Course syllabus autumn 2013
Course syllabus autumn 2013
Title
Introduction to Computer Science and Media Software Design
Swedish title
Introduction to Computer Science and Media Software Design
Course code
DA610A
Credits
7.5 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Technology and Society
Syllabus approval date
2012-06-29
Syllabus valid from
2013-09-02
Entry requirements
1. Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Degree of Engineering in Computer Science, or a degree in a related field. All degrees must be equivalent to at least 180 higher education credits.
2. The equivalent of English B in Swedish secondary school.
3. 15 credits of programming
Level
Advanced level
No main field.
Progression level
A1N
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
This course is included in Computer Science: Master Programme (one year) and in Media Software Design, Master’s programme in Computer Science.
Course objectives
The aim of this course is to establish a foundation for computer science projects, involving components such as research, design, and software development. The course also includes basic teamwork concepts and practices. The core subjects are the research and practice of computer science, which mean that these are studied, problematized, practiced and reflected upon.
The vehicle for learning about theory and practice for computer science is software engineering with a focus on design, development and teamwork. Different domains and concepts of computer science research are introduced and integrated.
Course contents
The course offers fundamental perspectives that include research, methods and software engineering techniques including teamwork for computer science. The course has two parts. Part I: research in computer science (related to learning outcomes 1 and 4). Part II: design and development for software engineering (related to learning outcomes 2 and 3). The learning outcomes related to judgement and approach are applied to both parts.
The first part focuses on research in computer science, such as different forms and approaches, as well as illustrations of these. Academic communication, both written and oral, are discussed and practiced. Essential academic skills, such as critical thinking and reflection, are also included.
The second part focuses on practical aspects of computer science topics such as requirements engineering and software development are introduced. Computer science techniques such as agile software development, rapid prototyping, and diverse software frameworks will be introduced in programming labs and students will be required to develop functioning prototypes. Additional techniques for understanding software use cases may include writing scenarios, UML diagrams and basic interaction sketching (wireframes, lo-fi prototypes, etc.) along with different test and evaluation techniques.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course the student shall demonstrate ability to:
1. characterize different forms of research in computer science
2. characterize different software development processes
Skills and abilities
On completion of the course the student shall demonstrate ability to:
3. carry out software development projects, using appropriate methods leading to a functioning prototype
4. communicate, both in written and oral form, using appropriate academic language
Judgement and approach
On completion of the course the student shall demonstrate ability to:
5. within the area of computer science, make judgements taking into consideration relevant scientific, societal, and ethical aspects
6. identify her/his needs of additional knowledge and to take responsibility for her/his progress within the area
Learning activities
Lectures (10 hrs), reflective seminars (10hrs), lab/studio-based learning of mainstream computer science skills and techniques (40 hrs). Individual studies and group work (140 hrs).
Assessment
Theme 1: Computer science research (learning outcomes 1, 4, 5 and 6): written and oral individual assignments, as well as active participation in the reflective seminars.
Theme 2: Design and development for software engineering (learning outcomes 2, 3, 5 and 6): project work in teams, group and individual written and oral assignments.
Requirements for pass E:
Passed assessment on themes 1 and 2.
Requirements for pass A-D: Passed assessment on themes 1 and 2. The final grade for the course is based on the grades for each of the themes with equal weight.
Course literature and other study material
- Collection of articles, School of Technology - Malmö University
- Dawson, Christian W., Projects in Computing and Information Systems, Pearson. 2009
- Zobel, J. Writing for Computer Science. 2nd ed., Springer, UK. 2004
Course evaluation
All students are given the opportunity to give their comments at the end of the course in writing. A compilation of the results will be available on the faculty computer net. Student participation is in the form of course meetings.