Module FOUD0009: Concepts, Methods and Theory for Computer Science

Department: Foundation Year (Durham)

FOUD0009: Concepts, Methods and Theory for Computer Science

Prerequisites

Corequisites

• Mathematics 3

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2

Aims

• The CMT modules are designed to introduce students to concepts, methods and theories within the student’s chosen discipline. The CMT modules provide a lens through which students engage with knowledge and knowledge creation in their chosen discipline; the Scholarship in Higher Education module provides the tool-kit for their engagement and communication of knowledge; and the Advanced Scholarship in Higher Education module provides an iterative experience of bringing toolkit and lens together to provide students with the opportunity to actively engage in the process of knowledge generation and communication by completing a research project within the student’s chosen discipline.
• To introduce logical thinking skills in computer science.
• To introduce fundamentals of computer science.
• To introduce the ability to communicate work successfully
• Skills and other attributes 
• This module also supports the overall programme aims to enable students to have:
• acquired the ability to work confidently with a range of academic materials and sources (as appropriate to progression subject area);
• acquired a level of self-efficacy in relation to workload management, basic academic autonomy and a learner identity as an effective university student;

Content

• Fundamentals of mathematical logic including number bases, set theory, mathematical statement and proof
• Fundamentals of algorithms

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of the module students will have demonstrated:
• 1. Knowledge of a range of relevant mathematics concepts and notations
• 2. Knowledge of a range of relevant mathematics methods
• 3. Knowledge of a range of relevant vocabulary

• By the end of the module students will be able to:
• 1. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of relevant mathematics concepts in response to specific assessment tasks
• 2. Demonstrate the appropriate use of relevant mathematics methods in response to specific assessment tasks
• 3. Demonstrate the appropriate use of a range of relevant vocabulary in response to specific assessment tasks

• By the end of the module students will be able to:
• 1. Demonstrate logical reasoning
• 2. Demonstrate effective communication using appropriate academic styles

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

• This module will be delivered using seminars/tutorials on a weekly basis. Students will be taught concepts and then challenged to apply them in a variety of contextual tasks that are designed to lead to achieving the module outcomes.
• In this module, the Continuous Assessment allows students to demonstrate the range and sophistication of their engagement with the module’s Reference/Factual knowledge, and Process knowledge in response to specific test questions, with the secondary focus on the key skills of Academic communication, as the module progresses. This Continuous Assessment helps to ensure students are making the appropriate progress in this highly progressive module (I.e. requiring the competence in skills and knowledge as perquisites of further study).
• The Test’s primary function is to allows students to demonstrate the range and sophistication of their engagement with the module’s Reference/Factual knowledge and Process knowledge, contextually and selectively applying this knowledge in response to specific test questions, with the secondary focus on the key skills of Academic communication under timed conditions (as they are likely to experience in their subsequent years of study).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

A range of formative tasks are used to help students work towards module outcomes and to iteratively build competency towards each respective summative assessment.

■ 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