MCAST/BTEC Higher National Diploma
Entry Requirements | First Year | Second Year | NICTS | SD | Accreditation | Fees

Entry Requirements (03/05/04):

Applicants must have successfully completed the MCAST/BTEC National Diploma in Computing (Code 03/05/03)

Programme of Study (2 Years full-time):

Year 1 Semester 1

Computer Platforms

This unit is aimed at IT practitioners who need sufficient knowledge of computer architecture to make rational and commercial decisions on the selection and specification of systems. Students will learn how to evaluate operating systems in order to create their own operating environment. Many IT practitioners communicate with specialist technical support staff during the specification and planning of systems implementation. This unit aims to give students the confidence to communicate with technical and non-technical specialists to justify their recommendations.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Investigate computer systems
  2. Investigate operating systems
  3. Design a computer system
  4. Test your computer system

System Analysis

This unit will provide students with a detailed insight into the systems analysis life cycle, modelling tools and techniques, testing procedures and the need for systems evaluation. This unit will examine the requirements of analysis for both commercial and technical applications. It will also introduce the data and functional modelling techniques which students can be expected to use.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Understand the systems analysis life cycle
  2. Use systems analysis tools and techniques
  3. Perform a system investigation
  4. Investigate functional and data modelling

Programming Concepts

An understanding of the general principles and concepts of programming should underpin some of the basic knowledge that students need. Students will develop programs and although the content could be delivered from a range of languages, compilers or platforms, the unit should aim to deliver skills and knowledge that will easily transfer to other areas of the qualification life cycle.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Design and develop code using structured programming methods
  2. Use modularisation appropriate to the chosen programming language
  3. Produce appropriate documentation for a given program application
  4. Create and apply appropriate test schedules

Database Design Concepts

Databases play an integral part in both academic and commercial domains, they provide users with a tool in which to store, model and retrieve data. Database development is fundamental to the area of computing and ICT as it offers so many links to other areas such as programming, systems analysis, HCI as well as embracing issues of compatibility and end user interfacing. This core unit introduces students to the practical aspects of designing a database. Learners will be expected to use applications software to a prescribed level in order to design, use basic tools, develop and demonstrate a database that is fully functional.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Understand database environments
  2. Use and manipulate appropriate database software
  3. Design a database
  4. Demonstrate the database.

Year 1 Semester 2

Networking Concepts

The importance of networked solutions in the business world grows year on year. The increasingly sophisticated technologies and widening user base mean a fundamental understanding of networks is essential for many. The aim of this unit is to provide a rigorous introduction to networks, and practical experience in installing users and software on a network. This unit will clarify the issues associated with network use and how this has developed. It will identify the architectural concepts behind networking and help develop the preliminary skills necessary to install and manage networks. This module will cover the same material as for the CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) semester 1, giving the students the opportunity to continue to study to get the CCNA curriculum which focuses on the latest networking knowledge being utilised in the industrial sector.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Evaluate the benefit of networks
  2. Apply architectural concepts to the design/evaluation of networks
  3. Install network software
  4. Perform network management responsibilities

Personal Skills Development

Personal skills development implies the professional and personal growth in knowledge and skills. Personal skills development embraces a whole range of practical and transferable skills that can be applied within higher education and the workplace. This unit examines a range of skills that are deemed necessary to aid students through various scenarios. Students will be able to improve their own learning, be involved with team work and be more capable of problem solving through the use of case studies, role play and real-life activities.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Demonstrate and deliver a range of transferable skills
  2. Show evidence of working and contributing to a group situation
  3. Identify a given problem and provide feasible solutions
  4. Monitor and review own learning experience

Quality Systems

This unit will enable the student to learn about the quality process as applied to IT related systems development. Quality control and assurance relies on the establishment of standards by which projects can be measured. This is carried out through reviews, tests and inspections to ensure that the end product meets requirements.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Understand the need for quality assurance during all stages of the development of an IT system
  2. Employ standard documentation in the quality control of development and maintenance
  3. Employ project management tools
  4. Contribute to the review of stages of system development.

Data Analysis and Database Design

An understanding of databases is fundamental to the development of any significant information system. Database systems are predominant in the world of IT and continue to demand more complex data structures as applications get increasingly sophisticated. The aim of this unit is to provide an essential knowledge of database systems including design principles, practical implementation and development skills for both system designer and software engineer.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Understand data models and database technology
  2. Design a relational database to meet user requirements
  3. Use manipulation and query tools and techniques
  4. Implement and test database design

Entry Requirements | First Year | Second Year | NICTS | SD | Accreditation | Fees

Year 2

Students must choose one area of specialisation:

Networking and ICT Support (NICTS) OR Software Development (SD)

NICTS Semester 1

Networking Technology

Understanding of the underlying principles of networking is of vital importance to all IT practitioners in today’s increasingly sophisticated world. The aim of this unit is to provide a background to the basic components of networked systems from which all networking operations derive. It also includes the evaluation of networks and network applications. Apart from covering BTEC outcomes, this unit will be focusing also on the properties/features of various networking devices. In order to achieve this outcome, the CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) semesters 2 and 3 will be covered throughout the module. Thus, after completing this unit, students will need only to follow another semester in order to be able to sit for the CCNA exam.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Evaluate networks and networking approaches
  2. Investigate basic hardware components and the role of network operating system (NOS) software
  3. Explore the connection of network components
  4. Explain the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model and common network architectures
  5. Evaluate data transmission and protocols in a network environment.

Management of IT

The unit aims to provide the generic skills and knowledge required by a manager in the information technology sector. Such managers have additional pressures of having to deal continuously with change and participate effectively with management at all levels, including senior management, in the development of strategy. In addition to techniques for staffing and budgetary control, the unit also covers techniques for keeping abreast of developments in information technology.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Apply principles of staff management
  2. Satisfy organisational requirements
  3. Participate in strategic planning
  4. Identify current developments in information technology.

Project Management

The aim of this unit is to provide a basic knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, tools and techniques that may be used in any industry, the professions and the public sector. Organisational and human resource factors are also included. Students will develop an understanding of what constitutes a project and the role of a project manager. They will be able to analyse and plan the activities needed to carry out the project, including how to set up a project, how to control and execute a project, and how to carry out project reviews. They will also understand how the project fits into the company or other organisational environment.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Investigate project management principles
  2. Examine project organisation and people
  3. Examine project processes and procedures

Networking Infrastructure

To maintain effective communication and connect remote locations, organisations need to set up and manage computer networks in a multi-vendor environment. The aim of this unit is to provide students with a sound knowledge of the standards-based networking protocols and technologies that enable a reliable and secure interoperable network environment. The unit focuses on an appropriate network operating system, such as Microsoft Windows.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Implement name resolution services
  2. Configure and troubleshoot network connectivity
  3. Configure and support routing and remote access
  4. Configure network security

NICTS Semester 2

E-Business Strategy

This unit starts by considering customers’ expectations of e-business, because these dictate implementation priorities. It is first necessary to assess the status of the business information and logistics systems, because they will provide the foundation for e-business. Preparations will be necessary to meet the standards of support that e-customers expect. Marketing, promotion and supply chain management must be considered, alongside the website, when developing the implementation strategy. Protecting the intellectual property of the business and maintaining the integrity of its website require considerations of risk and appropriate security precautions. Finally future developments in e-business are examined to help maintain a competitive edge.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Analyse the impact on the business
  2. Plan implementation strategy
  3. Explain measures for protection of the business
  4. Examine future developments in e-business

Networking Project

This unit will examine the way in which network computers are prepared for the installation of an operating system. Candidates will learn how to distinguish between the basic characteristics of an operating system (OS) used on a network workstation and that of an OS running a network server. Candidates examine the structure of network operating system (NOS) architecture and will install an OS for both a workstation and a network server. They will learn common troubleshooting and upgrade options.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Identify features of a network operating system
  2. Explain NOS architecture and network operations
  3. Carry out the installation of OS for network workstation and network server
  4. Investigate troubleshooting of NOS installation

Internet Server Management

As more organisations adopt internet-aware software there is an increasing need to understand the implications of internet technologies. In addition many organisations are now creating their own internet and intranet sites and therefore the successful management of sites and servers is becoming fundamental to network managers. The aim of this unit is to provide an introduction to internet server management within the context of a network operating system. This unit will link server management with other major operating system topics such as administration, security and networking concepts, with particular emphasis on the TCP/IP protocol stack. Students will be able to identify the necessary network infrastructure that must be in place, the administrative tasks required and security implications and possible solutions to hosting a secure internet site.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Perform administrative tasks to manage network users and resources
  2. Apply architectural concepts to the design/evaluation of networks
  3. Apply appropriate security to safeguard network resources
  4. Configure an internet server

Supporting NOS and OS

The aim of this unit is to teach the students how to support a network operating system, from the very elementary basics of operating system installation to the highly advanced server installation practices. For this unit, Linux Fedora Core 3 will be used as an Operating System.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Install, configure and test a network operating system
  2. Plan and apply disaster recovery techniques
  3. Implement network clients and servers
  4. Monitor and optimise performance of a network operating system

Entry Requirements | First Year | Second Year | NICTS | SD | Accreditation | Fees

SD Semester 1

Website Design

This unit will facilitate the development of an awareness and understanding of the technical and creative skills required to design, construct and manage an effective e-business website interface. Students will evaluate existing e-business sites, in the context of cross-platforms and a range of browsers. They will analyse a range of commercially available web authoring software and be required to create a viable, interactive website interface, which meets contemporary web design principles.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Assess the design and functionality of existing and established e-business sites
  2. Examine a range of web authoring tools for creating multimedia websites
  3. Develop an integrated set of web pages/frames
  4. Develop interactive applications on a web server

Visual Programming Development

This unit design techniques, tools and technology required by creating enterprise level applications using the development tools and technologies offered by Visual Studio .NET. Visual Studio .NET includes C#, VB.NET and J#. This unit will focus on the development of databases using SQL Server and using C# and ADO.NET to connect to this database. This unit assumes intermediate level of skills and knowledge using latest programming technologies including Java, C# or VB. It does not assume any knowledge of ADO.NET. This unit covers material for the MCP examination for Programming with C# (70-316).

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Understand and use relational databases in Visual Basic / C#
  2. Create and use ActiveX controls
  3. Build and use components
  4. Create Visual Basic / C# internet projects

Software Testing

In this unit the students will work with a medium-sized application, developing a full and detailed testing procedure, documenting the results. They will then be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the application and the testing procedures employed.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of testing stages and requirements
  2. Create a customised test strategy, plan and techniques for a given specification
  3. Undertake the test plan, producing associated outcomes
  4. Provide a detailed evaluation of the test plan and its associated outcomes.

Viual Programming Fundamentals

The aim of this unit is to introduce Visual C# language to the students. Main emphasis is on Object Oriented Programming, where it is imperative that the students learn the concepts of object oriented programming and apply them in practice. This course is mapped directly to Microsoft MCAD Course 2124: Introduction to C# Programming for the Microsoft® .NET Platform. All this course modules are covered in detail with several demo programs and worksheets so as the students learn the concepts by practice.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Understand event-driven programming concepts
  2. Use the visual programming Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to create applications
  3. Understand and demonstrate principles of user interface design
  4. Understand and write event-driven code

SD Semester 2

Distributed Programming

This unit design techniques, tools and technology required by creating enterprise level applications using the development tools and technologies offered by Visual Studio .NET. Visual Studio .NET includes C#, VB.NET and J#. This unit will focus on the development of databases using SQL Server and using C# and ADO.NET to connect to this database. This unit assumes intermediate level of skills and knowledge using latest programming technologies including Java, C# or VB. It also assumes knowledge on ADO or ADO.NET. This unit covers material for the MCP examination for Programming with C# (70-320). It also covers material for the exam 70-229 SQL Server examination.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Understand Microsoft architecture for enterprise applications.
  2. Design a distributed application
  3. Build a distributed application
  4. Build and use components
  5. Understand and use relational databases using C#

VB Enterprise Dev

The aim of this unit is to introduce the concepts to develop enterprise applications to the students. Main emphasis is on XML, Web Services and .Net Remoting. This course is mapped directly to Microsoft MCAD Building COM+ Applications Using Microsoft .NET Enterprise Services. All this course modules are covered in detail with several demo programs and worksheets so as the students learn the concepts by practice.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Understand the concepts of enterprise development strategy
  2. Create and use COM components
  3. Use Microsoft Transaction Server
  4. Access data using ActiveX Data Objects and SQL Server.

Java Programming

Object-orientated programming is becoming more and more popular. One development environment that uses this object approach is Java. The unit will enable learners to use selected tools to design a variety of programs, these will range from standard programs to those that can be used and implemented on the internet.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Understand Java concepts
  2. Design a variety of Java programs
  3. Create web pages using Java
  4. Use Java tools to create enhanced web pages

Software Development Project

This unit will form a central part in the development of the learner’s ability to link and integrate the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme to produce a practical solution to a realistic problem. This is a major piece of work that should demonstrate the performance expected at a Higher National level. The chosen problem may be work-based, college-based or a learner interest but it must be developed in accordance with the unit’s frameworks and constraints. This will develop the ability to produce a suitable, realistic software solution to an agreed specification within a defined timescale.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Develop a plan for a project to an agreed specification
  2. Develop a solution for the project
  3. Implement the solution to the system
  4. Present and evaluate the project

Accreditation:

On successful completion of all units, students are awarded the MCAST/BTEC Higher National Diploma in Computing.

Fees:

Students have to pay an Edexcel registration fee to follow this programme.

Entry Requirements | First Year | Second Year | NICTS | SD | Accreditation | Fees

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