CS5004 Fundamentals of Computation

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

Curricular information may be subject to change

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

This module is intended to be a part of the three new conversion programmes, as such its availability will be initially limited to students on those programmes.

Planned timetable

Variable

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr A D Barwell

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

TBC Module coordinator(s): Director of Postgraduate Teaching - Computer Science (dopgt-cs@st-andrews.ac.uk)

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module introduces topics in Computer Science and serves as a foundation for other MSc modules. The module will include introductions to both theoretical topics, e.g. discrete mathematics, logic, and automata, and practical topics, e.g. systems and networks, HCI, and professional issues. The module assumes little to no background in Computer Science.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 40% Examination = 60%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 40% Examination = 60%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2hr x 10 weeks lectures, 1 hr x 5 weeks tutorial/discussion

Scheduled learning hours

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

125

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

Understand mathematical concepts and principles that serve as a foundation for a range of computer science topics.
Be familiar with the basic theory of algorithms
Have working knowledge of the principles of file systems, processes, and networks
Be aware of ethical, sustainability, and accessibility concerns as they pertain to the computer science discipline