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Software Development
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Course Details
Course Code | SG_KSODV_K08 |
---|---|
Level | 8 |
Duration | 2 years |
Credits | 60 |
Method of Delivery | Online |
Campus Locations | Sligo |
Mode of Delivery | Part Time |
Course Overview
The software industry is strong, providing specialist employment, with Ireland an important centre for localisation. The majority of foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ireland is from the US, amounting to over 600 companies employing 100,000 people.
The Irish technology sector remains buoyant with Google, Facebook, Microsoft and eBay all having a major presence here. At ATU Sligo our objective is to equip our graduates with the skills to seek employment in this level of business. We constantly re-assess course content to keep apace of emerging platforms and industry trends. You will undertake a work placement in the third year.
This programme takes into account the specific requirements of the global software industry and what it expects from graduates. At ATU Sligo our objective is to equip our graduates with the skills to seek employment in this exciting area. We constantly re-assess course content to keep apace of emerging platforms and industry trends. Some of the subject areas you will cover include advanced programming, machine learning, artificial intelligence, security, and user experience.
The programme focus is on the design and development of software. There are several distinct features: significant practical elements – we believe you learn best by doing and our programme is built upon hands on lab work where you create software solutions equipment – we have invested heavily in equipment, computer labs and workspaces to ensure you have the best tools to learn and prepare you for the workplace project – a substantial capstone project to really grapple with a problem and create a killer solution.
You’ll have the space and support to work in a year-long effort towards a solution that will showcase your growing knowledge and application. So, choose this programme if: you want a career in the ever changing world of technology, you want amazing career opportunities, you are interested in solving problems and inventing solutions.
Note, you can also take this programme online and part-time over 2 years.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Strategic Technology ManagementThe main aim of this module is to provide an introduction to skills and knowledge needed for the strategic management of information technology. It begins by exploring how innovative technologies/technology trends can be identified, assessed, and incorporated into organisational strategies. In addition to benefits, legislative, security management and governance implications of emerging technologies are addressed. The module begins with horizon scanning, where emerging technologies/technology trends are identified and their potential impacts on businesses and organisations identified. Innovation and hype cycles, innovation systems, business/IT alignment and IT strategic planning methods are introduced as mechanisms through which emerging technologies can be identified and their value to businesses analysed. The construction of business cases, and the role of the business analyst in this process are also introduced. The management implications of social, ethical and environmental impacts of new technologies are then considered. Topics here include ethics, legislation and compliance requirements, security management and an introduction to IT governance frameworks. Learning Outcomes 1. Utilise methods enabling the alignment of IT innovations with strategic business objectives. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Secure Software DevelopmentThe aim of this module is to provide learners with an understanding of common security vulnerabilities associated with modern software applications and the various remediation strategies associated with same. In addition to this, the module covers the usage of cryptography in application software for securing both data at rest and data in transit. Learning Outcomes 1. Analyse source code and identify the presence/absence of common security vulnerabilities. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Data AnalyticsThe module is intended to help students to understand the necessary skills to interpret numerical and graphical information and describe data appropriately. It will introduce some basic concepts for statistical inference and utilise computer software to interpret data. Additionally, it will introduce students to the concept of Big Data. Learning Outcomes 1. Appraise Data Analytics and the emergence of big data. 2. Analyse results from data using appropriate statistical methodology. 4. Develop computer software for the solution of statistical problems. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Software Application Security TestingThe aim of this module is to provide learners with the skills to simulate malicious attacks against software applications from a black-hat hacker/black-box testing perspective using industry standard ethical-hacking tools. Learning Outcomes 1. Locate and analyse relevant publicly available information with regard to the software application under test. |
05 | Elective |
2 |
Advanced Database ConceptsThis will focus on working with database objects such as triggers, user-defined functions. It will further examine storing and manipulating non-relational data objects such as xml (producing data, schemas and schematrons), JSON and other non-relational objects such as Spatial and Hierarchical data. How to model, develop and manipulate graph tables will also be covered. Learning Outcomes 1. Design and create database triggers |
05 | Elective |
2 |
Machine LearningThe module is intended to help students understand the range of techniques deploying in Machine/Deep learning environments. It will introduce students to neural networks, training sets and how to study the input/output of a machine learning system. Learning Outcomes 1. Obtain an understanding of machine learning approaches and neural networks. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
AWS Academy Cloud Architecting (ACA)Academy Cloud Architecting covers the core requirements of building IT infrastructure on Amazon Web Services, or AWS. The course is designed to teach solutions architects how to optimise the use of the AWS Cloud by understanding AWS services and how these services fit into cloud-based solutions. Learning Outcomes 1. Evaluate the differentnetworking concepts in cloud computing architectures 2. Implement appropriate AWS services to ensure high availability on a web scale 3. Describe the need for elasticity, appropriate use of management tools and automation on AWS 4. Describe the need for a well-architected Framework in pertinent areas of cloud computing 5. Apply best practice for deployment, implementation and troubleshooting of sample architectures |
05 | Mandatory |
Year 2
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Artificial IntelligenceThis subject aims to make students aware of the many areas of artificial intelligence and the tools available for AI type solutions. Identify suitable problems for AI solutions. Examine in detail and implement structures for representing knowledge. The manipulation of knowledge, especially rule based systems. Implementing some of the AI techniques that have been introduced with AI Programming Languages. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate Knowledge in the foundation and general principles of Artificial Intelligence |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Startup EngineeringThis course will help students understand the process of developing a business start-up. Learning Outcomes 1. Discover and envision new business ideas |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Project 400In Project 400 students will undertake a significant piece of independent work under supervision. The module aims to encourage innovation, exploratory learning and to act as an integrating module to allow the student to draw on knowledge learned in previous years. The module exposes the student to the application of research methodologies and aims to develop critical thinking and analysis skills. Learning Outcomes 1. Develop a major project by working either individually or in a small team to a deadline involving, inter alia, planning, and coordination of design & development activities, setting realistic work objectives, and presenting and documenting the work undertaken. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Advanced ProgrammingThe Advanced Programming module enables the students to have a deeper understanding of programming topics such as asynchronous programming and isolated storage. The module takes a hands-on approach and encourages students to implement complex applications utilising the programming techniques mentioned above. Students will be encouraged to use their existing programming skills while learning new ways of programming such as multi-threading. Students will also be encouraged to use a variety of application types to implement their code. Learning Outcomes 1. Identifyusesfor andutiliseBackgroudWorker componentsin an application. 3. Debug multithreaded applications. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
User Experience (UX)User Experience (UX) is used in the design of interfaces, products and services. In order to create a successful user experience, products must be intuitive, enjoyable and seamless to interact with, tying together the disciplines of graphical and interface design, industrial design, marketing, branding and engineering design. In this module students design products using research, design techniques, cognitive psychology, low and high-fidelity prototyping and testing with the emphasis on the user experience at all times. Learning Outcomes 1. Conduct user research and analyse and discuss findings |
05 | Mandatory |
Progression
Students are well positioned to progress to Master’s study. A new MEng in Connected and Autonomous Vehicles is one such option at ATU Sligo.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
This programme is offered currently only for advanced entry to Year 4. You will need a Level 7 in a Software Development programme or cognate area. Alternatively, we can process advanced entry in some case through an examination of your experiential learning.
Graduates who have not obtained this minimum may incorporate other equivalent qualifications and relevant work experience and apply for assessment via the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process. RPL is a process that may allow you to gain admission to a programme or to receive exemptions/ credit for some parts of the programme based on demonstrated learning that you may have achieved through another programme of study or through your work or career. Further information is available at www.atu.ie/recognition-of-prior-learning which our dedicated RPL portal or by contacting our admissions team at admissions.sligo@atu.ie
Careers
The software industry is exceptionally strong in Ireland, providing a significant number of employment opportunities in a wide variety of organisation. The opportunities are with both indigenous Irish companies and large multinational organisations and not only in what you would call “tech” companies such as Google, Microsoft and Facebook. All sectors require software professionals and there are many opportunities in traditional sectors such as finance, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, health and service industries.The outlook is positive. Morgan McKinley report demand for software developers shows “no sign of slowing down”. It continues: “Over the past 12 months salaries have increased across the majority of areas particularly in the development space.”There are many progression routes into the software industry. Future career paths could include software testing, software engineer, web developer, application developer, mobile app developer, games developer, systems analyst, project manager.
Further Information
Who Should Apply?
This programme is suitable for those seeking a future career paths in roles such as software testing, software engineer, web developer, application developer, mobile app developer, games developer, systems analyst, project manager
Contact Information
Computing & Electronic Engineering