Unit Code - CIS017-1 Computer Systems Structure Page 1 of 6

SECTION A
General Unit Information:
Unit Name Computer Systems Structure
Unit Code CIS017-1
Level 4
Credit Value 30
Location(s) of Delivery On Campus and Off Campus
Period(s) of Delivery 15 weeks
Pre-requisites or
N/A
Restrictions

Computer systems are being an integral part of our daily life. This unit
introduces some of the basic concepts and applications of computer
Aims and Relevance systems. These include an overview of a single computer’s architecture,
the structure of networked computers and the organisation of data leading
to a fundamental grounding in Computing is developed.

The lectures are accompanied by practical sessions that deepen the

understanding of the lecture content. All programming languages and
architectures will be evaluated and contextualized during the course.
Introduction to Computer Systems Structures Database systems, and data
processing history

• Database structures and Entity Relationship models

• Database normalisation for designing relational database tables to
minimise duplication of information
• Using CASE tools in practice, ERM and Normalisation links to OOP
• Using MySQL and Oracle to implement designed databases
Syllabus Content • Using a SQL implementation to define and manipulate data
• Using MongoDB as an example understand the architecture of and
implement No-SQL databases
• Define and recognise different types of data and work with Big Data
using the Hadoop ecosystem
• Gain an insight into data warehousing
• Data Storage and indexing and queries
• Introduction to Computer Networks, the OSI and TCP/IP models
• Media, network addressing, network protocols, network devices
• LAN Technologies
• Network security, network management and network
troubleshooting

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit you should be able to

1. Demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding

Comprehend the underpinning technologies of data communications and computer

networking while appraising the basic system structures and the principles around
data modification.

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2. Demonstrate the following skills and abilities

Utilise problem-solving skills to put together information from different sources in

order to design, develop and implement a databases or computer network.

PSRB Outcomes and/or Apprenticeship Standard

N/A

Summary Learning Hours

Scheduled Guided Independent Autonomous Placement Total

Hours 74 73 75 78 0 300
Percentage 25% 24% 25% 26% 0% 100%

Approach to Learning

All five dimensions to realistic learning (meaningful, active, reflective, challenging and
collaborative) are addressed.
Delivery will be achieved by a combination of formal lectures, lab-based practical sessions, and
independent study. In addition, the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will be used to aid
the delivery of the unit content.
The following specific elements are included:

1. Lectures provide the underpinning theory.

2. Lab-based practical sessions require employment of measurement techniques and
provide hands-on experience.
3. Guided and unsupervised studies enable review of relevant technical topics using
electronic and paper based resources.
4. Students’ self-directed study to strengthen the acquired knowledge and skills.

Assessment Summary

No Assessment Method Learning Weight Submission Length

Outcome(s ) Week of
Assessment
1 Coursework - Case Study 1 and 2 30 9 N/A
2 Summative in-class test or 1 and 2 70 12 N/A
phase test

Learner Development
This Unit particularly focuses on the development of your abilities in the following areas:

The practical classes will let you consolidate what you have learnt during
the lectures and obtain useful skills to develop, analyse and evaluate the
databases and computer networks. These may be (indicatively) arranged
Enquiry as a two-hour session per week where the first hour is highly interactive
with the tutor demonstrating the architecture or database formulation.
You will implement the set tasks following the examples given during the
second hour of the practical session.

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Contextual
Insight into basic components of computer networks and data bases in
Understanding,
modern communications and information systems would be provided
including where
during the lectures and practical sessions.
employer based

Practical sessions will provide a pace for discussion and collaborative

Collaboration work through implementation, observation and system analysis effectively
articulating the findings in a professional format.

You will develop databases based on your own ideas and self-assess the
Enterprise
results in view of your own experience of peers using your product.

Assessment 1 You will undertake a case study for a given scenario which will cover
Details database topics taught and practiced during this unit.

You will undertake 1.5 hour closed book multiple-choice computer-based

Assessment 2
in class test which will test your knowledge, understanding and
Details
comprehension of topics relating to computer networks.

Assessment 3
Details
Assessment 4
Details

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Threshold Expectations
In order to pass Assessment 1 you will need to :

Manipulate a database using a set of key SQL commands.

Edit and manipulate database records based on requirements given to you

Successfully detect, describe and analyse the main cause of faults within data structures.

In order to pass Assessment 2 you will need to:

Explain the underpinning technologies of data communications and computer networking.

Provide justified solutions to problems in networking media, network structure and

protocols, network troubleshooting and security aspects and present diagrammatic
designs for simple peer-to-peer networks.

In order to pass Assessment 3 you will need to:

In order to pass Assessment 1 you will need to:

• Investigate a given busines-related case study / scenario

• Determine the database requirements for the scenario
• Apply conceptual / logical modelling techniques to create a Entity Relationship Model and
fully normalised set of tables
• Implement and modify a database using a set of SQL commands.
• Edit and manipulate database records based on requirements given to you
• Successfully detect, describe and analyse the main cause of faults within data structures.

In order to pass Assessment 4 you will need to:

In order to pass Assessment 2 you will need to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of data communications and computer networking.

• Recognise solutions to problems in networking media, network structure and protocols,
network troubleshooting and security aspects and outline the components of local area
networks and technologies.

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Section B

Recommended Reading
Core Text - this unit is supported by the following core text:

See https://bedfordshire.rl.talis.com/units/cis017-1.html

Guided Reading
The following is expected reading for this unit. Details of what to read and when will be provide
in the BREO site.

See https://bedfordshire.rl.talis.com/units/cis017-1.html

Independent Study
To receive high grades you will need to demonstrate your wider reading. The following
resources provide useful background reading for the material in this unit. This is not an
exhaustive list and students should read widely from the variety of journals available in the
Learning Resources Centre.

See https://bedfordshire.rl.talis.com/units/cis017-1.html

Equality Impact Assessment

Question Y/N/NA Additional anticipatory adjustments/actions

if necessary
Learning materials will be made
available in advance of sessions
Y
for students to adapt as
appropriate?
The approach to teaching and
learning is sufficiently flexible to Y
enable all students to succeed?
The approach to group work takes
account of the needs of students
NA
with disabilities and from diverse
backgrounds?
The approach to practical work
takes account of the needs of Y
students with disabilities?
Students with a protected
characteristic* have an equal
Y
opportunity to achieve the learning
outcomes?
The assessment tasks provide all
students with an equal opportunity Y
to succeed?
Any other aspects of the unit that
might pose potential challenges
from an equality or diversity NA
perspective have been
considered?

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* Age, Gender reassignment, Marriage and civil partnership, Pregnancy and maternity, Race, Religion and belief,
Sex, Sexual orientation

Section C

Administrative Information – Faculty completion

Faculty Creative Arts Technologies and Science
Portfolio CU-COM
School/Department School of Computer Science and Technology
HECOS Code(s) 100754
Unit Co-ordinator Susan Brandreth
Apprenticeship ? No

Courses that this unit is delivered on

BSc (Hons) Information Technology

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