The British University in Egypt

Programme Specification

2012/13

Informatics and Computer Science

Version 3.3

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module can be found in Module Specifications. Note: throughout this document The British University in Egypt, BUE and the University are synonymous. The accuracy of the information in this document is reviewed by the University and may be checked by external bodies.

Awarding institution The British University in Egypt Faculty Informatics and Computer Science (ICS) Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body Accredit by the Egyptian Supreme Council of University (SCU); Informatics and Computing Sector, and accreditation will be sought from the BCS (British Computer Society) Name of the final award BSc with Honours Programme title Informatics and Computer Science Offering choice of specialisation in: Computer Science (CS), Software Engineering (SE), Information Systems (IS), or Computer Networks (CN) Date at which the programme specification was revised September 2012

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Contents
The BUE Informatics and Computer Science programme Educational aims of the programme Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes Intended Learning Outcomes An overview of teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated : Learning and Teaching Methods Assessment Knowledge areas Skills and other attributes: a. Knowledge and Understanding b. Subject-specific skills c. Key/transferable skills Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards Criteria for admission to the programme and specialisation Information about assessment regulations What makes the programme distinctive Particular support for learning Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of learning Changes from previous version 3.2 of ICS programme Glossary of terms (as used in this document) 3 3

4 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 11 11 12 13 13 13 13

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The BUE Informatics and Computer Science Programme

The BUE BSc Informatics and Computer Science Programme takes a pragmatic approach to its teaching, which is grounded in delivering an understanding of the underpinning theories and methodologies, as well as encouraging applied practice, so that theoretical foundations and practical experience are fully integrated. The programme structure leads into advanced and emerging areas of Informatics and Computer Science, so as to prepare students for professional practice and continuing professional development in the evolving IT and computing industry. A long-term goal is to provide a programme in Informatics and Computer Science that is recognised for its quality and innovation at national, regional and international levels. The programme provides a flexible educational experience for students interested in Informatics and Computer Sciences, by offering them the opportunity to choose a study pathway which reflects their developing, and possibly changing, interests. In the first and second years of study, the student understands and has skills in the core modules covering the essential knowledge of computing disciplines. Specialised study direction is maximised in the third and fourth year of study, allowing students to choose from specialist topics of Software Engineering, Information Systems, and Computer Networks, as well as the more general topics of Computer Science. Graduates of the Computer Science degree specialisation will gain sound understanding of the process of computer systems, their design, architecture and implementation, covering a broad range of Computer Science issues to facilitate the in-depth study of a number of more advanced topics and their practical applications and implementations. Graduates of the Software Engineering degree specialisation will gain the knowledge and skill to apply a structured approach to the development and deployment of software solutions to problems of realworld scale and complexity. This degree option emphasises code development as an engineering science and facilitates the understanding and skills necessary to participate in systematic analysis and software development. Graduates of the Information Systems degree specialisation will gain the knowledge and skill to analyse, design, develop and maintain Information Systems. This degree option emphasises issues related to the interaction between humans and computers, the management of information, the development of knowledge and information based applications and software quality. Graduates of the Computer Networks degree specialisation will gain sound understanding of the constructs, architecture and design of networks and data communication systems. This degree option emphasises the analysis, design, and management of the software and hardware that control digital networks, as well as the skills necessary to set-up, administer and maintain such networks.

Educational aims of the programme

The programme is designed to expose students to up-to-date techniques and state-of-the-art developments by building upon the foundational underpinnings of Informatics and Computer Science and leading into specialised areas, with the aspiration of enhancing students long-term employment potential in the IT industry and academia. The programme is accredited by the Egyptian Supreme Council of Universities; the Informatics and Computing Sector for all the specialisations on a periodical base. Not only does this programme seek to maintain full validation from Loughborough University (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/)but also to be fully accredited by UK professional bodies especially the BCS. It will provide industry, both within Egypt and internationally, with high quality graduates. These graduates will have a profile that includes a strong academic background in fundamental computer science theory and applications with the analytical, technical and professional skills necessary to operate successfully in industry. We have deliberately made explicit the connection between the learning objectives of this programme and those of the EC-UK , the BCS , IET , ACM and IEEE Computer Society. Informatics and Computer Science 3/14

The curriculum and regulations of this programme are required to satisfy the Egyptian Supreme Council for Higher Educations regulations for Computer Science degrees. In addition, they adhere to the precepts stipulated by the UK Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in its Academic Qualifications Framework for Higher Education (AQF). Unlike UK programmes, the Egyptian Ministry of Education requires that study for a computing degree will occupy a minimum of four years. At BUE this is split into two parts a preparatory year common across all faculty programme specialisations followed by a three year programme leading to the award of a degree. This document describes the content of the four-year programme. Feedback on all aspects of this programme will be obtained via standard procedures from the Universitys framework for quality assurance, as defined in the Academic Quality and Standards Manual.

Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external and internal reference points used to inform programme outcomes:
Loughborough University 2012-2013 Programme and Module specifications from the department of Computer Science many of these documents strongly provided aspects of this programme and associated module specifications, indeed some of the text is duplicated or copied with only minor edits; The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, Subject Benchmark Statement Computing: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/academicinfrastructure/benchmark/honours/computing.pdf The British Computer Society Programme Accreditation Guidelines: http://www.bcs.org/upload/pdf/heaguidelines.pdf Curriculum Guidelines for Undergraduate Degree Programs in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering and Information Systems by ACM and IEEE Computer Society, http://sites.computer.org/ccse/#_Release_of_2008, and 2004 Engineering Council UK, UK-SPEC http://www.engc.org.uk/ukspec/default.aspx especially The accreditation of Higher Education programmes http://www.engc.org.uk/documents/Accreditation_HE_Progs.pdf IET professional registration http://www.iee.org/ProfessionalRegistration/Accreditation/academic.cfm especially the IET Handbook of Learning outcomes for BEng and MEng Degree Programmes under theme H for Computer Science / Software Engineering available at: http://www.iee.org/professionalregistration/formsandguides/IET_Learning_Outcomes.pdf

Intended Learning Outcomes

Note that some of the outcomes listed below have been taken directly from: The IET Handbook of Learning outcomes for BEng and MEng Degree Programmes. If so they are labelled [IET B# - H], where B# represents the specific learning outcome and H is the theme for Computer Science/Software Engineering. The EC-UKs UK-SPEC: The accreditation of Higher Education programmes. These are labelled [EC-UK]. Loughboroughs Computer Science, BSc programme specification, labelled [L]. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, Subject Benchmark Statement Computing, labelled [QAC].

An overview of teaching, learning and assessment strategies to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated: Learning and Teaching Methods:
Throughout the programme students are encouraged to undertake independent reading both to supplement and consolidate what is being taught and to broaden their individual knowledge and understanding of the subject. Cognitive practical and key skills are acquired, developed and reinforced Informatics and Computer Science 4/14

continually throughout the programme. Targeted delivery may come from a variety of sources such as lectures, tutorials, problem-solving classes, laboratory exercises, coursework exercises and self-study and particularly through project work undertaken both in groups and individually. Further support is gained through study skills delivered as a matter of policy within both the English language programme and relevant individual modules offered by other programmes at BUE.

Assessment:
Learning outcomes are tested and assessed throughout the programme using a variety of forms, which are based on the QAA Computing Benchmark and typically include a combination of unseen written examinations, unseen open-book written examinations, unseen multiple-choice examinations, written examinations based on previewed material, open-book written examinations based on laboratory exercises, oral examinations on laboratory exercises, oral examinations on project work, computer aided assessments, unseen coursework tests, open-book coursework tests, coursework assignments, design studies, essays and reports, laboratory logbooks, laboratory formal reports, project reports and/or papers, oral presentations and visual presentations. Coursework forms a particularly important part of the assessment. This method of assessment can be used to (i) strongly motivate independent learning (ii) improve student planning and time management skills and to (iii) develop the comprehension and usage of technical English. Examinations show how well the student can demonstrate their mastery of an area of scholarly knowledge by selecting appropriate material from memory and applying it to unseen questions in a limited time period. Coursework allows the student to demonstrate a wider academic skill of focused scholarly research, drafting, editing and polished writing. Practical skills are tested and assessed throughout the programme using a combination of coursework assignments, design studies, project reports and/or papers, project logbooks and work placement reports.

Knowledge Areas:
The programme provides opportunities for the students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, abilities and skills in the following areas quoted from the Computing benchmark [QAC]. Advanced modules are offered in each specialisation as stated in the details of programme structure: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15) (16) (17) (18) (19) Architecture Comparative Programming Languages Computational Science Computer Based Systems Computer Communications Databases Data Structures and Algorithms Human Computer Interaction Information Systems Operating Systems Professionalism Programming Fundamentals Project Management Software Engineering Systems Analysis & Design Web-based Computing Simulation and Modelling Mathematical principles, methods, tools for the analysis and solution of problems. Fundamentals of Electricity, Magnetism, Electronics, Digital Design, and Computer Hardware Informatics and Computer Science 5/14

Computer Science specialisation: (20) Artificial Intelligence (21) Compilers and Syntax Tools (22) Distributed systems (23) Computer Vision and Image Processing (24) Graphics ,sound and Games computing (25) Theoretical Computing Information Systems specialisation: (26) e-Business (27) Multimedia (28) Information Retrieval (29) Intelligent Information Systems Technologies (30) Knowledgebased Systems Software Engineering specialisation: (31) Developing Technologies (32) Empirical Approaches (33) Formal Specifications (34) Software Quality Assurance Computer Networks specialisation: (35) Computer Networks (36) Data Communication Protocols (37) Network Management and Operation (38) Wireless and Mobile Computing (39) Security and Privacy

Skills and other attributes:

The programme provides opportunities for the students to develop and demonstrate cognitive skills in the following areas; quoted from the Computing benchmark [QAC, BCS]:

a. Knowledge and Understanding:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: (1) Essential Facts and Concepts: demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to Computing and computer applications as appropriate to the programme of study; the use of scientific principles in the creation, use and support of information systems and software for the solution of practical problems; and the mathematical principles necessary to proficiently analyse and solve computing problems [BCS, IET B2]; Modelling: use such knowledge and understanding in the modelling and design of computerbased systems for the purposes of comprehension, communication, prediction and the understanding of trade-offs; demonstrate ability to either use computational modelling for the purposes of comprehension of scientific phenomena or the ability to apply the scientific method in the solution of problems in the domain of computing [BCS]; and identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques [IET B5]; Requirements, practical constraints and computer-based systems (and this includes computer systems, information systems, embedded systems and distributed systems) in their context: recognise and analyse criteria and specifications appropriate to specific problems, and plan strategies for their solution [BCS]; Critical evaluation and testing: analyse the extent to which a computer-based system meets the criteria defined for its current use and future development [BCS];

(2)

(3)

(4)

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(5) (6)

(7)

Methods and tools: deploy appropriate theory, practices and tools for the specification, design, implementation and evaluation of computer-based systems [BCS]; Reflection and communication: present succinctly to a range of audiences (orally, electronically or in writing) rational and reasoned arguments that address a given information handling problem or opportunity. This should include assessment of the impact of new technologies [L]; Professional considerations: recognise the professional, moral and ethical issues involved in the exploitation of computer technology and be guided by the adoption of appropriate professional, ethical and legal practices [BCS].

b. Subject-specific skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to: (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) Investigate and define a problem and identify constraints including environmental and sustainability limitations, health and safety and risk assessment issues [IET B8]; Specify, design and construct computer-based systems [QAC, BCS]; Evaluate systems in terms of general quality attributes and possible trade-offs presented within the given problem [QAC, BCS]; Recognise any risks or safety aspects that may be involved in the operation of computing equipment within a given context [QAC, BCS]; Deploy effectively the tools used for the construction and documentation of computer applications, with particular emphasis on understanding the whole process involved in the effective deployment of computers to solve practical problems [QAC, BCS].; Work as a member of a software development team, recognising the different roles within a team and different ways of organising teams and tasks[QAC, BCS]; Operate computing equipment effectively, taking into account its logical and physical properties [QAC, BCS].

(13) (14)

c. Key/transferable skills:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate: (15) Effective information-retrieval skills (including the use of browsers, search engines and catalogues) [L]; (16) Use of quantitative methods in both understanding and presenting cases; [L] (17) Effective use of general IT facilities; [L] (18) Management of one's own learning and development; including time management and organisational skills; [L] (19) Ability to identify team roles and facilitating team work in addition to resolving conflicts arising from team dynamics; [BCS] (20) Effective written and oral skills directed to a range of audiences; [BCS] (21) Planning self-learning and improving performance as the foundation for on-going professional development [BCS], and an appreciation of the need for continuing professional development in recognition of the need for lifelong learning [L].

Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards:

All Informatics and Computer Science specialisation degrees are offered as a full-time, four-year programme. In each year, students study modules with a combined weight of 120 credits delivered over two 15-week semesters; where week 13 is a revision week, and weeks 14-15 are final assessment weeks at the end of each semester. The programme is divided into module teaching units, which are each assigned a credit weighting. A typical 10-credit module requires approximately 100 hours of student effort, which usually includes around 33 hours of contact time. The remaining time is required for course work and tutorial completion, self-directed study and assessment. Each semester contains the equivalent of 60 credits. Informatics and Computer Science 7/14

Modules that are delivered in one semester have their assessment completed within the semester in which they are taught, with formal examinations (where applicable) taking place in Weeks 14 to 15. The programme is structured such that formal examinations can take place at the end of each semester. The first five semesters are common across the four BSc degree specialisation programme and concentrate on developing students' skills in programming, mathematical foundations of computing, analysis and design, the fundamentals of computing systems, as well as advancing students practical and inter-personal and teamwork skills through group projects and presentations. Students choose a specialisation after successfully completing the first five semesters of the programme. Their final year contains a substantial piece of project work and further widening of knowledge and skills through additional taught material. All students have the option of taking one module in industry (for 10 credits) between the 3rd and 4th taught years and select options from a range of modules in the 4th year. Students may select their optional modules across specialisation areas provided they have sufficient foundational and background knowledge that will enable them to successfully achieve the intended learning objectives for each module selected. For full details of the programme content refer to the module specifications. Notes: The data is presented in the order: module code, title , number of credits, level, and semester(s) of delivery. If a different programme is approved from that currently offered at the University a migration and transition strategy will be formulated so as to ensure that the students are not disadvantaged. Modules in the optional listing may have also been offered to one or more of the specialisation degrees. They are listed as optional to provide flexibility for students to select topics across specialisation disciplines. Prep Year (120 credits at level P , Common for all Specialisation) Code CSCI01P05 CSIS01P03 CSICI04P03 SCIB06P04 MTHC01P02 various PHYE02P04 CSCI02P04 SCIB07P06 CSCI05P03 CSCI03P03 various Title Introduction to Computing Introduction to Information Systems Humanities Mathematics for Computer Scientists -I Discrete Mathematics English Language-I Physics - Electricity and Magnetism Introduction to Programming and Problem Solving Mathematics for Computer Scientists -II Scientific Thinking Principles of Web Programming English Language-II Credit 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 level P P P P P P P P P P P P Semester 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2

Year 1 (120 credits at level C, Common for all Specialisation)

Code Title Credit level

CSCI01C05 CSCI02C05 CSCI03C04

SCIB03C02

CSCI07C04 CSCI09C05 CSCI04C03 CSCI05C06 CSSE01C05 CSCI06C03 CSCI08C04

SCIB05C02

Introduction to Data Structure and Algorithm Design Object Oriented Programming Database Systems Probabilities and Statistics Electronics for Computer Scientists Human Computer Interaction Programming in Java Concepts of Programming Languages Software Engineering -I File Organization Digital Design Numerical Techniques

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

C C C C C C C C C C C C

Semester 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2

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Year 2 First Semester (60 credits at level I, Common for all Specialisation) Code CSCI01I04 CSCI03I04 CSCI08I03 CSCN01I04 CSCI10I03 CSIS01I05 Title Analysis of Algorithms Operating Systems Software Project Management Introduction to Computer Networks & Data Communication Computer Architecture Systems Analysis And Design Credit 10 10 10 10 10 10 level I I I I I I Semester 1 1 1 1 1 1

Computer Science Specialization

Year 2 Second Semester (60 credits at level I) Code CSCI04I04 CSCI09I03
SCIB04I02

CSCI05I04 CSCI06I04 CSCI07I04

Title Internet Programming Legal and Professional Issues in Computing Operations Research Logic and Artificial Intelligence Computer Graphics Distributed Systems

Credit 10 10 10 10 10 10

level I I I I I I

Semester 2 2 2 2 2 2

Year 3 (120 credits at level H) Code CSCI01H04 CSCI02H04 CSCI03H04 CSCI13H05 Title Theory of Computing Modelling and Simulation Entrepreneurship and Innovation Graduation Project Option-1 Option-2 Compiler Design Computer Systems Security Option-3 Option-4 Credit 10 10 10 30 10 10 10 10 10 10 level H H H H H H H H H H Semester 1 1 1 1&2 1 1 2 2 2 2

CSCI04H04 CSCI34H02

Software Engineering Specialisation

Year 2 Second Semester (60 credits at level I)

Code CSCI04I04 CSCI09I03

SCIB04I02

CSCI05I04 CSCI06I04 CSSE01I05

Title Internet Programming Legal and Professional Issues in Computing Operations Research Logic and Artificial Intelligence Computer Graphics Software Engineering II

Credit 10 10 10 10 10 10

level I I I I I I

Semester 2 2 2 2 2 2

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Year 3 (120 credits at level H)

Code CSSE01H05 CSSE02H04 CSCI03H04 CSCI13H05

CSSE03H05 CSSE04H04

Title Advanced Object-oriented Software Engineering Formal Specifications Entrepreneurship and Innovation Graduation Project Option-1 Option-2 Software Development for Real-time Systems Software Quality Assurance Option-3 Option-4

Credit 10 10 10 30 10 10 10 10 10 10

level H H H H H H H H H H

Semester 1 1 1 1&2 1 1 2 2 2 2

Information Systems Specialisation

Year 2 Second Semester (60 credits at level I)

Code CSCI04I04 CSCI09I03

SCIB04I02

CSIS02I03 CSIS03I04 CSIS04I03

Title Internet Programming Legal and Professional Issues in Computing Operations Research Business Process Modelling E-Commerce MIS and Decision Support Systems

Credit 10 10 10 10 10 10

level I I I I I I

Semester 2 2 2 2 2 2

Year 3 (120 credits at level H)

Code CSIS02H03 CSCI02H04 CSCI03H04 CSCI13H05

CSCI34H02 CSIS04H04

Title Systems Design (Software Architecture) Modelling and Simulation Entrepreneurship and Innovation Graduation Project Option-1 Option-2 Computer Systems Security Culture and Change Management Option-3 Option-4

Credit 10 10 10 30 10 10 10 10 10 10

level H H H H H H H H H H

Semester 1 1 1 1&2 1 1 2 2 2 2

Computer Networks Specialisation

Year 2 Second Semester (60 credits at level I)

Code CSCI04I04 CSCI09I03

SCIB04I02

CSCI07I04 CSCN02I04 CSCN03I04

Title Internet Programming Legal and Professional Issues in Computing Operations Research Distributed Systems Local/Wide Area Networks Network Communication Protocols

Credit 10 10 10 10 10 10

level I I I I I I

Semester 2 2 2 2 2 2

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Year 3 (120 credits at level H) Code CSCN21H05 CSCI02H04 CSCI03H04 CSCI13H05 Title Wireless Networks Modelling and Simulation Entrepreneurship and Innovation Graduation Project Option-1 Option-2 Network Management and Operation Computer Systems Security Option-3 Option-4 Credit 10 10 10 30 10 10 10 10 10 10 level H H H H H H H H H H Semester 1 1 1 1&2 1 1 2 2 2 2

CSCN20H05 CSCI34H02

Optional Modules Compulsory modules for any specialisation are available as optional modules for other specialisations, the following optional modules will be offered subject to availability and sufficient student numbers. Code CSCI20H04 CSCI22H04 CSCI23H04 CSCI24H03 CSCI25H04 CSCI26H03 CSCI28H03 CSCI29H02 CSCI32H02 CSCI33H02
CSCI35H01 CSCI36H01

Title Advanced Human Computer Interaction Expert Systems Image processing Industrial Training Software Agents Concepts and Design Pattern Recognition Computer Games Software Development Computer Vision Advanced Operating Systems Artificial Neural Networks
Mobile Robots Bioinformatics

CSSE20H04 CSSE21H04 CSSE22H04 CSSE23H01 CSIS01H03 CSIS20H04 CSIS21H03 CSIS22H03 CSCN01H04 CSCN03H04 CSCN24H01

Secure Computer System Design Quantitative Methods in Software Engineering. Software Engineering for Web Applications Requirements Engineering Data Mining and Warehousing Fundamentals of Multimedia Systems Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Advanced Database Systems Network Programming Principles of Network Design Mobile Computing

Credit 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

level H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

Semester 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 Summer 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2 1 or 2

Criteria for admission to the programme and specialisation:

Admission to the programme: In accordance with the Universitys regulations as defined in Section 1 of the General Academic Regulations. Admission to specialisation: The Faculty Council determines at the end of the first semester of Y-2 (level-I) the number of students for each specialisation according to the availability of educational resources. A student is admitted to a specialisation according to: 1- His/Her marks in the designated modules for a specialisation 2- Overall GPA to the end of semester one of year-2

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The designated modules for the specialisations are: - for Computer Science (CS) : Operating systems module (CSCI03I02) and Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithm Design (CSCI01C02) as a preferable module;

- for Information Systems (IS) : System Analysis and Design module (CSISO1I03) and Database Systems (CSISO3CO2) as a preferable module; - for Software Engineering (SE) : Software Engineer-I module (CSSE01C03) with System s Analysis and Design (CSISO1I03) as a preferable module; - for Computer Networks (CN) : Introduction to computer networks and data communication module (CSCN01I03) and Digital Design (CSCIO8CO2) as a preferable module.

Information about assessment regulations:

In accordance with the Universitys regulations on assessment and progression, as defined in the General Academic Regulations and the Examination and Assessment Regulations.

What makes the programme distinctive?

The BUE delivers programmes based on a British philosophy of education. This results in programmes that are very much focused on student learning rather than those that deliver the subject material. Graduates from UK programmes typically exhibit: the ability to think creatively and with strong problem-solving skills; high-level key and transferable skill sets; the ability to maintain independently a high level of professional and subject specific competence (often through Continuous Professional Development); technical competence; the ability to conceptualise problems at a high level; diligent and ethical working practices; the ability to work both independently and as part of a team; flexibility and the ability to apply their subject specific knowledge to fields outside their own;

Other distinctive features of the programme include: specialisations tailored to local market needs that are unique in the region; modules are updated frequently; research oriented modules are encouraged to help students learn to develop solutions independently under the supervision of our teaching staff; opportunities for summer training as part of the degrees. The relatively modest annual student intake number of the Informatics and Computer Science department means that every undergraduate receives individual attention. With the tutorials and small class teaching system, the department strives for personal development as well as academic attainment. Informatics and Computer Science students will graduate with an impressive array of practical problem-solving skills and extensive transferable skills, which will make them highly soughtafter professionals both in industry and continued academic research. In addition to these attributes, the BUE is seeking to maintain full validation (in line with QAA and professional body subject benchmark statements) from Loughborough University, one of the UKs top universities. Successful completion of this exercise will make the BUE the only university in Egypt whose entire internal structure is externally verified as being in line with UK standards. Built on top of institutional quality assurance will be subject level validation. That is, we will seek for Loughborough to externally confirm that this particular degree programme is in line with UK standards. Informatics and Computer Science 12/14

The Informatics and Computer Science department will also be seeking accreditation from the British Computer Society (BCS), the UKs leading professional body for computing and IT professionals. The Society is able to consider higher education programmes for accreditation leading to Chartered IT Professional (CITP), Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and/or Chartered Scientist (CSci) status. For further information on the BCS please refer to http://www.BCS.org/. Accredited degree programmes are the preferred and fast track routes for those who aim to obtain the professional qualification required to achieve such status. At the time of writing this document and to the best of our knowledge this combination of a programme based on a learning culture fostering key and transferable skill sets in addition to technical ones together with academic and professional accreditation makes our programmes in Informatics and Computer Science quite unique in both Egypt and the surrounding region.

Particular support for learning:

E-Learning resources facilitate self paced learning and provide the students with greater interaction and collaboration both with themselves and with their teachers. Students can study wherever they have access to a computer and Internet at their own pace. Module leaders encourage students to peruse information by posting hyperlinks and sites on the eLearning. Also, forums help group learning as students share what they know with others. eLearning can accommodate different learning styles and facilitate learning through a variety of activities such as online quizzes, wikis and workshops. The BUE eLearning site http://learn.bue.edu.eg/

Methods for evaluating and improving the quality and standards of learning:
In accordance with the Universitys Quality Assurance procedures, as defined in the Academic Quality and Standards Manual.

Changes from the previous version 3.2 of ICS Programme:

1- Clarifying and correcting the cognitive skills and the ILOs of the programme in 3 areas: Knowledge and understanding, Subject specific skills and Key/transferable skills; 2- Rewriting similarly worded ILOs for clarity; 3- Addition of 4 new optional modules at the H level: CSCI34H0 Bioinformatics, CSCI35H01 Mobile Robots, CSSE23H01 Requirements Engineering, and CSCN24H01 Mobile Computing.

Glossary of terms (as used in this document)

Accreditation Ad hoc BCS Benchmark Cognitive Credits EC-UK the process by which a professional body will state officially that an academic programme is of a satisfactory standard. for one particular purpose, situation, etc only employed on an ad hoc basis [Chambers online]. British Computer Society a point of reference (e.g. level of ability) relating to the process of thinking and or processing knowledge into new information the relative weight of a module based on total student effort such that a basic 10credit module requires approximately 100 hours of student effort Engineering Council (UK) is the regulatory authority for registration of professional engineers and technicians http://www.engc.org.uk/

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IET Innovate

Institution of Engineering and Technology www.theiet.org/ to make changes; to introduce new ideas, methods, etc. [Chambers online]

Transferable skills are those generic/underpinning skills which are developed within the degree programme but are independent of academic subject. Pertinent QAA Underpin Validation relating to The UKs Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education http://www.qaa.ac.uk/ support/corroborate the process of confirming the validity of a programme. According to the QAA it is The process by which a course is judged to have met the requirements for an award by the relevant degree-awarding body, or the relevant examining body, or by an accredited institution on behalf of that degree-awarding body.

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