Programme And Module Handbook
 
Programme Specification


Date Specification Approved
College College Eng and Physical Sci
School School of Engineering
Department Elec, Elec & Sys Engineering
Partner College and School
Collaborative Organisation and Form of Collaboration
Qualification and Programme Title M.Sci. Computer Systems Engineering with Business Management Full-time
Programme Code 351C
Delivery Location Campus
Language of Study English
Length of Programme 4 Year(s)
Accreditations This programme has no outside accreditations
Aims of the Programme The aim of this Major/Minor programme is to produce Computer Systems Engineers with the ability to design computers and computer-based systems that include both hardware and software to solve novel engineering problems, subject to trade-offs involving a set of competing goals and constraints. In this context, “design” refers to a level of ability beyond “assembling” or “configuring” systems and, importantly includes an understanding of the human factors issues relating to the design and exploitation of interactive hardware and software technologies.

They will be equipped to play leading roles in a professional and managerial capacity in the engineering industries, and in other parts of the economy, and who have developed the technical, intellectual and transferable skills needed to underpin their education and continuing professional development. The Programme consists of 80 credits per year of Computer Systems Engineering, and 40 credits per year taught by the University of Birmingham School of Business and Commerce.

MEng Computer Systems Engineering with Business Management graduates will have a systematic knowledge and understanding of the most critical aspects of Computer Systems Engineering, including developments and problems at the forefront of the discipline. They will be able to evaluate current research critically, and be original in the application of their knowledge, proposing new hypotheses as appropriate. Graduates will also have an integrated and critically aware understanding of management and organisations. They will have studied the management of organisations and the changing external context in which they operate, and be able to apply knowledge and understanding of business and management to complex issues, both systematically and creatively, to improve business and management practice.

Typical MEng Computer Systems Engineering with Business Management graduates will be able to deal with complex issues, making sound judgements in the absence of complete information, and will be able to communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. They will be self-motivating and able to act autonomously, and will have the qualities and transferable skills necessary to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, to make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations, and to have the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.

The high level of numeracy and the business management knowledge of MEng Computer Systems Engineering with Business Management graduates, and their skills in problem solving, team working, and communication and information technology, equip them to begin successful careers within the electronics, telecommunications and computing industries and in other sectors of the economy, whilst contributing to business and society at large.
Programme Outcomes
Students are expected to have Knowledge and Understanding of: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
The comprehensive set of scientific principles underpinning Computer Systems Engineering;
The comprehensive range of mathematical and computational methods and their use for modelling, analysis and design in Engineering and in business situations;
The extensive concepts, principles, theories and current practice of Computer Systems Engineering, and their limitations , including a critical awareness of current issues and future prospects at the forefront of the discipline;
The design process and design methodologies, with a comprehensive understanding;
Important concepts from other Engineering disciplines and subjects outside engineering;
The characteristics and uses of commonly occurring engineering materials and components;
Organisations, the external context in which they operate, and how they are managed;
Ethical and social issues related to engineering and business management;
Professional engineering responsibilities
Lectures; Tutorials, problem classes and group work; Web-based and conventional guided learning; Laboratories; Computer-based workshops; Group design work; Independent design work
Unseen and open book examinations; Problem solving exercises; Oral presentations;
Students are expected to have attained the following Skills and other Attributes: Which will be gained through the following Teaching and Learning methods: and assessed using the following methods:
To integrate knowledge of mathematics, science, information technology, design, the business context and engineering practice to solve a substantial range of Computer Systems Engineering problems, some of a complex nature;
To model and analyse complex Computer Systems Engineering systems, processes and products using appropriate scientific principles, mathematical methods and computer based engineering tools, recognising the limitations of such analysis;
To innovate in solving novel and challenging problems including those in business and aagement, and be aware of the limitations of the solutions;
To obtain and process (possibly conflicting) information from a wide range of sources;
To generate an innovative design for systems, components or processes to fulfil new needs;
To use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies;
To apply engineering and business management techniques to design and problem solving, taking account of a wide range of risks and constraints;
Take personal responsibility for acting in a professional and ethical manner
To select and use appropriate ICT, recognising the capabilities and limitations of computer based methods for engineering problem solving;
To select and use laboratory instrumentation appropriately and effectively;
To conduct laboratory experiments, adapting experimental procedures to novel situations if necessary, analysing experimental data in detail, and drawing comprehensive conclusions;
To plan and execute practical or simulation tests of design solutions, and present a report containing critical analysis of the results and recommendations for action;
To construct a prototype;
To work safely and promote safe practice;
To communicate effectively and persuasively to technical and non-technical people using a range of media including business reports;
To optimise use of resources and time
To undertake most of the technical roles within a team, which may be multidisciplinary, and manage creative processes in self and others;
To learn independently, acquiring new skills, including at the forefront of knowledge
To monitor and adjust a personal programme of work on an on-going basis
To sort, manipulate and present data in a way that facilitates effective analysis and decision making
Lectures; Tutorials, problem classes and group work; Web-based and conventional guided learning; Computer-based workshops; Group projects; Independent projects; Laboratories
Unseen and open book examinations; Problem solving exercises; Oral presentations; Computer-based exercises; Group design reports; Independent design reports; Individual research reports; Laboratory reports; Project report