BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing
Network Engineering
Summary
The HND in Computing (Network Engineering) is a work-related qualification for those taking their first steps into employment, or for those already in employment and seeking career development opportunities. The School of Computing has established close links with both local business and the local community. Wherever practicable, assessment on the program reinforces these links.
The course provides a blend of a year-long units. The units are sequenced to provide you with a coherent learning experience. The HND program has a total value of 240 credits and is equivalent to approximately 2,400 hours total learning time. Throughout the program emphasis will be placed upon reflection, analysis, environmental impact, critical thinking and personal development.
Assessment
The teaching strategy is designed to supplement your existing knowledge and to encourage your acquisition of new subject knowledge while supporting you in the move towards a greater degree of independence and self-direction.
Assessments may include elements of: practical assessments; portfolios of evidence; ‘in-class’ tests; lab work; case studies; examinations, both open and closed book; reflective activities where you look back over your experiences, analyse them with the assistance of relevant theory and reflective tools, and learn from the experience; online discussions that you have had with your peers, tutors and invited contributors to the program; oral and written reports; journals, blogs and log books; plans (e.g. action plans, plans for your group activities); presentations; time-constrained tasks.
Qualification Requirements
Minimum of three IGCSE at Grade D/4-5 or above and including Mathematics and English. English Proficiency Test. If you do not meet the criteria for Mathematics and English you will be invited for an interview where you will be required to sit a numeracy and literacy skills assessment.
Fees
Tuition Fees AED 42,000
Registration Fee AED 2,000
UNIT CONTENT
UNIT 1: Programming
Learning Outcome 1
Define basic algorithms to carry out an operation and outline the process of
programming an application.
Learning Outcome 2
Explain the characteristics of procedural, object-orientated and event-driven
programming, conduct an analysis of a suitable Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
Learning Outcome 3
Implement basic algorithms in code using an IDE.
Learning Outcome 4
Determine the debugging process and explain the importance of a coding
standard.
UNIT 2: Networking
Learning Outcome 1
Examine networking principles and their protocols.
Learning Outcome 2
Explain networking devices and operations.
Learning Outcome 3
Design efficient networked systems.
Learning Outcome 4
Implement and diagnose networked systems.
UNIT 3: Professional Practice
Learning Outcome 1
Demonstrate a range of interpersonal and transferable communication skills
to a target audience.
Learning Outcome 2
Apply critical reasoning and thinking to a range of problem-solving
scenarios.
Learning Outcome 3
Discuss the importance and dynamics of working within a team and the
impact of team working in different environments.
Learning Outcome 4
Examine the need for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and its
role within the workplace and for higher level learning.
UNIT 4: Database Design and Development
Learning Outcome 1
Use an appropriate design tool to design a relational database system for a
substantial problem.
Learning Outcome 2
Develop a fully functional relational database system, based on an existing
system design.
Learning Outcome 3
Test the system against user and system requirements.
Learning Outcome 4
Produce technical and user documentation.
UNIT 5: Security
Learning Outcome 1
Assess risks to IT security.
Learning Outcome 2
Describe IT security solutions.
Learning Outcome 3
Review mechanisms to control organisational IT security.
Learning Outcome 4
Manage organisational security.
UNIT 6: Managing a Successful Computing Project
Learning Outcome 1
Establish project aims, objectives and time frames based on the chosen
theme.
Learning Outcome 2
Conduct small-scale research, information gathering and data collection to
generate knowledge to support the project.
Learning Outcome 3
Present the project and communicate appropriate recommendations based
on meaningful conclusions drawn from the evidence findings and/or analysis.
Learning Outcome 4
Reflect on the value gained from conducting the project and its usefulness to
support sustainable organisational performance.
UNIT 8: Computer Systems Architecture
Learning Outcome 1
Explain the relationships between hardware components and the subsystems
used in a computer system.
Learning Outcome 2
Categorize the key features and services provided by different computer
operating systems and hardware.
Learning Outcome 3
Use network communication technology and the associated services to
connect computer systems.
Learning Outcome 4
Demonstrate diagnostic and troubleshooting skills to solve hardware,
software and networking related issues.
UNIT 11: Maths for Computing
Learning Outcome 1
Use applied number theory in practical computing scenarios.
Learning Outcome 2
Analyse events using probability theory and probability distributions.
Learning Outcome 3
Determine solutions of graphical examples using geometry and vector
methods.
Learning Outcome 4
Evaluate problems concerning differential and integral calculus.
UNIT 13: Computing Research Project
Learning Outcome 1
Examine appropriate research methodologies and approaches as part of the
research process.
Learning Outcome 2
Conduct and analyse research relevant to a computing research project.
Learning Outcome 3
Communicate the outcomes of a research project to identified stakeholders.
Learning Outcome 4
Reflect on the application of research methodologies and concepts.
UNIT 14: Business Intelligence
Learning Outcome 1
Discuss business processes and the mechanisms used to support business
decision-making.
Learning Outcome 2
Compare the tools and technologies associated with business intelligence
functionality.
Learning Outcome 3
Demonstrate the use of business intelligence tools and technologies.
Learning Outcome 4
Discuss the impact of business intelligence tools and technologies for
effective decision-making purposes and the legal/regulatory context in which they are used.
UNIT 15: Computing Transport Network Design
Learning Outcome 1
Explore LAN design principles and their application in the network design
process.
Learning Outcome 2
Implement a network using LAN design principles based on a predefined set
of requirements..
Learning Outcome 3
Produce an appropriate WAN solution to a set of organisational
requirements.
Learning Outcome 4
Solve a range of network related problems using appropriate troubleshooting
techniques and methods.
UNIT 16: Cloud Computing
Learning Outcome 1
Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of Cloud Computing and
its architectures.
Learning Outcome 2
Evaluate the deployment models, service models and technological drivers of
Cloud Computing and validate their use.
Learning Outcome 3
Develop Cloud Computing solutions using service provider’s frameworks and
open source tools.
Learning Outcome 4
Analyse the technical challenges for cloud applications and assess their risks.
UNIT 17: Network Security
Learning Outcome 1
Examine Network Security principles, protocols and standards
Learning Outcome 2
Design a secure network for a corporate environment
Learning Outcome 3
Configure Network Security measures for the corporate environment
Learning Outcome 4
Undertake the testing of a network using a Test Plan.
UNIT 23: Cryptography
Learning Outcome 1
Examine the symmetric encryption algorithms and ciphers.
Learning Outcome 2
Assess public key encryption protocols and signatures and their uses in the message and key exchanges.
Learning Outcome 3
Analyse the security issues related to symmetric and asymmetric encryption methods.
Learning Outcome 4
Evaluate advanced encryption protocols and their applications in secure
message exchanges.
UNIT 24: Forensics
Learning Outcome 1
Examine the processes and procedures for carrying out digital Forensic
Investigation.
Learning Outcome 2
Discuss the legal and professional guidelines and procedures for carrying out
digital Forensic Investigation.
Learning Outcome 3
Use a tool or tools to conduct digital Forensic Investigation on devices or
networks or cyber attacks.
Learning Outcome 4
Develop a Test Plan and make some recommendations for use in digital
Forensic Investigation.