BSc Computer Science and Mathematics with Industrial Experience

In this course, you will explore both the technical and professional foundations of computer science, learning how to build web applications while developing skills that are essential for working in teams and solving real-world problems.

Core technical topics

•    How the web works, including the structure of websites and how browsers communicate with servers

•    Creating web pages using HTML for structure and CSS for layout and visual design

•    Writing interactive web content using JavaScript

•    Storing and retrieving data using databases

•    Building server-side applications using Serverside Technologies

•    Working with APIs to access and use data from external services

•    Basic principles of web security and how to protect applications and data

•    Version control and deployment, including how to manage and share code safely

Project and practical skills

•    Planning, designing, and building a data-driven web application as part of a team

•    Using tools and workflows commonly used in software development

•    Testing, improving, and presenting your work

Teamwork and professional skills

•    Working effectively in a team, including organising tasks, managing time, and resolving issues

•    Communicating ideas clearly through presentations, posters, and written reports

•    Understanding intellectual property, ethics, and professional responsibilities in computing

•    Considering equality, diversity, and inclusion in team and project work

Learning and reflection

•    Developing independent learning skills and confidence in learning new technologies

•    Reflecting on your progress, strengths, and areas for improvement

•    Writing short reflective and technical reports to explain what you have learned

By the end of the course, you will have practical experience of building a real web application, along with the teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills needed for the rest of your degree and a future career in computing. 

COMP10120 is designed to help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a computer scientist, with a strong focus on teamwork, independent learning, and problem solving. Through enquiry-based learning and a team project, you will plan and build a dynamic, data-driven web application while learning core web technologies. Alongside technical skills, the course emphasises reflection, communication, and professional practice, helping you understand how you learn, how to work effectively in a team, and how to explain your ideas clearly. By the end of the course, you will be better prepared to tackle new problems, collaborate with others, and continue developing your skills throughout your degree and future career. 

ILO 1: Plan and document personal learning and skills development to support ongoing professional growth in computing.

ILO 2: Develop as an independent learner by identifying learning needs, sourcing information from technical literature and other materials, and applying knowledge to solve computing problems.

ILO 3: Analyse computing and software development problems, plan solutions using logical and computational reasoning, and evaluate outcomes.

ILO 4: Design and implement a dynamic, data-driven web application, integrating client and server-side technologies, addressing technical requirements and user needs.

ILO 5: Work effectively in a team environment, contributing to planning, self-organisation, task allocation, and conflict resolution.

ILO 6: Critically reflect on personal and team performance, identify areas for improvement, and plan actions to enhance learning and collaboration.

ILO 7: Identify ethical issues in computing and team projects, apply professional codes of conduct, and make reasoned ethical decisions.

ILO 8: Communicate computing concepts, project designs, and reflections clearly and effectively in written, oral, and visual formats to both technical and non-technical audiences.

ILO 9: Apply basic risk management and quality considerations to software development, including team deliverables and project planning.

ILO 10: Select and apply appropriate software tools, databases, and technologies to implement solutions, recognising limitations and constraints.

• Phase 0: Introduction [registration week]
• Phase 1: Professional Issues - Software Patents [2 weeks]
• Phase 2: Professional Issues - Ethics [3 weeks + reading week]
• Phase 3: World-Wide What? [6 weeks]
• Phase 4: Building a Web Application [11 weeks]

Lectures

1 hour per week (in most weeks), including guest lecturers

Laboratories

1 hour per week

Tutorial Meeting

1 hour per week

The course emphasises group work, guided by weekly face to face meetings with your tutor. There are several individual and group presentations, which are assessed by your tutor and at least one other member of staff, and an opportunity for peer review within your tutorial group.

10120-P1-S Semester 1 Presentation: 15%

10120-Labs-S Lab Engagement: 10%

10120-Quiz-S Quiz Engagement: 10%

10120-P2-S Semester 2 Presentation: 25%

10120-Rpt2-S-Final Report: 25%

10120-RWR-S-Reading Week Report: 15%

1. Semmy Purewal. (2014). Learning Web App Development. O'Reilly Media. ISBN: 9781449370190
    
2. Chi, Michelene T. H.; Wylie, Ruth. (2014). The ICAP Framework: Linking Cognitive Engagement to Active Learning Outcomes. Educational psychologist. DOI: 10.1080/00461520.2014.965823
    
3. Deslauriers, Louis; McCarty, Logan S.; Miller, Kelly; Callaghan, Kristina; Kestin, Greg. (2019). Measuring actual learning versus feeling of learning in response to being actively engaged in the classroom. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1821936116
    
4. Lipnevich, Anastasiya A.; Smith, Jeffrey K. (2022). Student – Feedback Interaction Model: Revised. Studies in educational evaluation. DOI: 10.1016/j.stueduc.2022.101208 

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £39,700 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our  undergraduate student finance pages .