Streams

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Computer Applications

Computer Applications
(5 ECTS)

Human Computer Interface
(5 ECTS)

Multimedia Technology
(5 ECTS)

eBusiness
(10 ECTS)

Networking

Computer Networks 1
(5 ECTS)

Computer Networks 2
(5 ECTS)

Computer Networks 3
(5 ECTS)

Computer Networks 4
(5 ECTS)

Computer Networks
(10 ECTS)

Software Development

Introduction to Computer Programming
(5 ECTS)

Introduction to OO Programming
(5 ECTS)

Hardware & Operating Systems

Computer Architecture
(5 ECTS)

Operating System Fundamentals
(5 ECTS)

Computer Systems
(5 ECTS)

Operating Systems Management
(5 ECTS)

Computer Systems Administration
(10 ECTS)

Mathematics

Mathematics for Computing
(5 ECTS)

Statistical Data Analysis
(5 ECTS)

Databases

Database Planning and Design
(5 ECTS)

Database Systems Implementation
(5 ECTS)

Database Systems
(10 ECTS)

Technical Communications & Management

Developing your potential
(5 ECTS)

IT Training
(5 ECTS)

Management Principles
(5 ECTS)

IT Support
(5 ECTS)

Organisational Theory
(5 ECTS)

Professional Development and Employment Placement 1&2*

Computer Services Management
(10 ECTS)

Work Placement (10 ECTS)

Project
(10 ECTS)

Year 1

Introduction to Computer Programming

This module introduces students to the theory and practice of computer programming concepts. It also introduces students to basic program design concepts. The module enables students to write computer programs consisting of up to several hundred lines of well designed code in a modular fashion.

Computer Applications

This module provides students with a working knowledge and understanding of commercial word processing and spreadsheet applications. Students learn to create professional slide shows and deliver presentations. Students will also learn how to set up and maintain appropriate file systems and navigate around Windows operating systems.

Computer Architecture

In this module, students are introduced to the components of a computer system. They learn how data is manipulated and stored in a digital computer and they are introduced to the main memory technologies. The ‘8086 family of microprocessor is used to provide students with knowledge of the inner workings of a PC.  In the laboratory, students write simple programs for the D6 educational computer.

Operating System Fundamentals

This module introduces the fundamentals of memory, virtual memory, and processor management. Students study the algorithms used to control processor scheduling, memory management, and strategies designed to provide a secure computing environment. The course explores techniques for modelling, detecting, and recovering from deadlock. Students gain practical experience by installing, executing DOS commands, and using the Windows operating system.

Mathematics for Computing

In this module students are introduced to some of the fundamental mathematical concepts which a computer science student will need.  The aim of the module is to develop the mathematical ability of the students in the areas of geometry, algebra, matrices, vectors and set theory.  The principles will be reinforced with practical examples and also through the use of a mathematical software package.

Computer Networks 1

This module introduces the student to the concept of designing technologies to communicate over the Internet. The OSI Reference Model is explained and the student learns the fundamentals of IP addressing and link layer technologies such as Ethernet. Theoretical learning is supported with lab work that gives the student practical networking skills, e.g. UTP cable construction and building simple LANs using hubs.

Introduction to Object Oriented Programming

The module provides an introduction to the concepts behind object-oriented programming. Students gain a thorough understanding of incremental programming, type-safety, polymorphism, encapsulation, and inheritance and apply these concepts through a variety of programming projects. The module also develops students programming and problem solving skills.

Human Computer Interface Design

This modules aims to teach students the principles involved in designing interfaces for computer systems that are easy to use and understand. The student learns usability principles and implements these principles in a practical setting by developing web pages that adhere to best practice.

Computer Systems

This module is designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of PC computer architecture, specifically to educate students in the installation, configuration, troubleshooting and fault diagnosis/reporting associated with modern personal computer motherboard/peripherals and device software.

Computer Networks 2

This module builds on the learning of CN 1. The routing technologies that underpin packet delivery in the Internet are examined and this work is augmented with extensive lab work on Cisco routers.

Developing Your Potential

This module is designed to equip participants with an understanding of their own skills and capacities. It will include an exploration of learning styles, identifying and learning how to articulate their own strengths and capacities. The module allows participants the opportunity to develop their own interpersonal skills and capacities and the skills to articulate a message to others using effective presentation techniques.

IT Training

This module investigates the IT training industry, and instils the concept of client-focused professionalism in this service industry. It prepares students to be able to design, develop and deliver IT training either in the IT training industry or alternatively as a component often required of the IT support function.  Designing courses, understanding how people learn, and practical experience delivering training will be some of the areas covered.  The student will also look at the complete range of costs involved in attending/delivering training and be able to account accordingly.  The ability to evaluate training with a particular emphasis on return on investment will also be covered.

Year 2

Operating Systems Management

This module introduces the fundamentals of device and file management, and the UNIX operating system. Students study disk scheduling algorithms, the management of data on secondary storage, and file protection strategies. They learn to compare and evaluate operating systems. Students install the UNIX operating system, combine simple commands to create powerful pipelines, and use a UNIX editor to create simple programs.

Statistical Data Analysis

This module aims to familiarize the student with some of the basic statistical concepts which they will require.  The topics covered will include the summarisation, analysis and presentation of data, designing a survey or questionnaire, calculating probability for uncertain events and the properties of a number of widely used probability distributions.  Mathematical software will be used to reinforce the concepts.

Computer Networks 3

This module adds to the knowledge gained on CN1 and 2. The focus is on switched wired and wireless LAN technologies and their technologies, e.g. the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). The lab work includes building switched LANs and WLANs, and configuring and troubleshooting STP.

Management Principles

This module introduces students to the nature of business organisation and provides an appreciation in the fundamental concepts, principles and practices of management within the general business environment.

Professional Development & Employment Placement

This module consists of both a taught and work experience element. In the work placement element participants will get relevant practical work experience in companies and organisations in Ireland and overseas over a three month period. The placement is a partnership between the employer, the student and the college, ensuring proper supervision, evaluation and relevancy to the degree programme.
The taught element of the programme is designed to improve the employability skills of participants by developing an understanding of the skills required to be successful in the work environment, including CV and interview preparation and the skills of working effectively with others.

Database Planning & Design 

Database Planning and Design introduces database technologies focusing on the importance of controlled management, deployment and development of database systems. It aims to develop a variety of design skills including the ability to analyse requirements and to produce a well-structured relational database schema. A number of mainstream database platform are introduced as are a number of systems management concepts including database security and multiuser
contention.

Multimedia Technology

This module explores the various technologies that are used for the storage, transmission, and compression of multimedia content. A variety of peripheral devices are examined and students learn how to configure these devices to transmit and receive multimedia content.

Computer Networks  4

This is the final module in the Computer Networking series. Its focus is advanced concepts in LAN technologies, such as Virtual LANs (VLANs), and Wide Area Network(WAN) technologies. Lab work includes: configuration of a VLAN, configuration of the routing protocol OSPF and design and construction of a Frame Relay WAN.

IT Support

The student will learn how the components of a help-desk/support system are configured and managed.  Technical support skills such as how to identify the root cause of the technical problem, problem solving approaches and tools will be explored.  This module is built on the premise that the "soft skills" of customer service & relational building are just as important as the "hard skills" i.e. the technical know-how, therefore customer service and professionalism in the IT service industry, and the ability to communicate with users of different technical abilities to extract symptomatic information will also be covered.

Organizational Theory

This module examines organizational theory concepts and models, including those in the classical and contemporary fields. It explores the theories of organization-environment relationships, such as contingency and resource dependency theory. It also investigates alternative design options for organisational social structures.

Database Systems Implementation

The Database Systems Implementation module aims to equip students with the skills to code and implement a relational database design and to query a database. The module also introduces secure data access and the planning and documentation of a Data Access Strategy. The learner is also exposed to the usage of SQL to manage data access through the creation of roles and users and the granting and revoking of permissions thereto.

Professional Development & Employment Placement

Continued from Semester 3.

Year 3

Computer Networks

Builds upon the two previous networking modules and explores the advanced standards and technologies that both the corporate enterprise and Internet relies upon. Students have an opportunity in the laboratory sessions to design and build networks for a variety of scenarios. These scenarios range from the small office to large enterprise requirements.

Computer System Administration

This module focuses on the design, installation and management of an enterprise server operating system. Using laboratory sessions, students build and manage their own servers. Practical issues such as user management and security are examined. The theoretical aspects of the course are reinforced with practical tasks.

Computer Services Management

The management of distributed and centralised IT environments is examined in this module. Students will learn the pertinent issues involved in IT facilities management and will focus on practical issues such as how to select the hardware and software system best suited to a company’s needs. Project management tools will be used as part of this module and legal and professional issues will also be examined.

eBusiness

This module examines the interface between Internet technologies and business operations. With a mix of practicals and lecture material, students investigate the new theories of eBusiness and how these concepts are changing the social, computing and industrial global environment. Students also design and develop their own web sites with related eBusiness plans for a specific project or business idea of their own.

Database Systems

This course is essentially high-level Database Administration and will consider the planning, building, tuning, maintenance and monitoring of a working database. MS SQL Server and Oracle will be used in the practical element.  Prerequisites for this course include an understanding of the principles of a relational database model and a working knowledge of SQL and Unix.

Project

The project module requires the student to utilise all their skills that they have learned in the Higher Cert programme as well as incorporating new skills that they will learn in the BSc in IT support. The project reflects the requirements and reality of industry. Students are expected to research, investigate, design and implement a solution to a given problem.