Computing and Information Technology Foundation Year

The aim of this module is to equip you with some of the skills that are necessary for securing success whilst studying at university. The module comprises three main skill areas:

Personal Skills – this area will support the identification of your skills and abilities through targeted activities that highlight both your strengths and weaknesses, looking at ways to maximise your presence within both a university context and the wider workplace. This identified skill-set will be mapped against a matrix that illustrates an idealistic set of skills for future succes and personal development planning (PDP).

Academic Skills – this area will include guidance and tutorials on academic writing, critical analysis, introductory referencing and research support.

IT Business Skills – this area will explore the subject area of Information Technology within a business context, identifying what it means in relation to the needs and requirements of an organisation.

You will be expected to reflect on the approach that has been taken and evidence your understanding through presentations and portfolio building.

The aim of the module is to provide you with knowledge and understanding of the business structure, relating this to the business environment and how it can be controlled by the use of information and digital technologies. You will be expected to research and discuss a given topic on Information Technology.
You will be presented with the opportunity to develop practical skills using the tools and techniques required for business and emphasising how businesses can utilise ICT to meet their business needs.
This will be underpinned by acquiring academic and intellectual skills and competencies, through research and development in related business and information system management areas.

This module is concerned primarily with knowledge and understanding of the business structure and how it is influenced by the use of information and digital technologies; thus it will involve practical sessions along with theoretical debate. In particular, you will cover topics such as:

• Business Modelling
• Problem solving using digital technology software
• An introduction into Information Security
• Utilisation of IT within Business
• Comparing software and hardware
• Research and report writing

The aim of the module is to
• Develop an understanding of information systems as a multidisciplinary area
• Show how business information systems support different areas of an organisation
• Use methods for analysing, specifying and designing information systems
• Explore how emerging technologies can be used in information systems
• Develop critical and abstract thinking

In this module you will learn about the methods for analysing, specifying and designing information systems within a framework which takes a holistic approach to the introduction of change and in which user requirements are considered fundamental. Information systems are an integral part of any modern organisation and are increasingly used to support every aspect of an organisation's functions and activities. Whilst innovative use of technologies can provide significant benefits, information systems deliver value where they are deployed to meet the goals of an organisation.

You will cover topics such as:
• To explore the system’s components, explain elements in the study of Information Systems
• Business information systems and the core concepts: data and information
• Requirement analysis and presenting data
• Research methods and sources
• Creating instructions
• Growth of the internet, and cloud
• Social media – strengths and weaknesses
• Introduction to web design, HCI for web, testing and evaluation
• Online trading/e-commerce
• Ethical issues in information systems
• Cyber security
• Mobile technologies and apps
• Presenting an idea, peer reviewing, debating skills

On this module you will learn that computing and information technology has changed both the world of business and the everyday lives of huge segments of the world's population. You will learn about the rapid evolution of computing technology and how this challenges many aspects of society and offers a potential to change the world. You will also learn how information is created, stored, manipulated, and processed. Using many hands-on practical sessions you will be exposed to some of the latest technologies underlying the Internet of things.The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects—devices, vehicles, buildings and other items—embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity that enables these objects to collect and exchange data. Using some of the latest educational tools you will begin to paddle in the edges of the ocean of computation.

The module is designed (as part of a programme of study) to prepare you to progress to an undergraduate degree. Topics include;
• Computing & Information
• Introduce the study of information, what is it?
• How Moore’s law has underpinned the development of computing technology.
• Give you a basic grasp of terminology, What is hypertext? What is hardware and software? What is a bit?
• What is inside an Operating System?
• You will See inside the machine and how it works.
• What are the current domains of knowledge of computer science
• You will learn about presenting data
• You will learn basic elements of program construction.
• Problem solving
• You will learn about techniques for problem-solving including decomposition, and brain storming.
• You will learn about top down vs. bottom up thinking and how this impacts on a project's business and technical needs.

The aim of the module is to provide you with an opportunity to explore the real world application of information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) within industry and society. You will learn broadly how IT and IS are used in a range of industries but will then focus on a particular industry sector to carry out a more in depth investigation.
You will learn how technology and systems impact on four key areas of the organisation: business administration; communication; marketing and business/consumer engagement. As part of this module you will also learn how to work within teams, and will develop research and presentation skills. The module will complement the other modules where you learn the specifics of the technology and systems and within this module you will be able to understand where this fits into the real world.

The aim of the module is to provide you with a further opportunity to explore the real world application of information technology (IT) and information systems (IS) within industry and society. You will learn broadly how IT and IS are used in a range of industries but and will then focus on a particular industry sector or organisation to carry out a more in depth investigation.
You will learn how technology and systems impact on four key areas of the organisation: business administration; communication; marketing and business/consumer engagement. As part of this module you will also continue to work within teams, and will further develop research and presentation skills. The module will complement the other modules where you learn the specifics of the technology and systems and within this module you will be able to understand where this fits into the real world.

Academic skills when studying away from your home country can differ due to cultural and language differences in teaching and assessment practices. This module is designed to support your transition in the use and practice of technical language and subject specific skills around assessments and teaching provision in your chosen subject. The overall aim of this module is to develop your abilities to read and study effectively for academic purposes; to develop your skills in analysing and using source material in seminars and academic writing and to develop your use and application of language and communications skills to a higher level.

The topics you will cover on the module include:

• Understanding assignment briefs and exam questions.
• Developing academic writing skills, including citation, paraphrasing, and summarising.
• Practising ‘critical reading’ and ‘critical writing’
• Planning and structuring academic assignments (e.g. essays, reports and presentations).
• Avoiding academic misconduct and gaining credit by using academic sources and referencing effectively.
• Listening skills for lectures.
• Speaking in seminar presentations.
• Presenting your ideas
• Giving discipline-related academic presentations, experiencing peer observation, and receiving formative feedback.
• Speed reading techniques.
• Developing self-reflection skills.