Aims and Fit of Module

This elective module allows students to become familiar with the foundational principles of computing and engineering. Students will get insight into the problem-solving mindset adopted by computer scientists and engineers to solve practical problems. It also serves to develop the English language, communication and study skills of students within the context of the relevant subject areas.

Learning outcomes

A. Demonstrate knowledge of the key foundational principles of computer programming and engineering.
B. Demonstrate an understanding of the process of problem-solving as it is applied to computer science and engineering problems.
C. Apply the independent study skills required for continued development as a computer scientist or engineer.

Method of teaching and learning

Students will be expected to attend a weekly1-hour lecture and four 2-hour labs/tutorial sessions over the 6-week module duration. In the lectures, students will be introduced to academic and theoretical content as well as practical skills, which constitutes the subject of the module. In the tutorial/lab sessions, students are expected put into practice content and skills discussed in the lectures. This module will also help lay the English foundations that are necessary to work in an international environment in a technical field such as computing or engineering. In addition, students will be expected to devote approximately 61 hours of unsupervised time to work in the computer or engineering labs and to do private study. Time in labs will be devoted to work on learning activities and tasks related to the module, while private study will give time for students to reflect on the content of the lectures and conduct further background reading. There will be one final examination for the module which will be used to assess to what extent the theoretical content and practical skills have been learned.