Edinburgh Napier University Online BSc in Computing Top-up
The Online BSc in Computing Top-up Degree constitutes the final year of a Bachelor of Science in Computing.
The heavy reliance on computers, automated processes and systems designed to perform repetitive tasks are now integral components of modern society. As a result, a growing number of organisations require employees with computational technology and computing skills in their day-to-day operations. The Online BSc in Computing Top-up degree teaches student practical skills that apply computing technology across a wide range of industries. It teaches students the ability to use computers to problem-solve, combining design skills and key systems analysis in software engineering to apply programming skills on topics such as Internet Technology or Artificial Intelligence.
This Online BSc in Computing Top-up Degree course enables you to ‘top-up’ your Associate degree, diploma, undergraduate certificate or equivalent in computing or a related field to a full UK Bachelors of Science in Computing degree. Gain an understanding of computing techniques, tools and current practices across a diverse range of application areas. This will allow students to develop a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of a computing system including design, development, analysis, testing and evaluation. Regardless of your industry specialisation, an Online BSc in Computing degree will always be relevant and always in demand.
Benefits of an Online BSc in Computing Top-up Degree
This course is taught entirely online, allowing candidates to study the degree while continuing to work. Learn PRINCE2 and other related methodologies required to mange information systems projects, covering resource scheduling, progress estimation and more.
Understand the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence covering heuristics, local search optimisation, problem solving using search functions and solving CSPs.
Career Path
Graduates from the Online BSc in Computing Top-up Degree have found employment as Software Engineers, Software Developers, Software Analysts and in IT support functions in private and government organisations. Graduates have also gone on to successfully place in Management trainee programmes with MNC’s.
Academic Progression
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Entry Requirements
Candidates wishing to apply for this course must meet the following requirements;
- an HND in Computing or Computer Science (or equivalent)
- have successfully achieved 240 SCQF credits or equivalent of which a minimum of 120 credits are at SCQF level 8 or equivalent
- If English is not your first language, an IELTS of 6.0 may be requested
Recognition of Prior Learning is available for this course and candidates with relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.
Artificial Intelligence
The module is largely based on the first three sections of “Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach” (3rd edition) by Russell and Norvig. The indicative content is as follows:
- Introduction: What is AI? History of AI and the state of the art.
- Agents: An introduction to agents, their behaviours and structure
- Searching: Problem solving by searching, heuristics, local search and optimisation and adversarial search
- Constraint satisfaction problems: defining and solving CSPs
- Logic: Propositional logic, first-order logic
- Planning: Definition and solving of planning problems.
Project Management For Information Systems
Managing information systems projects using PRINCE2 and related project management methodologies. Applying tools for project design, resource scheduling, team working and progress estimation in a real-world:
- Project scenario
- Project justification
- Examination of the causes of project failures
- Team roles and dynamics
- The role of the project manager
- Professional and legal issues and obligations
Software Engineering Methods
This module will integrate DevOps techniques to deliver a software product. The aim of the module is to understand the core ideas of modern software development workflows considering agile, lean, and automation. The range of techniques are diverse, but the following areas will provide a sufficient overview of the practical and personal skills required for modern software delivery:
- Git and Git Workflow
- Continuous Integration and Delivery
- Requirements and Issue Tracking
- Task Management and Kanban
- UML
- Model Driven Development
- Unit Testing
- Test Driven Development
- Deployment
- Bug Reporting and Tracking
- Ethics, Professionalism and Security
Web Technologies
Description of module content:
- Overview of technologies involved in the development of web sites
- Basic networking protocols for the Internet
- Web page design and development
- Client & server side programming using PHP & Javascript
Database Systems
The module covers these aspects of databases:
- Database theory: The relational model is a mathematical construct, and some of the basic concepts can be very useful in understanding the way the technology behaves. This is particularly true for the more technical students who go on to study data warehouses and data mining. Basic set theory and the ANSI-SPARC three level architectural model are covered in this part.
- Database design: A key skill for software engineers and for business analysts is to be able to create an efficient relational model of an application context. The design methods specific to relational databases including entity-relationship diagrams and normalisation are covered here.
- Database use: The most fundamental database skill is to be able to retrieve required data using well-designed queries. The main vehicle for this is SQL, and this theme is developed over all teaching weeks. As well as learning SQL in isolation using online teaching materials, you will also have access to a stand-alone database application where you can construct your own schema and design and perform your own SQL queries. As part of this theme, other uses of SQL will be introduced which demonstrate its relationship with programming and Web application design.
- Database administration: The database administrator (DBA) is a vital role in any information technology department. Some of the main DBA responsibilities will be examined as part of this theme, and you will carry out basic administrative tasks such as backing up and restoring databases. The use of scripts to automate database management processes will also be covered.
- Non-relational database systems: While the focus of the module is on relational databases you will learn about some alternatives technologies such as NoSQL.
- Security: You will learn about some of the threats to database security and availability. Access to a fast, secure enterprise-wide database is essential for many organisation. You will learn techniques to protect database resources from accidental or deliberate damage or disclosure; these include password hashing and SQL injection protection.
Software Development*
(note this module is under development and content may change)*
Description of module content:
- This module will comprise a mix of Software Development and Algorithms & Data Structures topics.