BTEC HND in Computing (General)

This unit is aimed at practitioners who need sufficient knowledge of architecture to make decisions on the selection and specification of systems and to use computer hardware and software effectively. 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 learners the confidence to communicate with technical and non-technical specialists to justify their recommendation.

An understanding of the general the general principles and concepts of programming should underpin some of the basic knowledge that learners need.

Learners will develop programs and although the content could be delivered from a range of languages, compliers or platforms, the unit should aim to deliver skills and knowledge that will easily transfer to other areas of the qualification life cycle.

This unit will design programs using industry techniques in order that learners will adopt good practice.

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 learners to the practical aspects of designing a database. Learners will be expected to use application software to a prescribed level in order to design, use basic tools, develop and demonstrate a database that is fully functional.

The importance of networked solutions in the business world grows year on year. The increasingly sophisticated technologies and widening user base means 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 unit aims to give students a full understanding of the human computer interface (HCI) and the part it plays in the construction of software which is usable, attractive, efficient and effective. The student is encouraged to explore how well software interacts with the user, fulfils the user’s needs and makes allowances for different users. The student should develop a critical appreciation of the advantages and disadvantages of various interfaces currently available and experience the production of a prototype.

This unit will facilitate the development of awareness and understanding of the technical and creative skills required to design, construct and manage en effective e-business website interface. Learners will evaluate existing e-business websites, 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.

The aim of this unit is to introduce the learner to some of the technologies which underpin trading on the internet. This includes an introduction to databases and to connectivity of databases as well as the technical requirements to trade on the internet. This is a very practical unit which learners have the opportunity to apply their knowledge.

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 learners through various scenarios which are not necessarily implicit within the content of more theoretical or academically oriented units within the HN programme. Learners 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.

This unit can be taught traditionally or integrated within other units on the programme. The rationale behind this unit is to enable learners to have exposure to softer skills that are critical in the work place and higher education. This unit attempts to encapsulate a range of key and common skills and deliver this information in a dynamic learning environment.

The development of visual environments has dramatically increased over the last decade. Most people are now familiar with graphical basd operating systems and programs.

These graphical interfaces have made the life of the end user much easier.

The aim of this unit is to enable learners to develop these graphical interfaces in the form of visual applications. The learners will learn how to develop a user interface and then build code into that environment to create an application.

Organisations have always depended on information to ensure success. Over the years organisations have changed their information systems from dealing purely with data processing to strategic and decision support. Managers need information to plan successfully in the short, medium and long term. It is also recognised nowadays that information is required at all levels in an organisation and that information itself can have many sources. The importance of valid information in gaining competitive advantage needs to be stressed. Students will gain an understanding of the ways in which data can be processed and the applications that support organisations. They will also be asked to evaluate the capacity of an information system to satisfy the needs of the user.

This unit will provide learners with a detailed insight into the systems and analysis life cycle, modeling 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 learners can be expected to use.

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 basic design principles, practical implementation and development skills for both system designer and software engineer.

The aim of this unit is to provide a basic knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, tools and techniques that may be used in the industry, the professions and the public sector. Organisational and human resource factors are also included.

Learners 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 our project reviews. They will also understand how themproject fits into the company or other organizational environment.

It is intended that this unit will support the knowledge and understanding requirements for the NVQ Project Management at level 4.

The aim of this unit is to understand how business organizations operate and to explore the issues involved in the development of e-business by either an established business or a new business. It looks at the importance of market research and financial planning, culminating in the development of a business plan. It represents the practical application of manyof the issues and concepts introduced in associated units.

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 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.

The aim of this unit is to help students integrate the skills and knowledge they have acquired during the course to produce a practical solution to a realistic problem from the use of applications software.

This unit will provide learners with a good overview of a range of applications software, its functions and uses within an IT context. Learners will be expected to design, use and test applications software to meet a specified user requirements.

This is a major piece of work that should demonstrate the performance expected at an Higher National Computing level. The problem should be developed within an IT context in accordance with the unit's frameworks and constraints. This will develop the student’s ability to produce an acceptable and viable software solution to an agreed specification within a defined timescale and constraints.