REPORT ON PROGRAMME VALIDATION. BSc in Networking Applications and Services. 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

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1 REPORT ON PROGRAMME VALIDATION Q 3 report Part 1 Programme details Proposed title Nature and duration of programme BSc in Networking Applications and Services 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time DIT award sought Bachelor of Science in Networking Applications and Services Classifications of award First Class; Second Class Upper Division; Second Class Lower Division; Pass Background The single stage (one year full-time or two years part-time) programme, leads to the award of a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Networking Applications and Services of the Dublin Institute of Technology. It has been designed to prepare those who already hold a relevant NFQ Level Seven ordinary degree, or equivalent, to work in any industrial, commercial and service organisations, to design, implement and support communications networks and to provide end-to-end user services. The programme is offered by the School of Electronic and Communications Engineering. Stated aims and learning outcomes of the programme The programme is at Level Eight within the National Framework of Qualifications. The general learning outcomes are such that a successful graduate of this programme will: demonstrate a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the principles underlying the secure operation of computer and communications networks; have developed detailed knowledge and understanding of the principles and practice underlying the design of modern distributed systems; be able to apply these concepts in the identification, definition and resolution of complex problems in different and varying contexts be able to differentiate, evaluate and apply advanced concepts and practice in the following specialized areas, to support the main programme (and indeed, future employment) focus on networking applications and services: o security of network and wireless networks; o distributed systems; o software for mobile applications; o open source software; o embedded systems. have the ability to design applications on computer networks; have the ability to recognise the limits of the knowledge they have acquired and to identify their on-going skills and knowledge needs as networking technologies develop, and to extend their knowledge and skills of

2 network operations in an independent manner, and thus equip them to operate in novel situations; have the ability to acknowledge real and potential problems in the operation of computer networks, and to develop innovative solutions to these problems using a range of complex and specialised strategies; have the ability to critically evaluate sources of information, and to communicate information and ideas clearly in both written and oral form to a range of audiences; have the ability to work autonomously and as a member of interdisciplinary project teams, to assume responsibility and provide leadership for project planning, organization and monitoring within a group, and to act professionally and ethically at all times. Programme structure The programme is an advanced entry programme, delivered for full-time students over one year, and for part-time students over two years. It consists of eight core modules of five ECTS credits and a project of 20 ECTS. Entry Requirements (see Part 4 Findings of the Panel) The minimum requirement for entry to the programme is a Level-7 Ordinary Degree qualification, which is deemed by the Institute to be a suitable and relevant qualification. Mature applicants may be admitted without meeting the standard entry requirements where the Institute considers that the applicant has relevant industrial experience which equates to any qualification deficiency. In the normal course of events all applicants will be interviewed. Bridging modules may be provided where required and subject to demand. The Programme Document outlines how the DIT s RPL policy shall be applied. Student assessment In accordance with DIT s General Assessment Regulations, In some modules minimum thresholds of performance apply. Derogations from the General Assessment Regulations None sought Part 2 Validation details and membership of panel Date of Validation Event Thursday 14 June 2012 Venue: Room KE-403 DIT Kevin Street hrs Refreshments (tea/coffee) served. Formal welcome and introductory meeting in relation to the new programme with Head of School of Electronic & Communications Engineering, Head of Department of Computer Engineering and key members of Programme Committee hrs Private meeting of Panel hrs Meeting of Panel with Head of School and appropriate members of the Programme Committee to discuss specific issues raised by the Panel. 2

3 11.45 hrs Meeting of Panel with staff teaching on the Programme to discuss such matters as syllabi, teaching and learning methods and assessment issues hrs Panel meets with a group of students from the BTech in Networking Technologies hrs Lunch hrs Panel visits facilities available to the programme at Kevin Street hrs Private meeting of Panel to consider draft report hrs Final meeting of Panel with the Head of School, Head of Department and Programme Chair. Internal Members Joe Condon (Chair) Rebecca Maughan Tim O Leary Assistant Head of School of Mathematical Sciences, DIT Kevin Street School of Accounting and Finance, DIT Aungier Street School of Construction, DIT Bolton Street External Members Dr Oliver P. Gough Jim Kelly Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Cork Institute of Technology Avaya, Dublin and Galway Officer Jan Cairns Quality Assurance Officer, DIT Rathmines Part 3 Comments on documentation and arrangements for event Documentation provided The documentation provided for the Validation Panel included Part A Background Information, Part B the Programme Document. Extracts from the Handbook for Academic Quality Enhancement in relation to programme validation were also circulated to Panel members. Part 4 Findings of the Panel Findings and Recommendations of Panel in relation to awards sought The Panel is pleased to recommend to Academic Council approval of the Bachelor of Science in Networking Applications and Services, at Level 8 within the 3

4 National Framework of Qualifications, subject to a condition and with several recommendations. The Panel commends the School for the development of this advanced entry Level Eight programme as a progression path for its Level Seven graduates. It is impressed with the content of the modules presented and with the documentation, including the project and laboratory assessment guidelines. Condition The entry requirements should be further specified, to indicate the prerequisite knowledge which applicants to the programme should possess. The Panel understands that the Programme Team wishes to retain flexibility in this regard, but it considers that applicants require further guidance. More detail should be given regarding the selection process and the role of the interview. The Panel also suggests that the Team may identify in promotional material a number of programmes at the appropriate level that would include this prerequisite knowledge, to provide further guidance for potential applicants and to assist in the marketing of the programme. Strong Recommendation The balance of the Universal Design and Assistive ICT module should be clarified: specifically, it should be refocused to give further emphasis to the overall principles of universal design, and to reduce the focus on assistive technology. Recommendations 1. The Programme Team should monitor delivery of the part-time route through the programme with a view to including various learning methods that would reduce the contact time required. The Team may also consider a more flexible programme structure which would allow students to take the programme over a longer timeframe. The Panel is concerned about the current weekly contact time which would require students to attend three or four evenings a week. 2. The Programme Team should consider the balance of modules across semesters and the delivery of project, and in particular whether the project could commence in the first semester (for full-time students) with a project proposal for completion in this semester. 3. The weightings of project assessment elements should be clarified within the Programme Document. The Panel suggests also that students might complete weekly updates on progress. 4. The Programme Team should monitor performance of students on Network & Wireless Security Principles and Distributed Systems modules, and provide additional tutorial support as appropriate. The Panel is concerned about students analytical abilities to cope with these modules. 5. Minimum thresholds of performance, where they apply, should be included in the relevant module descriptors. 6. The Team should ensure that development of softer skills (eg communication/presentation skills, academic report writing) is supported 4

5 throughout the programme, perhaps through provision of workshops. These skills should also be more visible within the programme learning outcomes. 7. There should be a greater emphasis on design within the Software Development module learning outcomes. 8. The laboratory activities within the Mobile Applications module should be further specified and aligned to the module learning outcomes. 9. The module descriptor for the Software Development module should name specific programming languages. 10. Virtualisation should be included within the learning outcomes and content of the Open Source Software module. 11. The Programme Team should keep under review the breadth of content of the Management, Marketing and Law module and ensure that the content as delivered is relevant to programme. The Team should also consider the inclusion of elements of financial management within the programme. 12. The Programme Team should consider how it will support a potentially diverse student body (ie tutorial support) and continuous assessment should be scheduled with care to avoid overloading students at particular times. 13. The tables containing contact hours and ECTS should include the self-directed learning hours. 14. The Programme Team should review modules with a view to ensuring consistency of terminology across modules, to review learning outcomes and the vocabulary used (ie avoiding verbs such understand, appreciate, describe), inclusion of web references within the reading lists and updating of texts. 15. The Programme Document should be proofread to ensure that it is accurate and consistent throughout. Other observation The Panel notes that derogations outlined regarding the mark returned for modules where exemptions were granted and the reduced contribution of the project to the award classification have been withdrawn by the School. 5