University of Bradford: Undergraduate Programme Specification s2

University of Bradford: Undergraduate Programme specification

UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD School of Lifelong Learning and Development Programme/course title: Computing and Networking

Awarding Institution: University of Bradford Teaching Institution: Craven College Final award: FdSc Computing and Networking [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 5] Programme title: FdSc Computing and Networking Programme approved / University of Bradford accredited by: Duration: 3 years, part-time UCAS code: N/A Subject benchmark http://www.qaa.ac.uk/reviews/foundationdegree/b statement: enchmark/fdqb.asp Date produced: December 2010 Last updated :

Introduction

The course is designed for people aspiring to careers in the Computing and Networking sector of IT, providing you with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in both front line and management roles.

The Foundation Degree is aimed at those already in industry, those looking for a change in career and younger students moving on from FE level 3 courses.

Network Computing is one of the fastest growing sectors within the IT industry. Recent surveys all conclude that the demand for experienced networking professionals far exceeds the current supply. So serious is this shortfall that the future growth of networks may well be limited by the availability of skilled networking professionals. This makes networking skills a highly desirable and sought after commodity.

Additional recent research has shown that the number of workers in IT aged 50+ has increased, but the number aged below 30 has decreased causing concern in the IT industry that there will be a shortfall of appropriately qualified IT professionals.

Networking professionals are needed to maintain the network infrastructure and associated servers. This award will develop your specialism in the technologies that underpin the Internet, Intranets and other computer-based information networks. The

To complement the vocational nature of the course you will be required to undertake a program of work based learning. It is desirable that students are able to utilise their current relevant employment as a means to fulfil the work based learning assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to find relevant work experience. Where students are not able to find suitable employment a series of visits and/or work placements may be offered.

Programme Aims The programme is intended to:  Provide a high quality programme of study in the processes and development of the computing and networking sector, with a professional and vocational focus which will develop your skills, knowledge and understanding and confidence for employment and wider life.  Widen participation in the computing and networking sector  Contribute to the skill base of the region and other local economies in the context of the rapid developments taking place in the computing and networking sector  Produce capable and well-rounded graduates who will make a contribution to the labour force needs of the regional and national economies and have appropriate knowledge and skills  Develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in working life

Programme Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding On successful completion of this programme you will be able to:  View your own and others’ roles and work within the changing contexts of design & implementation for the internet and the wider computing and networking sector  Describe the nature and functions of employment and organisations’ within the computing and networking sector  Describe and comment on tasks, functions, processes and sustainability, which are appropriate within the computing and networking sector.  Outline the legal, social and economic responsibilities which affect the computing and networking sector, its practitioners and organisations’  Demonstrate specialist subject knowledge and knowledge of operational practices relevant to the computing and networking sector in the UK  Analyse and evaluate systems to improve effectiveness and efficiency within the computing and networking sector  Identify and evaluate processes used and products created within the computing and networking sector and their impact on change within the sector’s employment and organisations

© University of Bradford 2 Subject Specialist On successful completion of this programme you will be able to:  Apply different approaches to the resolution of specific concerns and problems in the computing and networking sector  Select and apply techniques and methods of practice associated with the computing and networking sector  Demonstrate a range of key skills including communication, application of number, ICT and team working in the context of solving computing related problems.  Demonstrate a range of skills appropriate to the computing and networking sector to a level required for practice

Personal Transferable Skills On successful completion of this programme you will be able to:  Demonstrate study skills, self criticism and reflection in relation to your learning  Take responsibility for your own learning and professional development  Communicate in a clear and effective manner on limited and well-defined topics  Present, interpret and evaluate simple quantitative and qualitative data  Demonstrate evaluation and judgment in relation to your own and others’ decisions and work

Occupational Standards Modules will meet E-skills Sector Skills Council recommendations.

Curriculum

Level 4 Module Title Type Credits Level Semester Networking Fundamentals Core 20 4 1 or 2 Personal and Professional Scheme Core 20 4 1 or 2 Development Work Based Learning 1 Scheme Core 20 4 1 or 2 Wireless networking Core 20 4 1 or 2 Routing Protocols and Core 20 4 1 or 2 Concepts Deploying Server and Core 20 4 1 or 2 Workstation Technologies

Level 5 Module Title Type Credits Level Semester Work Based Learning 2 Scheme Core 20 5 1 or 2 LAN Switching Core 20 5 1 or 2 Server Technologies Core 20 5 1 or 2

See Appendix 1: Curriculum Map The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures.

Title of named top-up award (progression route)

Sheffield Hallam University: BSc (Hons) Internet and Business Technologies (top up) (Full-time) BSc (Hons) Multimedia Technologies (top up) (Full-time) BSc (Hons) Network Management (top up)

Teaching and Assessment Strategies

Teaching and learning strategies are taken from a wide range and are appropriate to the nature of the student profile. Strategies may include: lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, use of exemplars and case studies, visiting speakers, independent student reading and research, practical sessions, presentations, directed reading, problem-solving, use of VLEs, workshops. The mode of assessment is designed to match the individual module learning outcomes. A variety of assessment methods may be used including: reports, presentations, case studies, reflective journals; portfolios, training manuals; practical exams; theory exams and essays. See Appendix 2: Assessment Map See Appendix 3: Teaching Map

Assessment Regulations

Craven College’s HE Scheme assures consistency and rigour in marking through int ernal and external moderation or verification as appropriate. Consistency and parity i s achieved through the definition of the forms of assessment and a requirement for e ach programme to adopt a range of assessment methods. Assessment is governed by a structure which is rigorous and transparent. Module assessments are reported t hrough the Route Examination Committee attended by University of Bradford repres entative/s. Student progression recommendations are made at the Scheme Board of Examiners and ratified by the University of Bradford.

Internally Internally moderated or moderated or verified marks verified marks from Route from Route Programmes Programmes

Work examined by External Examiner

Route Examination Committees

Professional and Management Studies Arts and Community Services

Business Management and IT Art, Design and Media Catering and Hospitality Hair and Beauty Education and Training Community Studies Travel and Tourism Sport, Outdoor and Public Services Centre for Construction and Heritage Skills Rural and Equine Studies

Scheme Board of Examiners Mitigation Decides or Recommends student Progression, Awards and Reassessment

The admission of any applicant to a programme of study (course) is based on the ac ademic judgement that the applicant has a reasonable expectation of being able to:  fulfil the aims and outcomes of the course and  achieve the standard of the course Merit and Ability: To ensure that students are recruited on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities, admission and selection criteria and procedures will be monitore d and reviewed by the Scheme Committee. Equal Opportunities: The Scheme will offer equal opportunities for access to its progr ammes and in line with college policy, the admissions procedures will operate so as t o ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged on the basis of race, gender, sexual orie ntation, ethnic or national origin, colour, age, marital status, disability, social class, p olitical or religious belief and activities, unless those activities are contrary to the poli cies of the College. Widening Participation: The College actively seeks to widen access by attracting stu dents who may lack formal qualifications because of lack of opportunities in earlier lif e, or because they have been disadvantaged due to gender, race or disability. The S cheme supports this objective. Information for applicants: The admissions policy and criteria for admission to a prog ramme will be detailed in all published and promotional literature: HE Prospectus, col lege website, course leaflets.  Level 3 qualification/s (BTEC National Diploma, Certificate or Award; A level/s or equivalent) to 120 UCAS points  GCSE English Language and Maths (Grade C or above) or equivalent  Students with a relevant HNC may be able to transfer credit in certain module s onto the Foundation Degree  Students without the necessary qualifications but with relevant work experience are encouraged to apply. Entry onto a programme is normally at the beginning of (NQF) level 4 except where applicants may be eligible for admission on the basis of prior certificated and/or experiential learning i.e. APL and/or APEL. Normally applicants will not be admitted to a point more than half way through a level of the proposed programme of study. The importation of credit is up to 50% of the balance of the award. The College’s Accreditation of Prior Learning Policy and Procedures will be applied in all cases, and in discussion with the partner University Liaison Representative where appropriate. For example, undertaking a piece of work relevant to the subject area (s)

© University of Bradford 6 Learning Resources Curriculum Resources The two principal campuses of Craven College are in Skipton town centre and at Air eville on the outskirts of the town. The Aireville Campus is the principal campus for t eaching the curriculum for students aged 16 to 18. As a response to changes in lan d-use and farming practices Craven College, supported by Yorkshire Forward and th e LSC, has joined forces with Skipton Auction Mart to provide a rural studies learning facility, including an engineering workshop (rural mechanics), a commercial horticultu ral unit and an equestrian centre. At Leeds Bradford International Airport the College, in partnership with Yorkshire Forward, LBIA and the private sector, has created The Aviation Academy. This purpose-built education and training centre has CoVE (Cent re of Vocational Excellence) status, in partnership with North Nottinghamshire and D oncaster Colleges, and is producing future employees with the skills and knowledge required for one of the fastest growing industries in the world. A second major develo pment recently has been a new Centre for Construction and Heritage Studies, built t o serve the increasing demand for a skilled workforce. Tyro Training is the commercial training division of Craven College, based in Skipton, serving a range of employment sectors, both locally and further afield with around 5 500 clients a year. Learning Resources There are two main Learning Resource Centres and smaller focussed facilities, on e ach of the teaching sites, which hold the relevant resources and materials for further and higher education courses located on that site. Higher level students are support ed by the provision of recommended texts, and further subject book stock plus acces s to study skills materials, research texts and packages, electronic information sourc es, including CD Roms, Athens, the College intranet, Internet and databases specific to course requirements. Quiet study areas are available. Students receive a specific higher education induction to the Learning Resource Centre and subsequent use is s upported through self-help guides, Learning Resource Centre/HE VLE/Course intran et sites and staff. The College has a Moodle VLE (Virtual Learning Environment), extensively customiz ed to Craven College. Staff are trained to use this facility to:  Enhance their teaching  Facilitate independent learning  Track student progress  Provide assessments  Provide resources to support learning and assessment  Facilitate peer and tutor discussion forums

Computer/IT Equipment, Systems and Software The College has IT facilities based on IBM compatible computers. All computing wor kstations are Pentium based PC’s operating Windows XP. All machines are fitted wit h CD Rom’s which allow access to specialist information and all are connected to pro

© University of Bradford 7 fessional laser printing facilities. Both students and staff have free access to Internet and e-mail. All staff have access to office based networked PC’s and special IT facili ties are available for students with disability. The College has provision for access to Athens. The College’s Technology policy is to integrate on-line learning into all progr ammes which will be particularly effective with HE students. IT Technicians are avail able to those students experiencing technical difficulties.

Student Support and Guidance In order to provide a supportive learning environment, a wide range of academic and pastoral support will be made available to you. Information on support is available direct from Craven College via your Course Team Leader. The precise form of support available to students registered on the Scheme's course s will be set out in the individual route and course documents, but will include the foll owing:  Information on admission and induction arrangements;  Information regarding Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA);  academic guidance and tutorial support;  pastoral and welfare support;  careers information and guidance.

The University of Bradford also has a disability service which you may access at http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/disab/

All students will attend college at the beginning of their programme of study for Induc tion and to be familiarised with the course and its requirements. You will also experie nce a range of icebreaker and introduction techniques to forge group cohesion. Follo wing this, you will normally attend the college according to the course timetable. The exact structure of each programme will be developed by course teams to remove bar riers for entry and facilitate maximum participation. Staff associated with the programmes will negotiate and provide individual support th rough individual tutorials, meetings or other contact, which could also be carried out electronically. Personal progress files will form an integrated part of the curriculum. You will set up e-mail accounts and access will be provided to enable you to draw up on all the on-line resources. It is also anticipated that the use of on-line learning will b e developed along with the course to provide a range of on-line facilities including a web chat room for students, primarily through their course VLEs. You will receive guidance with regard to progression to Level 6 study. Further information from the Craven College HE Scheme, p 18

© University of Bradford 8 Information to Students You will be provided with (electronically via the VLE or in hard copy) a Course Handb ook by your Course Team Leader, describing the educational experience specific to t he programme for which you are registered. Each Course Handbook will include info rmation on the following:  Overview of the programme, including module specifications  Staff and student roles and responsibilities  Assessment and re-assessment arrangements  Assignment submission procedures  Assignment and examination schedule  The processes for feedback on student performance  The return of assessed work to students  Process for the submission of extenuating circumstances  Appeal processes  Rules regarding plagiarism and other forms of unfair practice

© University of Bradford 9 University policies and initiatives Ecoversity: Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of staff and students. The University does not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but aspires to become a leading University in this area. The facilities created for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in programme specifications is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see www.bradford.ac.uk/ecoversity Craven College completely agrees with and fully supports the University of Bradford initiative as identified in the college’s Environmental Sustainability Policy. Craven College is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty and the college is very aware of its responsibility in protecting the environment. This policy details the commitment of Craven College to environmental sustainability and should be read alongside the Green Travel Policy 2010. Whilst striving for excellence in teaching and learning, Craven College aims to manage its activities, buildings and estates to promote environmental sustainability, to conserve and enhance natural resources and to prevent environmental pollution and to bring about a continual improvement in its environmental performance. All members of the college have a responsibility to monitor and attempt to reduce any adverse environmental impact caused by their activities. The college also embeds the Single Equality Scheme and Action Plan: Strategy for Equality and Diversity. The scheme confirms the commitment of Craven College to the principle of equality of opportunity for all and provides an over-arching statement, which forms the basis of our Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage and Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity, Race, Religion or Belief, Sex, Sexual Orientation statements and action plans. The Foundation Degree in Computing and Networking curriculum includes natural opportunities in all modules to discuss environmental sustainability. In particular discussions on the environmental impact of decisions such as product selection and configuration will be covered. Configuration issues could involve environmental settings such as power saving modes (energy efficiency) on networking devices. The utilisation of recycled products, products that meet Energy Star standards, upgrades as opposed to replacements and renewable energy sources where possible will be discussed and encouraged.

Marketing for the Foundation Degree in Computing and Networking positively encourages the enrolment of female students through adverts that display previous female students at work.

© University of Bradford 10 Further Information: For further information, please check Craven College’s HE Directory or Central Admissions. Central Admissions (HE), Craven College, High Street, Skipton, BD23 1JY +44 (0)1756 791411 http://www.craven-college The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and course approval, monitoring and review procedures.