BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing
Software 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 9: Software Development Lifecycles
Learning Outcome 1
Describe different software development lifecycles.
Learning Outcome 2
Explain the importance of a feasibility study.
Learning Outcome 3
Undertake a software development lifecycle.
Learning Outcome 4
Discuss the suitability of software behavioral design techniques.
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 18: Discrete Maths
Learning Outcome 1
Examine set theory and functions applicable to software engineering.
Learning Outcome 2
Analyse mathematical structures of objects using graph theory.
Learning Outcome 3
Investigate solutions to problem situations using the application of Boolean algebra.
Learning Outcome 4
Explore applicable concepts within abstract algebra.
UNIT 19: Data Structures & Algorithms
Learning Outcome 1
Examine abstract data types, concrete data structures and algorithms.
Learning Outcome 2
Specify abstract data types and algorithms in a formal notation.
Learning Outcome 3
Implement complex data structures and algorithms.
Learning Outcome 4
Assess the effectiveness of data structures and algorithms.
UNIT 20: Advanced Programming
Learning Outcome 1
Examine the key components related to the object-orientated programming
paradigm, analyzing design pattern types.
Learning Outcome 2
Design a series of UML class diagrams.
Learning Outcome 3
Implement code applying design patterns.
Learning Outcome 4
Investigate scenarios with respect to design patterns.
UNIT 35: Network Management
Learning Outcome 1
Explore the concepts and principles of Network Management.
Learning Outcome 2
Plan, Design, Setup and Configure a network.
Learning Outcome 3
Justify the Protocols and Standards concerned with Networking and Network
Management.
Learning Outcome 4
Use tools and methods to manage a network, including Network Security
and Risk Management.
UNIT 49: Operating Systems
Learning Outcome 1
Investigate different Operating Systems, their functions and user interfaces.
Learning Outcome 2
Explore the processes managed by an Operating System.
Learning Outcome 3
Demonstrate the use of DOS, Windows, UNIX and Linux.
Learning Outcome 4
Analyse appropriate techniques and technologies used in distributed and
concurrent systems.