| Unit name | Sustainable Computing (Teaching Unit) |
|---|---|
| Unit code | COMSM0134 |
| Credit points | 0 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Schien |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
EITHER COMSM0158 Advanced Topics in Computer Science (Examination assessment, 20 credits) OR COMSM0156 Sustainable Computing (20 credits). Please note: This unit is the Teaching only unit for the Sustainable Computing option. Students taking this unit choose to be assessed by EITHER the MAJOR 20 credit unit (COMSM0156) OR as part of the Advanced Topics in Computer Science MINOR 20 credit examination unit. Students select the form of assessment to be taken by enrolling on the appropriate co-requisite assessment unit. |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Computer Science |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
With discernible effects of climate change globally manifesting, immediate reduction of carbon emissions is of singular importance to humanity. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has set decarbonisation goals of 45% by 2030 for the ICT sector. Against a background of growing demand for digital services, these goals will be challenging to achieve. It is thus vital that the future generation of computer scientists are enabled to consider sustainability aspects in their work. This unit integrates sustainability and associated computing into undergraduate provision.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
This is an optional unit that can be taken during TB1 in Year 4. This positioning allows students to make use of fundamental skills and knowledge developed during the first three years of their study. This unit is also delivered around the time that students are selecting their final year project topics, so can have an influence on the nature of projects undertaken.
An overview of content
The unit provides a fundamental introduction to environmental sustainability of ICT. It creates an understanding of the global environmental challenges, the role of ICT within these, methods to quantify impact of ICT, the potential of sustainable design (in broad terms) to mitigate impact, and environmentally efficient algorithms and hardware.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Environmental sustainability is an ethical concern. Engagement with the topic thus has transformational potential on our student’s ‘Weltanschauung’ beyond computational concerns alone.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, ALL students (both MAJOR and MINOR) will be able to:
1.) Explain how the environmental impact (both positive and negative) of a number of different ICT solutions is being assessed;
2.) Critically analyse the role of governance on the sustainability of ICT solutions and the sector;
3.) Employ sustainable requirements engineering when designing ICT solutions.
When the unit is taken as the MAJOR 20 credit variant, students will also be able to:
4.) Conduct a simple life cycle assessment of an ICT solution.
Lecture content will be pre-recorded on videos for self-study. In person class time will then be used in a flipped classroom style where students work through the material.
Teaching will take place over Weeks 1-7, with coursework support in weeks 9-11 and for students taking the MAJOR version of this unit. For students taking the MINOR version, consolidation and revision sessions will take place in Weeks 12.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
A flipped classroom approach will provide concrete formative tasks that deepen understanding, provide feedback on learning progress and develop confidence.
Students taking the MINOR version of the unit will be given a Mock exam to prepare.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
For students taking this unit with the Advanced Topics in Computer Science (MINOR) examination unit, it will contribute 50% towards the 20cp Advanced Topics in Computer Science exam, (equivalent to 1 hour of exam time) that will be sat during the winter examination period. This closed-book exam will assess Learning Outcomes 1, 2, and 3.
For students taking this unit as a MAJOR variant, there will be two elements of assessment:
When assessment does not go to plan
Students will retake relevant assessments in a like-for-like fashion in accordance with the University rules and regulations.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. COMSM0134).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
