Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module COMP3381: SOFTWARE, SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS III

Department: Computer Science

COMP3381: SOFTWARE, SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS III

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2014/15 onwards Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Software Engineering

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To encourage students to think critically about the development of software to support systems utilising existing and emerging technologies.
  • To enable students to study and research a number of topic themes across relevant application areas, focussing on case studies.

Content

  • Students will study four topics that for example include:
  • Critical Systems.
  • Advanced Interfaces.
  • Mobile Computing.
  • Advanced Interaction.
  • High-performance Computing.
  • Distributed Systems.
  • Software Evolution.
  • Parallel Architectures.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the four topics taught and how they are applicable to the current industrial environment and have potential as regards emerging needs.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:
  • an ability to critically analyse how the four topics areas benefit software deployment ("in-the-wild") and how they aid the production of software applications
  • an ability to independently evaluate research issues in each of the four topics including current practices (state-of-the-art), recent developments and emerging trends
  • an ability to reflect on the overlap between topics and how they are mutually beneficial.
Key Skills:
  • On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:
  • an ability to communicate technical information
  • an ability to use research material within both existing and new scenarios.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures enable students to learn core material in the different subject areas.
  • Problem classes enable students to apply the material learned in lectures and enhance their understanding.
  • Formative and summative assignments encourage and guide independent study, and test the knowledge acquired and the students' ability to use this knowledge to solve problems.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
lectures 44 2 per week 1 hour 44
problem classes 11 1 every 2 weeks 1 hour 11
preparation and reading 145
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Examination 3 hours 100% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Example formative exercises given during the course. Additional revison lectures may be arranged in the modules lecture slots in the 3rd term

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University