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

Entry Requirements (03/05/03):

Applicants must have either passed in at least 4 SEC/GCE O' level subjects at grades 5/C or better, which preferably should include passes in English Language, Mathematics and at least one Science subject, OR successfully completed the MCAST/BTEC First Diploma for IT Practitioners (Code 03/05/02)

Programme of Study (2 Years full-time):

Year 1 Semester 1

Language & Communications

The aim of this unit is to develop students' communication skills. The unit covers written, vocal, research and presentation skills. The students are encouraged to take part in discussions and work in groups.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Take part in discussions
  2. Produce written and graphical material to meet a range of end user needs
  3. Make a presentation
  4. Respond to written materials
  5. Undertake and evaluate relevant research

Computational Methods

The unit aims to consolidate basic numerical concepts via a theoretical and practical route. Students will develop confidence in quantifying and manipulating data and processing it using a variety of computational methods. An interpretation of the results of the numerical analysis will be made. The unit deliberately integrates the use of spreadsheet techniques to allow real data to be processed, and allow techniques to be introduced to the students that would be outside the scope of the unit if processed manually.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Demonstrate an ability to quantify data and handle numeric data in a variety of forms
  2. Solve a range of problems using algebraic techniques
  3. Be introduced to and demonstrate an understanding of basic set theory. Acquire skills in the use of logic circuits and truth tables
  4. Use a range of graphical techniques to represent and manipulate data
  5. Demonstrate confidence in the use of basic statistical techniques to analyse data

Computer Systems

This course outlines the fundamental way in which a computer works, starting with simple logic and progressing to a simple model of a microprocessor. This is followed by an in-depth study of computer hardware and peripherals to enable students to understand the way in which computers work. The unit also covers a basic knowledge of the purpose of operating systems and some elementary operating systems and some elementary operating system processes.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Understanding data representation, simple logic design and the fetch-execute cycle of a microprocessor
  2. Evaluate the parameters of modern computer systems hardware
  3. Write simple low level programs
  4. Install and use modern operating systems

Introduction to Software Development

The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the basic concepts of program design and implementation using a suitable procedural high-level language. The emphasis is on practical activities, problem solving and the production of good quality documentation. The students would be given exposure mainly to the Visual Basic Environment.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Apply simple analysis and design techniques to the software development process
  2. Develop basic high-level code using an appropriate procedural programming language
  3. Produce appropriate documentation for a given program application
  4. Use suitable testing methods to ascertain the correctness of a working piece of code

Year 1 Semester 2

Business Information Systems

This unit helps the students to gain an understanding of how information is used within organisations. Students will also gain an understanding of the need for health, safety and security in the workplace.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Examine the need for information in organisationS
  2. Investigate the functional areas within organisations
  3. Examine the methods for data handling and processing of information within organisations
  4. Understand the physical and operational requirements of a business system

Communications Technology

The widespread of ICT has led to industry and commerce taking full advantage of vastly improved communication opportunities. This unit considers the way in which computers are connected to provide efficient data communication, and how computer networks have developed to become established features of most businesses.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Understand the main elements in a data communications system
  2. Describe hardware and software used in data communications
  3. Describe computer networks and specify interconnection devices
  4. Demonstrate an ability to search, access and retrieve remote information
  5. Demonstrate an ability to create information that can be accessed remotely
  6. Develop an appropriate ICT solution to a given business context

Web Development

This unit enables students to create Internet and Intranets websites. The focus is on creation of dynamic web pages and sites. This unit also deals with the organisation of files on a web server. Although primarily based as a unit covering website design, the unit could be taught with reference to an Intranet.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Design dynamic web pages through commission
  2. Design and build websites
  3. Organise website files on an Internet or intranet based server and review against commission

Software Applications

The aim of this course is to familiarise students with the most commonly used software applications in workplaces today and enables them to achieve a measure of proficiency in each. Selected applications will be those used to store, manipulate, present and process data in order to support business processes. Data can be textual, numeric or graphical and when used in a business function is often a combination of two or all of these types.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Create and use a data store that is suitable for processing data
  2. Demonstrate the ability to manipulate stored numeric data
  3. Present a combination of textual and graphical data in a format appropriate for group delivery
  4. Use an appropiate application to manipulate predominantly textual datA

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

Computer Hardware

This unit outlines the basic hardware of a computer, giving students the ability and confidence to build and upgrade PC's and to rectify simple faults. The main focus will be on how the various devices work and their main functions, together with their installation and system configuration.This unit is mainly practical oriented and student focussed, giving opportunity for discussion and reflection upon the various hardware activities.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Investigate basic computer architecture and the functions of deviceS
  2. Dismantle and re-assemble a microcomputer system
  3. Dismantle and re-assemble a microcomputer base unit
  4. Configure CMOS and system boards to match CPUs and peripheral devices
  5. Install and use modern operating systems
  6. Troubleshoot and maintain a microcomputer system

Network Design & Administration

Networking is probably one of the fastest growing sectors in the computing industry. This unit is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform competently in the role of Network Administrator. Students completing this unit will be able to install and configure basic networks, accomplish basic network administrative tasks and understand the major difference between major peer to peer and server based networks and physical access protocols.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Define network resources
  2. Demonstrate network planning
  3. Install and configure network software
  4. Demonstrate network administration

Data Communication & Networks

The demand for networked solutions continues to grow and a fundamental understanding of the underlying principles is of vital importance to all ICT 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 emanate.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Identify the primary types of newtork cabling and network interface cards and make appropriate selections for a particular network environment
  2. Combine the principles of communications with an understanding of computer hardware to select a network topology for a given site
  3. Identify the functions of different network protocols and the network processes which use these protocols and how they are linked to the appropriate OSI layers

End User Support

The unit aims to develop an approach and understanding of the roles of ICT support technicians and the support needs of end users. In addition the unit aims to develop the practical skills of students to meet end user support needs.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Identify and describe the support needs of end users of ICT products and services and the role of the support technician
  2. Demonstrate the limitations on authority of support staff and give reasons for those limitations
  3. Deliver end user support
  4. Demonstrate how automated procedures can assist in the delivery of end user support

NICTS Semester 2

Project

The aim of this unit is to integrate the skills and knowledge students have gained throughout the programme to enable them to provoke a computer-based solution to a realistic Networking problem. The idea is to develop the ability to produce an acceptable and viable solution to an agreed solution specification within a defined timescale and constraints.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Select, specify and plan an appropriate specification
  2. Develop the project to the agreed specification and plan
  3. Implement the project
  4. Demonstrate and evaluate the project

Website Management

In this unit, students will continue on the work done in the first year web development unit. The focus is on the management and organisation of websites on an appropriate server. Exposure will be given on dynamic scripting with VB and active server pages, based on Microsoft Internet Information Server.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of performance considerations for Internet or intranet websites
  2. Determine website user requirements
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the development and promotion of websites
  4. Document website management

System Specification & Justification

Businesses buy computer hardware and software. This unit enables students to assess combinations of hardware and software that economically satisfy the needs of specific organisations.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Evaluate the needs of a business and a user for hardware and software
  2. Describe the functions and features of currently available hardware
  3. Specify combinations of hardware and software to satifsy the needs of a business
  4. Carry out a cost benefit analysis of possible solutions to a business’s needs
  5. Describe the benefits and drawbacks of developing software instead of buying packages

Multimedia Technology

This unit provides an overview of the basic hardware elements of a computer system. Appropriate skills will be developed which will help determine the design and development of a product, ensuring that students appreciate the features and constraints of various applications, peripherals and systems.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Understand multimedia system requirements
  2. Understand how to set up hardware and install software for use
  3. Develop appropriate documentation
  4. Investigate new technology

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

SD Semester 1

Systems Analysis & Design

The unit introduces the principles of investigation, analysis and design and develops skills in those areas. Students will learn to apply their knowledge of computer systems and information systems to the design of systems for business use. The unit emphasis the importance of documentation and explores the role of standard methodologies.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of systems analysis and design and their part in the development process
  2. Carry out an investigation of a problem domain and customer requirements for a new system
  3. Carry out an analysis of requirements
  4. Produce a design for the required system
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of system testing principles
  6. Demonstrate an awareness of a range of standard systems analysis and design methodologies

Programming Concepts

This unit provides students with the skills to design data structures, algorithms, tests and documentation for a software system. Students will learn to use a standard design methodology such as Jackson Structured Design. They will learn how to design appropriate data structures, algorithms and tests. The unit enables students to justify their choice of data structures and understand performance compromises.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Make correct use of recognised methodologies for design and documentation
  2. Design and compare the performance of data structures for solving programming problems
  3. Design and compare the performance of algorithms for solving programming problems
  4. Design tests

Programming Practice

The aim of this unit is to enable students to make good use of the C++ programming environment. The unit will enable them to code, test and debug programs to given designs for realistic problems involving realistic data. Students should also learn that there are several types of software development tools that are optimised for solving various categories of problems and will thus be exposed to other tools such as Postscript and Prolog.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Use a programming environment and its related tools and components
  2. Implement a design making use of data structures, procedures/functions or subroutines
  3. Test, debug and document an application
  4. Use an alternative language or environment to solve a different category of problem

Commercial Programming

This unit will introduce students to development of commercial data processing software and develops skills in commercial programming design, coding, testing and documentation, together with individual and team working skills. The main focus is to give students a high exposure to the e-commerce environment!

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Produce a program design from a specification
  2. Implement a design in a commercial programming language
  3. Test software methodically
  4. Make effective use of the operating system and development environment
  5. Demonstrate an understanding of commercial problems and methods and develop relevant software

SD Semester 2

Project

The aim of this unit is to integrate the skills and knowledge students have gained throughout the programme to enable them to provoke a computer-based solution to a realistic Software Development problem. The idea is to develop the ability to produce an acceptable and viable solution to an agreed solution specification within a defined timescale and constraints.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Select, specify and plan an appropriate specification
  2. Develop the project to the agreed specification and plan
  3. Implement the project
  4. Demonstrate and evaluate the project

Website Management

In this unit, students will continue on the work done in the first year web development unit. The focus is on the management and organisation of websites on an appropriate server, and the setting up of appropriate VB scripts on Active Server Pages (ASP) in a Client-Server Environment.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of performance considerations for Internet or intranet websites
  2. Determine website user requirements
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the development and promotion of websites
  4. Document website management

Advanced Programming

This unit focuses on research and independent learning skills, helping to prepare the students for progression to work or higher education. As a programme then students will be led across the development of high programming structures such as using ODBC, API and graphic techniques, all within a rapid application development environment, using Visual C++.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Establish aims and objectives for a system to be researched and developed
  2. Carry out research, and design a system and tests which make use of researched facilities
  3. Implement and test a system making use of the tools and /or researched materials
  4. Evaluate a system

Programming for Design

This unit enables students to appreciate the programming languages, supporting software and techniques used to design and create artwork and other creative materials. This option is intended for students wishing to gain a greater understanding of the use of software development and programming in the field of art and design.

To achieve this unit a student must:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the tools and techniques available for programming in art and design
  2. Research, review and present examples of graphical programs
  3. Create an applet using a suitable programming language
  4. Create a program to work in conjunction with graphical application software
  5. Evaluate the graphical programs produced and suggest improvements

Accreditation and Progression:

On successful completion of all units, students are awarded the MCAST/BTEC National Diploma in Computing. They may either choose to go into employment or proceed to the MCAST/BTEC Higher Diploma Course in Computing (Code 03/05/04) that is currently being offered by the college.

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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