Note: The list of available modules is subject to change. Module choices may be constrained by timetabling conflicts.
 AI Techniques for Games Programming What will I cover in this module?
This module examines the theory and application of contemporary approaches to game AI development. Although some of the material is drawn from academic AI research, our focus will be on applications to large-scale commercial games development. This aims of game AI are very different to those in AI research - here we are not primarily concerned with realism, but with entertainment. Also we will be less interested in experimental systems that are hard to control and understand, and more interested in reliable techniques which we can leverage. The module is assessed through a combination of practical coursework and written exam.
On completion of this module, you should be able to:
1. Implement and combine a range of contemporary game AI techniques
2. Propose and evaluate potential AI solutions to typical game scenarios
You'll cover:
• Distinctions between academic AI and game AI
• Finite state machines and decision trees
• Architectural approaches to layered, modular AI systems
• Motion control, steering and animation systems
• Graph search algorithms and their use in path-finding
• Influence mapping and other forms of terrain analysis
• Performance issues in real-time game AI
• World interfacing and sensory modelling
• Goal-oriented action planning through search
• Group coordination, command hierarchies
• Machine learning applications, adaptive game AI
How much work will I need to do each week?
Classroom seminars will be supported by weekly reading lists on specific themes with a combination of lecture material and in-class discussion. This theoretical material will form the background to practical implementation supported by lab-based tutorials. Directed study will be supported by the use of an online virtual learning environment.
Seminars 12 hours
Tutorials &nb
sp; 12 hours
Clinic
12 hours
Directed Study 114 hours
Total &
nbsp; &
nbsp; 150 hours
How will I be assessed?
60% Coursework, 40% Exam How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Advanced 3D Graphics Techniques What will I cover in this module?
This module provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in the current developments in advanced real time 3D computer graphics techniques for producing modern computer games. Particular emphasis is placed on the study of algorithms of advanced real time lighting, shading, and texturing, accelerated rendering of complex 3D scenes, animation, and the rendering pipeline. The module considers both theoretical study of advanced graphics algorithms and practical 3D graphics software development skills.
On completion of this module, you should be able to:
1. Critically discuss and evaluate various algorithms of advanced real time 3D graphics rendering techniques
2. Implement a real time 3D environment demonstrating the advanced 3D graphics techniques reflected in the indicative content
You'll cover:
• Advanced lighting and shading techniques
• Advanced texturing methods
• Animation
• Rendering of complex 3D scenes
• Rendering pipeline optimization
• Effects systems e.g. Particles
• Terrain Generation Techniques
• Current development techniques
How much work will I need to do each week?
This module will be taught using the following teaching and learning methods
Lectures:
12 hours
Tutorials:
12 hours
Clinics: &nbs
p; &nbs
p; &nbs
p; 12 hours
Self-directed Learning: 114 hours
Total:
150 hours
How will I be assessed?
60% Coursework, 40% Exam How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Advanced Computer Forensic Investigation What will I cover in this module?
This is a highly practical module which explores the practical issues relating to a Computer investigation. You will be presented with a case which you will have to investigate using a variety of tools. You'll produce a report outlining the procedure and also the findings of the investigation. On completion of this module you will be able to: 1. Demonstrate a critical understanding and awareness of the limitations of computer investigation and be able to apply a range of tools in order to conduct an investigation You'll cover: • Defining the scope of an investigation
• Analysis of hard drive structures
• Understanding the purpose of hard disk imaging and the limits thereof
• Investigation of the Windows registry
• Evidence identification
• "RAM dumping" and analysis of RAM contents
• Application of forensically sound investigation techniques
How much work will I need to do each week?
Seminar/Tutorial/Lab       Â
     36 hours
Directed and private study    114 hours
Total               Â
                 150 hours
How will I be assessed?
100% Coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Advanced Web Development What will I cover in this module?
This module continues the Web development stream from Server-Side Web Development, and further explores the historical, current, and emerging issues, technologies, practices, and infrastructure involved in creating large-scale, multi-function Web sites - especially those intended to support a wide variety of functionality, such as a combination of e-Commerce, communication, social networking, content management, etc. A particular focus is on using critical thinking to evaluate Web development issues and applying rational methods to selecting Web technologies when presented with a variety of choices. Assessment is via coursework. On completion of this module, you should be able to: 1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical familiarity with available Web-based application implementation options, and demonstrate the ability to make objective, rational decisions about Web-based application development issues.
2. Be able to identify and justify the design decisions involved in implementing full-featured, multi-function Web sites, employing typical features such as electronic catalogues, forums, social networking, content management, search facilities, shopping carts, payment facilities, and user authentication and preference mechanisms. You'll cover: • Internet protocols and standards.
• A review of current development platforms and technologies in the context of developing complex Web applications.
• Site implementation strategies: integrating pre-packaged open source or commercial solutions and software development using programming and scripting languages.
• Operating systems, server, data management, and software configurations.
• Security and privacy issues.
• Marketing, search engine optimisation, and customer retention strategies
• Ethical issues
• Specific areas of functionality, e.g., electronic shopping carts, payment systems, forums, social networking systems, content management, etc.
• Emerging technologies, "hot" topics, and new developments.
How much work will I need to do each week?
Lectures: 12 hours
Tutorials: 12 hours
Directed/Private study: 126 hours
Total: 150 hours
Drop-in clinics are intended to provide you with an opportunity to discuss issues with the instructor, and for those weak in the technical aspects of the subject to obtain assistance.
How will I be assessed?
100% Coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Distributed Applications What will I cover in this module?
This module examines the various mechanisms for developing applications dependent on an architecture consisting of two or more (and often many) computing machines connected via a network. Assessment is via coursework. At the end of this module, you should be able to: 1. Know the principle concepts of distributed systems, the protocols and technologies involved, and be able to critically evaluate the suitability of different platforms and techniques that can be applied when developing distributed applications.
2. Be able to develop appropriate applications to demonstrate the techniques of distributed applications and critically evaluate their effectiveness. You'll cover: • Network programming
• Remote invocation
• Distributed object systems
• Parallel Computing
• Web Services
• Service Oriented Architecture
• Cloud Computing
• Grid Computing
• Future developments and current research
How much work will I need to do each week?
Lectures: 12 hours
Drop-in Clinics: 12 hours
Directed/Private study: 126 hours
Total:150 hours
Drop-in clinics are intended to provide you with an opportunity to discuss issues with the instructor, and for those weak in the technical aspects of the subject to obtain assistance.
How will I be assessed?
100% Coursework Reading list
• Reese, George 2009, Cloud Application Architectures: Building Applications and Infrastructure in the Cloud: Transactional Systems for EC2 and Beyond, 2009, O'Reilly Media
• Kshemkalyani, Ajay D. & Singhal, Mukesh 2008, Distributed Computing: Principles, Algorithms, and Systems, Cambridge University Press
How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Enterprise Strategy What will I cover in this module?
Module description Organisations, large and small, private, public and non-profit making, require creativity and innovation to survive and grow. The module explores the need to encourage and embed an 'enterprise culture' within an overall strategic framework. It critically evaluates through practical examples, drawn from research, failure as well as success to encourage a willingness to learn and develop from experience. It considers organisational structures which encourage empowerment, risk taking, and creativity and explores how other 'enterprise attributes' can be encouraged, grown and developed within an organisational framework to better serve strategic objectives. Learning outcomes
On completion of this module you will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate and reflect on the key factors required to embed enterprise strategies within organisations of varying sizes and context.
2. Understand and function enterprise plays within an organisation and how it stimulates entrepreneurial learning and development. Areas of study • Strategy and risk; risk taking behaviour; creative problem solving; tolerance of uncertainty; non-linear innovation; failure as a stimulus to enterprise; personal entrepreneurship and its synergy to corporate objectives.
• Structures to support enterprise; organisational, cultural, network structures; continuous learning and improvement; enterprise as a core competence; reward structures; enterprise as a strategic imperative. How will I be assessed?
100% coursework Interview an entrepreneur and write a case study. Assessing the role of the entrepreneur within the organisation. You are required to show you can identify and understand enterprising skills. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Enterprise Systems Integration What will I cover in this module?
In large scale organisations, the day-to-day running of the enterprise is handled via Enterprise Resource Planning systems or custom legacy systems. In many cases, new Internet-based applications are required to interface to the existing systems.
On completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Understand the principle concepts of interfacing to ERP systems and existing legacy systems, the protocols and techniques involved and be able to critically evaluate the techniques that can be applied when new applications need to access data stored in ERP or legacy systems.
2. develop appropriate applications to demonstrate the techniques of accessing ERP and Legacy systems.
You'll cover:
• Overview of the major ERP systems
• Languages and architectures used in Legacy systems and how they differ from modern languages
• Main techniques used for accessing mainframe applications from PC and Internet applications
• Security and reliability concerns
How much work will I need to do each week?
This module will be presented using lectures and practical work.
Lectures: &nb
sp; &nb
sp; &nb
sp; 12 hour
Practicals: &
nbsp; &
nbsp; &
nbsp; 12 hours
Directed/Private Study: 126 hours
Total:
150 hours
How will I be assessed?
100% Coursework Reading list
How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| IT Governance and Law What will I cover in this module?
A key concept of corporate development during the late 20th century and early 21st century has been that of Good Governance. This has been reinforced by the occurrence of major events such as the Enron and Global Crossing financial scandals and the Credit Crunch of 2008
This module will start from the 1999 Turnbull report, as an introduction which leads to an analysis of the impact of BS7799 on the design, development, deployment and operation of Information Systems. During this journey, relevant areas of UK Law will be introduced in the context of the BS7799 framework.
At all times, the key focus will be on the impact on design, development, deployment and management of Information Systems. On completion of this module, you should be able to: 1. Critically evaluate issues of good governance in the context of the deployment and operation of Information Systems
2. Critically evaluate and apply, in appropriate contexts, the relevant legal issues that impact on the design, provision and operation of Information Systems You'll cover: • A consideration of the impact of the 1999 Turnbull Report on Corporate Governance in respect of the provision and support of Information Systems
• BS 7799 / ISO 17799 which provide a framework for all aspects of the provision and management of Information Systems, whether implemented with IT or not
• Impact and implications of the relevant UK Law on the application and operation of Information Technology based systems, covering:-
• Data Protection Act 1998
• Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
• Relevant Intellectual Property Law and its recent developments
• Electronic Data Interchange and issues of valid contracts over the internet
• Rights of Privacy
How much work will I need to do each week?
Seminar: 36 hours
Directed Learning: 114 hours
Total: 150 hours How will I be assessed?
100% Coursework Reading list
• Calder, A. and Watkins, S., IT Governance: A Manager's Guide to Data Security and ISO 27001 / ISO 27002 Kogan Page 4th Edition
• Lloyd, I. J., Information Technology Law 5th Ed, OUP, 2008
• BS ISO/IEC 27002:2005 BS 7799-1:2005, Information technology - Security techniques - Code of Practice for information security management, British Standards Online (available free online via UDo Athens DA)
• BS ISO/IEC 27001:2005 BS7799-2:2005, Information technology Security techniques Information security management systems Requirements, British Standards Online (available free online via UDo Athens DA)
• BS 7799-3:2006, Information security management systems- part 3: Guidelines for information security risk management, British Standards Online (available free online via UDo Athens DA)
• BS ISO/IEC TR 13335 series of reports available from British Standards Online (available free online via UDo Athens DA)
• The Turnbull Report, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, 1999 (available free online) and the Combined Code (available free on line)
• Aligning COBIT, ITIL and ISO 17799 for Business Benefit
• COBIT® 3rd / 4th Edition, Control Objectives
• Akdenis, Y., The Internet, Law and Society, Longman, 2001
• Bainbridge, D., Introduction to Computer Law,5th Edition, Pearson, 2004
• Reed, C., Internet Law, 2nd Edition, CUP, 2004
• Reed, C., Internet Law; Text and Materials, CUP, 2004
• IT Law Today, Lexis-Nexis Professional journal accessible via Athens
How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Languages, Platforms and Tools What will I cover in this module?
This module is intended to "cap off" the final year of a Computing programme by maturely reflecting on and further exploring the technologies, skills and theoretical concepts encountered in other Computing modules - particularly those that underpin virtually all programming languages, platforms, and software development tools - whilst looking at current "hot topics" in the field.
This is accomplished through a series of seminars, which alternate between structured student-led debates on contentious issues and lecturer-led sessions on key technical topics.
Throughout the module, you will be encouraged to develop a broad, unbiased, and exploratory view of the entire field of computing, in which it is possible to acquire a clear understanding of the breadth of technical and methodological options available and make rational and scientifically-based decisions - and construct sound implementations consisting of both new and established technologies - when faced with a myriad of technological choices.
On completion of the module, you should be able to:
1. Effectively compare and contrast various technical options; and make rational scientifically-based decisions when faced with a multitude of systems development options.
2. Design, develop and deploy usable systems consisting of multiple interacting technologies.
You'll cover:
Topics underpinning programming languages, platforms, and development tools, such as the following (to be covered via lecture/seminar sessions):
• Grammars, parsing and parser generators
• Language interpretation
• Code generators
• Programming paradigms
• Virtual machines
Contentious issues (the following are examples, indicative of the content to be covered in the structured debate seminar sessions):
• Compilers vs. Interpreters
• Scripting languages vs. programming languages
• Choice of programming paradigms
• Competing user-interface technologies
• 4th and 5th generation languages vs. 3rd generation languages
• Competing operating systems and platforms
• Competing messaging systems, object brokers and middleware
• Competing data management, storage, representation and exchange mechanisms
How much work will I need to do each week?
This module is delivered through seminars.
Seminars: &nb
sp; &nb
sp; &nb
sp; 24 hours
Student managed learning: 126 hours
Total:
150 hours
Approximately half the seminars are focused on exploring a particular topic. The other half involve structured debates on a particular contentions topic or choice between technical alternatives.
How will I be assessed?
100% Coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Network Management What will I cover in this module?
This module aims to provide you with an in-depth awareness of the issues involved in the management of large scale computer networks, together with the necessary techniques to manage a network.
Upon successful completion of the module you should be able to:
1. Justify the need for network management; consider the main network management functions and be able to discuss the benefits and limitations of each.
2. Demonstrate an awareness of the current state of research and development in the field of Network management.
You'll cover:
• Network Management overview; Justification; Methods; Facilities Management.
• Configuration Management.
• Event Management
• Performance Management.
• Network Management tools & Troubleshooting.
• Account Management.
• Capacity Planning; Networks for Competitive advantage.
• Design and Implement an Active Directory Wide area network infrastructure
• Monitoring & Optimisation.
• Backup & Disaster Recovery.
• Applications: Telnet, FTP; E-mail: Structure and formats.
How much work will I need to do each week?
The module will be presented through lectures, tutorials and directed study of reference material, with an emphasis on the practical application of the subject matter. Tutorials will be used to underpin the lectures and provide example applications.
Lectures: 12 hours
Tutorials: 12 hours
Self Study: 126 hours
Total:
150 hours
How will I be assessed?
60% Coursework, 40% Exam Reading list
Leinwand A and Fang K (1995) Network Management: A Practical Perspective. 2nd Ed, Addison Wesley
Stallings W (2002) Network Security Essentials, 2nd Ed, Pearson
Subramanian M (2000) Network Management: Principles and Practice, Addison-Wesley
How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Network Security What will I cover in this module?
This module discusses advanced theory and practice relating to network security. The module focuses on security in LAN and WAN environments with particular emphasis on security of Intra/Internets.
On completion of this module you will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate the benefits and limitations of security models and be able to apply them in the context of passive and active security attacks with methods of prevention
2. Analyse requirements for the design of a security system for a given scenario and evaluate it under various constraints
You'll cover:
• Advanced Authentication techniques (e.g. RADIUS, TACACS, TACACS+, Kerberos)
• Remote access and security (e.g. IPSEC, PPTP, L2TP, SSH, SSL)
• Concepts in IDS (e.g. Kieros attack, buffer overflows, anomaly based detection systems, host vs network based IDS)
• Encryption. Symmetric and Asymmetric algorithms, the Public key Infrastructure, using encryption to prove authenticity, non-repudiation
• Certificates & Digital Signatures. Certificate authorities, creation and revocation. Use of digital signatures
How much work will I need to do each week?
This module will be presented using lecture and tutorial work. Lectures providing the underpinning theory and tutorials enabling paper based application of techniques and discussion of relevant issues in networking and practical sessions that will enable you to implement, techniques and applications within Information Security.
Lecture: &nbs
p; &nbs
p; 12 hours
Tutorial: &nb
sp; &nb
sp; 24 hours
Directed Study: 114 hours
Total:
150 hours
How will I be assessed?
100% Coursework Reading list
Pfleeger C and (2007) Security in Computing (4e), Prentice Hall
Panko R (2003) Corporate Computer and Network Security, Prentice Hall
Gollmann D (2005) Computer Security, Wiley
Stallings W (2002) Network Security Essentials, Pearson
Anderson R, (2001) Security Engineering, John Wiley
How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Project Management and Implementation What will I cover in this module?
The module integrates the theory and practice of managing the development of information systems projects using appropriate project management processes, methodologies. It also aims to provide a broad understanding of current developments and trends in the field of information systems development. On completion of this module, you should be able to: 1. Critically evaluate the different stages and aspects of project management and how the relevant processes and methodologies are applied to information systems development projects.
2. Carry out the cost and the time estimation planning and risk assessment in managing information systems development projects. You'll cover: • Overview of stages of project management
• Project type, definition and categorization
• Project Initiation, project planning and control
• Leadership and motivation
• Cost and time estimation
• Risk assessment, analysis and management
• Quality assessment, management and control
• Methodologies, methods and tools
• Project and development metrics
How much work will I need to do each week?
Lectures: 12 hours
Tutorials/Practicals: 6 hours
Clinics: 6 hours
Directed Learning: 126 hours
Total: 150 hours
Case studies will be used to illustrate the theoretical concepts and understand the inherent difficulties of managing complex information system projects. A project planning tool will also be used to provide some practical experience. How will I be assessed?
100% Coursework Reading list
• Marchewka J. T., I.T. Project Management, John Wiley, 2009, ISBN 0471229652
• Mantel S. J. and Meredith J. R., Project Management in Practice, John Wiley, 2005, ISBN 0471229652  How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Small Business Start Up What will I cover in this module?
The module explores the application of enterprise in the private, public and non-profit making organisations with specific focus on the small to medium enterprise.
The main focus of this module is to enable you to plan and research a new business start-up idea. Firstly you should explore and justify the need or desire for a product or service through market analysis. Secondly you should demonstrate that the business could be a viable proposition through the development of a sound business plan. The work which will focus on the IT sector is clearly aimed at promoting the entrepreneurial ethos.
On successful completion of this module you'll be able to:
- Prepare a Business plan to a standard that could be used to present the product or service to potential investors
- Support the Business plan with a range of critical analyses demonstrating its viability.
The module will focus on the development of the business plan, of which you will be asked to consider all the elements contained therein, such as:
- Marketing analysis understanding the likely demand for their product/service
- carrying out an environmental analysis of competition
- Methods of raising finance
- Preparing accounts including cash flow forecasts, profit and loss etc.
- Stakeholder analysis
- Small business management.
How much work will I need to do each week?
The module will consist of a series of lead lectures each week linked to the key areas of business planning. This will be supported by tutorials where the students will work on the proposals and refine their contents. Guest lectures will be incorporated concentrating on key aspects of business planning and entrepreneurship. How will I be assessed?
100% Coursework How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Strategic Information Systems Management What will I cover in this module?
Module description This module recognises that information systems play an integral part in the successful operation of a modern business enterprise. The module is intended to introduce undergraduates in business subjects to the main issues relating to the management of business information systems, with a particular emphasis on the relationship between business strategy and information systems strategy. The module prepares you who have an interest in information systems management to confront many of the issues that face businesses as they seek to obtain better value from your IS/IT investments. The module also helps you to recognise the nature of the strategic fit between information systems and information technology and the business strategy which you are designed to be an integral part of. This module seeks to develop a wider appreciation of a variety of issues relating to the management of information systems in business. It builds on the foundations laid in the relevant level 4 and level 5 modules. Learning outcomes On completion of this module, you should be able to: 1. Identify appropriate and then critically evaluate contemporary information systems topics and to summarise the relevant arguments relating to them
2. Participate and debate actively in relation to current topical areas Areas of study As students will be aware, the information systems market is diverse and new developments are continually emerging. At the same time, everyone's general knowledge of strategy and information is increasing. It is therefore a significant challenge for staff to keep the course content up-to-date and for students to keep up-to-date on subjects they have previously studied. Key module content includes: • Information systems value
• Business strategy foundations
• Developing information systems strategies
• Strategic alignment
• Organisational Impacts of IS/IT
• Managing the IS/IT portfolio
• Outsourcing
• Managing Knowledge How will I be assessed?
100% coursework Coursework 1 - 50% - This assessment requires you to prepare and give a presentation as part of a debate on a topical information systems management issue. Coursework 2 - 50% - You will take on of the debate topics and produce a critical evaluation of the arguments presented together with your own analysis of the question under consideration Reading list
Core text Pearlson, K. Saunders, C. (2004) Managing and Using Information systems - a strategic approach. Wiley. How many credits is it worth?
15 |
| Videogame Middleware Technology What will I cover in this module?
The module will aim to provide you with the key skills and knowledge required in the use of videogame middleware. The module will examine the role of videogame middleware within the games industry from both a technical and business viewpoint. You will learn how middleware is changing game development processes by allowing a level of abstraction from old development processes and its role in multiplatform development. You will also examine the relationship between middleware and engine creation. You will be given the opportunity to develop using leading middleware APIs.
On completion of this module, you should be able to:
1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the principal techniques in the application of videogame middleware and critically evaluate the current and future relevance of middleware technology within the videogame industry.
2. Develop appropriate applications that demonstrate principal features of middleware.
You'll cover:
• Middleware functionality
• Application development using middleware
• Cross platform development
• Middleware technologies and future developments
• Development performance
• Rapid game development
How much work will I need to do each week?
Lectures 12 hours
Tutorials &nb
sp; &nb
sp; 12 hours
Clinic
12 hours
Directed Learning: 114 hours
Total:
150 hours
How will I be assessed?
60% Coursework, 40% Exam Reading list
• Code Complete: A Practical Handbook of Software Construction, Steve McConnell, Microsoft Press, 2004. 0735619670.
• Effective C++: 50 Specific Ways to Improve Your Programs and Designs, Scott Meyers, Addison Wesley, 1997. 0201924889More Effective C++: More Effective C++:
• 35 New Ways to Improve Your Programs and Designs, Scott Meyers, Addison Wesley, 1997. 020163371X
• C++ FAQs (Second Edition), Marshall P. Cline, Greg Lomow, and Mike Girou, Addison Wesley, 1999, 0201309831
• Exceptional C++, Herb Sutter, Addison Wesley, 1999, 0201615622
How many credits is it worth?
15 |
