UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION BSc (Hons) Information Systems (Building & Architecture) This programme is only offered at: Kazan State University for Architecture and Engineering (KSUAE) Final award Intermediate awards available UCAS code Details of professional body accreditation Relevant QAA Benchmark statements UEL Academic School Date specification last updated BSc (Hons) BSc. (Ordinary), Cert HE, Dip HE N/A N/A Computing School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering September 2015 Alternative locations for studying this programme Location Which elements? Taught by UEL staff Taught by local staff Method of Delivery N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1
The summary - UCAS programme profile- BANNER BOX: The BSc course in Information Systems (Building and Architecture) will provide an honours degree programme of the highest quality with extensive laboratory work, on site practice and develop professional skills as well as has the following advantages: International approach to the subject; Experienced and trained teaching staff; Associated development of professional English Language proficiency. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS The entry requirement is completion of the Svidetel'stvo (Attestat) o Obrazovabii at Grade 11 with average grades of four or above or equivalent. To proceed into level 6 students must gain English exam on level B2 or equivalent by the start of year 6. This level is equivalent to IELTS 5.5. Students that apply to enter advance stages of the programme may be admitted through the normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes, or through an approved articulation agreement. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and give evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption. ABOUT THE PROGRAMME What is Information Systems (Building & Architecture) Information systems are computer-based infrastructures, organizations, personnel, and components that collect, process, store, transmit, display, disseminate, and act on information. Information systems generally provide computer-based assistance to people engaging with their environment, where the engagements and or the environments are often too complex and dynamic to be handled manually. Organisations are now vitally dependent on the information systems, and the high demands placed on these systems require skilled technical specialists. Information Systems Engineering graduates are experts that can be found at all stages of a distributed information system s lifecycle (requirement analysis, architecture design, realization and maintenance). The contemporary information systems used by organisations manage large volumes of internal information, which includes structured data, multimedia data and geographic information. These systems encompass workflow, groupware and e-business processes and are often distributed across organisational units and physical locations. Information system engineers are able to design, combine and configure basic software components, such as database management systems, transaction processing monitors, workflow management systems and middleware. The Information Systems (Building & Architecture) programme enables students to understand computer systems and networks from the perspective of building and architecture. Students study Information Systems (Building & Architecture) from application software to operating systems, computer architecture and digital electronics, from one end of the network to the other. The programme covers design and implementation in all aspects of hardware and software relating to information systems and networks in both the building and architectural domains. 2
Information Systems (Building & Architecture) at UEL/KSUAE This is a three year full-time honours degree course taught and delivered at the Kazan State University of Architecture & Engineering (KSUAE) in Kazan, the capital of the federal district Tartarstan in Russia. The programme was written and developed collaboratively with the University of East London s (UEL s) School of Architecture, Computing & Engineering. The course is taught and assessed in the Russian language but uniquely provides access to a range of Western resources and networks via the UEL links. Also, the final individual project module is taught, delivered and assessed in English, this enables the students to demonstrate their proficiency of professional technical English, which is a unique opportunity for the students studying in Russia. The topics included in this programme are: - Applied mathematics - Software engineering - Cloud and Mobile Computing - XML - Big Data and Data Analytics - Artificial Intelligence - Decision Support Systems (DSS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) - Agile Systems Development - Geographic Information Systems - Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) - Distributed Systems and Internet Based Protocols - Business modelling - These topics allow students to use these information systems concepts within the field of building and architecture. Students will thus be able to: Undertake studies in professional techniques and documentation required in the information systems discipline. These include effective level of analysis, evaluation, design and implementation of solutions for either small scale companies or well defined complex design and implementation problems in areas such as: application software development; database developments; business modelling using ICT tools and techniques. Undertake data gathering as part of the Information Systems Engineering learning process. Promote good engineering in the delivery of practical skills in terms of: data, its capture, its physical representation; system hardware and software components; methodologies and tools. Provide practical problem solving: analysis, design and modelling; implementation, testing and documentation of the solution. 3
Programme structure This unique three years full-time programme comprises of twelve 30 credit core modules (with no options). The first year modules enable the student to understand the basics and principles of the information system, software engineering and computer resource management. During the second year, the students develop in-depth knowledge in data management, programming skill and the application of Computer Technologies in the Building and Architecture industries. At Level 6 the final year, the students are trained to develop professional skills in computer network and information system development. They also embark on Final Year Individual Project, where they apply all the skills they have acquired over the three years period of their studies. All Years are assessed in Russian but the Final project is assessed in English. Learning environment The programme is delivery in an up-to-date campus, which comprises of lecture rooms, seminar rooms, and practical laboratories. KSUAE also has a virtual learning environment which will be used by all students on the programme to complement the teaching and learning of the core material. There will also be a programme site for this course on Moodle onto which the UEL Academic Link Tutor, the KSUAE Programme Leader and Module Leaders will have access to and populate their areas in the folders for each modules. All students on the programme will be given access to the required Programme Site with authority to access their module folders. In addition to the above, students will also have the opportunity to have lectures delivered by visiting UEL staff and have an optional UK summer school as part of the programme. Teaching is delivered through a combination of formal lectures, small group tutorials, hands on laboratories and ICT sessions, seminar/practical based workshops. Assessment The academic study year commences in October with twenty-four weeks of delivery followed by five weeks of assessment preparation and then examinations. Assessment is both formative to aid understanding and summative to grade the students ability. Summative assessment is undertaken in various modes, including coursework, practical computer lab work, group and individual presentations and exams. All modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination. In such cases there is normally a 50:50 weighting (please see individual modules for exact details). Coursework may be one of more of the following: portfolio, technical report, group work, case study analysis, and or essay. Examination may be one or more of the following: closed book examination, open book examination, and multiple choice questions, short or long answer. It is necessary to pass all modules to proceed to the next year. The balance between exams and coursework varies from module to module, full details are contained in the Module Specifications, which are in Section 5 of the Student Programme Handbook. 4
Work experience/placement opportunities On our programmes, students have the option to undertake a year long industrial placement during their third year. The university has standing links with some of the well-known employers who can provide students with worthwhile work experience. Some students are offered permanent employment by their placement organisation when they graduate. In addition to enhancing employment prospects, the placement provides a valuable learning experience, the results of which feed into our students' final year of study. Project work Students are presented with many opportunities to develop their own ideas or work in groups on specific research topics. This ranges from relatively introductory case studies and group based coursework at level 4 within the module IT4154 Information Systems Projects and Resource Management. At Level 5 in modules such as IT5154 Theory of Information Systems and Processes where students work on course work on individual basics and they are given a number of continuous formative feedback before the final work is submission. At Level 6 students work independently on a major research project of their own choosing in module IT6154 Final Year Individual Project. This is an individual piece of analytical, reflective academic research in the development of software and information systems for Building and or Architecture industry of their choice. Added value By studying for this double award programme, students will gain the skills, knowledge and technical ability Information Systems (Building & Architecture) from two Universities. Especially on the final year of the programme which will be assessed in English, students will have access to English lecturers from UEL as well as guest lecturers. Graduates from the Information Systems for Building & Architecture programme of the KSUAE have a competitive advantage over graduates of other universities in our country. This is because their qualification is a unique collaborative venture between a Russian and British University and is one of the first of its kind. IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME? If you are interested in... The evolving information technology environment and the complexities of providing IT infrastructure that is necessary for modern life. Understanding how IT can help in the development of society and improve of business operations. How to understand the needs of users. Having a rewarding career with great prospects in information systems and systems engineering. The use of Information systems, engineering and application of computer systems. 5
If you enjoy... Solving problems by using algorithms, Analysing data and information, Developing and manipulating systems, Designing and building models to solve problems, Working with team from different disciplines. If you want... To integrate and configure basic software components, such as database management systems, transaction processing monitors, workflow management systems and middleware. To define a system on which an organization can truly depend on without giving rise to any vulnerabilities. To design and develop computer based models for the Building and Architecture industries. Your future career Students can find employment with municipal and national government bodies, specialist consultancies of various kinds and in a whole range of technology companies. Students might also take further, masters level qualifications or undertake a PhD. How we support you KSUAE prides itself on its student support systems. Based on our experience and` practice we operate an open door policy with students encouraged to consult with their tutors on a regular basis. In addition we support students with the following: Provision of Personal Tutors Professional skills training Research skills training Development of a profile that will be attractive to potential employers Extensive laboratory and practical activities throughout the course English Language Support by qualified academics 6
Programme aims and learning outcomes What is this programme designed to achieve? This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to: Appreciate and understand the practicalities of designing and implementing information systems. Understand and appreciate capturing user requirements with modern techniques and methods. Manage a software development project with lightweight methodologies to the appropriate corporate standard. Understand agile methods and the context in which a modern information system is designed and implemented. What will you learn? Knowledge Acquire routine mathematical methods essential for a particular computing discipline. Develop state of the art practices in analysis and design tasks and techniques appropriate to the application discipline. Develop contemporary practices in software application development process appropriate to the application discipline. Develop the principles and role of computer and communications technology and architecture relevant to the application discipline. Understand the principles and role of quality management as applied through the computer applications development life cycle. Appreciate and understand the professional, social, legal and ethical issues and codes of practice appropriate to BSc level and the ability to demonstrate this approach in their work. Understand the business and management practices and techniques required by a practising computer professional. Thinking skills Possess familiarity with the use and functionality of appropriate mathematical/analytical methods Apply problem solving principles to produce solutions to familiar computing problems. Analyse and model routine computing application systems and processes. Recognise the capabilities and limitations of problem solving methods for computer based applications. Appreciate the need for analysis and its relation to design and acquire the ability to undertake analysis for given problems and defined the scope. Design a computer based application system, system component or process by using appropriate design method. Apply ICT knowledge to Integrate applications using analysis and design techniques as well as apply context and computing practices to solve problems and defined scope. 7
Perform basic risk analysis and evaluation. Subject-Based Practical skills Apply mathematical methods appropriate to the application discipline. Undertake data gathering activities and relate the data to the application domain. Undertake using professional techniques and document the results using effective level of analysis, evaluation, design and implementation methods to determine the solutions. Apply effective the solutions to either small scale unbounded or well defined, more complex design and implementation problems in areas such as: application software development; database developments; business modelling using ICT tools and techniques. Promote good engineering practices in the delivery of practical skills in terms of: data, its capture, its physical representation; system hardware and software components; methodologies and tools. Apply practical problem solving techniques for analysis, design and modelling; implementation, testing and documentation of ICT solutions. Skills for life and work (general skills) Communication: to effectively communicate through discussion; oral, visual and electronic presentations; production of written materials incorporating diagrams and images. ICT: effective use and evaluate of ICT for information retrieval, preparation, processing and presentation. Application of numbers: Understand and apply mathematical skills appropriate to a specific situation and the appropriate work place. Working with Others: Work effectively as a member of a team that involves: recognising the need for different team roles and organisations; identifying collective goals and responsibilities; working to achieve collective goals; taking initiative, explaining and defending a point of view; sensitivity to group culture and practices; exercising management skills Improving Personal Learning and Performance: Assess one s own strengths and weaknesses through self-evaluation and reflection, including the development of autonomy in learning; identification of targets and plan to achieve them through time management and organisation Problem Solving: to apply different and appropriate approaches to solve a range of problems. 8
The programme structure Introduction All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed. One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study). Credits are assigned to each of the five levels as follows: Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7 equivalent to GCE 'A' level standard to prepare students for University degree equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme equivalent in standard to Masters degree Credit rating The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits. Typical duration The expected duration of this programme is 3 years when attended in full-time mode. There is no part-time mode. Astudent cannot normally continue study on a programme after 4 years study in full time mode unless exceptional circumstances are applied and extenuation has been granted. How the teaching year is divided A typical student, in full-time attendance mode of study, will register for 120 credits in an academic year. The academic study year commences in October with twenty-four weeks of delivery followed by five weeks of assessment preparation and then examinations. What you will study when A student registered in a full-time attendance mode will take 120 credits per year. Typically this will be comprised of four 30 credit modules. The exact number may differ if the programme is comprised of 15, 45 or 60 credits modules. 9
Year 1 (Level 4) Year 2 (Level 5) Year 3 (Level 6) IT4151 IT5151 IT6151 IT4152 IT5152 IT6152 IT4153 IT5153 IT6153 IT4154 IT5154 IT6154 Semester Start/End BSc(Hons) Information Systems (Building & Architecture)Level 4 Credits 1/2 IT4151 Mathematics and Physics 30 1/2 IT4152 Computer Science (Informatics) 30 1/2 IT4153 Software Engineering 30 1/2 IT4154 Information Systems Projects and Resource Management 30 BSc(Hons) Information Systems (Building & Architecture)Level 5 3 / 4 IT5151 Computer Technologies for Building & Architecture 30 3 / 4 IT5152 Programming Technology 30 3 / 4 IT5153 Data Management 30 3 / 4 IT5154 Theory of Information Systems and Processes 30 BSc(Hons) Information Systems (Building & Architecture)Level 6 5 / 6 IT6151 Information Systems Architecture 30 5 / 6 IT6152 Information Communication Systems and Networks 30 5 / 6 IT6153 Information Systems Development 30 5 / 6 IT6154 Final Year Project 30 All the modules on the programmes are CORE and must be taken. There are no routes for combined honours. Requirements for gaining an award In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including: A minimum of 120 credits at level four or higher A minimum of 120 credits at level five or higher A minimum of 120 credits at level six or higher In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including: A minimum of 120 credits at level four or higher A minimum of 120 credits at level five or higher A minimum of 60 credits at level six or higher In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level four or higher and 120 credits at level five or higher 10
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level four or higher In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum of 20 credits at level 4 or higher Degree Classification Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree by passing a valid combination of modules to comprise an award and has gained the minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 5 or level 6 on the current enrolment for the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 6, the award classification is determined by calculating; The arithmetic mean of the best 90 credits at level 6 x 0.8 + The arithmetic mean of the next best 90 credits at levels 5 and/or 6 x 0.2 and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification; 70% - 100% First Class Honours 60% - 69% Second Class Honours, First Division 50% - 59% Second Class Honours, Second Division 40% - 49% Third Class Honours 0% - 39% Not passed 11
Teaching, learning and assessment Teaching and learning Knowledge is developed through Lectures Seminars Tutorials Workshops Private study Thinking skills are developed through Problem solving exercises Case study analysis Examinations Practical skills are developed through Workshops Laboratory work Formative feedback Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through Independent work Project and Group/team work Real world problem solving Use of specialist ICT and software Assessment Knowledge is assessed by Examinations Coursework Case study analysis Thinking skills are assessed by Examinations Coursework Laboratory and site reports Practical skills are assessed by Laboratory reports Site visit reports Formative skills testing Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by Presentations Use of IT within other assessed elements In skills curriculum modules 12
Assessment Assessment is undertaken in various modes, including coursework, group and individual presentations, and exams. The balance between exams and coursework varies from module to module, full details are contained in the Module Specifications which are in Section 5 of the Student Programme Handbook; In general assessment takes the form of:- Knowledge is assessed by examinations, both unseen and based on previously supplied case studies extended essays and reports multiple choice tests Thinking skills are assessed by all assessment tasks set, particularly those requiring critical evaluation self-appraisal of performance use of appropriate problem solving skills Practical skills are assessed by assessment tasks requiring use of general and specialised IT applications use of equipment in practicals and presentations Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by evidence of group and team working completion of placement year ability to work to time constraints How we assure the quality of this programme Before this programme started Before this programme started, the following was checked: there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme; adequate resources would be in place; the overall aims and objectives were appropriate; the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements; the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements; the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms. This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions. 13
How we monitor the quality of this programme The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating: External examiner reports (considering quality and standards); Statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate); Student feedback. Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee. Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed. The role of the programme committee This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures. The role of external examiners The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities: To ensure the standard of the programme; To ensure that justice is done to individual students. External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including: Approving exam papers/assignments; Attending assessment boards; Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks; Ensuring that regulations are followed; Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future. The external examiner reports for this programme are located on the UEL virtual learning environment (Moodle) on the school notice board under the section entitled External Examiner Reports & Responses. You can also view a list of the external examiners for the UEL School by clicking on the link below. http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/externalexaminersystem/currentexaminers/ 14
Listening to the views of students The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme: Module evaluations involving the collection of data via questionnaires Informal discussions / meetings between students and teaching staff, year and programme leader Student representation on programme committees (meeting each semester) Students are notified of the action taken through: Circulating the minutes of the programme committee Providing details on the programme notice board Listening to the views of others The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties: Discussions with Placements Officer and visiting tutors Liaison with placement employers Information provided by the British Computer Society Liaison with schools and colleges whose students apply for places on our programmes Where you can find further information Further information about this programme is available from: The UEL web site (http://www.uel.ac.uk) UEL Manual of General Regulations http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/ UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/ Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/ UEL Guide to Undergraduate Programmes Kazan State University of Architecture and Engineering http://ksuae.kgasu.ru/ The programme handbook Module study guides 15