits 20

The module is designed to provide students who have not studied A level Mathematics with sufficient understanding of basic algebra to give them confidence to embark on the study of computing fundamentals. Various topics in discrete and continuous mathematics which are fundamental to Computer Science will be introduced to you.

MATHEMATICS FOR COMPUTING B

Code CMP-4005Y

Credits 20

This module is designed for you if you have an A level (or equivalent) in Mathematics. It will provide you with an introduction to the mathematics of counting and arrangements, a further development of the theory and practice of calculus, an introduction to linear algebra and its computing applications and a further development of the principles and computing applications of probability theory. In addition, 3D Vectors are introduced and complex numbers are studied.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.

Assessment for Year 2

Compulsory Modules

ARCHITECTURES AND OPERATING SYSTEMS

Code CMP-5013A

Credits 20

Study the organisation of system software and the underlying hardware architecture in modern computer systems. The role of concurrent operation of hardware and software components is emphasised throughout this module. Central concepts are reinforced by practical work in the laboratory. The architectures portion of the module focuses on the components of a processor, including the registers and data path, and you will explore concepts such as instruction fetch cycles, instruction decoding and memory addressing modes. The operating systems component focuses on how the system software manages the competing demands for the system hardware, including memory management and disc and processing scheduling.

ANALOGUE AND DIGITAL ELECTRONICS

Code CMP-5027A

Credits 20

A practical introduction to electronics, this module is structured to consider analogue electronics and digital electronics in turn. Topics you’ll cover include passive and active components, including op-amps, transistors, logic gates, flip-flops and registers. Circuits you’ll study include amplifiers, oscillators, modulators, combinational and sequential logic and state machines. You’ll spend much of your time doing practical work – underpinned by lectures – where you will build prototypes circuits, as well as designing and building Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).

NETWORKS

Code CMP-5037B

Credits 20

Explore how networks are designed and implemented to provide reliable data transmission. You will take a layered approach to the study of networks, with emphasis on the functionality of the OSI 7 layer reference model and the TCP/IP model. You will examine the functionality provided by each layer and how this contributes to overall reliable data transmission that the network provides, with a focus on the practical issues associated with networking such as real-time delivery of multimedia information (e.g. VoIP) and network security. Labs and coursework are highly practical and underpin the theory learnt in lectures.

DATA STRUCTURES AND ALGORITHMS

Code CMP-5014B

Credits 20

The purpose of this module is to give the student a solid grounding in the design, analysis and implementation of algorithms and in the efficient implementation of a wide range of important data structures.

PROGRAMMING 2

Code CMP-5015A

Credits 20

This is a compulsory module for all computing students and is a continuation of 1M0Y/1X04. It contains greater breadth and depth and provides students with the range of skills needed for many of their subsequent modules. We recap Java and deepen your understanding of the language by teaching topics such as nested classes, generics, swing and threaded programming. We will also broaden your programming knowledge by giving you a basic grounding in Matlab and C++.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

Code CMP-5012B

Credits 20

Software Engineering is one of the most essential skills for work in the software development industry. You will gain an understanding of the issues involved in designing and creating software systems from an industry perspective. You will be taught state of the art phased software development methodologies focusing on the activities of initial class model design to actual operational software systems. These activities are complemented with an introduction into software project management and development facilitation.

EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

Code CMP-5045B

Credits 20

Embedded processors are at the core of a huge range of products e.g. mobile telephones, cameras, passenger cars, washing machines, DVD players, medical equipment, etc. The embedded market is currently estimated to be worth around 100x the 'desktop' market and is projected to grow exponentially over the next decade. This module will help you to build on the material delivered in the Architectures and Operating Systems module to consider the design and development of real-time embedded system applications for commercial off the shelf (COTS) processors running real-time operating systems (RTOS), such as eLinux.

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Important Information

Assessment for Year 3

Compulsory Modules

COMPUTING PROJECT

Code CMP-6013Y

Credits 40

This module will give you experience of independent project work through the development of research and application involving a significant amount of computing science knowledge and skills, for example, in design/implementation of algorithms, software, or hardware systems. It will also provide, via the lecture programme, a primer on the law, ethical and professional behaviour, project management, reporting and other aspects of being a computer scientist. You will be allocated a supervisor and will be expected to work closely together on a mutually agreed project.

Optional A Modules

(40 credits)

AUDIOVISUAL PROCESSING

Code CMP-6026A

Credits 20

This module explores how computers process audio and video signals. In the audio component, the focus is on understanding how humans produce speech and how this can be processed by computer for speech recognition and enhancement. Similarly, the visual component considers the human eye and camera, and how video is processed by computer. The theoretical material covered in lectures is reinforced with practical laboratory sessions. The module is coursework only and requires you to build a speech recogniser capable of recognising the names of students studying the module using both audio and visual speech information.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Code CMP-6040A

Credits 20

This module will introduce you to core techniques in Artificial Intelligence. Topics covered may include state space representation and search algorithms, knowledge representation, expert systems, Bayesian networks, Markov Models, Neural networks, Deep learning, and an Introduction to Robotics and Drone.

INTRODUCTION TO CYBER SECURITY

Code CMP-6044A

Credits 20

This module will provide you with a broad understanding of the key topics and issues relating to cyber security. In the module we will use real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the importance of security. You will learn about a variety of cyber security topics including: the value of information and data, vulnerabilities and exploits, tools for defence and mitigation and the human elements of cyber security. Security is fast becoming an essential part of all aspects of our daily lives and this module will provide you with the fundamental skills and knowledge for working in a range of industries.

ADVANCED PROGRAMMING

Code CMP-6048A

Credits 20

Covers advanced features of established OO languages including C++ and Java, introduces F# (functional language) and C# (hybrid language) including .NET/CLR, and C++11,14. On the other side of the language spectrum, procedural and lower level languages such as C, IL, Bytecode and x86 assembly language are studied. Furthermore, code optimisation and high-performance computing (cluster, GPU) are addressed as well. Finally, practical methods as part of software engineering are reiterated including agile programming, design patterns and software testing.

Optional B Modules

(40 credits)

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

Code CMP-5012B

Credits 20

EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

Code CMP-5045B

Credits 20

DEVELOPING SECURE SOFTWARE

Code CMP-6045B

Credits 20

Our increasing reliance on software systems to manage our personal data means that there is a growing requirement to deliver robust and secure software. This module will focus on the importance of designing software with security in mind. This will include elements of ethical hacking and vulnerability testing as well as the techniques and tools used to create secure software and to maintain the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the systems and data.

UBIQUITOUS COMPUTING

Code CMP-6046B

Credits 20

In this module we will introduce the multifaceted topic of Ubiquitous Computing. You will learn about how computing power can be taken away from desktop computer setting and be applied anywhere. The module draws upon many other areas such as Signal Processing, Machine Learning, Human Computer Interaction, Internet of Things, Networks, and the use of hardware such as microcontrollers, various sensors to create systems that sense and interpret the outside world to help solve a wide range of problems. These systems can be wearable devices, smartphone apps that use the phone’s sensors, or bespoke devices that can be deployed in buildings, vehicles, urban and natural environments. This is project and coursework orientated module with an emphasis on developing your own ideas to gain the skills needed to take the power of computing to be everywhere.

ELECTRICITY GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION

Code ENG-6001B

Credits 20

This module is highly practical and will allow you to study how electricity is generated and how it is distributed to users. The first part studies DC and AC electricity and looks at how RLC circuits behave through complex phasor analysis. The second part will give you the chance to study electricity generators, beginning with magnetism and Faraday’s Law. Synchronous and asynchronous generators are studied along with application to conventional power stations and to renewable generation (e.g. wind). You'll also look at transformers and transmission lines with a view to distribution of electricity. Voltage conversion methods such as the rectifier, buck and boost converters are examined and finally electricity generation through solar is covered. Your lab classes will build on material from lectures which in turn forms the basis for coursework.

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Entry Requirements

A Levels

BBB or ABC including one A level in Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics or BBC including one A level in Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics with an A in the Extended Project

BTEC

DDM acceptable in an IT or Science-based subject. Excludes BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business Administration

Scottish highers

AABBB including Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics

Scottish highers advanced

CCC including Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics

Irish leaving certificate

2 subjects at H2 and 4 subjects at H3 including Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics

Access course

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in either Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics

European Baccalaureate

70% overall including 70% in Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics, Electronics or Economics

International Baccalaureate

31 points including HL 5 in Mathematics, Computing Science, Chemistry, Physics or Economics

GCSE offer

You are required to have English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above and Mathematics at Grade B or Grade 5 or above at GCSE.

Additional entry requirements

Science A-levels must include a pass in the practical element.

A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

You are required to have English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above and Mathematics at Grade B or Grade 5 or above at GCSE.

If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes.

UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for this course, our partner INTO UEA offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a foundation programme. Depending on your interests and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:

Alternative Qualifications

Students for whom english is a foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including speaking, listening, reading and writing) at the following level:

IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)

We will also accept a number of other English language qualifications. Please click here for further information.

INTO UEA also offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:

Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA

English for University Study at INTO UEA

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some students an interview will be requested. You may be called for an interview to help the School of Study, and you, understand if the course is the right choice for you. The interview will cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a convenient time.

Gap year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.