Department Focus: Computing
If you’re thinking about a career in Computing, but want to know more about what is like to study this subject at Perth College UHI, then hear from Derek Summers (Subject Leader in Computing) and Gillian Douglas (Lecturer in Computing). They talked to us about the exciting opportunities that their students participate in through industry projects and valuable work experience as part of their studies.
“The Department of Computing at Perth College UHI offers courses from NQ, right through to MSc - using blended learning, which is a mixture of face-to-face and online delivery. We have considerable experience delivering programmes in this way, and have been delivering the BSc Computing degree like this for 12 years. This year, for the first time, we have delivered all programmes in this way using the Brightspace Virtual Environment - along with tools which work similarly to Skype giving us video, audio and chat functions. This has allowed us to interact with students as if we were in the room together. Other tools allow us to access students’ laptops remotely - so that we can both demonstrate concepts and tools, and also help troubleshooting problems.
“Class sizes are small, and we are a relatively small department which allows us to be very flexible and enables us to offer a high level of support to our classes. Our tutors are enthusiastic, and bring significant experience to our range of programmes - making our courses interesting, but most importantly, grounded in the needs of industry.
“This year, our students have worked on various projects with local employers and organisations. Many of these projects have been completed totally remotely, both on an individual basis, and in teams - demonstrating how Computing is a subject which is relevant in all industries.
“NQ students are actively involved in working with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Centre, based at Perth College UHI. The centre repairs, reuses and recycles IT and office equipment and mobile phones. This provides hands-on experience for our students, which is a really valuable opportunity and develops skills for employment.
“HNC and HND students worked on projects such as developing a website for Tayside 4x4 Response - which is an organisation that provides voluntary 4x4 support to services like the NHS, Police and Local Authorities. Other projects included: working on an Accommodation Finder app, a website for a personal trainer, and a Carpooling app for students. All these projects gave students the opportunity to work with a client, and to develop a range of skills which are invaluable for all in the employment market.
“Third and fourth year degree students worked on exciting projects including developing software which used facial recognition techniques with the aim of applying this for use on a drone to aid mountain rescue teams, and a voice activated tennis scoring app to allow tournament organisers to keep up-to-date with scores in various matches, based on the scores as spoken by the umpire.
“The department maintains regular contact with ex-students, who are now employed in the computing industry - resulting in internships and part-time opportunities for current students. Companies where our students have gained employment include locally based employers such as: AVIVA; SSE; Perth and Kinross Council; Make Tech Fly; Caledonian Computers; Dogfish Mobile; M3 Networks; and national companies including Morgan Stanley, BT and Oracle.”
