What you will study
The module consists of three blocks – each covering a key area in communication and information technologies – and an individual project:
Block 1: Enquiring and communicating
The first block covers technologies that enable wireless and mobile communications such as Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks and for the Internet of Things. You’ll develop study skills such as finding information online and reading, evaluating and writing technological materials. You’ll use and further develop these study skills in Blocks 2 and 3. You’ll also learn some practical skills through using network simulation software.
Block 2: Protecting and prying
Block 2 covers technologies for computer security and discusses privacy and ethical issues around the use of these security technologies. You’ll further develop your writing skill, especially for writing reports. You’ll also learn practical skills through activities on computer security.
Block 3: Interacting and collaborating
This block covers principles and technologies for collaborative work and interaction design. You’ll work in a group on a collaborative project: using the collaboration and interaction design principles studied in this block, you’ll design and build a web site. Collaborative work is the key study skill you’ll develop in this block.
Individual project
This project will form part of your final assessment. Using the knowledge and skills you’ll develop in Blocks 1–3, you’ll create a small web site explaining new developments in an area of communication and information technologies. This will include conducting a small literature survey to keep yourself updated with developments in the given topic.
You’ll develop digital and information literacy skills – which are very important for your study – throughout the module. You’ll develop academic and technical writing skills progressively from Block 1 to Block 3. You’ll also develop some practical skills in using specialist software, which can improve your employability.
You will learn
This module will:
- increase your knowledge of the basic principles of communication and information systems and technologies, and the issues relating to their use
- develop your ability to apply your understanding of communication and information technologies to learn about new or unfamiliar systems and technologies
- develop a variety of skills appropriate to a practitioner in information and communication technologies
- teach you work as a group, where the collaboration is via communication technologies.
Vocational relevance
The practical activities require the use of specialised software. The practical skill developed has a high vocational relevance.
In addition, the module develops important skills that are particularly relevant to the workplace, such as written communication, information literacy, numeracy, independent learning, critical analysis and team working.