Block A

Choose from one of the following three modules

SCC.020 Creative Web Applications

Dr Angie Chandler

Learn how to create interactive, web pages. Carrying on from the taster in the core module The Art of Coding, this course will allow students to further explore JavaScript and webpages, teaching them how to build interactive graphical webpages and to enhance these with information such as weather forecasts and geographical information.

SCC.021 Scripting in Python

Dr Daniel Onah

This module provides a treatment of the principles of dynamic scripting languages, and how they can be used to solve real-world problems. The underlying principles of the Python language will be introduced, including file input/output, lists, structural typing and awareness of simple Object Oriented programming in Python. Students will also be briefly exposed to a world of open-source packages that can be accessed using the Python language.

SCC.026 The Evolution of Computing

Dr John Mariani

The history of the field of computing tells a compelling story. Since the invention of the first mechanical computers in 1822, the disruptive effect of computing has continued to send ripples across global society. This module takes the student on a tour of the evolution of computing from its humble beginnings to the global commodity it has become, with a special focus not only upon the technologies themselves but also on the effects they brought upon society. The course takes a highly inclusive and diverse treatment - highlighting key figures from across the spectrum of society and their contributions. It also provides insights into how historic gender (and other) biases in the discipline have led to a weakened capability for countries like the UK to take advantage of their historic dominance in the field. The course concludes with some insights into the likely future evolution of computing.

Block B

Choose from one of the following two modules.

SCC.022 Making Sense of Data

Dr Keivan Navaie

This module outlines a series of introductory methods and approaches important to many data analysis or data mining projects. The module designed for a first-year student in disciplines such as natural sciences, human sciences, management, and engineering, with an interest of working and understanding data.

This module enables students to better describe data, prepare data sets for analysis, identify and understand groupings and relationships within data, and to build computational models that can interrogate such relationships.

There will be weekly tasks to understand the concepts and examine their applications. Each task will be assessed during the studio-style labs and the answers to the exercises will be provided at the end of the studio sessions.

SCC.024 Digital Making and Crafting

Dr Steven Houben

This module provides a focused introduction into Digital Making and Physical Computing using modern microcontrollers (such as Arduino and Micro:bit), new rapid prototyping methodologies (3D printing, foam-core), and an iterative design approach. Through both practical and theoretical perspectives, the module will introduce students to prototyping tools, fabrication and making, and programming and designing novel interactive physical devices. This module will combine hands-on learning through building, testing, and inventing new things, with discussions on broader implications and applications of digital crafting and physical computing.

Block C

Choose from one of the following two modules.

SCC.023 Information Visualisation

Dr Miriam Sturdee

The course will focus on sketching and informational data, modes and methods of information visualisation, programs for visualisation, advanced options and interactivity in data visualisation. Students will have the opportunity to learn about representations, human-centric data visualisation, and how to manipulate these representations in meaningful ways to advance both their own understanding and in real-world applications. The aim of the course is to integrate meaningful data from interdisciplinary sources and develop a portfolio of data visualisation that can both inform and enhance their own subject area.

SCC.025 Virtual Worlds

Dr Abe Karnik

Create your own virtual world! This module will introduce the core concepts of virtual environments, their capabilities and emerging trends through lecture led content. Students will be expected to sculpt their own examples using JavaScript-based libraries like Three.JS and A-frame. Programming skills acquired in previous JavaScript programming modules will allow the students to focus on implementation concepts. The use of JavaScript and browser-based WebGL will provide a flexible and responsive environment to explore concepts of viewing virtual worlds like camera and viewports; spatial concepts like coordinate systems, translation, orientation and scaling; models and animation.

Creative Project

SCC.030 Project

To end the programme, students will work in a group to complete a five-week project that applies their new skills to solve problems that are relevant to their majors. This will give the students an opportunity to go from the very beginning of a problem through to a working solution, giving them the confidence to apply their new skills in the following years of their degree and career