Module Descriptors

Core modules

Informatics Research Methods:

The aim of this module is to teach the methodologies of and the skills for conducting research in Informatics. It will focus on three main parts: (1) analytical methods; (2) empirical methods; and (3) writing and evaluating research. The module will cover the nature of Informatics and Informatics research; criteria for assessing Informatics research; different methodologies for Informatics research and how to combine them; analytical proof; algorithm and complexity analysis; the design of experiments and evaluations; practical advice on conducting research and numerous research skills including: reading, reviewing, presenting, writing, and design.

IT Project Management:

This module deals with IT project management activities. Covered topics include software systems engineering, project planning and management, quality assurance, and strategic planning. Students will learn to manage software as a distinct project, use specifications and descriptions, make use of structured techniques, complete reviews and audits, and confirm product development with planned verification, validation and testing. Students will work with essential tools and methodologies for managing an effective IT project, including software for version control, and project management.

Planning, Execution and Control:

This module is designed to provide knowledge and a higher level of understanding of planning, execution and control processes in the management of projects. This covers concepts, models, and methodologies of planning and control of project cost, time and resources.

People, Culture and Organisation:

This module helps students gain knowledge and understanding on a wide range of people and cultural topics relevant to a project manager. Students will also gain awareness and understanding of a range of perspectives and underpinning techniques for analysing problems, and they will experience the application of theoretical ideas to work situations through personal reflection. The module will help students gain understanding of the theory and practice of creative approaches to problem solving, create a future learning agenda for personal development, and gain experience and understanding of qualitative concepts and measures with respect to people, culture, and organisations.

Concentration (students choose a concentration)

Business Intelligence

Data Mining and Exploration:

Data mining is about analysing, interpreting, visualising and exploiting the data that is captured in scientific and commercial environments. The course features presentations and each student will undertake a mini-project on a real-world dataset.

Knowledge Management:

The aim of this module is to teach the principles and technologies of knowledge management. A case study approach, as and where appropriate, will be adopted in introducing the course contents. The module covers the fundamental concepts in the study of knowledge and its creation, representation, dissemination, use and re-use, and management. The focus is on methods, techniques, and tools for computer support of knowledge management, knowledge acquisition, and how to apply a knowledge management system using one of the knowledge-based system tools.

E-Business Intelligence

E-Commerce:

This module is about topics related to creating a business on the web, with particular focus on e-commerce. Students will study the IT issues raised by electronic business and commerce. Techniques and technologies available for designing and implementing e-business and e-commerce applications will be surveyed. Students will have first-hand experience with web-based tools and services to help design e-business solutions.

IT Entrepreneurship:

This module provides students with scientific methodologies for identifying opportunities in the IT space. Students will learn how to create an effective business plan, acquiring funding, establishing a company from scratch and managing in an environment of high growth, high uncertainty and rapid change. The module will include case studies of successful and failed IT entrepreneurial companies and will draw upon guest speakers from the angel investing, venture capital and entrepreneurial communities.

Dissertation

Having successfully completed the six modules in the taught stage of the programme, students who wish to proceed to the Master’s degree take the dissertation stage. This final project is intended to give students an opportunity to focus on an aspect of the taught subject matter and investigate it in more detail. This will help them consolidate their capacity for independent study, and to learn some of the techniques needed to conduct research and develop knowledge in the subject area of the programme of study.