Computer Engineering – BEng (Hons)

This module is an Introduction to the theory of a modern computer network with emphasis on its architecture, models, protocols and networking elements that connect users and devices across the network. Students will also cable and configure networking devices such as switches and routers in the weekly labs.

This module provides an introduction to the technical skills needed to help meet the growing demand for entry-level ICT professionals. The module covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software as well as concepts such as security, networking, and the responsibilities of an ICT professional. The module offers a hands-on, career-oriented learning experience with an emphasis on practical activities to help learners develop fundamental computer and career skills. It follows the CompTIA A+ curriculum as provided through the Cisco Networking Academy.

This module provides an introduction to electronics. Lectures will introduce the fundamental principles of electronics, supported by practical laboratory sessions. Students will develop practical skills such as identifying electronic components, soldering components onto circuit boards, debugging and testing circuits, and taking electrical measurements.

This module provides a foundation in essential mathematical concepts for engineering & computing disciplines. It develops students ability to solve problems and apply mathematical techniques such as algebra and trigonometry. Learners will build problem-solving skills and gain the mathematical understanding required to support further study in related subject areas.

The module develops students’ oral and written communication skills and equips them with key IT skills for the third-level academic environment.

This module is an introduction to writing computer programs using the Java programming language.

This module builds on Electronics Systems 1.1 and introduces electronic circuits used for interfacing microcontrollers with sensors and output devices. Topics include AC fundamentals, RC and LR circuits, semiconductor devices, and transformer operation. Laboratory work develops practical skills in circuit design, construction, measurement, and fault-finding using standard electronic instrumentation. Students also implement simple control applications using analog and digital I/O and PWM.

This module provides an introduction to telecommunication systems and their basic elements. Students learn about the key characteristics and phenomena of signals and waves commonly used in telecommunication systems. Several example communication systems are examined. Students also apply relevant equations in the analysis of these systems and their associated signals. In the practical sessions students take measurements and gain hands‑on experience with industry-standard lab equipment.

This module will develop students’ ability to communicate about technical topics relating to their discipline in Engineering.

This module builds on foundational mathematical concepts relevant to engineering and computing areas. It develops students’ ability to apply calculus techniques, including differentiation and integration to solve problems. The module also introduces complex numbers in the context of engineering applications supporting further study in related subject areas.

This module is an introduction to writing computer programs using the Java programming language.

This module provides an introduction to computer networking, covering core concepts such as network architecture, models, and protocols. Students will learn how data is transmitted across networks and understand the roles of key layers in end-to-end communication. It also develops practical skills in designing IP addressing schemes and building small local area networks (LANs). Through hands-on activities, students will configure and secure basic networks using both simulation tools and physical devices.

This module consists of the student designing and building an alarm system using a microcontroller board and a variety of sensors. At a minimum the alarm must have an entry/exit zone and some other zone, credit will be given for implementing multiple zones with a variety of sensors, warning devices, different arm/disarming methods, and a remotely accessed dashboard displaying status information. It will expose the student to both hardware and software development, implementation and fault finding skills.

This module will introduce students to matrix algebra and demonstrate how it is applied to solving systems of equations. I will give students a firm understanding of the laws of probability and introduce them to the most well known probability density functions. It is an applications based module where students will encounter a wide variety of problems.

This module provides the learner with a knowledge and understanding of electronics techniques, components and systems. It provides an introduction to the theory of op-amp circuits, practical op-amp circuits, the 555 timer integrated circuit, oscillators circuits and transistor circuits.

Analysing costs, project costing, cost/benefit, time value of money, Payback, Evaluation of financial statements, Ethics in costing.

This module will introduce students to the administration of computer systems, including installation, configuration and maintenance. It focuses on the UNIX family of operating systems, with particular emphasis on GNU/Linux. Students will learn practical administration skills as well as the principles and policies required to securely administer computer systems.

This module introduces students to object-oriented programming using the Java language. Through hands-on exercises the student will learn how to create and use simple Java classes containing arrays, loops and conditional constructs.

This module provides the learner with a knowledge and understanding of digital electronics techniques, components and systems. It provides a fundamental knowledge of digital computer systems.

This module will use the methods of differentiation and integration learned in year 1, to introduce students to Fourier series, Differential equations, Laplace transforms and Partial differentiation. They will learn how to use Fourier series to determine the harmonic components of periodic waveforms. They will also learn how by using Laplace transforms, differential equations can be solved by algebraic techniques.

This module predominantly explores the evolution of WiFi technology (802.11a -> WiFi 7), looking at fundamental radio principles and concepts, up to modern transmission and modulation techniques. Other radio protocols such as Zig-Bee, Bluetooth, LoRa, WiMax are also examined.

This module enables student to design and build software applications on a windows platform. Specifically students will develop Java applications using Object-Oriented techniques. Students will also build GUI applications using Java Swing and employ UML to design applications.

This module focuses on the administration of network services, including their installation, configuration, maintenance and security. Students will learn practical system administration skills as well as the principles and policies required to securely administer computer systems.

This module introduces students to problem-solving using Linear Programming, Markov processes, Queueing theory and algorithms for network analysis. Students will compose an optimisation problem in terms of an objective function and a set of constraints and solve it using the simplex method. They will learn how to determine the effective arrival rates at each queue in a queueing network. They will also learn how to identify and employ the appropriate algorithm to solve a selection of network problems.

This module aims to develop practical design skills in the application of theoretical knowledge to real problems in the field of electronic/software engineering. It takes a project based learning approach where students develop three mini-project using an embedded microcontroller board and a variety of sensors. The module develops the students skill in designing, implementing and fault finding both hardware and software aspects of embedded IoT projects.

The evolution of today’s Internet has grown to include billions of end users communicating over interconnected back-haul networks. The Data Communications and Networks 3 module provides an introduction to the principles of real time IP communication networks and Quality of Service requirements for applications using the Internet. This module will ensure that the student can apply these principles practically over communication networks.

This module builds on second-year programming fundamentals and introduces higher levels of abstraction in Java. It focuses on object-oriented design, modularity, and the development of clean, maintainable code for more complex software systems.

This module explores the relationship between the Internet of Things (IoT) and data visualisation, focusing on how real-time data from connected devices can be effectively interpreted. Students will develop skills in sourcing, integrating, and evaluating IoT data to generate insights that support decision-making and innovation.

This module introduces the foundations of agile software development, focusing on its history, values, and the Agile Manifesto. It covers key methodologies such as Scrum and Extreme Programming, highlighting team roles, collaboration, and how these approaches compare. Students will learn how requirements are managed using user stories, including epics and acceptance criteria, and how techniques like personas can improve understanding of user needs. The module also explores agile testing practices, including test-driven development and test design techniques, alongside an introduction to version control systems and the tools used to manage code in both centralised and distributed environments.

The placement preparation module supports all aspects of the process of applying for and securing of actual work placement in industry.

The learner shall gain experience in the culture, nature and structure of the working environment in an ICT (Information and Communications Technology) setting. The placement module provides an essential practical element of the programme.

This module develops the learner’s ability to apply theoretical computer engineering knowledge to real-world problems through the completion of a significant, industry-relevant project. Students will integrate technical skills, independent learning, and critical thinking to design, implement, and evaluate a working solution, supported by effective project planning and risk assessment. Emphasis is placed on the use of structured project management approaches and the analysis of technical, regulatory, and ethical considerations. The module culminates in the preparation, presentation, and defence of a professionally written dissertation aligned with industry standards.

This module enables students develop and test medium-sized Object Oriented and Windows based Java applications. The focus of this module is to enable students to enhance their core Object Oriented Programming skills. Students will develop Java applications using List based Data Structures and Algorithms and will develop Distributed Applications in Java.

Digital Signal Processing is used in many fields, including communications, robotics, biomedical systems and speech processing. This course introduces students to the basic principles of Digital Signal Processing. The topics covered are chosen to help students understand the theory of Digital Signal Processing and to develop practical skills that can be applied to real-world problems.

Network technologies and the Internet have facilitated a dramatic increase in connectivity between people and connectivity between people and services. This increased connectivity has driven changes in how content is delivered in the Internet and requirements for increased levels of information security. Furthermore, there is an ongoing evolution in how networks and the Internet are managed. This module focuses on four key topics, namely, Converging Networks, Internet of Things – Applications, Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Security. The focus of Converging Networks is on how a single network infrastructure is used to carry different multimedia traffic types. The interaction with and the evaluation of data from smart devices and machines is studied in Internet of Things – Applications. The difficulties associated with managing an Internet and the new approaches to addressing these difficulties are presented in Software Defined Networking. The requirements for network security and the concepts behind security implementation are considered in the final topic.

This module focuses on designing and implementing relational databases, with an emphasis on advanced SQL and data modelling techniques. Students will learn to create entity-relationship diagrams, normalize data, and build functional databases for real-world scenarios. It also explores the differences between relational and object-oriented models, including the use of JDBC and ORM approaches. Through practical lab work and projects, students will develop skills in database administration, security, and problem-solving.

This module explores the principles and practices of agile software development, including its history and core values outlined in the Agile Manifesto. It introduces key agile methodologies such as Scrum, Extreme Programming, Feature Driven Development, and Kanban, with a focus on teamwork, roles, and how these approaches compare. Students will learn how requirements are managed in agile environments, particularly through user stories, epics, and acceptance criteria, and how these can be refined using techniques like personas and user experience design. The module also covers practical development skills such as pair programming, clean code practices, and testing methods, including test-driven development and key test design techniques. In addition, it introduces configuration management and version control systems, highlighting the differences between centralised and distributed approaches.

This module enables student to develop Java applications using advanced algorithms and data structures, Generics and the Collections Framework. Students will also develop multithreaded applications and use the concurrency framework in Java. Students will study to key software design patterns (Creational, Structural and Behavioural).

This module explores the role of the engineer within the wider business, legal, and ethical contexts of modern society. Students examine how organisations develop strategy, including vision, mission, objectives, competitive analysis, and change management. The module also analyses a range of business environments, such as public bodies, multinational organisations, and start-up companies. Key legal principles relevant to engineering professionals are introduced, including contract law, intellectual property, internet law, tort law, and employment law. Ethical considerations in personal, business, and professional contexts are explored through case studies and discussion. In addition, students develop essential professional skills including business planning, communication, presentation, writing, and interview preparation for the workplace.

This module covers data storage and retrieval for large data sets. Students will implement NoSQL databases including Document Orientated and Graph databases. Students will implement Object Relational Mapping (ORM) using the Java Persistence API (JPA) and assess transaction management for Relational and NoSQL databases. The module also explores key concepts such as transaction management, concurrency, and data consistency to support efficient, scalable, and secure data solutions.

This module provides in-depth coverage of Agile Planning, Tracking, and Reporting within Scrum, Extreme Programming, and Kanban. The module covers the concept of White-Box Testing and Test Techniques (Statement, Branch, and All Paths Coverage), additional Black-Box Techniques (State Transition and Decision Table Testing) and testing Object-Oriented Software. It also addresses the advanced Software Configuration Management topics of planning, continuous integration, building, and releasing software systems.

This module provides a foundational understanding of computer security, with a particular focus on cryptography and its role in securing distributed applications. Students will explore a range of cryptographic techniques, including digital signatures, certificates, and certificate management, and evaluate their suitability for different security requirements. The module also examines common types of malware and promotes best practices for developing secure software systems. Learners will develop the ability to analyse software for potential vulnerabilities and apply appropriate security measures to mitigate risks.