Book for Beds 2024 - Computer Science and Technology

SCHOOL

OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

WELCOME TO COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

I’m thrilled to welcome you to our School of Computer Science and Technology at the University of Bedfordshire.

During your studies with us, you will not only be equipped with the most cutting-edge knowledge and skills that will prepare you for the world of work, but you will also be empowered to develop new tools that will shape the future and solve today’s challenges. When you graduate from our School, you will be a highly employable individual across divergent sectors.

I feel privileged to lead a diverse team of academics who are actively using their subject skills to drive meaningful change in our society. As part of your course, you’ll get involved in this work with our global and local partners, ensuring you experience first-hand the relevance of your subject in the modern world.

We recognise that our students go to university for a variety of reasons; some may have a specific career trajectory in mind while others may want to explore every corner of the subject of which they are passionate without knowing where it’ll take them. No matter what the reason, our academics will work with you as an individual to help you achieve your creative, professional, and personal aspirations.

I look forward to meeting you during Welcome Week.

Dr Ed Braund Head of School for Computer Science and Technology

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PORTFOLIO LEAD

Hello, my name is Dr Marc Conrad, and I am the Portfolio Lead for undergraduate Computing. We are excited that you will be joining us this academic year.

We are committed to supporting and inspiring you to achieve your goals through inspirational teaching, creativity and creating a safe environment in which to study. Our aim is for you to graduate as a professional who is confident, independent, competent and ready for the workplace.

During your studies, you will have a course coordinator, unit coordinator, and a personal academic tutor (known as PAT) who will support you throughout your studies. Course teams have weekly office hours so you can book an appointment if you need to chat to them. We will be with you every step of the way as you start your academic journey.

Dr Marc Conrad Portfolio Lead for Undergraduate Computing

HELLO FROM THE STUDENTS’ UNION (SU)

A big welcome to the University of Bedfordshire!

When you join the University you automatically become a member of our SU community for FREE!

We are here to help every student get the most out of their university experience. We offer advice, support and the opportunity for you to have your voice heard. We want to ensure that you have fun, try new things, deepen your passions for hobbies and interests and meet wonderful new friends.

Beds SU has offices in Luton and Bedford where you will also find venues and a whole host of weekly events for students.

There will be plenty of events for you to enjoy during Welcome Week – keep an eye on our website for more or follow us on social media. We can’t wait to meet you.

Chidera, Amina, Ryan and Chidinma

Your current Beds SU Executive Team

Beds SU (Luton and Bedford) bedssu.co.uk

help@bedssu.co.uk

ESSENTIAL

CONTACTS Course Coordinators

Computer Science

Dr Mitul Shukla mitul.shukla@beds.ac.uk

Software Engineering

Dr Renxi Qiu renxi.qiu@beds.ac.uk

Information Technology

Dr Jon Hitchcock jon.hitchcock@beds.ac.uk

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Prof Dayou Li dayou.li@beds.ac.uk

Computer Networking

Dr Ghazanfar Safdar

ghazanfar.safdar@beds.ac.uk

Cybersecurity

Dr Ali Mansour

ali.mansour@beds.ac.uk

Animation and Visual Effects

Dr Jim Wood

jim.wood@beds.ac.uk

Computer Games Development

Dr Marcia Gibson

marcia.gibson@beds.ac.uk

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING

WELCOME WEEK

We believe your university experience helps to create a strong sense of community. That is why taking part in your Welcome Week programme is so important.

Not only will you have the opportunity to talk to your academics about the different aspects of studying and what to expect over the coming weeks, but it is also the ideal time to get to know your academic team and fellow students.

During Welcome Week, you will be invited to different sessions which cover a variety of topics and activities.

Our School’s academic induction is divided into four areas:

Session 1 School welcome talk – hear about all the opportunities you will have as a School of Computer Science and Technology student.

Tuesday

Wednesday

Session 2 Meet your course team – get to know our expert staff who will talk you through how your course operates and everything you need to know for your studies.

Session 1 Lab induction – meet the School’s technical team who will train you on how to use our specialist equipment and facilities.

Session 2 Lunch – get to know your fellow students and academic team.

Session 3 Course workshop – get hands-on with your subject in your first practical session.

All the details about the different activities and where they will be held will be shared with you before you arrive on campus. But be assured that the sessions will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday so you can start planning your week now.

Our colleagues in the student support and learning resources teams will also host sessions for all new students. These are designed to help you become familiar with all the essential services you will use throughout your time with us.

Of course, Welcome Week wouldn’t be Welcome Week without the Freshers’ Fair, which is run by the University of Bedfordshire Students’ Union. They will host plenty of events and activities, so keep an eye on their website and follow them on social media to find out more (see page 5).

CHECKLIST YOUR

Remember to reply to your offers!

If you have received decisions from all the universities you applied to before 16 May, the UCAS deadline for replies is Thursday 6 June. Reply to your offers by signing into your UCAS application.

Registering for your course

Once you have met the conditions of your offer, you will receive an email to complete your online registration. Keep an eye on your emails and junk box to ensure you don’t miss it!

Everything you need for moving to university

If you’re moving home, here’s a handy checklist from UCAS to make sure you pack everything you need.

PREPARING

FOR YOUR

FIRST WEEK

We want you to have the best possible start during your first week. To help you prepare, here are some useful links:

SOMETHING TO WATCH

• Watch our computer games development reel

• Be inspired to develop your own digital tools by watching this workshop by our Head of School, Dr Edward Braund.

SOMETHING TO READ

Keep up-to-date with developments in computing by reading blogs and articles from our accrediting body:

• British Computing Society

ABOUT THE CAMPUS

Take time to familiarise yourself with the layout of our campus and the names of buildings. This will help you get around with ease when you arrive.

• Luton campus

SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT

Once you enrol as a student, you will have access to a range of discounts nationally, locally and on campus:

• Get the latest student discounts with TOTUM, the National Union of Students discount card and app.

• Check out the latest offers from the University of Bedfordshire SU

• Find out if you are eligible for scholarships, bursaries and other discounts

SOMETHING TO DO

• In Bedfordshire

• Let Luton surprise you

• Love Bedford

ESSENTIAL LINKS

Academic Calendar

Academic information

Guide to referencing

Student Information Desk (SiD)

Student Support

WHAT YOU WILL STUDY IN

YOUR FIRST YEAR

In your first year, you will get to grips with the fundamentals of your subject through interactive lectures and hands-on sessions where you put theory into practice. Below are some examples of what to expect in your first year:

Computing

You will get to grips with programming languages to build your own applications; you will train your brain to think like a computer, empowering you to translate real-world problems into something solvable by a machine; and you will get under the skin of data structures and computer networks.

Cybersecurity

You will explore information security, threats and mitigations, and network security while also building your practical skills using industry-standard security platforms. You will explore the principles of cryptography and cyber ethics while building an understanding of legal and regulatory requirements.

Creative Technology

You will start by learning how to rapid prototype your creative ideas with visual programming tools; you will bring your ideas to life through deploying industry-standard approaches to game and digital asset design; and you will have the opportunity to explore 2D Graphics and Digital Art and begin your journey as a games programmer.

ACCESSING YOUR TIMETABLE

Your personal timetable will be available on the website once you have fully registered with the University as a student. You can also access your timetable via the MyBedsLife app (see p.17 for more on how to download our award-winning app).

Remember, it is important that you attend all timetabled classes and course inductions.

HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED

The course assessment strategy is closely aligned to the University’s teaching and learning strategy which is designed to:

• have an immediate relevance to practice

• draw on expertise by experience

• foster active learning and be learner-centred in approach.

RANGE OF ASSESSMENTS

These can vary depending on the course you are studying, but here’s an example of what your assessments might include:

Project work – get hands-on by researching, designing, and building pieces of technology according to live industry briefs or real-world challenges.

Presentations – present your ideas to expert and non-expert audiences.

Research projects – horizon scan for cutting-edge developments and create a project based on your findings.

Technical reports – outline your ideas and evaluate your practical work.

Exams – test the knowledge you have acquired.

Assessments are purposefully diverse and created to relate to industry practices.

UP TO DATE HOW YOU CAN KEEP

We use a virtual learning environment called BREO (Bedfordshire Resources for Education Online) which helps our students keep up to date with everything that’s happening.

Here you will find a range of online tools to support you during your studies, from information about your teaching team and links to live online sessions, to lecture slides and assessment information.

We advise all students to log in to BREO every day once you arrive on campus as it is regularly updated. You can only access BREO once you have registered with us as a student but you can read more about it on our website

ESSENTIAL LINKS

Get support with your learning and assignments Study Hub

Visit the Library

Begin@Beds Start your student journey

Thrive@Beds My Beds Life

Succeed@Beds Careers and Employability Service Student Support

QUESTIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED

Who do I contact if I struggle to attend classes or submit work?

We understand that everyone will face some difficulties now and again and we aim to be flexible. You are encouraged to discuss ongoing issues with your personal academic tutor or unit lead. For independent advice or for ongoing attendance issues you can contact studentengagement@beds.ac.uk. You can apply for an extension on your assignment by emailing mitigation@beds.ac.uk. You can find out more on our website

Who can help me with my assessments?

If you need support with your assignments you can contact our Study Hub which offers free professional support to help you develop a wide range of relevant and valuable academic skills. You can find out more on our website

What support is available for students with a learning difference or disability?

Our Disabilities team supports students with a range of disabilities including sensory and physical impairments, mental health difficulties, specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, and medical conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, sickle cell anaemia and arthritis. You may be eligible for a Learning and Teaching Agreement, where you can discuss any reasonable adjustments needed for classroom learning and examinations. You can email disability@beds.ac.uk for further information and advice.

Are there clubs and activities I can get involved with?

Yes, the Students’ Union can tell you everything you need to know about sports clubs, activities and events for all our students. You can even set up your own society! Contact Beds SU by emailing beds.su@beds.ac.uk

All our students and staff can sign up for a free gym membership This membership will also give you free Get Active sessions.

What if I’m struggling with my mental health at university?

The University has a range of services offering specialist help. You can email mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk for new or ongoing mental health support needs. To access our counselling services, email counselling@beds.ac.uk

Is there any support to help me manage my finances?

Our dedicated Student Money Advice team offers confidential financial advice, information and support. They can advise you on a range of funding options such as grants, loans, bursaries and scholarships, as well as guiding you on the best way to manage your finances. You can contact them by emailing studentmoney@beds.ac.uk

MyBedsLife

Our award-winning app MyBedsLife gives you access to everything the University has to offer. You can have a look around the app before you enrol on your course to get an idea of how it works. Once you’re a student, it will give you access to your emails, timetable, MyPrint balance, support services and much more. Plus you’ll get notifications to ensure you are always up to date.

SUPPORT STUDENT

Throughout your degree, you will have access to our Student Support teams, offering you practical and confidential advice and support.

Careers and Employability

Our Careers and Employability Service offers advice and support with everything from drafting the perfect CV and preparing for interviews to volunteering and graduate placements. You can access a range of online tools to help you in your career development and job search.

Community and faith

All students are welcome to join our exciting programme of activities or access our confidential, personal support – as well as a range of social activities and events. Visit us at the Tree House Centre at our Luton and Bedford campuses or find out more on the website

Student Voice

Help us to enhance your student experience by using your student voice to celebrate the positives, make suggestions for change and let us know when and where we can do things better. Find out how you can get involved

Cost of Living Hub

Our Cost of Living Hub brings together the latest information, support and guidance for students affected by the rising cost of living. You can access the Hub via the MyBedsLife app (see p.17) or our website

Support+

ESSENTIAL LINKS

Student Engagement

Mitigation

Mental Wellbeing

Disability Support

Student Money Advice

Student Support

We offer a wide range of support for students with varying needs and experiences including those with caring responsibilities; those facing homelessness; students who are estranged from their families; and much more. Find out how we can support you during your studies.

Support and Report

Respect, tolerance and inclusion are core values of our academic community. Support and Report is a confidential, centralised point of contact for all our students and staff to share concerns about offensive, threatening or anti-social behaviour, on or off campus. Find out more

THOUGHTS FINAL

Always remember, our team is here for you!

We know there’s a lot to take in when you start university. We’ll support you throughout, especially at the beginning. We are confident that you’ll love our friendly campus and everything the University of Bedfordshire has to offer.

Our degrees are embedded in industry and delivered by world experts actively driving change.

You will be taught by academics involved in real-world research, leading the way in areas such as enhanced robot technology; nano-robotics in cancer treatment; using IoT to reduce food wastage; carbon emission reduction; and using AI to revolutionise medical treatment in trauma cases.

Our Luton-based campus and practice-led courses mean our students take on work-based projects with local employers such as the London-based HAL Robots (Robotics) and Bedfordshire Police (Cybersecurity).

HERE’S WHY YOU WILL LOVE STUDYING COMPUTER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AT BEDFORDSHIRE

Your employment prospects are strong –83% of our full-time UK computing graduates are in highly skilled employment or graduate further study, 15 months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes for 2020/21, pub 2023).

Our computing, cybersecurity, and AI courses are accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) so you qualify for chartered IT professional status once you graduate.

Our dedicated team recognise that our diverse community of students go to university for a variety of reasons and will work with you as an individual to achieve your goals.

You will have access to our specialist facilities, which include a CCNA Academy computer networking suite; games, animation and graphics studios; National Instruments electronic engineering laboratory; forensics and IT security laboratory; Rohde & Schwarz telecommunications laboratory; laser and optics laboratory; a machine and product design workshop; and computer rooms.