Software Design with Digitalisation - Athlone

Driven by the increasing availability and affordability of digital technologies, digitalisation refers to the process of using digital technology to transform traditional business process. The shift towards digitalisation has brought about several advantages, including increased efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility of information. One of the most significant benefits of digitalisation is the ability to store and retrieve large amounts of data quickly and easily. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on data to make informed decisions. Additionally, digitalisation has enabled companies to streamline their processes, reducing costs and increasing productivity. Digitalisation also provides greater flexibility and accessibility, allowing individuals to access information from anywhere and at any time, as long as they have an Internet connection.

Semester 1
Research Methods & Professional Practice
Credits: 10
This module will equip learners to critically explore the development and completion of applied research methodologies using structured,
responsible tools and actions while imbuing learners with work-ready skills for industrial practice. The students will be introduced to the key
concepts involved in research and project management and develop their understanding of the uses and relevance of the major
methodologies employed. The requirement for ethics and social responsibility are emphasised throughout, inclusive of data collection
and compilation, project planning and dissemination of results.

Object Oriented Programming I
Credits: 5
This is a module using the Java programming language which is aimed at preparing the students for the Oracle Certified Associate exam
(which since Java SE7, is a precursor to the Oracle Certified Professional exam). Students with OCA certification can go through the RPL
process. The methodology will be to cover the syntax and theory in a lecture, with practical coding reinforcing the theory.
Initially, Java basics are covered : structure of a Java class, variables, data types, operators, scope, methods, selection constructs and
iteration constructs. This leads onto principles of Object Oriented Programming: constructors, classes/objects, instance/class variables, static
keyword, encapsulation and access specifiers. Inheritance is also detailed: polymorphism, abstract classes and interfaces. Storage facilities
such as arrays and ArrayLists are covered next. The Java API regarding String, StringBuilder, Java 8 date/time package and an introduction
to Lambda expressions are then covered. In addition, design techniques such as inner classes and enumerated types are covered. Lastly,
exception handling is covered.

Digitalisation Strategies for Industry 4.0
Credits: 5
This module gives the student an introduction to the field of integrating electronics, sensors and instrumentation with the internet. Industry 4.0
and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) have become extremely relevant and increasingly important in manufacturing for a multitude of
reasons. It helps manufacturers with current challenges by giving greater connectivity of their machines, greater operational insight into the
process, makes reacting to changes in the manufacturing process easier, faster and more efficient and allows greater product traceability.
The implementation of Industry 4.0 and IIoT techniques within a manufacturing facility can increase yield, quality and product throughput,
while reducing downtime and improving process efficiency.

Digitalisation System Architecture
Credits: 10
Data architecture plays a crucial role in the successful digitalisation of organisations. It serves as the foundation for managing and leveraging
data effectively. A well-designed data architecture helps ensure data is structured, organised, and accessible consistently, facilitating data
integration and analytics. Once effective data structures have been defined, innovative data visualisation strategies can be used to transform
data into visually intuitive representations, making it easier for users to understand and interpret the information. This module will enable
students to assess the data available in real world digitalisation scenarios, the skills to source and source relevant data and finally to provide
visualisations with the appropriate level of explain-ability.

Semester 2
Applied Scripting
Credits: 5
This module provides an introduction to Python, a powerful and versatile dynamic programming language, which is used extensively in
various domains of ICT. Students will learn the basics of programming in Python and the use of functions and data structures. They will also
be introduced to Python packages/modules for visualisation, regular expressions and working with dates and times.

Data Mining and Machine Learning 5
Credits: 10
This module will study the principles, processes and techniques of extracting information from data with a view to improving decision making.
It will examine data mining and machine learning techniques and algorithms and their application to real world problems.

Engineering Team Project
Credits: 10
Team based project work is a distinctive component of the applied learning process in Engineering. The purpose of the module is to give
students the opportunity to complete an applied research/development/consultancy project, or produce a research paper relevant to industry
practice utilising the skills and knowledge gained throughout the programme via integration of the curriculum content. This will require the
integration of the curriculum content, whereby previous cross modular links are consolidated and the knowledge and skills accrued throughout
the programme are applied to define, investigate, implement and analyse a solution to an authentic industry focused project. The learner will
work as part of small focused teams on this targeted multidisciplinary project.

Object Oriented Programming II
Credits: 5
This is a module, using the Java programming language, which is aimed at preparing the students for the Oracle Certified Professional exam.
Initially, Generics and Collections are covered. Lambda expressions and Functional Interfaces are then detailed which leads onto the Java
Stream API. Following that, File I/O, NIO.2, Threading and Concurrency are detailed. Lastly, Localisation techniques and JDBC are covered.

Applicants should hold an honours degree in Software Design or an equivalent qualification.

1 Year full-time.

Course Commencement Date: September

Graduates of this programme are eligible to apply to other programmes within TUS or elsewhere.