Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence BSc (Hons)

Whatever software we’re developing, we need to understand the fundamentals of programming to build it – that’s as true for an interactive website as it is for a smart-phone app. In this module, you’ll be introduced to these fundamentals through an accessible and industry-favored programming language. You’ll explore algorithms – what they are, why they’re important, and how to use them – and you’ll combine this with your programming skills to write your own programs. 

Fundamental to all programming is the notion of mathematics. Whenever we write software, we are writing algorithms and algebra – and to write them correctly, we need a firm grip of the math which underpins them. In this module, you’ll gain that understanding, exploring subjects like set theory, algorithms and complexity, and logical arithmetic.

To apply, extend or enhance information systems, any developer needs a fundamental understanding of the machine, with all its complex, moving parts. This module introduces you to these concepts, taking them from the concept of computation to the twitching transistors which drive its implementation. 

CPU architectures, memory hierarchies, efficiency, networking and security are all explored. Additionally, the concept of the Operating System is introduced which, combined with the other topics studied, empowers you to begin your journey as a developer. 

This module builds upon and develops the fundamental computer programming skills you developed in Concepts and Algorithms. You will be introduced to new ideas such as object-orientation, and designing reusable code, and you’ll explore them using another industry-favored programming language. You’ll be taught to structure your code in a way which makes it easy to follow, maintain, and extend, equipping you for the next stage of your software development studies. 

Databases are fundamental to modern, digital life – whatever we’re doing, we’re either generating, using, sharing or erasing data. The technologies, ethics and laws behind these processes are a fascinating and fundamental element of software development in the 21st century.

In this module, you’ll explore all these concepts, mastering the elements of data handling, storage, and management which you’ll have to apply in later study. 

The Integrative Project module adopts an activity led approach to learning, where you’ll work in a team to plan and execute a project related to your course. The project provides you a vital opportunity to consolidate and apply what you’ve learned during your first year of study, as well as develop new technical and team-working skills.

In this module you’ll aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of modern artificial intelligence concepts and applications. You’ll explore the differing definitions of just what ‘artificial intelligence’ means, and the legal and ethical issues which arise surrounding decision-making computer systems. Ultimately, you’ll seek to build a portfolio of solutions which address artificial intelligence challenges, as you navigate areas such as knowledge representation, reasoning, and how human factors impact the field of AI. 

The Theory of Computation module dives into the mathematical heart of programming. You’ll be guided through some of the more challenging topics in computing such as formalization of languages, models of computation, and the nature of computability. Ultimately, this module aims to empower you to assess whether a problem has a computable solution – or one that you can compute before the sun expands to engulf the Earth.

Building on your programming and algorithms studies from the first year, this module expands your insights into advanced programming techniques and complex data structures. You’ll learn what terms such as ‘graph’ and ‘tree’ mean in computing, and how to use them in your own software development. You’ll look to become familiar with strategies to address the computational complexity of the problems you’re trying to solve, empowering you to write more sophisticated, and more efficient, software solutions. 

What is an OS, and what does it do? These two questions are the focus of this module, where you’ll become familiar with the way the operating system you use every day is structured, why it’s structured that way, and how it works. In addition to this, the module introduces the idea of networked computer systems and the accompanying security concepts, exploring topics such as cryptography, user authentication, socket programming and network protocols. 

Picking up where Working with Data left off, the Data Science module equips you with the skills and tools you need to explore the world of Big Data. Using state-of-the-art software, you’ll explore concepts such as predictive modeling, data wrangling, sampling, and analysis. You’ll also explore the complex subject of data visualization, and how you can use visualization techniques to make the results of your data analysis understandable to every audience. 

Focusing on the professional conduct of software development projects, this module introduces you to several industry-standard practices which underpin effective and efficient software engineering to meet the exacting quality standards. You’ll undertake a real-world software development project, evaluating and selecting the best tools for the task at hand while employing common professional practices such as configuration management and version control. You’ll aim to develop an exhaustively tested, highly polished software deliverable to demonstrate your skills to prospective employers. 

In your final year, you will complete a project which is defined and driven by you, bringing your interests and learning together to produce a showcase for your skills. Working with an allocated subject specialist supervisor, the Project Discovery module will equip you with the research and project management skills to define, propose, and start work on a substantial computer science project of your choosing. 

Working with an allocated subject expert as supervisor, you will deliver a project dissertation together with a project artifact, usually an advanced piece of software. The Dissertation and Project Artefact module is designed to give you the experience to self-manage project development, evaluation and successful delivery to a self-defined brief, allowing you to produce a substantial piece of work that brings together your learning over the course of the degree. 

You’ll first encounter the concept of computer security when you learn about Operating Systems. Developed by our Cybersecurity specialists, this module introduces you to the concepts and practical considerations of creating and evaluating secure computer systems. In addition to the technical issues involved, you’ll also explore security legislation and the regulations which apply to associated products and services. 

Building on your existing knowledge of Artificial Intelligence, this module dives into the broad field of machine learning, one of the core building blocks of many AI systems and methods. You’ll learn the difference between supervised and unsupervised machine learning, what an artificial neural network is and when best to deploy one to solve a problem, and how to analyze the effectiveness of a wealth of machine learning algorithms when applied to actual data. 

Modern computing applications often use agents and robots to automate some of their functionality.  

The module will explore the ways in which robots and agents are constructed and integrated into advanced distributed systems. The teaching material will cover relevant techniques and will consider examples of the use of robots and agents. 

Neural networks are computational models of how the human brain works. They have been successfully used in a wide range of applications including image processing, speech and natural language processing, medical diagnosis, bioinformatics, emotion recognition, and robotics. This module provides an introduction to the concepts used in neural networks and their application to solving real-world problems.