1.1 STATEMENT OF PROGRAMME AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND LEARNING OUTCOMES Information on Benchmarked Standards 1.1.1 State the aims, objectives and the learning outcomes of the programme. How are these aims, objectives and learning outcomes made known to the department s internal and external stakeholders? Who were consulted in developing the aims, objectives and learning outcomes of the programme? Programme Aim The aim of Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) Computer Engineering is to equip graduates with a balance between theoretical approaches and practical implementation in computer engineering. Covering a wide spectrum of computer engineering related topics from computer architecture and organisation, embedded systems, micro-electronics, signal processing and imaging, analog systems, computer science and networking, etc. The programme equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, and manage computer systems. Programme Objectives The objectives of the Computer Engineering programme aims to produce graduates: 1. Who support and drive the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) sector from the point of view of Engineering in ICT whether through assuming technical or managerial roles. The programme takes an interdisciplinary approach to computer system (hardware/software integrated system), which principally comprises the Electronic System Engineering with Computing, and extends into applications in the area of Digital Signal and Image Processing, Intelligent System and Networking 2. Who engage in research and development for the advancement of knowledge and cutting edge technology 3. Who take up roles whether as ethical leaders or supporters and play a part in keeping abreast of, carrying out responsibilities and providing services to the communities and nation s needs and developments 4. Who engage in life-long learning Programme Learning Outcomes After completing this programme, the graduates will be able to: 1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, computer science and electronics engineering to conceptualize, identify, discuss and explain computer engineering related problems 2. Operate test and measurement equipment for electronic hardware prototyping and testing 3. Utilize the computer technology (hardware and system software) and modern application software for the development and implementation work in signal and image processing, intelligent systems, and communications and networking 4. Apply programming and algorithmic concepts and techniques to support the development and implementation work of computer systems and components 5. Apply knowledge and design skills, and modern Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools and design methodologies, towards the development and implementation of computer hardware systems and components, both at board and chip levels Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus) Area 1-1
6. Carry out basic research and development work such as information and data gathering, analysis, formulation, design and evaluation of solution for computer engineering related problems 7. Relate the importance of practical issues such as ethics, culture, social, technopreneurship, economics, human relation factors, and time-to-market, and apply these factors in engineering and computing practices 8. Perform work independently and cooperate and contribute as a team 9. Demonstrate interest in learning and sharing of knowledge and information 10. Recognize the need for self-development and self-learning, and engage in lifelong learning for continuous improvement These aims, objectives and learning outcomes will be made known to the department s internal stakeholders via UTAR internal internet domain and publications/communications. The programme objectives will be made available in the UTAR website: www.utar.edu.my once the programme is approved and may be accessed by both internal and external stakeholders. These aims, objectives and learning outcomes will also be made known to the external stakeholders via the distribution of booklets, memorandum and dialogues. The Dean, Deputy Dean of Faculty of Information and Communication Technology Perak (Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes) and Head of Department, Department of Computer and Communication Technology and other experts in the field of Computer Engineering in Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) had been consulted in developing the aims, objectives and learning outcomes of the programme. 1.1.2 What is the vision and mission of the HEP? Show how the aims, objectives and learning outcomes of the programme are in line with, and supportive of, the vision and mission of the HEP. The programme aims, objectives, and learning outcomes are in line with the university s vision and mission. The relationship between the programme objectives and UTAR s Vision: Key points of UTAR s Vision To be a premier university aspiring to achieve excellence in the advancement and dissemination of knowledge and expertise Description of how the Programme Objectives relate to the University s Vision In the process of preparing students to be technically competent in design, development and implementation of computer and computer-based systems, they are taught with the latest and advanced technology in the areas of core Computer Engineering theories and practices. This includes adopting state-of-the-art technology from the industry. Emphasising nurturing and holistic development of the individual towards nation building Students are generally under the programme objectives required to be exposed not only with theoretical and technical aspects of studies, but additionally with soft skills, Information Technology Professionalism and entrepreneurship. With the incorporation of elective and compulsory modules in the programme such as Information Technology Professional Ethics, Technopreneurship, Pengajian Malaysia, Pengajian Islam/Pendidikan Moral, Sun Zi s Art of War and Business Strategies and Industrial Training, there are opportunities for students to develop leadership, social responsibility, scholarship, community involvement, ethical values and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus) Area 1-2
Key points of UTAR s Vision Description of how the Programme Objectives relate to the University s Vision professionalism. A new module Inventive Problem Solving" has also been intorduced to encourage creative and innovative thinking. The relationship between the programme objectives and UTAR s Mission: Key points of UTAR s Mission 1. To be a leading university offering education of the highest standard in all significant fields aimed at fully developing the individual at better serving the nation. UTAR shall pursue a rigorous academic approach towards producing disciplined graduates critical in their thinking and dedicated to the quest of continuous learning and the pursuit of excellence. Description of how the Programme Objectives relate to the University s Mission Students are prepared with a strong knowledge and skill in the areas of Computer Engineering. On top of technical excellence, students will also be trained in non-technical areas such as management and soft skills in order to groom interdisciplinary excellence. The emphasis of life-long learning in program objective reinforce the UTAR s mission on the quest of continuous learning. 2. Committed to the advancement of knowledge. UTAR shall collaborate with international universities, research institutions, and industries in pushing the frontiers of the humanities and embarking on scientific discoveries, medical breakthroughs and technological innovations. 3. Dedicated to inculcating among the UTAR's community high moral values, appreciation of the rich diversity in a multiethnic society and an abiding concern for the betterment of all humankind. The programme objectives stress on producing graduates with advanced knowledge in Computer Engineering. Students are trained and prepared with theory to design, setup, administer, and configure different types of computer systems via curriculum, final year projects and industrial training. Research and development activities are fostered via collaboration with international universities, research institutions, and industries for the advancement of knowledge and cutting edge technology. The programme objectives emphasize on producing graduates who can take up roles as ethical leaders or supporters and play a part in keeping abreast of, carrying out responsibilities and providing services to the communities and nation s needs and developments. As part of the Programme Objectives students are equipped to posess communication, team, leadership and interpersonal skills, and aware of the social ethical and legal responsibilities. Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus) Area 1-3
UTAR s Vision UTAR s Mission Programme Aims and Objectives To be a premier university aspiring to achieve excellence in the To be a leading university offering education of the highest standard in all significant fields aimed at fully developing the individual at better serving the nation. UTAR This programme prepares graduates to be technically competent in design, development and implementation of computer systems. be well trained in non-technical areas such as management and soft skills in order to groom interdisciplinary excellence. advancement shall pursue a rigorous and academic approach engage in life-long learning. dissemination of knowledge and expertise towards producing disciplined graduates critical in their thinking and dedicated to the quest of continuous learning and the pursuit of excellence To be a premier university aspiring to achieve excellence in the advancement and dissemination of knowledge and expertise Emphasising nurturing and holistic development of the individual towards nation building Committed to the advancement of knowledge. UTAR shall collaborate with international universities, research institutions, and industries in pushing the frontiers of the humanities and embarking on scientific discoveries, medical breakthroughs and technological innovations Dedicated to inculcating among the UTAR's community high moral values, appreciation of the rich diversity in a multiethnic society and an abiding concern for the betterment of all humankind. This programme prepares graduates to be technically competent in designing, seting up, administering, and configuring different types of computer systems via curriculum, final year projects and industrial training. engage in research and development activities via collaboration with international universities, research institutions, and industries for the advancement of knowledge and cutting edge technology. This programme prepares graduates to: take up roles as ethical leaders or supporters and play a part in keeping abreast of, carrying out responsibilities and providing services to the communities and nation s needs and developments. posess communication, team, leadership and interpersonal skills, and aware of the social ethical and legal responsibilities. Matrix of Programme Learning Outcomes against Programme Objectives Programme Learning Outcomes Programme Objectives 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus) Area 1-4
1.1.3 Provide the justification for the proposed programme. How does this programme fulfil the market needs and contribute to the social and national development? How does this programme relate to other programmes offered by the department? According to the official MSC website, the first four years of the MSC Malaysia Phase 3 plan which run in tandem with the 10th Malaysia Plan aim to see MSC Companies achieve the following by the end of 2015: 21% of increase in GDP contribution, to RM42 billion 37% increase in revenue, to RM142 billion 75% increase in exports to RM58 billion 47% increase in job creation to 160,00 jobs MSC Malaysia Phase 3 builds on the foundation and successes achieved under Phases 1 and 2. Beyond contributing RM34.7 billion to the GDP over the Phase 2 period, MSC Malaysia also achieved the following milestones: Cumulative revenue of RM103.8 billion, exceeding the initial estimates of RM69 billion by 50% Creation of 111,367 knowledge-based jobs, surpassing RMK9 projections of 100,000 jobs by 11% Generated RM33.1 billion worth of exports, beating RMK9 projections of RM20 billion by 65% Recorded RM1.64 billion in R&D investment, exceeding RMK9 projections of RM1.4 billion by 17% Registered 7,666 new IPs, exceeding the RMK9 projections of 1,400 by 447% The National IT Agenda (NITA), vision is to utilise ICT to transform all of Malaysian society into an information society, then to a knowledge society and finally to a values-based knowledge society. With the theme "Turning Ripples into Tidal Waves", NITA focuses on the development of people, infostructure and applications to create value, to provide equity and access to all Malaysians, and to qualitatively transform our society into a values-based knowledge society by the year 2020. The knowledge in computer engineering is important for the perpetuation of human knowledge as well as the development of our nation. Hence, we should strive to create and excel in conducting programme in computer engineering while disseminate the knowledge accrued or mould them into viable technologies. The Computer Engineering programme would enable the younger generation to be equipped with analytical skills and capabilities to cater to the demands for expertise and professionals in the market. The demand for skilled workers and experts in the area of computer engineering is expected to escalate in the coming years. The need to enhance the research and development of computer engineering is evidenced by the increasing usage of scientific knowledge in various sciences. Research in computer engineering has provided many applications to help to solve problems in these fields. Hence for Malaysia to attain the status of a developed nation, effective development in research of computer engineering is imperative. We as Malaysian should strive to be creators of new technologies and not be just consumers of new technologies. Development in the various ICT fields will serve this purpose. The programme will also open doors of opportunity to graduates from other local and foreign universities who wish to pursue quality and affordable postgraduate education at UTAR. Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus) Area 1-5
The thrust of human resources development in the Malaysia Third Outline Perspective Plan is to prepare a workforce that is capable of meeting the challenges of a knowledge-based economy so as to enhance economic productivity and competitiveness. The estimated employment of IT workers from year 2000 to 2010 in the OPP3 showed an increase from 108,000 to 306,610 workers respectively. An average annual growth rate of 11% is predicted as required in workers for System/Hardware Engineer, Software Developer and Engineer, Business/System Analyst, Computer Programmer and IT Technical Support. Although many institutions are also producing IT graduates but it still cannot meet the demands, thus the introduction of the above IT course will definitely help to fulfill the demands of IT workers in the Country. Information on Enhanced Standards 1.1.4 How does the programme aims, objectives and learning outcomes incorporate issues of leadership, social responsibility, scholarship, community involvement, ethical values and professionalism? While the core of the programme focuses on providing a strong theoretical foundation, practical skill and competence, the importance of professionalism, ethical values and responsibilities towards the industry, is also addressed in specific subject offered as well as throughout the programme at all stages. This is reflected in the objectives and outcomes of each subject. Likewise, subjects like Information Technology Professional Ethics, Sun Zi s Art of War and Business Strategies, Technopreneurship, Management Principles and MQA subjects such as Pengajian Malaysia, Pengajian Islam/Pendidikan Moral, Bahasa Kebangsaan and the cocurricular units provide opportunities for the development of other aspects including leadership, social skill, entrepreneurship, social responsibility, scholarship, community involvement, ethical values and professionalism. In addition, the UTAR Soft Skills Development Certificate (USSDC) programme is a certification system to recognize students' achievements and efforts to improve themselves in the areas of communication, leadership, teamwork, strategic thinking, creativity and commitment to integrity. It involves experiential learning in training and interaction sessions and activities outside the classroom. The purpose of this programme is to encourage students to make unceasing and diligent efforts to pursue holistic self-development, to cultivate self-discipline and integrity, to nurture creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, and to develop into broad-minded future leaders with international outlook. The activities/training programmes of the USSDC encourage students to augment the lives of others besides improving their self worth. Also the competency mentioned above is inline with the need of the students future work place; these skills are critical for a successful career development in various industries. 1.1.5 Indicate those who are consulted -- and the degree of their involvement -- in Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus) Area 1-6
both the formulation and periodic review of programme aims, objectives and learning outcomes. In the course of formulating and developing the aims, objectives and learning outcomes of the programme, UTAR s academic department is guided by: Guidelines for quality assurance in education, especially those set by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and professional bodies. Accreditation requirements of the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and professional bodies, if applicable, and recognition by the Public Service Department. Progression of graduates to advanced courses/continuing education. Vocational relevance in accordance with the objectives of the course. Employment opportunities for graduates. Relevance of the course in relation to industry and national development needs. Collecting and studying the curricula of similar programmes at local and foreign universities for benchmark purpose. Consultations with experts in the related fields. Resource implications e.g., staff, equipment and physical resources such as buildings, workshops and laboratories. Comments and views of UTAR s International Advisory Council (IAC), external examiners, adjunct faculty, Industry Advisory Panel (IAP), government bodies, alumni, public, parents and potential students. The academic staff in relevant field and other experts in field of computer engineering had been consulted in developing the aims, objectives and learning outcomes of the programme. MQA s published guidelines have been referred in the formulation of the programme aims, objectives and learning outcomes. We have external examiner, Prof. Dr. Lin Yi-Bing, from National Chiao Tung University, Taiwan, who provides academic feedback for us to improve the teaching and assessment quality. In addition, the comments and remarks by the industrial practitioners through external and/or internal seminar have been taken into consideration during the development and formulation process for this programme. Dialogues with the Industry Advisory Panel is planned to be held periodically to review the programme aims, objectives and learning outcomes. The faculties have full autonomy in designing curriculum. At each faculty, all academic functions are overseen by Curriculum Development Committees (CDC) which does preliminary review of academic syllabus at departmental level for each programme at the faculty. The CDC comprises all the teaching staff in the particular programme and is chaired by the Head of Department. The committee's functions include designing, initiating changes and revisions to the course structure, syllabuses, text books, assessment methods, etc. Recommendations and decisions from CDC will be forwarded to the Faculty Academic Development & Curriculum Committee (FADCC), which coordinates all academic matters across all academic departments in the faculty. These are then Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus) Area 1-7
forwarded to the Faculty Board and eventually to the University Academic Development & Curriculum Committee (ADCC) and finally, the University Senate for decision or endorsement. 1.2 LEARNING OUTCOMES Information on Benchmarked Standards 1.2.1 State the programme learning outcomes according to the level of study based on the following eight MQF learning outcomes domains: i Knowledge ii Practical skills iii Social skills and responsibilities iv Ethics, professionalism and humanities v Communication, leadership and team skills vi Scientific methods, critical thinking and problem solving skills vii Lifelong learning and information management viii Entrepreneurship and managerial skills 1.2.2 Map the learning outcomes of the individual courses to the eight MQF domains. (Matrix of Programme and Module Learning Outcomes) Programme Learning Outcomes After completing this programme, the graduates will be able to: 1. Apply knowledge of mathematics, computer science and electronics engineering to conceptualize, identify, discuss and explain computer engineering related problems 2. Operate test and measurement equipment for electronic hardware prototyping and testing 3. Utilize the computer technology (hardware and system software) and moder n application software for the development and implementation work in signal and image processing, intelligent systems, and communications and networking 4. Apply programming and algorithmic concepts and techniques to support the development and implementation work of computer systems and components 5. Apply knowledge and design skills, and modern Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools and design methodologies, towards the development and implementation of computer hardware systems and components, both at board and chip levels 6. Carry out basic research and development work such as information and data gathering, analysis, formulation, design and evaluation of solution for computer engineering related problems 7. Relate the importance of practical issues such as ethics, culture, social, technopreneurship, economics, human relation factors, and time-to-market, and apply these factors in engineering and computing practices 8. Perform work independently and cooperate and contribute as a team 9. Demonstrate interest in learning and sharing of knowledge and information 10. Recognize the need for self-development and self-learning, and engage in lifelong learning for continuous improvement Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus) Area 1-8
No. Mapping of MQA Learning Domains with Programme Outcomes MQA Learning domains UTAR Bachelor of Information Technology (Hons) Computer Engineering Programme Learning Outcomes 1. Knowledge Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 2. Practical skills Outcomes 2, 3, 5, 6 3. Social skills and responsibilities Outcomes 7, 8, 9 4. Ethics, professionalism and humanities Outcomes 7, 8, 9, 10 5. Communication, leadership and team Outcomes 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 skills 6. Scientific methods, critical thinking and problem solving skills Outcomes 1,3, 4, 5, 6, 7 7. Lifelong learning and information Outcomes 3, 6, 9, 10 management 8. Entrepreneurship and managerial skills Outcomes 7, 8, 9, 10 No Units Compulsory 1. Bahasa Kebangsaan (A) * / Bahasa Kebangsaan (B) * / Foreign Language * Mapping of Programme Learning Outcomes with Subjects Programme Learning Outcome 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2. Pengajian Malaysia 3. Pengajian Islam / Pendidikan Moral 4. Information Technology Professional Ethics 5. Co-Curriculum 6. Sun Zi's Art of War and Business Strategies 7. English for Information Technology Core Modules / Common Core 8. Basic Algebra 9. Fundamentals of Calculus 10. Statistics Core Modules / Common Core 11. Programming Concepts and Practices 12. Data Structure and Algorithmic Problem Solving 13. Object-Oriented Concepts and Programming 14. Operating Systems 15. Data Communications and Networking 16. Introduction to Inventive Problem Solving and Proposal Writing 17. Parallel Programming Concentration/ Specialisation 18. Circuit Theory 19. Digital Fundamentals 20. Electronic Devices and Circuits 21. Digital Circuits and Systems 22. Basic Microprocessor and Interfacing 23. Signals and Systems Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus) Area 1-9
No Units Programme Learning Outcome 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 24. Digital Systems Design 25. Integrated Circuit Fundamentals 26. Computer Organisation and Architecture 27. Embedded Systems Design 28. Mini Project 29. Project I 30. Project II Electives (must earn at least 12 credits) 31. Digital Signal Processing 32. Analogue Circuit Design 33. Integrated Circuit Design 34. Embedded Architecture and Computing 35. Computer Vision and Image Processing 36. Computer System Design 37. Fundamentals of System Programming 38. TCP/IP Internetworking 39. Algorithm Analysis 40. Artificial Intelligence Techniques 41. Information Technology Project Management 42. Technopreneurship Industrial Training 43. Industrial Training Liberal Arts Electives (must earn at least 6 credits) 44. Critical Reading and Thinking 45. Basic Professional Writing 46. Organisation and Human Resource 47. Management Principles 48. Business Accounting 49. Economics 50. Interpersonal Communication 1.2.3 Show how the achievement of the learning outcomes is measured Achievement of learning outcomes will be measured by academic performance of students, job performance after graduation and market feedback. The results obtained by students in their examination, tests, assignments, laboratories, research project and industrial training is used to indicate whether the students have acquired the Programme Outcomes. After the programme is offered, the evaluation results will be expressed in percentages showing the achievement of Programme Objectives. If the score of any Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus) Area 1-10
Programme Objective is lower than 50%, i.e. programme objective has not been achieved, then all the members of the academic staff as well as industrial advisors in CDC meetings will determine the reasons for such a poor achievement and propose appropriate measures to improve the programme so that satisfactory achievement of the programme objectives can be realised. 1.2.4 Describe how the learning outcomes relate to the existing and emergent needs of the profession and the discipline Students will be exposed to the state-of-art technologies with the highest competency and standards in the field of computer engineering. With the involvement in Industrial Training and the delivery of final year project, the learning outcomes can be related to the existing and emergent needs of the profession and the discipline. Information on Enhanced Standards 1.2.5 Explain how the competencies are related to the needs of the students future workplace Competencies in knowledge, laboratory skill, leadership, creativity and research capability are related to the needs of the students future workplace. With the emerging demand for the expertise of computer engineering in the Malaysian IT environment, the competencies such as knowledge, practical skills, social skills and responsibilities are highly in demand and have gained tremendous importance. Besides these, ethics, professionalism and humanities, communication, leadership and team skills, scientific methods, critical thinking and problem solving skills, lifelong learning and information management, entrepreneurship and managerial skills are equally critical in many aspects. As such, competency in various learning domains would promise a more prominent future. UTAR Soft Skills Development Certificate (USSDC) programme is a certification system to recognize students' achievements and efforts to improve themselves in the areas of communication, leadership, teamwork, strategic thinking, creativity and commitment to integrity. It involves experiential learning in training and interaction sessions and activities outside the classroom. The aim of this programme is to encourage students to make unceasing and diligent efforts to pursue holistic self-development, to cultivate self discipline and integrity, to nurture creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, and to develop into broad-minded future leaders with international outlook. The activities/training programmes of the USSDC encourage students to augment the lives of others besides improving their self worth. As such, the criteria mentioned above are all inline with the need of the students future workplace. These skills are critical for a successful career development in computer science as well as other related industries. Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus) Area 1-11