The Higher Diploma in Computing Science (HDCS) is
offered on a modular basis. The Modular framework
is underpinned by the Credit Accumulation and Transfer
Scheme (CATS), which is adopted from the European
credit transfer system, making it easier for HDCS
graduates to study in UK or other parts of Europe.
At Level One, student will study FOUR core modules.
At Level Two, they will also study another FOUR core
modules.
This programme is designed for those seeking a career
in Information Technology. On completion of this course,
students are able to pursue the BSc in Computing Science
locally or overseas.
Course Syllabus
Level
1 Modules
1. Business System : Analysis and Design
Structured Systems Analysis and Design Techniques
This unit is designed to provide a practical awareness
of the activities of system analysis and design enabling
the student to analyse the problems of simple systems
and to propose solutions using appropriate tools and
techniques. On completion of this unit, students should
be able to investigate, record and analyse the requirements
of a computer based system using a structured methodology
and produce adequate documentation in the form of
a feasibility report and requirements. Students will
learn to appreciate the need for good project management
design and produce a working prototype.
Business Programming
This unit will concentrate on the program techniques,
which surround the development of large scale data
processing systems. At the end of this unit, the student
should have a firm grounding in the professional practices
surrounding the efficient and effective manipulation
of business data using a variety of different manipulative
tools. Student should be able to analyse a problem
and develop a solution using a data-driven design
technique and understand how COBOL is used effectively
in commercial applications.
2. Computer Systems and Mathematics
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
To provide an overview of computers in sufficient
detail to enable students to understand the underlying
concepts relating to a computer's specification and
appreciate the advantages, disadvantages and trade-offs
of different computer specifications. On completion
of this unit, student should be able to understand
the principles which underline the representation
of data in a computer system and to understand the
purpose of the basic building blocks which comprise
a simple microprocessor-based system, such as video
controller, RAM chips, disk controller, motherboard
and apply this knowledge in support of the other objectives
of this module.
Mathematics for Computing and IT
To develop the mathematical and statistical abilities
and skills which can be applied throughout the course.
This module will illustrate mathematical and statistical
techniques in modelling situations where appropriate
and to build self-confidence in students through the
application of mathematics in problem solving. Students
will also be taught on logic and boolean algebra,
graph theory and discrete probability. On completion
of this unit, the student should be able to understand
the basic ideas and definitions and solve short problems.
3. Software Design and Development
Algorithmics
To develop and extend the idea of an algorithm as
an abstract representation of a problem solution and
enable students to be aware and practice of object-oriented
methods and implementating it using the Java language.
On completion of this unit, the student should be
able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the
process of algorithmic derivation of solutions to
problems in a variety of contexts and be able to write
programs in Java to realise data structures and standard
algorithms.
Interactive Application Programming
This module is designed to give students with no prior
experience of programming a practical insight into
the construction of small-scale interactive applications
programming. The module will introduce the fundamentals
of software development using interactive programming
language and environment suited to the development
of small-scaled Microsoft Windows applications. On
completion of this unit, the student should be able
to perform analysis of a simple problem and design
a solution to it.
4. Networks and Database Management
Communications Technology
This unit provides students with an understanding
of the principles of data communication. Students
will also be introduced to the structures, standards,
interconnections, applications, installation, optimisation
and management of computer networks. Students will
have hands-on experience managing a local area network.
This unit, therefore, effectively blends technical
concepts with real life practical applications and
issues. On completion of this module, students should
be able to learn different methods of interconnecting
computers, understand local area network structures,
protocol and standards. They will also be able to
evaluate the needs and requirements for computer networks
and interconnection.
Database Systems
Students will develop an understanding of the philosophy,
theory, problems, principles and applications of database
systems. Database design: entity models, relational
design, mapping design to implementation, normalisation,
case studies. On completion of this unit, students
should be able to analyse situations and/or environments
for the application of database solutions create,
alter and remove relational tables, indexes and data
using an appropriate database language. They will
be able to design and prototype appropriate systems
for applications requiring a database solution, and
discuss the relative merits of different designs and
implementations.
Professional Development
This unit presents to the students a sound basic understanding
and knowledge of the human factors, management structures
and the legal, ethical and social issues which affect
the work of a computer practitioner. It also promotes
the presentation of information in oral, written and
graphical forms. On completion of this unit, the students
should be able to understand the requirements of and
the needs for professional competence in all aspects
of their work and understand the important role of
communication in its many forms necessary to develop
and mantain good teamwork.
 Back to the Top
Level
2 Modules
1. Route Project
Project Management
This unit introduces students to the issues and techniques
of project management in an organisational context.
The features of projects cost, time, quality and the
risk in project management. Students will learn the
policies of project management, examples of projects
in public sector and manufacturing industries.
Computing Science Project
To provide an opportunity for the student to undertake
a suitable size task that allows him to apply the
appropriate skills and knowledge learnt in the Computing
Science route. It is normally expected that the project
will provide, in addition to evidence of meeting targets
in the area of self and time management, relevant
background reading and research and use of appropriate
techniques for design and realisation, evidence of
proficiency to a degree of professional competence
suitable for the level of the course. Students will
learn the design and implementation of professional
software products, ability to professionally analyse
and design Information Systems, evaluation, proposal
and implementation of computer systems solutions to
meet user requirements. In particular, the student
must be able to demonstrate appropriate choice of
design tools and implementation languages such as
“C’, COBOL, etc.
2. Multi-Media, Web Design and Virtuality
Multimedia Systems
This unit provides an overview of the latest developments
in the field of multi-media applications. It aims
to expose students to the latest multimedia development
software, for example, Macromedia Extreme 3D and Adobe
Premier, and their capabilities. Students will be
taught how to create multimedia applications using
software of their choice. On completion of this unit,
the student should be able to demonstrate an awareness
of the use of multimedia in business, education and
entertainment. They will be able to specify hardware
and software requirements for a given application,
maximise the power and performance from any multimedia
machine to produce dazzling multimedia results.
Introduction to Internet Programming
This unit aims to introduce students to the methods
of creating web pages using appropriate web authoring
tools. Students will be taught the Web fundamentals,
HTML and Web Programming with JavaScript. On completion
of this unit, the student should be able to understand
the client-server model of Internet programming and
how tasks are completed. Create and perform validations
of forms created in HTML using JavaScript and produce
interactive client-side web applications.
Virtual Reality Modelling Language
This unit will introduce students to the concepts
of Virtual Reality. Students are required to demonstrate
the ability to construct interactive environment using
appropriate VR tools. On completion of this unit,
the student should be able to develop an interactive
application using appropriate VR tools.
3. Object-Oriented Systems Design
Introduction to LINUX and C++
To develop an understanding of the use Linux operating
system, the LINUX file hierarchy and how to manipulate
files by writing simple scripts. This unit will also
concentrate on the use of C++ to develop graphics
and virtual reality applications, On completion of
this unit, the student should be able to know how
to get onto a LINUX system and how to navigate the
system. They will be able to create paths in LINUX,
and understand the basic security system in a LINUX
environment
Methods for Analysis and Design
Students will be able to consolidate the structured
systems analysis techniques and extend the learning
scope to object technology. They will also be able
to justify and apply the appropriate techniques to
systems analysis and design and to be confident in
delivering well-tested and documented systems which
satisfy user requirements within the framework of
a systems approach.
Software Engineering Practices
To promulgate the application of engineering principles
to the development of software products to predefined
quality standards. On completion of this unit, the
student should be aware of techniques and methods
appropriate to the software development Students will
be able to understand the concepts of quality control
and assurance.
4. Rapid Application Development
Object-Oriented Programming in JAVA
To enable students to be critically aware of and practise
object oriented programming of analysis and design.
Students will develop an understanding of the concepts
of OOMP and apply the techniques involved in the design,
implementation and coding techniques in Java.On completion
of this unit, students should be able to understand
and use Java extensively for program development and
be aware of the current common areas of OO application
and the reasons for their suitability.
Planning, Provision and Procurement
Firstly, it will explore the technical areas, which
those responsible for procurement must address, and
the information gathering methods that may be used
in approaching technical issues such as compatibility,
connectivity, capacity etc. Secondly this unit will
seek to impart an awareness of the constraints, strategic
and organisational, which are involved alongside the
purely technical aspects of planning, provision and
procurement of resources.
Application Prototyping Techniques
Students will learn to examine the approach of rapid
applications development and to experience its mechanisms
through the construction of system prototypes, and
to demonstrate how information systems can be specified
and designed with limited time and resources. On completion
of this unit, the student should be able to discuss
the RAD approach in contrast to more established modes
of system development and to evaluate the effectiveness
of prototyping solutions in given problem situations.
Exemptions
Graduates of TMC-RSA/UCLES Higher
Diplomas can gain Advanced Standing of up to 2 years
from the following prestigious Universities.
 University of East London
University of Greenwich
The Manchester Metropolitan University
Monash University
Deakin University
University of Newcastle
Northwood University
Course Duration
There are 3 modes of study. The
normal duration of each mode of study is as follows:
| 1. Full-Time |
: 12 months |
| 2. Part-Time |
: 12-18 months |
Examination
Two examination sessions per year :
May and November
Course Delivery
This course is FULLY TAUGHT by
qualified academic staff approved by the Singapore
Ministry of Education.
Course Fees
All fees stated are in Singapore dollars. GST is included.
Examination Fees are not included.
Entry Requirements
Candidates must posses any of
the followings :
NCC International Diploma in Computer Studies.
1 GCE 'A' Level pass plus 4 GCE 'O' Level passes including
English and Mathematics.
Non-Computing Local Polytechnic Diploma.
Diploma in Business Administration & Marketing.
Matured candidate aged 25 years and above with at
least 2 years of authenticated experience in Programming
or System Analysis and Design in industrial or commercial
environment.
Other equivalent qualifications.
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