Module Special Admissions Requirements
None.
Module Resources
Software for referencing (eg Zotero, Refworks), mind mapping
MS Project
SPSS
Excel
Module Learning Strategies
Material will be presented weekly using Blackboard. Formative and summative assessment will be presented and uploaded to Blackboard for grading and feedback.
The mathematical revision material will be supported by the VLE and students will work through the module material at a pace suggested within the VLE for the module.
Module Indicative Content
This module explicitly focuses on significant elements required for the achievement of the STAFFORDSHIRE GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES.
A revision of the fundamental concepts of mathematics applicable to computing. This will include an introduction to a statistical package, SPSS. Statistics topics covered will include graphical representation of data, averages and measures of dispersion, simple probability and the Normal distribution. The mathematical content will include applied algebra, numeracy and number systems.
An introduction to spreadsheets including formatting, absolute and relative addresses, built-in spreadsheet functions and graphs.
Appropriate integration of the Mathematical content with Excel will also be covered.
All of the above will be illustrated throughout with relevant examples of application to computing.
An example of topics which may be covered are as follows: business communication, negotiation, careers and c.v. production, Professional Bodies, ethics (including the impact of green computing on sustainability) and computing legislation, choosing an appropriate academic project, research techniques including library skills, hypothesis formation and statistical methods, software development and project management methods for computing projects, project scheduling, risk management and quality planning, report writing and presentation techniques.
Module Additional Assessment Details
Assessment is to include both a formative and summative component
Formative: series of 3/4 tests that assess understanding from the 'taught' maths part of the course.
The summative reflective portfolio will only be considered for marking if the formative portfolio of tests have been completed to a satisfactory level.
Summative:
A reflective portfolio of 2000 words - 50%. Learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3. Covering aspects of mathematics and professionalism.
A project proposal of 4,000 words (including a presentation - recorded using software such as Screencast-o-matic - ' 6 minutes) ' 50% Learning outcomes 4 and 5 (final)
Module Texts
Success in your Project: A Guide to Student System Development Projects.Philip Weaver (2004) Prentice Hall, ISBN 9780273 678090
Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Computing Penny Duquenoy, Simon Jones, Barry G. Blundell. (2008). Cengage Learning ISBN 9781 844 807499.
Information Systems Development: Methodologies, Techniques and Tools (4th Edition), Avison and Fitzgerald, 2006, McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 9780077114176
Foundation Mathematics, K. A. Stroud & D. J. Book, Palgrave Macmillan, 2009, ISBN-10: 0230579078, ISBN-13: 978-0230579071
Mathematics in Computing: An Accessible Guide to Historical, Foundational and Application Contexts, O'Regan, 2012, Springer, ISBN-13: 978-1447145332.
Modelling Computing Systems: Mathematics for Computer Science (Undergraduate Topics in Computer Science), Moller, F. and Georg Struth, 2013, Springer, ISBN-13: 978-1848003217