Pearson Higher Nationals in Computing

Pearson Higher Nationals in ComputingSummary of changes in Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Computing Issue 3 Summary of changes made between previous issue and this current issue Page number Meeting local needs and centre devised units: Corrected language on 4th paragraph on mandatory units New table added illustrating the maximum number of credits that can be imported by pathway 48 48 Making assessment decisions using criteria: Corrected third bullet point under information and support in reaching assessment decisions 75 7.7 Continuing quality assurance and standards verification: Updated 3rd paragraph with information about our assessment checking service 84 2.8 How Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Computing provide both transferable employability skills and academic study skills: Clarifying the use of Example Assessment Briefs, which must be customised and amended if used and are only for guidance and support 12 Various: Replaced Sample Assessment Materials (SAM) with Example Assessment Briefs, where ever it occurs 2, 13, 50, 69, 70, 72 and 74 6. Assessment: Updated section 69 3.2 Entry requirements and admissions: Updated to reflect new GCSE grading Corrected 4th bullet point 13 13 Dealing with late completion of assignments updated providing guidance on late completion 75 Section 6.5 Calculation of final qualification grade Updated Conditions for Award and Compensation provisions 78 Access to qualifications for students with disabilities or specific needs Updated guidance on sign language 87 Appendix 8: Transferrable Skills Mapping Columns are now under correct category 457-459 5.4.2 Condensed and expanded delivery Updated section adding suggestion of mixed delivery of option 63 If you need further information on these changes or what they mean, contact us via our website at: onlystudents onlystudents Contents 1. Introduction 1 1.1 The Student Voice 1 1.2 Why choose Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals? 1 1.3 HN Global 2 1.4 Qualification titles 2 1.5 Qualification codes 3 1.6 Awarding institution 3 1.7 Key features 3 1.8 Collaborative development 4 2. Programme purpose and objectives 5 2.1 Purpose of the Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Computing 5 2.2 Objectives of the Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Computing 5 2.3 Aims of the Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Computing 6 2.4 Aims of the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Computing 7 2.5 Use of Maths and English within the curriculum 7 2.6 The Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) 8 2.7 What could these qualifications lead to? 10 2.8 How Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Computing provide both transferable employability skills and academic study skills 12 3. Planning your programme 13 3.1 Delivering the Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in Computing 13 3.2 Entry requirements and admissions 13 3.3 Access to study 16 3.4 Student registration and entry 16 3.5 Access to assessments 17 3.6 Administrative arrangements for internal assessment 17 3.7 Dealing with malpractice in assessment 18 4. Programme structure 21 4.1 Units, credits and Total Qualification Time (TQT) 21 4.2 Programme structures 22 4.3 Pearson-Set Assignments 49 4.4 Unit descriptor example 50 4.5 Professional Body exemptions 54 4.6 Vendor Accreditation 55 onlystudents 5. Teaching and learning 58 5.1 Delivering quality and depth 58 5.2 Engaging with employers 59 5.3 Engaging with students 60 5.4 Planning and structuring a programme 60 5.4.1 Sequencing units 61 5.4.2 Condensed, expanded or mixed delivery 62 5.4.3 Drawing on a wide range of delivery techniques 64 5.4.4 Assessment considerations 66 5.4.5 Formative assessment 66 5.4.6 Summative assessment 66 5.4.7 Assessment feedback 67 5.4.8 Designing valid and reliable assessments 67 6. Assessment 69 6.1 Principles of internal assessment 70 6.2 Setting effective assessments 72 6.3 Making valid assessment decisions 74 6.5 Calculation of the final qualification grade 78 7. Quality assurance 81 7.1 The approval process 81 7.2 Monitoring of internal centre systems 82 7.3 Independent assessment review 82 7.4 Annual Programme Monitoring Report (APMR) 82 7.5 Annual student survey 82 7.6 Centre and qualification approval 83 7.7 Continuing quality assurance and standards verification 83 8. Recognition of Prior Learning and attainment 85 9. Equality and diversity 86 10. Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals Computing Units 88 Unit 1: Programming 89 Unit 2: Networking 94 Unit 3: Professional Practice 100 Unit 4: Database Design & Development 107 Unit 5: Security 113 Unit 6: Managing a Successful Computing Project 118 Unit 7: Strategic Information Systems 125 Unit 8: Computer Systems Architecture 132 onlystudents Unit 9: Software Development Lifecycles 139 Unit 10: Website Design & Development 144 Unit 11: Maths for Computing 151 Unit 12: Data Analytics 156 Unit 13: Computing Research Project 162 Unit 14: Business Intelligence 168 Unit 15: Transport Network Design 174 Unit 16: Cloud Computing 182 Unit 17: Network Security 189 Unit 18: Discrete Maths 196 Unit 19: Data Structures & Algorithms 202 Unit 20: Advanced Programming 208 Unit 21: Data Mining 212 Unit 22: Applied Analytical Models 217 Unit 23: Cryptography 222 Unit 24: Forensics 229 Unit 25: Information Security Management 235 Unit 26: Machine Learning 239 Unit 27: Artificial Intelligence 245 Unit 28: Prototyping 253 Unit 29: Application Program Interfaces 259 Unit 30: Application Development 264 Unit 31: Games Engine & Scripting 271 Unit 32: Game Design Theory 278 Unit 33: Analytical Methods 285 Unit 34: Systems Analysis & Design 290 Unit 35: Network Management 296 Unit 36: Client/Server Computing Systems 301 Unit 37: Architecture 306 Unit 38: Database Management Systems 310 Unit 39: E-Commerce & Strategy 316 Unit 40: User Experience and Interface Design 323 Unit 41: Analytic Architecture Design 330 Unit 42: Risk Analysis & Systems Testing 337 Unit 43: Internet of Things 343 Unit 44: Robotics 350 Unit 45: Emerging Technologies 356 Unit 46: Virtual & Augmented Reality Development 363 onlystudents Unit 47: Games Development 370 Unit 48: Systems Integration 377 Unit 49: Operating Systems 384 11. Appendices 389 Appendix 1: Professional Body Memberships 390 Appendix 2: Vendor Accredited Certifications 392 Appendix 3: SFIA Skill Levels 395 Appendix 4: Mapping of Pearson BTEC HND in Computing against FHEQ Level 5 439 Appendix 5: Glossary of terms used for internally assessed units 445 Appendix 6: Assessment methods and techniques for Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals 449 Appendix 7: Pearson BTEC HNC/HND Computing Programme Outcomes for Students 454 Appendix 8: Transferable skills mapping 457 onlystudents Pearson BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals in Computing Specification – Issue 3 – August 2018 © Pearson Education Limited 2018 1 1. Introduction BTEC is one of the world’s most successful and best-loved applied learning brands, engaging students in practical, interpersonal and thinking skills for more than thirty years. BTECs are work-related qualifications for students taking their first steps into employment, or for those already in employment and seeking career development opportunities. BTECs provide progression into the workplace either directly or via study at university and are also designed to meet employer’s needs. Therefore, Pearson BTEC Highe