Computer Science - Core Skills

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Parent Programme

Bachelor of Science in Computing (Level 7 NFQ)

NFQ Level & Reference

Level 6 / Ref: M1.6

DURATION

12 Weeks X 3 Hours per week

MODULE TITLE

Computer Science - Core Skills

STAGE

Year 1

Module Credit Unit

ECTS: 5

Computer Science - Core Skills Module

Introducing Core Skills in Computer Science

The Computer Science - Core Skills module will establish a foundational framework for learners, serving as a shared platform for subsequent modules within the programme. This module comprehensively addresses practical skills, fundamental concepts, and technologies essential for learners throughout the entirety of the programme. It functions as a repository of knowledge, offering learners a reference guide as they advance. This repository will be continually updated, serving as a dynamic and leveraged reservoir of knowledge for subsequent modules.

Indicative Syllabus Content

Introduction

Learning sources and materials
Module overview and VLE (Moodle)
Sample (non-graded assignment)

Development Tools

History of software development tools
Modern IDEs (Visual Studio Code & Android Studio for example) and emerging IDEs (Project IDX)
Git and GitHub

Core Skills

Windows, Mac and Linux file system
Create, update and delete folders and files
Shell scripting
The vi editor

Cloud Technologies

Introduce AWS, GCP and Azure
Create, run and stop a virtual machine
Create a VPN
Understand graphic design tools such as Figma/Canva
Understand commonly used project management tools such as a CRM, Discord, Notion and Trello

Databases

History, problems solved by database technologies
RDMBS, NoSQL, Graph databases
Commonly used data formats (XML, CSV, JSON, XLS), their advantages, how to use them, exchange between and transport them

Data Management

Data types (Nominal, Ordinal data, Discrete and Continuous data)
How manage when data is missing
How to summarise data and what data summaries tell us and what we can safely infer
Data cleaning and ETL tools and approaches
Excel as a core data tool to solve the challenges listed above. Pivot tables

SQL

SQL explained, its history, uses and challenges
Using Create, Insert, Update and Delete on sample data in provided tables
Understand CRED/CRUD from a software development perspective
Learning the purpose and symbols of UML and using UML in ERD to depict common provided scenarios

Software Development

From Ada Lovelace to modern times, a history
Programming paradigms: Imperative (Procedural & OOP) and Declarative (Functional, logical and reactive)
Scripting, interpenetrating and compiling. Meaning and ecosystems
APIs, service orientated systems

Minimum Intended Learning Outcomes (MIMLOs)

Upon successful completion of this module, the learner should be able to:

MIMLO1

Administer file systems in Unix and Windows.

MIMLO2

Demonstrate an understanding of IT infrastructure and networks including the ability to use a virtual machine on the cloud (AWS, GCP, Azure).

MIMLO3

Demonstrate knowledge of Figma (or similar) and be aware of related cloud technologies used in the modern software environment (Notion, CRM, Trello etc).

MIMLO4

Discuss the purposes of databases and types (SQL, NoSQL, Graph etc) and data management.

MIMLO5

Compare software development, types (procedural, OOP and functional). Scripting, interpreting and compiling. APIs

Assessment

MIMLOs

Assessment

Percentage

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

CA 1 – CA 5 (Learners take written assignments every 2 weeks)

Total Assessments 100%

Aims & Objectives

The core computer science skills module will ensure learners meet the following objectives:

Basic knowledge of software development tools.
Knowledge of file systems, command line and key commands in a non-GUI environment.
Cloud technologies
An introduction to databases and data tools
An overview of programming and software development
IT infrastructure
Communication and learning skills

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