Streams

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Programming

Introduction to Computer Programming
(5 ECTS)

Introduction
to OO Programming
(5 ECTS)

Procedural Programming
(5 ECTS)

Data Structures
(5 ECTS)

Enterprise Client Server Programming
(5 ECTS)

Language Design & Implementation 1
 (5 ECTS)

Concurrent Programming
(5 ECTS)

Language Design & Implementation 2
(5 ECTS)

Distributed Programming
(5 ECTS)

Software Development

Introduction to Systems Analysis
& Design
(5 ECTS)

Introduction to OO Design
(5 ECTS)

Human Computer Interface Design
(5 ECTS)

Software Security & Testing
(5 ECTS)

Advance Methods in Systems Design
(5 ECTS)

Software Project Management
(5 ECTS)

Software Quality
(5 ECTS)

Hardware

Computer Architecture
(5 ECTS)

Computer Organisation
(5 ECTS)

Electronics for Computing
(5 ECTS)

Computer Systems Hardware
(5 ECTS)

Embedded Systems
(5 ECTS)

Advanced Embedded Systems
(5 ECTS)

Analytical Skills

Mathematics for Computing
(5 ECTS)

Mathematical Methods
(5 ECTS)

Statistical Data Analysis
(5 ECTS)

Algorithms
(5 ECTS)

Artificial Intelligence
(5 ECTS)

Systems

Operating System Fundamentals
(5 ECTS)

Data Communications

Operating System Management
(5 ECTS)

Internetworking (5 ECTS)

Personal Development

Developing your Potential
(5 ECTS)

Professional Development & Employment Placement
(10 ECTS)

Team & Self Management
(5 ECTS)

Reflective Self Development
(5 ECTS)

Business

Management Principles

(5 ECTS)

Database Planning & Design
(5 ECTS)

Database Systems Implementation
(5 ECTS)

Management & Control
(5 ECTS)

Project
(10 ECTS)

Advanced Database Systems
(5 ECTS)

Project
(10 ECTS)

Sustainable Energy

Energy Principles

(5 ECTS)

Sustainable Development

(5 ECTS)

Heating, Ventilation and Lighting

(5 ECTS)

Advanced Database Systems
(5 ECTS)

Project
(10 ECTS)

Year 1

Introduction to Computer Programming

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.

Introduction to Systems Analysis and Design

The overall aim of this module is to introduce the student to techniques used in systems analysis and design. The software development lifecycle is examined and the student is also introduced to a range of skills needed to facilitate problem solving.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Introduction to Object-Oriented Design

The module examines the concepts used in Object-Oriented Software Development and the Object-Oriented Development Lifecycle. The student is provided with an understanding of the concepts and advantages of the object-oriented approach to system development and how such systems may be implemented.

Computer Organization

Students learn the basics of Assembly Language programming in this module.  They are taught the basic rules of Boolean Algebra and they learn how digital logic can be applied to the design of various arithmetic, memory and logic circuits.  They also study the operation of some of the most widely used peripheral devices.

Mathematical Methods

The focus of this mathematics module is in the areas of functions and calculus which are necessary for tackling a wide range of real world problems.  The properties of many of the standard mathematical functions will be analysed before moving on to differentiation and integration.  Practical examples will be used to demonstrate the concepts and where appropriate mathematical packages will be used.

Data Communications

This module introduces students to the concept of computing devices communicating with each other, over wired and wireless media.   It covers in detail the media employed and the major issues relating to connecting the devices to a shared communications system. There is a nice balance between theoretical content and practical laboratories.

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.

year 2

Procedural Programming

This module builds on the programming skills learned in semester 1 and introduces more advanced concepts that are widely used when developing practical procedural programs. For practical examples the module focuses on programming stand-alone devices such as a microprocessor or microcontroller.

Electronics for Computing

Design and building of useful and interesting circuits are integral to the course. A range of practical skills are introduced (for example: circuit simulation using CAD, circuit building using discrete components and breadboards, circuit testing using oscilloscopes and multimeters). Knowledge developed is tailored in such a way as to complement subjects such as Embedded Systems and Games Technology. In this way, useful skills for realising hardware-style projects are developed.

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.

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.

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 improved the employability skills of participants through the 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.

Data Structures

This module deals with the fundamentals of organising and manipulating data efficiently using clean conceptual models. Students study many of the important conceptual data types and their realisation through implementation. The module also reinforces students programming skills and further develops student’s 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 Hardware

This module introduces the Motorola 68000, thus further developing the students’ Assembly programming skills and deepening their knowledge of microprocessor architecture.  Students also learn to evaluate some popular CPUs. They are then introduced to the features of a microcontroller and write programs to control hardware components such as push buttons.

Internetworking:

Internetworking Protocol, or as it is more commonly called IP, is ubiquitous. All forms of communication service, including TV, Phones, CCTV, Telemetry, Radio and Mail, have converged and are increasingly being delivered over IP-based networks, namely the Internet. The need for experts in the structure and management of this system is essential and this module fills this need.

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.

year 3

Enterprise Client Server Programming

This module strengthens software development skills and students will be exposed to the analysis, design and development of large scale enterprise applications. They will have an insight into how enterprise applications are developed using frameworks. They will also integrated applications with business objects and persistence systems.

Software Security and Testing

The aim of this module is to introduce the student to the different approaches and guidelines associated with the development of secure software. The student is also given an overview of standards, techniques and tools used in software testing.

Algorithms

An algorithm is a set of step by step instructions to carry out a particular task. Tasks performed by computer programs often fall into certain categories that have well known solutions. This module examines solutions to frequently occurring programming tasks and develops methods for evaluating their efficiency.

Embedded Systems

The approach taken for this course is practical and hands-on and focuses on real-world examples. To achieve this, the core and peripheral features of a specific microcontroller architecture are studied in detail. Hardware interfacing techniques (keypads, liquid crystal displays, external memory etc) and associated software routines (assembler and C) are dealt with in a practical sense to allow for the development of creative projects. Other architectures and devices (such as rfID, rfPIC etc) are also touched on, to also ensure a broad overview perspective of the subject.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is the field of study devoted to using computers (‘artificial’) to emulate intelligent thought or behaviour (‘intelligence’). This module looks at various techniques that are used to achieve this aim and the types of problems that are thought suitable for this approach. Applications of AI include speech recognition, personal identification systems and medical diagnosis.

Team & Self Management

The focus of this module will be on developing an understanding of, and the skills associated with the challenge of working in a team environment. This will build on the skills developed during work placement and will look at the challenges faced in managing effective teams. In addition this module is designed to develop the skills of participants in the work environment such as setting and achieving goals, career planning, motivation of self and others.

Management & Control

This module enables students to understand the theory and practice of management and control of organisations.  The students will develop skills in a variety of costing techniques and the understanding of budgeting and standard costing and variance analysis as an essential tool for planning and controlling business costs.  The student will also be introduced to key issues in the study of management.

Project

This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to plan, design, implement, test and document a significant computing project that draws from all areas of study completed to date. Furthermore, students will be expected to extend their existing knowledge by researching project specific knowledge where appropriate.

Energy Principles examines the conceptual framework for energy and power. It explores the energy issues in a building and provides quantitative tools for assessing energy performance of building elements

Sustainable Development will review the current state of the environment at global and Irish levels while identifying the major areas of concern which have arisen due to the impact of human activity. The relationship between people and the environment will be investigated and approaches will be identified for sustainable development principles to be put into practice in order to address major areas of environmental concern

Heating, Ventilation and Lighting Systems provides an overview of the heating systems, lighting appliances and ventilation systems in buildings. The principles, core components and operation of these systems will be examined as well as the assessment of system characteristics and operating efficiency

year 4

Advanced Embedded Systems

This course builds on the 3rd year Embedded Systems module. The design cycle from concept through to integrated hardware/software product is explored. A comparative and critical study of devices such as (a) microcontrollers, (b) microprocessors, and (c) digital signal processors is also carried out. Advanced hardware interfacing methods, and associated code development, are explored. Specialist areas such as control theory and embedded internet are touched on. The course also ensures students are able to evaluate and critically appraise latest trends in embedded systems devices.

Wireless Sensor Networks

Wireless Sensor Networks examines how sensors in a wireless sensor network communicate with each other and host application systems. The practical issues of deploying, testing and assessing this technology are also examined.

Software Project Management

Effective management of the software development process is critical to the successful completion of software projects. The student is provided with the skills required to successfully manage a software development project, taking into consideration software metrics, risk management and the need for teamwork.

Sustainable Energy Technology

This module reviews the key energy consumption characteristics of various sectors of society and then analyses and assesses the application of energy efficiency measures in these sectors.  Best practise and advanced solutions are assessed.  Students will develop knowledge of the key characteristics of renewable energy technologies and their application.

Industrial Automation

Industrial Automation has evolved over the past 30 years as a method of monitoring and controlling large processes. Industrial Automation includes, but is not limited to, control systems integrated with software applications to control and monitor the efficiency of these large processes, reducing the need for human intervention

This module examines how electronic devices are typically interfaced to embedded systems. This will equip students with skills to design hardware circuit of a complete embedded system, with emphasis on electronic device issues and interfaces. Students will develop a good understanding of the design cycle of an embedded system, from concept through to completed product.

This module explores how simulation and modelling can assist in micro-generation assessment and the improvement of a building’s energy consumption. This module will seek to educate students from accepting a models’ results on face value. It is important that the student can, through the application of analytical skills, assess how a simulation application calculates the energy generated by various micro-generation sources and the energy consumed by a building.

Smart Green Technologies

Smart Green Technologies will examine how automated control systems have progressed from simple control to intelligent systems that control the usage of energy. Tne the convergence between automated control and automated intelligence will be examined and students will critically analyse the technology being used in energy management, this includes both consumption and production of energy. This module will provide the learner with design and implementation skills for smart green solutions

Innovation & Entrepreneurship for the Green Economy

Explores the nature of Entrepreneurship and provides an insight onto the role of the entrepreneur. Students need to appreciate the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation to the Smart Sustainable Energy economy and how it is supported.

Energy Management

A knowledge of energy management structures and standards is required by students to develop applications that will manage energy. Students will examine the application of energy management for organisations, how this can impact the organisation and explore in detail the integration of smart green technology solutions and energy management

Project

The student is given the opportunity to research, specify, design and implement a medium-to-large scale practical project. The project is the culmination of the student’s work throughout the programme.