This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)
Module COMP1041: FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
Department: Computer Science
COMP1041: FOUNDATIONS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 1 | 20 | Available in 2010/2011 | None. | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- GCSE grade B or above in Maths or equivalent. NB Students are normally ineligible if they have a pass in A level Maths at grade B or above.
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combinations
- Formal Aspects of Computer Science (COMP1021)
Aims
- To introduce students without 'A' level mathematics to the basic concepts of mathematics in those areas most useful to computer scientists.
Content
- Formal mathematical notation, Integers, Fundamental properties of integers, Congruence of integers.
- Rational Numbers, Real Numbers, Logarithms.
- Laws of Division, GCD & HCF.
- Mathematical Induction and other Proof Techniques.
- Permutations & Combinations.
- Bases, Binary/Hexadecimal Numbers, Data Representation, Addressing, Instructions.
- Algebraic Notation, Graphs.
- Calculating Aids.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- Have gained a basic knowledge of the nature and purpose of mathematical principles and techniques.
- Have explored the use of a formal mathematical notation.
Subject-specific Skills
- Have gained an understanding of, and be able to apply a wide variety of mathematical topics and their application to computer science.
Key Skills
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Lecturing demonstrates what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
- Problem classes through practicals provide assessment (both formative and summative) to guide students in the correct development of their knowledge and skills.
- The end of year examinations assess the knowledge acquired and the ability to use this knowledge to solve problems.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 40 | 2 per week | 1 Hour | 40 | |
| Practicals | 20 | Weekly | 2 Hours | 40 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 120 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 66% | Examination | 2 hours | 100% | Yes |
| Coursework | 34% | Practical work | 100% | Yes |
Formative Assessment
Example exercises given through the course. In addition a collection paper for the module is sat during a student's first practical class of the 2nd term. Additional revison lectures may be arranged in the modules lecture slots in the 3rd term.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.