Objectives
The objectives of this revised program can be summarized as:
- To produce students who are better equipped for present and future ICT careers by teaching them to not only understand present technologies but also be able to learn and adapt as technologies continue to change. This will be achieved through more design-based assignments and less traditional solution-based assignments.
- Better integration of theory and practice through classroom presentations of theory followed by laboratory exercises.
- To take advantage of the rapid changes in education due to the Internet.
- Introduce a sustainable self-financed program and hence reduce the financial burden on the UWI
- Have a more focused program so that we offer fewer, more expertly taught courses. The areas of focus can be modified as the needs of the community vary.
- Share common courses within the campus to more efficiently utilize human resources.
Entry Requirements
To be admitted to this programme a candidate should possess a BSc degree in Computer Science or a major in Computer Science or equivalent (with a minimum GPA 2.5) with a minimum average of B+ (3.0) in any two (2) of the following courses or equivalent:
COMP 2603 Object-Oriented Programming
COMP 3601 Design and Analysis of Algorithms
Candidates without the above may be considered for entry upon successful completion of qualifying courses. These qualifying courses will be chosen by the programme coordinator for each such candidate based on their background and their intended area of specialization. Examination Students will be required to pass both the coursework and the written examination. The pass mark is 50%. The grading scheme for graduate degrees is as follows: A 70 - 100%; B+ 60-69%; B 50-59%. In the case of the Research Project, evaluation will be based on the project report.
Award of Degree
To qualify for the award of the degree, candidates must pass all six (6) core courses, four elective courses and the Research Project. The degree shall be awarded in two categories - Distinction and Pass. For the award of the degree with distinction, the candidate must have obtained an average mark of 70% or more, across all core courses and elective courses as well as 70% or more in the Research Project. A candidate failing a course shall be ineligible for the award of distinction.
Prizes
- The Teleios Systems Ltd. prize is awarded to the candidate with the best MSc Research Project in Computer Science
- Trinidad and Tobago Network Information Centre (TTNIC) prize for the MSc (Computer Science) Graduate with the Highest Overall Examination Average
Course of Study
For the MSc in Computer Science and Technology programme with specializations in Cloud Technologies and Mobile Computing, students are required to complete a set of core courses, elective courses and a research project. The core courses will cover material that is essential for any Computer Science graduate while the elective courses will be offered in the areas of specialization. Students would also be required to take a course on research methods that will help them with their research project. The research project will be a major component of the degree and will be required to be in the area of specialization of the student. Each student must take a total of 39 credits consisting of 18 core course credits, 12 elective course credits and a 9-credit research project. Students will also be required to prepare at least one conference paper (submission of which will be left up to the supervisor). A wider audience will read this condensed version of their research project.
Full-time students will have to take 5 courses per semester and do their research project during the summer following their second semester. Part-time students can take 2-3 courses per semester and start their project once their courses are complete.
Specializations
Each specialization will consist of four elective courses. Students who have opted for the specialization must pass all four electives in order to graduate. All four courses in each specialization will be offered within each academic year. The areas of specialization were chosen based on the expected ICT needs of Trinidad and Tobago and the Region in the coming years. They are Cloud Technologies and Mobile Computing.
Cloud Technologies: This specialization is geared toward those students wishing to pursue careers in Information Systems, Database Management, Cloud Computing and Cloud Storage.
Mobile Computing: This specialization is geared toward students wishing to work in the wireless communications industry, either as network designers or as application developers.
CORE COURSES (3 CREDITS EACH)
COMP 6501 Research Methods, Entrepreneurship and Intellectual Property
COMP 6601 Distributed Computer Systems
COMP 6701 E-Commerce and M-Commerce Systems
COMP 6801 Network and Computer Security
COMP 6104 Advance Computer Networks
ELECTIVE COURSES (3 CREDITS EACH)
Cloud Technology Specialization Courses
COMP 6300 Advanced Internet Technologies
COMP 6901 Software Project Engineering and Management
COMP 6802 Distributed and Parallel Database Systems
Mobile Computing Specialization Courses
