School of Engineering and
Computing
UCLan Coursework Assessment
Brief Academic Year 2025-26
Trimester 1
Module Title: Computing Principles Module Code: CO1011 Level 4
CO1011 – Assignment
Coursework
First sit
TRIMESTER 1 This assessment is worth 50% of the overall module mark
THE BRIEF/INSTRUCTIONS
Your task is to analyse the Case Study and provide answers to the questions. You need to produce a MS Word document and submit it on Turnitin.
Please see the Assignments Section on the VLE for further information.
Learning outcomes:
LO3: Describe a range of algorithmic and logical approaches to solve problems using computational thinking. LO4: Identify and use fundamental hardware, software and programming resources and techniques.
Case Study
DailyMart is a small supermarket chain that sells groceries including food and other non-food items. They have 20 branches across London. They have records of the locations of all the branches. Their products come from suppliers from around the EU. They keep records of all their products. They also have a loyalty card program. For that reason, they need to store customer details. Currently, all their records are paper based.
They would like to have a centralised database for all these records. They also would like to communicate with each branch electronically. Therefore, they would like a proposal of how that can be done.
Computers in each branch are running on Intel i3 processors with 2 GB of RAM and they don’t have any screens for their Checkout/Till System. They would like to upgrade the Computer Systems and have touch screens at the Checkouts/Tills.
They would also like you to write a simple program in Java for their Checkout Systems. For instance, they have 10 cans of coke in stock, and they must always have at least 5 cans in stock. What happens:
• If they sell 3 cans
• If they sell 7 cans
You are a System Analyst, and they have contacted you to propose to them a solution for the upgrade of their entire System (hardware and software) and the Network.
You are required to do the following:
Tasks:
Write a report that includes the following:
1. Introduction – Briefly describe the problem that you have been presented and how you are going to approach the solution logically.
2. Suggest hardware requirements with justifications (I/O devices, Storage, RAM, etc.).
3. Suggest Software requirements with justification (OS, Application Software, etc.).
4. Propose network connectivity and data solutions (Local or Cloud based? Explain why).
(Consider that different users will require different types of hardware and software).
5. Create a simple database structure (i.e. an ERD) for their database. Justify the Entities and the Attributes you have chosen for the database. Explain the importance of Primary and Foreign Keys.
6. Describe what the purpose of an algorithm. Use one example of a searching algorithm.
7. Write an algorithm for linear search through a database. Explain the steps. You are encouraged to use images/diagrams of the steps.
8. Create pseudocode based on the algorithm you have written.
9. Present 2 Diagrams – Use Case and Flow Chart, based on the algorithm and the pseudocode. Briefly explain the diagrams.
10. Describe the different types of data with examples of where and how they can be used.
11. Describe the use of Variables and Constants with examples.
12. Briefly explain the difference between Compiler, Interpreter, Linker and Assembler.
13. Write a simple programme to implement the solution you have proposed. Include code and output snippets and explain the code.
14. Demonstrate solution/output based on the code you have written.
15. Conclude your document summarising what you have produced and why.
16. Use citation and referencing in Harvard style throughout the report.
A Sample structure for your report can be found in the Resources Tile on the VLE.
Please note: While proposing your solution, you are allowed to make logical assumptions (optional). If you do, state the reasons for your assumptions.
Recommended structure
The report needs to be structured in an essay format (introduction, main body, and conclusion), referenced using Harvard style and communicated effectively and clearly.
Cover page must have:
1. Title of the report.
2. Title of the module.
3. Student number.
4. Date of submission.
5. Word count (excluding Title, Subtitles, Contents Page and Reference List)
Recommended Word Counts
Introduction: 250 words
A clear statement that summarises the aim of the report highlighting the different sections of the document.
Main body: 2000 words
Cover the tasks from 2 – 14 above.
Conclusion: 250 words
Summary of the key points from the main body with a reference to the case study.
Reference list:
This should present all cited sources referenced in the text in Harvard style.
Marking Criteria
Knowledge and Understanding
You are required to show a good awareness of how a Computer System works and propose solutions to the given case study. Furthermore, you need to demonstrate knowledge of hardware, software (Operating and Application Software), algorithm, pseudocode and basic programming with valid references.
Application
Show how algorithm, pseudocode, programming and data works together. To achieve this, you will apply a range of appropriate sources in a clear and logical manner.
Evidence
• Provide a clear solution to the given case study.
• Present diagrams based on your solution.
• Demonstrate understanding of programming (data types/variables/constants)
• Write sample code based on the solution you provided.
Construction
You are required to construct your work based on the tasks and the instructions provided. It should be well presented with appropriate references. You must follow the Harvard referencing style.
PREPARATION FOR THE ASSESSMENT
Formative Feedback
You will have the opportunity for one-to-one formative feedback throughout the trimester on different parts of this report.
• During week 9 you will have the opportunity to receive feedback on the structure of your report and your progression.
• You will work on the feedback and show it to the lecturer in week 10.
• During week 11 and week 12, you should demonstrate the main report to the lecturer to get final feedback before you submit your work.
Reading List for this assessment:
• Haigh, Thomas, and Paul E. Ceruzzi. A New History of Modern Computing. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2021
• Hare, K. (2020). Computer Science Principles: The Foundational Concepts of Computer Science. Yellow Dart.
Additional Guidance
Support materials and guidance can be found on the module VLE page.
RELEASE DATE AND HAND IN DEADLINE
Assessment Release date: Week 1
Assessment Deadline Date and time: Friday 12th December, 2 pm (Week 12)
Please note that this is the final time you can submit – not the time to submit! Indeed, it is strongly recommended that you submit well before the deadline of 2PM, as technical and other support will not be available at this time should you experience any difficulties within your submission. For a first submission, if you submit work late within five working days of the deadline without an authorised extension, your work will be capped at 40. Any work submitted in excess of five working days late will be awarded a mark of 0. For a reassessment, any work submitted late will be awarded a mark of 0.
If you need to apply for mitigation you must do so two days prior to or on the day of the scheduled submission deadline. You will then be given the opportunity to submit the assessment at the next assessment period. If you fail to submit it will be treated as a fail, with the next re-sit opportunity in the next trimester period.
SUBMISSION DETAILS
Please submit your assignment electronically as a word document through the Turnitin link. This can be found in the
Assessment Tile on the Module VLE page. There is a maximum word count of 1500 * (with 10% tolerance). The assessment needs to be submitted anonymously, so do not give your name anywhere on the piece of work.
* Grade awarded may be affected by assignments significantly over or under the specified word count
AI Tools which you may use within your assessment submission:
The University defines the categories of Artificial Intelligence tools in line with guidance from the QAA which includes translation software, paraphrasing tools and text generating software (essay bots), and tools to generate graphics or artworks, without specific authorisation.” (Source QAA April 2023)
It is vital that the work you submit demonstrates your own understanding, thoughts, and ideas in relation to the learning outcomes. You should not rely on GenAI tools to provide the content, analysis, or reflections that you are expected to produce yourself.
The following categories of specific tools may be used in the creation of your assessed work:
Category Specific Tool Permitted
1 Assistive AI Tools MS Word spell check and grammar
2 Paraphrasing Tools https://www.wordtune.com/
3 Generative AI (text and graphics) https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt
4 Translation Software https://translate.google.com/
5 Use specific to the module and assessment Generative AI (graphics only)
NOTE: where you are permitted to include AI-generated content within your assessment, it must be referenced appropriately. Additionally, you must record any usage of GenAI tools within the assessment coversheet, including the name of the tool, what you have used it for, and screenshots of both the input prompt and the generated output.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this assessment brief is correct at time of publication. In the unlikely event that any changes are deemed necessary, they will be communicated clearly via e-mail and a new version of this assessment brief will be circulated. Version: 1(AM)
Grade % Knowledge and Understanding Application Evidence Construction
Understanding
Relevance Argument
Evaluation
Analysis
Explanation
Originality Research
Evidence
Interpretation Style
Presentation
Structure
Referencing
Clarity
Band % What do you know and understand? What do you do with this? How do you evidence/support this? How do you communicate this?
Exceptional
1st /
Distinction 100 Demonstrates outstanding knowledge of fundamental concepts of Computer Systems; in terms of Hardware,
Software,
Algorithm,
Pseudocode and
Programming. Demonstrates outstanding ability to apply theoretical knowledge into practical scenarios, utilising both assigned and independent sources to justify design choices. Demonstrates outstanding ability to research, select and evidence clear solutions with diagrams to a given problem. Provides outstanding evidence of understanding of
different data types and basic programming. Demonstrates and documents outstanding understanding of Computing. It includes discussion and understanding of how a Computer System works, algorithm, pseudocode, hardware, software, data types and programming. Propose a solution to the given case study in a concise and logical manner.
Outstanding presentation of a title page, table of contents,
the main body, conclusion and reference list.
Exhibits outstanding use of academic language, paraphrasing and summarising with intext citation and a
reference list in Harvard Style. Made exceptional use of word limit
Very High
1st/
Distinction 94
High 1st/
Distinction 87
Mid 1st/
Distinction
80
Demonstrates excellent knowledge of fundamental concepts of Demonstrates excellent ability to apply theoretical Demonstrates excellent ability to research, select and evidence clear solutions with diagrams to a given Demonstrates and documents excellent understanding of
Low 1st / distinction 74 Computer Systems; in terms of Hardware, Software, Algorithm, Pseudocode and Programming. knowledge into practical scenarios, utilising both assigned and independent sources to justify design choices. problem. Provides excellent evidence of understanding of different data types and basic programming. Computing. It includes discussion and
understanding of how a Computer System works, algorithm, pseudocode, hardware, software, data types and
Low
2.1/merit 62 terms of Hardware, Software, Algorithm, Pseudocode and Programming. practical scenarios, utilising both assigned and independent sources to justify design choices. evidence of understanding of different data types and basic programming. Computing. It includes discussion and understanding of how a
Computer System works, algorithm, pseudocode, hardware, software, data types and programming. Propose a solution to the given case study in a concise and logical manner.
Very good presentation of a title page, table of contents, the main body, conclusion and reference list.
Exhibits Very good use of academic language, paraphrasing and summarising with intext citation and a reference list in Harvard Style. Generally good use of word limit.
High 2.2 /
High Pass
58
Demonstrates
knowledge of
fundamental concepts of
Computer Systems; good the
Demonstrates good ability to apply theoretical knowledge into practical Demonstrates good ability to research, select and evidence clear solutions with diagrams to a given problem. Provides good evidence of Demonstrates and documents good understanding of Computing. It includes discussion
Mid 2.2 /
Mid+ Pass 55
Low 3rd /
Low- Pass 42 Software,
Algorithm,
Pseudocode and
Programming. assigned and independent sources to justify design choices. understanding of how a Computer System works, algorithm, pseudocode, hardware, software, data types and programming. Propose a solution to the given case study in a concise and logical manner.
Satisfactory presentation of a title page, table of contents,
the main body, conclusion and reference list.
Exhibits satisfactory use of academic language, paraphrasing and summarising with intext citation and a
reference list in
Harvard Style. Some issues fitting within word limit.
Marginal 35* Demonstrates Demonstrates limited ability to Demonstrates and
Fail limited ability to research, select and evidence clear documents limited
Mid Fail 30* Demonstrates limited knowledge of the fundamental concepts of
Computer Systems; in
terms of Hardware, Software, Algorithm, Pseudocode and Programming. apply theoretical knowledge into practical scenarios, utilising both assigned and independent sources to justify design choices. solutions with diagrams to a given problem. Limited evidence of understanding of
different data types and basic programming. understanding of Computing. It includes limited discussion and understanding of how a Computer System works, algorithm, pseudocode, hardware, software, data types and programming. Proposes a limited solution to the given case study in a concise and logical manner.
Limited presentation of a title page, table of contents, the main body, conclusion and reference list.
Exhibits limited use of academic language, paraphrasing and summarising with intext citation and a reference list in Harvard Style. Significant issues fitting within word limit.
Low Fail 25 Demonstrates extremely limited knowledge of the fundamental concepts of Computer
Systems; in terms of
Hardware,
Software,
Algorithm,
Pseudocode and
Programming. Demonstrates extremely limited ability to apply theoretical knowledge into practical scenarios, utilising both assigned and independent sources to justify design choices. Demonstrates extremely limited ability to research, select and evidence clear solutions with diagrams to a given problem.
Extremely limited evidence of understanding of different data
types and basic programming.
Demonstrates and documents extremely limited understanding of Computing. Does not include sufficient
discussion and understanding of how a Computer System works, algorithm, pseudocode, hardware, software, data types and programming. Does not propose a solution to the given case study in a concise and logical manner.
Extremely limited presentation of a title page, table of contents, the main
body, conclusion and reference list.
Exhibits extremely limited use of academic language, paraphrasing and summarising with intext citation and a reference list in
Harvard Style.
Fail 10 Demonstrates inability to apply the knowledge of the fundamental concepts of Computer
Systems; in terms of
Hardware,
Software,
Algorithm,
Pseudocode and
Programming. Demonstrates inability to apply theoretical knowledge into practical scenarios, utilising both assigned and independent sources to justify design choices. Demonstrates inability to research, select and evidence clear solutions with diagrams to a given problem.
Inability to provide evidence of understanding of different data
types and basic programming.
Demonstrates inability in understanding Computing. It does
not include
discussion and understanding of how a Computer System works, algorithm, pseudocode, hardware, software, data types and programming. Does not propose a solution to the given case study in a concise and logical manner.
Inability to present a title page, table of contents, the main body, conclusion and reference list.
Inability to use academic language, paraphrasing and summarising with intext citation and a reference list in Harvard Style.
Poor/inappropriate use of word limit.