Programme aims
1. To develop and acquire the productive and receptive language and study skills needed for successful participation at graduate level in a British university. These include both linguistic and communicative competence skills; academic writing; reading efficiency; summarising, paraphrasing, quoting and referencing skills; avoiding plagiarism; the ability to work independently.
2. To provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge in computer programming required to progress to Master’s degree level.
3. To develop the students’ ability to work on projects and relatively unstructured assignments and to understand industrial practice in the computer industry.
4. To acquire the knowledge and skills (ie. critical, analytical, research, problem-solving and study skills; argument and communication) that will not only stand students in good stead for more specialised academic careers, but will also enhance their opportunities for employment in a wide range of other careers.
Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods
On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:
A: Knowledge and understanding
A1: Improve language accuracy and fluency to C1 level
A2: Recognise and use the appropriate lexical and discourse structures of their subject area
A3: Principles, techniques and processes of project management
A4: Programming models and languages, operating systems
A5: Information systems, including data modelling, database design, information retrieval
Learning methods
Lectures and classes
Directed reading
Individual and group tasks
Laboratories
Modules are taught through lectures, laboratory classes, seminar discussions, tutorials and student presentations, with both peer and tutor feedback.
Where feasible, input in the EAP modules will be based on material provided by academic module teachers, and some classes may be team-taught.
Computer science lectures provide knowledge of key ideas in the field, including programming, databases and operating systems, as well as project management and industrial practice.
Assessment methods
Unseen written examinations
Assessed essays
Class tests
Class assignments and presentations
Laboratory assignments
Assessment tests both basic understanding of concepts and issues and a range of approaches and interpretations.
A1-A2 outcomes are assessed via an extended project in EL933.
This is designed to examine students' ability to produce an extended piece of writing which demonstrates the ability to present a coherent argument based on a range of sources drawn from key texts in the target academic discipline.
A3-A5 are assessed by means of the coursework and examination requirements of computer science modules.
B: Intellectual and cognitive skills
B1: Use language accurately and appropriately, using a variety of lexis, grammatical structure and communication strategies
B2: Demonstrate an awareness of the language and discourse structure of their subject area
B3: Synthesise information from a variety of sources with appropriate acknowledgement and integrate this into presentations or written work
B4: Create a structured argument based on appropriate research methods
B5: Acquire a knowledge of key concepts, principles and methods of argument in the field of computing
B6: Analyse a specified problem and choose the most appropriate methods for its solution
Learning methods
Intellectual and cognitive skills B1-B6 are practised in discussion and presentations, as well as through assessed written work.
Students are given advice in tutorials on research skills and have the opportunity to analyse model assignments.
The ability to develop a coherent argument, supported by evidence, is practised in group discussion and is also a requirement of all assessed written work.
All of these skills are taught and re-enforced continually by a variety of methods - classes involving pair and group work, individual tutorials, taped lectures and student-led workshops.
Input ranges from print to audio and video materials.
Students also use interactive web-based teaching materials.
Oral presentations are video-recorded and students are given group and individual feedback, from peers and tutors.
The essays prepare students for the exam.
As the summative assessment for any given module, the exam tests their ability both to demonstrate and to sustain their skills in controlled conditions.
Assessment methods
B1-B4 students are assessed by two end of module examinations on knowledge of grammatical structures, listening and note-taking, and there is an integrated English for Academic Purposes skills examination covering reading, vocabulary and writing.
The EAP coursework portfolio also requires demonstration of learning outcomes B1-B4.
B1-B4 outcomes are assessed via an extended project in EL933.
This is designed to examine students' ability to produce an extended piece of writing which demonstrates the ability to present a coherent argument based on a range of sources drawn from key texts in the target academic discipline.
B5-B6 are assessed by means of the coursework and examination requirements of computer science modules.
C: Practical skills
C1: Demonstrate a range of academic skills, including effective note-taking, accurate listening skills and active participation in class discussion
C2: Identify, select and gather information using relevant sources, including the library and online searches
C3: Make effective use of a range of theories, programming languages and operating systems
C4: Present an argument in oral presentations and by planning, drafting and revising written assignments in an appropriate style, referenced according to academic conventions
C5: Work as a member of a team, contributing to the planning and execution of a system development task
C6: Specify, design, implement, test and document a computer-based system
Learning methods
C1 EL 931-933: students practise these skills using audio and video materials.
They are also expected to make notes during classmates' presentations.
They are then required to write up a selection of these notes at a later date, to check their accuracy and effectiveness.
The teaching materials and methodology place great emphasis on pair and group work and student participation - this is explicitly addressed in tutors' reports and students are encouraged to discuss these reports in tutorials.
C2 EL932: students select texts from a variety of sources for class discussion - these texts are then read for content and also critically evaluated for the quality and reliability of the evidence they contain and the structure of their argument.
There is also some analysis of the varying requirements of specific academic genres.
C4 EL933 preparation for project work in plenary sessions and in 1:1 tutorials and feedback on process, editing and drafting.
All of these skills are also practised both directly and indirectly in EL931, EL932, EL933, EL934 and in relevant computer science modules.
C3 is developed through exercises and exposure to a range of systems software
C5 is developed in group assignments and project work
Various aspects of C6 are acquired in programming and other assignments, and further developed in team and individual project work
Assessment methods
Assessment of EL modules is based on a mixture of oral and written assignments which test students' ability to implement these skills effectively.
Achievement of practical skills in computer science modules is assessed through marked coursework, project reports, oral presentations and demonstrations of completed basic systems.
D: Key skills
D1: A fundamental aim of the course is effective communication in English; orally, through class participation and presentations, in writing and in critical reading. Skills in the communication of arguments and ideas in a range of different contexts is a specific objective. This extends to concepts in computer science and technology as well as in project management and teamwork.
D2: An ability to use relevant software products for supporting learning, including the use of statistical packages for data analysis. Students perform a variety of word-processing operations and use the Internet for research. They use PowerPoint or OHP transparencies for presentations. Students also communicate with tutors by email e.g. sending drafts of work as attachments. They use specialised IT resources appropriate to computer programming and information systems.
D3: An ability to use basic problem solving techniques and to apply them to the analysis of algorithms and the solution of programming problems.
D4: An ability to identify and evaluate various source materials, to apply concepts and solve problems, and to work out objectives and priorities. Students should be able to apply knowledge and understanding in order to make judgements and offer solutions in a range of contexts.
D5: Working with others - Pair and group work are an integral part of the course, and peer evaluation is also built in. There are opportunities for group projects in some modules.
D6: Students are encouraged to keep both learner diaries and records of their own learning and to work independently. Students should have the ability to work to briefs and deadlines; take responsibility for their own work; reflect on their own learning and performance and make constructive use of feedback. Improving time management, prioritising critical tasks, meeting deadlines, and evaluating self-learning.
Learning methods
D1 There is a continuous emphasis on effective communication.
Awareness of audience and appropriate linguistic and discourse choices is a focus of all work, especially in writing.
D2 Students are trained in the use of PowerPoint for presentations and in using the Internet for research purposes.
D4-D5: Students are expected to work in pairs and groups on a variety of information- and opinion-gap tasks and analysis of texts.
In presentations students give and receive peer feedback, both oral and written.
Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning, especially in individual tutorials.
Reflective tasks are also part of the portfolio requirement.
D1-D6 are implicit in some computer science modules.
Assessment methods
D1-D6 are assessed as an integral part of class work and assignments.
EL modules: students are required to word process their work and to use PowerPoint for oral presentations.
Peer evaluation and feedback are an important part of the informal assessment of students' performance.
D6: IA931-IA933 include reflective tasks in the portfolio of assessed work.