About this course
- Entry year: 2010/11
- Course code: G402
- Applications: UCAS
- Level: Undergraduate
- Tariff points range: 260
- School: Bristol Institute of Technology
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration:
Four years sandwich
Three years full-time
Part-time option by negotiation
- Delivery: Full-time, sandwich.
- Abroad option: Yes
- Programme leader: Rob Williams
- Key fact:
This course is heavily supported by local technical IT employers who provide sponsorship and prizes, including placement jobs and graduate employment opportunities.
Introduction
The development of computers and all their associated components, software and devices, continues to move ahead at an ever increasing pace. Computer systems are a complex and exciting mix of hardware and software, which requires careful study if you are to understand their functioning. With the growing availability of programmable gate array devices, it is now possible to configure your own processor without the financial backing of international giants such as Intel or Sun Microsystems. The additional complexity of high speed computer networking, at local and international levels, throws up more technical challenges to be solved.
This degree focuses on the practical exploration and explanation of all aspects of computer systems, but especially networks, CPU architecture and embedded systems development. Your goal in the final year could be to design and implement a new processor or to develop multi-threaded software to fully exploit a multi-core processor. It is now more important than ever to appreciate those features of modern CPUs which are crucial for technical and commercial success.
Because software must try to fully utilise the facilities provided by the CPU, programmers must understand those capabilities. All too often, high level languages are presented as if they have no relationship with the underlying electronic hardware. Operating systems, such as WinCE and Linux certainly need to take into account aspects of the processor architecture if they are to perform satisfactorily. This course provides you with the correct balance of knowledge concerning digital hardware and software so that you can really understand how a computer works.
Historical background
Computer Systems Integration was formed as an amalgamation of two established degree programmes: Computing for Real-time Systems and Computer Systems Engineering. The former had been running very successfully since 1985, while the latter was started in 1999. The two distinct routes are now offered through the provision of option choices in the second and final years of the new degree. The new title underlines the growing significance in systems development of ready built components, both hardware and software.
Structure
Content
If you have technical curiosity and a strong interest in finding out how computer systems actually work, you will enjoy this course. It involves lots of practical work concerned with the different aspects of digital electronics and programming. There are option routes to choose from which concentrate more on hardware or on software. However, both specialise in the design and implementation of computer systems.
For example, in your first year, besides the core programming in C using autonomous buggies, there is also a case study in the use of assembler and PIC microprocessors for communications equipment. You will also develop a packet store-&-forward RingLAN for text messaging. In your second year, you might implement a robot arm controller using the language VHDL to configure a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or chose to go deeper into server-side web technology. In your final year, you might work in groups to design and build a distributed Point of Sale (POS) network similar to those used by every supermarket chain. Alternatively you might implement an internet radio using an ARM processor. The technology is always changing, so your curiosity is a key asset when studying this exciting subject.
Key learning themes are:
- Programming in C and C++, PHP, LAMP, asm86 and Java
- Development of web-based applications
- Design methods such as Object Oriented methods, Finite State, Yourdon SA/SD
- Administration of networked computers
- Installation and configuration of Linux
- Cross development methods for embedded systems
- Use of Linux and Windows CE for embedded systems
- Hardware configuration using VHDL and FPGAs
- Real-time systems design techniques and debugging methods
Programme structure diagram for the Computer Systems Integration programme. Please note that this programme was titled Computer Systems Engineering. The programme structures change from year to year, so you might find some variation between that shown here and the final version of your course.
Teaching and learning
Getting to grips with new subjects can be demanding, but by offering the correct level of assistance we aim to support you throughout your studies. Using a practical approach, during laboratory investigation and direct experiment, theory and principles can be more easily assimilated. You will also frequently work in pairs or small teams which helps you to really understand difficult concepts by discussing them with friends. This style of collaborative working also provides an excellent preparation for the most common career scenarios, where you will be contributing to the success of a team.
Programmes of lectures provide explanation and overall guidance for the course. Extra assistance and guidance is also available from a team of trained senior students (PALs) who are available to help small groups or individuals with particular subject problems. This is of special relevance when course work assignments are due!
Assessment
Assessment is generally by a mix of practical course work and yearly examination.
Special Features
Professional accreditation
The degree has been accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) and successful completion allows for full exemption from the BCS Professional Examination. Accreditation visits are cyclical and it is important that you check the current accreditation status of programmes. For more information, visit the BCS website at www.bcs.org.
Find out more about Bristol Institute of Technology accredited courses.
Commercial sponsorship and prizes
This course is strongly supported by regional IT companies, who provide fees sponsorship, work placements and prizes for our students. They are also key recruiters of our graduates.
Sponsoring companies include MPC Data Limited, Spark! Data Systems, Zircon Software Limited, Broadcom Corporation, Simulation Systems Limited and AGD Systems Limited. Both the companies involved and ourselves expect that attractive incentives such as these will encourage more young people to take up technical IT careers which are technically challenging and financially rewarding.
For more information on each of the sponsorship arrangements, visit the Bristol Institute of Technology website (opens in a new window).
Placements
You will be encouraged to spend a year working in industry as part of your degree. The benefits are tremendous - you will develop and hone a range of soft skills which enhance your employability, you are more likely to get a better degree classification and the experience gained will give you an edge in your future career.
The placement year provides an opportunity for you to try out some of the ideas and techniques that you have been learning about in the more demanding commercial arena. Also, ideas for the final year project can emerge during the placement year, and benefit from continuing support from your placement company in the form of equipment loans or bursaries.
Study facilities
Bristol Institute of Technology hosts its own servers to provide Windows, Linux and Unix based operating systems. There are over 500 available workstations in our teaching laboratories, as well as a large open-access laboratory, providing PC and Unix based machines.The Bristol Institute of Technology has its own IT Helpdesk, staffed by students from within the Faculty, and available for both students and staff to use. There are also 24 hour computer labs on campus available for student use.
You can find out more about our computer science programmes and facilities here.
Careers/further study
Students from the predecessor degree, BSc(Hons) Computing for Real Time Systems, have been graduating for nearly 20 years and have established a strong reputation for the course.
As a graduate of this degree, you will gain your first job in a role which demands a good understanding of the principles of computer structure and function. This could be in a development team, concerned with the design and implementation of new systems, or within a system maintenance group, responsible for the administration of large, high performance systems. You will be able to offer both hardware and software expertise, which means you will frequently command higher starting salaries than others (2006: £23k-£26k, with the national graduate average being £18k).
Your skills will make you an attractive proposition for many employers who continue to have difficulty when seeking candidates with experience and skills in areas such as telecommunications, automotive control, real-time programming, systems administration, embedded systems development and digital systems processing. By continually reviewing the syllabus content and meeting with past students for discussions, we strive to maintain ideas, skills and tools up-to-date and in line with contemporary industrial needs.
Where are they now? Have a look to see what some of our graduates are up to.
Meet Our Employers
Our degrees can lead to a very wide variety of career choices. To ensure that our degrees make you as employable as possible, the UWE Department of Design and Engineering works closely with seven major partner employers.
Partner Employers
Entry
Typical offers
- Tariff points range: 260
- GCSE: Maths and English (or equivalent) required.
- Specific subjects: Computing or Electronics - plus prior knowledge of programming.
- Relevant subjects: Computing, Maths, Physics, Electronics.
- EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: BTEC NC/D IT Practitioners.
- Access: Achievement of the Access to HE Diploma; achievement of level 3 credits in Computing or Electronics and Level 2 credits in Maths and English
- Baccalaureate IB: 24-28
Advice on typical offers
In addition to the 'typical offer' given here, please read the general information about
entry requirements.
Entry requirements
Some familiarity with the use of computers or practical experience of electronics is required. A demonstration of this would be a suitable A-level qualification or BTEC in computing or electronics. However, some proof of personal activity may also be accepted. If you are taking A-levels, we welcome applications from those studying Physics or Maths, but our teaching does not always assume this to be the case.
How to apply
Please see the general information about
applications.
For further information
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333
- E-mail: Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
