Computing

This programme offers an education in Computing that is both broad and deep. As well as covering basic elements such as computer fundamentals, programming, information systems, enterprise computing, social and professional issues, and the world-wide web, it also has a distinctive flavour from, firstly, its emphasis on applied computing (drawing on inter-disciplinary research and computing across the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, and secondly, through its engagement with the research interests of the Computer Science group within the Faculty, notably Machine Learning, Pattern Recognition, and Knowledge Representation.

Through this programme we aim to:

• Provide you with knowledge and understanding of how computer systems are organised and how they work
• Give you a thorough grounding in computer programming techniques and skills, including both procedural programming and object-oriented programming
• Give you practical experience and understanding of a range of techniques for developing and maintaining software
• Give you experience of applying computer science techniques to a range of problems in science and business
• Provide you with the mathematical and logical techniques underpinning computation
• Introduce you to some current research topics in computer science
• Engage you in extended project work both as an individual and as a member of a team
• Foster an awareness of the social, legal, and ethical dimensions to the work of computer professionals
• Help you to attain the necessary speaking, writing, and presentation skills to communicate your ideas effectively.

The BSc in Computing is a three-year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into three ‘Stages’. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.  The programme is also divided into units of study called ‘modules’ which are assigned a number of ‘credits’. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.

Exit Awards

If you do not complete the programme you may be able to exit with a lower qualification. If you have achieved 120 credits, you may be awarded a Certificate of Higher Education in Computing, and if you achieve 240 credits, where at least 90 credits are at NQF Level 5 or above, you may be awarded a Diploma of Higher Education in Computing.

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual review of this programme. Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/

You may take Option Modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows, and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the Faculty web site https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/

You may take Elective Modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in the second and third stages of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.  

Credit

The programme consists of 360 credits with 120 credits taken at each stage. Normally not more than 75 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, students normally take no more than 150 credits at NQF  Level 4, and must take at least 90 credits at NQF Level 6.

The pass mark for award of credit in an individual module is 40%.

Progression

You can progress to the next stage (or in the final year, to proceed to the award of an honours degree) once at least 90 credits have been passed in a stage, and provided that an average of at least 40% has been achieved over the 120 credits of assessment for that stage.

Condonement

Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit.

You must have registered for and participated in modules amounting to at least 120 credits in the stage.

You must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above.

Assessment and Awards

Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit-weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 combined in the ratio 1:2 respectively.

Classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following percentage marks:

Class I    70% +                                                       

Class II   Division I 60-69%                                      

Class II   Division II 50-59%                                     

Class III  40-49%

Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website.  Generic marking criteria are also published here.

Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.

In accordance with University policy a system of personal tutors is in place for all students on this programme.  A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University's TQA Manual.  As a student enrolled on this programme you will receive the personal and academic support of the Programme Coordinator and will have regular scheduled meetings with your Personal Tutor; you may request additional meetings as and when required. The role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, some of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Help may be obtained through the Helpdesk, and most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University's campus network.

Additionally, the College has its own dedicated IT support staff, helpdesk and computer facilities which are linked to the wider network, but which also provide access to some specialised software packages.  Email is an important channel of communication between staff and students in the College and an extensive range of web-based information (see https://student-harrison.emps.ex.ac.uk/index.php) is maintained for the use of students, including a comprehensive and annually revised student handbook.

The Harrison Learning Resource Centre is generally open during building open hours. The Centre is available for quiet study, with four separate rooms that can be booked for meetings and group work. Amongst its facilities, the Learning Resource Centre has a number of desks, four meeting rooms with large LCD screens, and free use of a photocopier. Also available are core set texts from your module reading lists, and undergraduate and MSc projects from the past two years.

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal.

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

Direct applications for this programme are not permitted. Students can only be admitted to BSc Computing by being transferred from BSc Computer Science. 

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed FAculty assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures. The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both Faculty and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice.  See the University's TQA Manual for details.

The University and its constituent Faculties draw on a range of data in their regular review of the quality of provision.  The annual produced Performance Indicator Dataset details admission, progression, completion and first career destination data, including comparisons over a five-year period Progression statistics form part of routine internal monitoring and review processes (see 18 below).

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs); this it not applicable to this programme.