BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS DEGREE IN COMPUTER SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (HCSE)
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
This programme is designed to create graduates who stand out with the skills required to solve 21st Century Computer Engineering problems. The aim is to combine an in-depth coverage of computing and its applications with a systematic approach to the design and construction of high-quality software and systems.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
For all entry pathways candidates must have at least five Ordinary Level subjects/ National Foundation Certificates including English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject at grade C or better:
- Normal Entry
A minimum of 2 A’ Level passes in Mathematics AND (Physics OR Computer Science OR any other relevant Science subject).
- Special Entry
Special entry may be granted to applicants with a National Diploma in Computer Science or any related field from a recognized institution.
- Mature Entry
Refer to Section 3.3 of the General Academic Regulations.
- Visiting School/Block Release
Should have at least an ND or HND in Software Engineering or any relevant field AND have proof of employment in the field specifying the nature of duties.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION
- Employability: Careers in the Computer Engineering field which include:
Software Engineers, Network Engineers, Hardware Engineers, Website Designers, Analyst Programmers, Network and Systems Administrators, Database Administrators, IT Managers, and Systems Analysts.
- Further Studies: Master’s and doctoral studies in Computer Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or interdisciplinary programmes related to computing practices.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
A student will not be allowed to register for a module with a pre-requisite if the pre-requisite is not passed. Electives will be offered subject to availability of personnel. * denotes core modules.
Level 1 Semester 1
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HCSE131* | Introduction to Computer Engineering | 10 |
| HCSE133* | Ethics and Professionalism | 10 |
| HCSCI132* | Principles of Programming Languages | 10 |
| HTENG133* | Physics for Engineers | 10 |
| HMAT131* | Calculus 1 | 12 |
| CS131* | Basics of Communication Skills | 12 |
Level 1 Semester 2
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HCSE134* | Electrical and Electronic Principles | 10 |
| HCSE135* | Database Systems | 10 |
| HCSCI136* | Data Structures and Algorithms | 10 |
| HCSE137* | Digital Electronics and Logic Design | 10 |
| HCSE138* | Discrete Mathematics | 10 |
| HCSCI137* | Software Engineering | 10 |
Level 2 Semester 1
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HCSE231* | Object Oriented Analysis and Design | 10 |
| HCSE232* | Engineering Statistics | 10 |
| HCSE233* | Linear Algebra | 10 |
| HCSCI133* | Operating Systems | 10 |
| HCSCI135* | Computer Architecture and Organization | 10 |
| GS231* | Gender Studies | 12 |
| TCNP201* | Technopreneurship | 12 |
Level 2 Semester 2
| Code | Module Description | Pre-Requisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HCSE224* | Object Oriented Programming | HCSE231 | 10 |
| HCSE235* | Web and Mobile Application Development | 10 | |
| HCSE236* | Group Project | HCSE231 | 10 |
| HCSCI237* | Data Communications and Computer Networks | 10 | |
| HCSCI238* | Design and Analysis of Algorithms | HCSCI136 | 10 |
| HTENG237* | Digital Signal Processing | 10 |
Level 3 Semester 1
| Code | Module Description | Pre-Requisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HCSE311* | Work-Related Learning I | 40 |
Level 3 Semester 2
| Code | Module Description | Pre-Requisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HCSE321* | Work-Related Learning II | HCSE311 | 80 |
Level 4 Semester 1
| Code | Module Description | Pre-Requisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HCSE431* | Microprocessors and Microcontrollers Systems | HCSE134 | 10 |
| HCSE432* | Embedded Systems | HCSCI135 | 10 |
| HCSCI234* | Research Methods | 10 | |
| HCSCI433* | Parallel and Distributed Computing | HCSE137 | 10 |
| HTENG432* | Communications Network Design | HCSCI237 | 10 |
| Electives (Select 1 module from the following) | |||
| HCSE433 | IoT and Cloud Systems Engineering | HCSCI237 | 10 |
| HCSE434 | Machine Learning | 10 | |
| HCSE435 | Digital Media Engineering | 10 |
Level 4 Semester 2
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HCSE436* | Control Systems Engineering | 10 |
| HCSE439* | Network Security and Cryptography | 10 |
| HCSE437* | Project Management | HCSCI137 |
| HCSE438* | Research Project | HCSE236 |
| Electives (Select 1 module from the following) | ||
| HCSCI439 | Fundamentals of Data Science and Big Data | HCSE135 |
| HCSCI436 | Information Security |
SYNOPSES
HCSE131 Introduction to Computer Engineering
This module provides the basic concepts of computer design and operation, both hardware and software, to new computer engineering students. Topics include the representation of information and computer arithmetic combinational logic sequential logic registers, counters, adders, multiplexers register transfer language, hardware description language basic computer organization assembly programming.
HCSE133 Ethics and Professionalism
This module covers ethical and social issues related to the development and use of computer technology. Topics include ethical theory, social, political, and intellectual property (IP) and other legal considerations. Scenarios in problem areas: privacy, reliability and risks of complex systems, and responsibility of professionals for applications and consequences of their work
HCSCI132 Principles of Programming languages
This module examines the concepts and structures governing the design and implementation of programming languages. It presents an introduction to the concepts behind compilers and runtime representations of programming languages; features of programming languages supporting abstraction and polymorphism; and the procedural, functional, object-oriented, and concurrent programming paradigms. Programs are required in languages illustrating each of these paradigms.
HTENG133 Physics for Engineers
The physics of electricity and magnetism; application of electronic, semiconductor and magnetic materials, ferromagnetism, electric and magnetic fields. Forces on magnetized iron surfaces; forces of attraction and alignment, Waves and Optics. Mechanics: work and energy, momentum and collisions. Thermal physics: temperature, kinetic theory and the ideal gas, heat and the first law of thermodynamics.
HMAT131 Calculus 1
This module introduces the basic knowledge of limit theorem, including functional limit, continuity of function, and the calculation of limit; includes calculus methods such as derivative and differential, integral, ordinary differential equation and Improper integrals; series, convergence criteria, convergence domain and uniform convergence of function series, term-by-term limit, term-by-term summation, term-by-term integral. multivariate functions; derivative, integral, line/surface integrals of the first type, line/surface 8 integrals of the second type, plane vector field and Green formula, space vector field and Gauss formula, Stokes formula, path independent integral, linear ordinary differential equation of second order and system of linear ordinary differential equation of first order.
CS131 Basics of Communication Skills
Refer to Communication Skills Department regulations
HCSE134 Electrical and Electronic Principles
Circuit elements theorems. Analysis of DC and AC single-phase circuits, phase representation of AC quantities, complex representation of AC quantities, transients, series and parallel resonance. Power and energy factor, Magnetic fields, electric fields, behaviour of charges in Law. Magnetic and dielectric materials, forces in electric and magnetic media, energy stored Faraday’s and Lenz laws. Motors and Generators, electrostatic generators, Magnetic circuits and flux measurement, self and mutual inductance, transformers. Introduction to three–phase circuits, star–delta transformations, current relations, power circuit calculations. Principles of operation of single-phase transformers. IC, basic operational characteristics and parameters, TTL circuits, practical consideration in the use of TTL, CMOS circuits, comparing CMOS and TTL characteristics, interfacing logic families, memory, IC applications, circuit board technology, technologies of the future, nano-technology
HCSE135 Database Systems
The module focuses on concepts and principles related to database management systems and link these to Relational Database Systems. Topics covered include Database Systems Evolution, Database Systems in the Organisation, Principles of Conceptual Design, Database Models, The Relational Data Model, Data Modelling, Database Design Theory, Data Definition and Manipulation Languages, Storage and Indexing Techniques, Query Processing and Optimization, Concurrency Control and Recovery and Database Programming Interfaces.
HCSCI136 Data Structures and Algorithms
This module builds on the programming skills acquired in Principles of Programming Languages. It couples work on Program Design, Analysis, and Verification with an introduction to the study of Data Structures. Students are introduced to: Lists, Stacks, Queues, Trees, Hash Tables, and Graphs. Students are expected to write several programs, ranging from very short programs to more elaborate systems. Emphasis is placed on the development of clear, modular programs that are easy to read, debug, verify, analyze, and modify.
HCSE137 Digital Electronics and Logic Design
Introduction to digital design, number systems and codes, digital circuits, combinational logic design principles and practices, combinational circuit design examples, sequential logic design principles and practices, sequential circuit design examples. Memory (ROM, RAM, static and dynamic RAMs), CPLDs and FPGAs, computer aided design tools
HCSE138 Discrete Mathematics
This module introduces and discusses the fundamentals of Discrete Mathematics as applied to Computer Science, focusing on providing a basic theoretical foundation for further work. Students are exposed to logic and proof techniques, set theory, elementary number theory, functions and relations, graphs, trees, modelling computations and abstract algebra. This module integrates symbolic tools, graphical concepts, and numerical calculations. Techniques of counting: permutations, combinations, recurrences, algorithms are also covered.
HCSCI137 Software Engineering
The module gives the students practical experience in applying Software Life Cycle Models, standards and technologies. Topics covered include: Software Process and Problems, Requirements, Specifications and Software Design approaches, Modular Designs, CASE tools, Case Studies. Object Oriented Analysis and Design using the Unified Modelling Language (UML) to capture Requirements, Model User Interactions and Business Process, Verification and Validation, Implementation and Integration Issues, Reuse Concepts and Maintenance.
HCSE231 Object Oriented Analysis and Design
Introducing object orientation; classes; objects; abstraction; encapsulation; software modelling; aims of modelling; principles of modelling; overview of UML; object-oriented analysis and design process; user stories; analysis and design of artefacts; the conceptual model; identifying classes and their relationships; identifying class responsibilities; CRC cards; Domain Driven Design; Object-Oriented Design Principles; Object-Oriented Design Patterns.
HCSE232 Engineering Statistics
This module covers: Introduction to statistics: definition, uses of statistics, Probability, Probability distributions, Measures of central tendency and dispersion, Sampling techniques, Data types, Presentation and Summarization techniques, Regression and Correlation, Simple Statistical Inference.
HCSE233 Linear Algebra
This module will introduce basic concepts and techniques from linear algebra that will be required in later modules in areas such as computer graphics and machine learning. Topics include eigenvalues and eigenvectors, vector linear independence and bases for vector spaces, spaces and subspaces, orthogonal vector spaces and the Gram-Schmidt orthogonalisation process, matrices, inverse matrices, solution of linear systems, elementary matrix factorisations, determinants of matrices, linear transformations
HCSCI133 Operating Systems
This module explores the design and implementation of computer operating systems. Topics include historical aspects of operating systems development, systems programming, process scheduling, synchronization of concurrent processes, deadlocks, virtual machines, memory management, virtual memory and paging, I/O and file systems, system security, os/architecture interaction, and distributed operating systems.
HCSCI135 Computer Architecture and Organization
This module studies the basic instruction set architecture and organization of a modern computer. Topics include Assembly language, The Von Neumann Machine Instructions, Registers, translating high level arithmetic into Assembly, Memory and Registers Addressing Modes, Logic Gates, Truth Tables, implementing Truth Tables, Latches and Memory Reading, Multicycle implementations, the concept of a Cycle. Finite State Machines, Balancing the work into Single Cycles, ROMs, PLAs, Microcode, RISC/CISC, Pipelines, Principle of Locality, Direct Mapped Caches, I/O Polling and Interrupts.
GS231 Introduction to Gender Studies
This module will empower the students with knowledge and skills that enable them to be gender sensitive in the University, workplace and in all their social interaction. Topics covered include: understanding gender, gender analysis, gender issue in Zimbabwe, redressing gender imbalances, empowerment and strategies for creating gender responsive environment. Students gain insight into accounts of gender studies in Science and Technology
TCNP 201 Technopreneurship
Nature and importance of technopreneurship, Differences between technopreneurship and entrepreneurship; Relationship between technopreneurship and the national economy. Developing a business model and basics of small business management, Risks and stages of funding, Sources of funding, Financial funding for growth, product valuation. Opportunity recognition and creation, Sources of opportunity, Screening technology opportunities. The New Product Development process. Concept of intellectual property and its significance, Basics of patenting, legislation governing IP in Zimbabwe.
HCSE224 Object Oriented Programming
The module aims at providing a solid foundation in Object Oriented Paradigm. Topics covered include: Objects Overview and Review, creating Class Instances within constructors, Object Analysis, creating Fields and Properties, Inheritance and specialized Classes, Base Class and Abstract Classes, Events and Exceptions, providing services using Interfaces and Abstract Classes, Polymorphism, Shared and Static members, Overloading Operators, Overriding, Multithreading.
HCSE235 Web and Mobile Application Development
Site development processes, Design principles; page layout navigation, HTML, CSS and PHP programming language. Database-driven web pages using PHP. PHP framework and syntax, connection to any ODBC-compliant database, and hands-on practice with a MySQL database to create database-driven HTML forms and reports. Software development models and processes, component parts, software development practices, requirements engineering, system analysis, high- and low-level design/architecture, coding, integration, design and code reviews, testing, maintenance, project management and configuration management. Mobile development, user interface design and object-oriented programming for mobile development; design constraints and choices for touch screens and small interface sizes; portability of code between mobile and stationary platforms.
HCSE236 Group Project
The students work in a group to produce a working Product including a Project Proposal, a Project Plan, a System Specification, System Design, System Implementation, User Documentation and perform Project Management Activities to ensure the product is delivered on time. The Implementation includes Developing the Product, Testing and Evaluation and Presentation. The resulting product should be functional and usable.
HCSCI237 Data Communications and Computer Networks
This module explores the principles underlying the design of computer networks. Topics covered include: Computer network technologies and applications, Transmission Media, Signaling, Communication protocols, Communication architectures, Network connections, Network types, Routing and routing algorithms, spanning tree protocol and IP addressing.
HCSCI238 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
This module investigates methods for designing efficient and reliable algorithms. It introduces several algorithm design strategies that build on data structures and programming techniques introduced in Data structures and Algorithms. These include induction, divide-and-conquer, dynamic programming, and greedy algorithms. Particular topics of study include graph theory, hashing, and advanced data structures.
HTENG237 Digital Signal Processing
The topics covered in this module include purpose of digital signal processing (DSP), theories and concepts, role of DSP in the context of computer engineering; analysis of digital spectra; application of discrete Fourier transforms, convolution types; filtering, digital filtering; transforms; discrete time signals; sampling issues; applications to include image processing, audio processing; use of relevant software tools.
HCSE311 Work-Related Learning I
Refer to Section 8 of the Faculty of Science and Technology Regulations
HCSE321 Work-Related Learning II
Refer to Section 8 of the Faculty of Science and Technology Regulations
HCSE431 Microprocessors and Microcontrollers Systems
The purpose of this module is to teach students the fundamentals of microprocessor and microcontroller systems topics include the history of microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, Microprocessor architecture, program development tools. Digital input-output. Interrupt system. Event manager. Analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue converters. Serial peripheral interface. Flash programming. Digital signal processors built-in operating system. Microprocessor’s boot ROM
HCSCI433 Parallel and Distributed Computing
The module covers Parallelism Fundamentals, Parallel Decomposition, Parallel Algorithms, Analysis, and Programming, Parallel Architecture, Parallel Performance, Formal Models and Semantics. The module will also cover key design principles of distributed systems including communication protocols, processes and threads, naming, synchronization, consistency and replication, fault tolerance, and security.
HCSE432 Embedded Systems
This module covers Embedded Systems concepts. Topics include nature of embedded systems, specific problems, special issues; role in computer engineering; embedded microcontrollers, embedded software; real time systems, problems of timing and scheduling; testing and performance issues, reliability; low power computing, energy sources, leakage; design methodologies, software tool support for the development of such systems; problems of maintenance and upgrade; networked embedded systems.
HCSCI234 Research Methods
This module equips students with research techniques including definition of research objectives, research framework, design, research problem, experimental research, experiment data acquisition and processing, population and sampling methods, research methods and instruments, data processing and analysis, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, data presentation and interpretation, research ethics, report writing.
HCSE433 IoT and Cloud Systems Engineering
IoT and Cloud Computing. IoT Physical Devices and Endpoints: IoT physical servers and cloud offerings: cloud storage models and communication Networks, Cloud technologies, Framework and Platforms. Internet of services, SOA, Grid computing, System types, architectures and models, applications in telecommunication systems, cloud systems examples, security management, Governance, legislation, and economic environment.
HCSE434 Machine Learning
Introduction to machine learning, data mining, and statistical pattern recognition. Topics include: Supervised learning (parametric/non-parametric algorithms, support vector machines, kernels, neural networks); Unsupervised learning (clustering, dimensionality reduction, recommender systems, deep learning); Best practices in machine learning (bias/variance theory; innovation process in machine learning and AI); This module will also draw from numerous case studies and applications, so that learners will also learn how to apply learning algorithms to building smart robots (perception, control), text understanding (web search, anti-spam), computer vision, medical informatics, audio, database mining, and other areas.
HCSE 435 Digital Media Engineering
Audio Engineering: concepts and standards, Overview of audio in the broadcast context, Computer-based audio systems, Software engineering and the MAX programming environment, Audio quality assessment and monitoring. Video Engineering: Concepts and standards, Overview of video in the broadcast context, Compression standards for broadcast, internet distribution and streaming, video transmission over IP networks.
HTENG432 Communications Network Design
Business justification. System requirements. System analysis and network modelling. System design and implementation. System performance and evaluation. Market forecasts of demand on the network to the implementation of plans. Aspects of the design that influence the likely replacement of legacy telecommunications networks. Network performance parameters that impact the quality of service perceived by customers. Layered view of network requirements, signalling, operation, service management, support systems and associated architectures.
HCSCI 436 Information Security
The module covers concepts and applied methods in information security encompassing the confidentiality, integrity, and availability model of information assets. Topics include security threats, cryptography, security analysis (attack taxonomy), access control, threat protection, Security Policies, Laws, Computer Crimes and Cyber Security.
HCSE436 Control Systems Engineering
This module introduces the students to the theory and practice of control systems engineering. Topics include Introduction to Feedback Control Systems, Review of the Laplace Transforms, System modelling and analysis, Modelling in the Frequency Domain, structural properties, Time Response Analysis, Frequency Response Analysis, Feedback system design, Optimum feedback control, Introduction to the minimum principle, Planar and spatial kinematics, and motion planning; mechanism design for manipulators and mobile robots, multi-rigid-body dynamics, 3D graphic simulation; control design, actuators, and sensors; wireless networking, task modelling, human-machine interface, and embedded software.
HCSE437 Project Management
Project Management is the practice of controlling the cost, time, manpower, hardware and software resources involved in the development activity that commences with a problem statement and ending with the delivery of a complete product. It will include planning, monitoring and controlling, Project evaluation, scope management, team building, stakeholder management, risk assessment, scheduling, quality and conflict management
HCSE438 Research Project
The Research project involves supervision. This project is intended for the student to demonstrate skills acquired to develop systems for an organization of their choice. Candidates must be able to demonstrate the highest level of innovation. A level of research is expected to ensure some level of originality and critical thinking in the project design and implementation.
HCSCI439 Fundamentals of Data Science and Big Data
Introduction: Big Data Overview, importance of data science, big data analytics in industry verticals. Data Analytics Lifecycle and methodology: Business Understanding, Data Understanding, Data Preparation, Modelling and Evaluation. Data exploration and pre-processing, Data Analytics: Theory and Methods, Unstructured Data Analytics, Data Visualization Techniques, Creating final deliverables
HCSE439 Network Security and Cryptography
Mathematical Foundations – Overview on Modern Cryptography, Number Theory, Probability and Information Theory. Classical Cryptosystems – Shannon theory I, II, III. Symmetric Key Ciphers, Cryptanalysis of Symmetric Key Ciphers, Stream Ciphers and Pseudo randomness, Hash Functions and MACs, Asymmetric Key Ciphers: Construction and Cryptanalysis, Digital Signatures, Modern Trends in Asymmetric Key Cryptography and Network Security.